Page 51 of Drive Me Crazy

"Yeah, he's forgiven you." I say as my phone rings. I glance at the screen before looking at Ridge. "It's my dad."

"Rumor, go over to the movie room and I'll turn the Snowman movie on." Rumor jumps up, hurrying from the room.

I hit the button as she runs out of sight. "Hey, Dad."

"Harper, we're waiting on a call for a secure place for you. We've searched everywhere close to home, but there's nothing nearby that meets your needs at the moment." Dad gets down to business, silencing us.

My hands tremble with worry of leaving them again. "I understand, I'll be okay with anything you find."

Landon clears his throat. "Without a doubt, there's a few but they're so far away from us. I don't want you isolated, but we need you safe. Raleigh offers safety, it's the most important thing."

"I'm afraid we have no other choice." Dad sighs heavily.

"Ridge, we appreciate everything you've done so far but we can't let you shoulder all of this for us. It isn't right." Landon injects quickly.

Ridge's frown deepens. "No one asked me to do anything, I did exactly as I wanted to do. I'll continue to take care of her for as long as she'll allow me too."

"I can't allow you, that's the point."

"Why not?" Ridge drops his head. "I may not have done what I should have years ago but I'm not the same man. I can damn well do it and I will."

"I have never doubted you, in anything." I gaze at him until he looks up at me.

"Unless it comes down to me and him." His eyes are swimming with emotion.

I mumble, chewing my nail. "I never said that, I haven't even thought it."

"You didn't have to," Ridge stands, walking to the other side of the room. "it's what's best for her safety, I'll call One and tell him. Nothing's more important than Harper." He opens the door, disappearing outside.

"Why do you want me to leave? What do think is going to happen? Ridge has kept me safe this long, he'll do whatever it takes." A wave of nausea hits me, and I scramble for my water.

"Harper, this man is searching for you. He's in a lot of trouble and he's desperate. We, by that I mean you too, would never want anyone hurt. What if you and Emerson are alone and he finds you?" Landon's voice shakes with every word.

A closing door draws my attention, Ridge rubs the back of his neck. "You're right. If Weston were to break in with only Emerson and Harper here, it wouldn't be safe. Although Em can handle a gun, I understand your fear."

"Wait." I gape at him. "You have a gun here?"

He averts his eyes, as though he's done something wrong. "I do, but I didn't get it until I knew you and Emerson would be here alone from time to time. Again, she's an outstanding shot and would never fire unless provoked."

"Where is it?" I watch his face contort; he doesn't want to answer me.

His shoulders lift ever so slightly. "My closet. Sock drawer."

"Oh! Alright." I bite the inside of my cheek, trying my best not to smile, but at least I now know I can handle Weston if I have to.

Ridge runs his hands through his hair. "So, what are we looking at here and how soon?"

"Ridge, what are you saying? Do you want me to leave?" My stomach twists, knotting in a million ways.

"We appreciate everything you've done; I just don't see any other way." Landon's voice is low enough that we can hear someone weeping in the background.

Ridge's jaw tightens. "I said you were right about their safety; I didn't say she needed to go anywhere."

"I don't understand." I stare at Ridge, waiting for an answer.

"I'll stay here." He pauses. "Emerson and Aksel can come and go or stay at home. I can leave my truck at the garage, the windows are tinted, he'll never see me. Hell, I'll rent an SUV, but you'll be safe."

"I believe you; I do." I hesitate. "But..."