Chapter 5
Chapter Five
Matteo was sitting in the front passenger seat of the large, luxury van that had been outfitted to serve as the Daddy Guard’s mobile command center.
Next to him, driving the vehicle, was Kendrick.
The rest of the crew was in the back. Although they were missing two Guard members—Ryan Cross and Jordan Whitaker. They were on vacation in San Francisco, enjoying some much-needed downtime.
“I think she’d be along the Boulevard,” Iris told the group.
Matteo shifted in his seat and looked back. “Why do you say that?”
“Because it’s where all the action is. You can always find something—lots of food and some places even have free water. Like they’ll set out stuff for people who need it.”
Matteo thought about it. He hated that sweet Little Iris knew firsthand how tough things could be. Poor girl had really fought for survival.
And now, somewhere out there, the yet-to-be-named woman he’d held for only a few moments was doing the same.
He just prayed he could get to her soon. The thought of her hungry and desperate was almost more than he could stand.
What’s going on with you, man? You don’t know this woman. Her story could be anything. Why are you so hung up on her?
But he knew the answer to his own question.
When he’d looked into her eyes, he’d known instantly that he was looking into the eyes of his babygirl.
You should have chased after her, Matteo.
He didn’t and it was something he’d have to live with. But he couldn’t wallow in guilt. Now was the time to pound the streets, find her, and make it right.
“You last saw her running away from the nursery,” Kendrick pointed out. “And West Hollywood is a few miles away from the Boulevard. Do you think we should start somewhere closer to Auntie Athena’s and work our way out?”
Matteo considered it for a moment. His buddy was thinking like a cop. That’s what they all were, after all.
Or, rather, former cops.
But a cop and a desperate Little wouldn’t necessarily think the same way.
Casting another glance behind him, he said, “Iris, honey, what does your gut tell you?”
She smiled. “Hollywood Boulevard. I’m telling you, that’s what I would do if I were in her shoes.” A slightly embarrassed smile tugged at her lips. “It’s what I did. Not too long ago.”
Matteo’s heart warmed as he watched Jack lean over and give Iris a kiss on the side of her head.
“You’ll never have to worry about any of that again, sweetheart. You’re safe with Daddy now,” Jack told her.
“I know, Daddy. I just hate thinking of this poor girl. Whoever she is and wherever she is,” Iris replied.
Matteo faced forward again. He hated to think about her out there alone and hungry, too—if indeed that was her condition.
But she wouldn’t have to worry about that for long.
Daddy was coming.