Sworn To Protect

He didn’t want that to change.

Not because of someone like Martin.

“It’s going to be okay, Katie,” he said.

“Ivy told me that right before Martin showed up,” she responded, stepping away and walking into the hall.

He followed, staying close as they walked to the bank of elevators that would bring them up to Ivy’s room.

Jordan had never been one to ask for much.

He was more likely to give than to expect to receive help.

Tony once again thought about how Jordan had pulled him aside on the morning of the wedding and asked him to look after Katie if anything happened to him.

She’s strong. She can go it alone, but I don’t want her to have to. I know my family will be there for her, but I want to know that she’ll have someone on her side who knows what it’s like to grow up without a firm support system in place. She’s like you, man—just looking for a place to belong. You two will understand each other better than any two people I know.

Tony remembered the words as if they’d been spoken seconds rather than years ago, and he remembered his response. That he’d be there if Katie needed him. Always. For a lifetime. If that’s what was necessary.

Right now, she needed him.

Whether she realized it or not.

For as long as that was true, he’d be there, ready to do what Jordan couldn’t—keep her and the baby safe.