CHAPTER ONE
“
Carlee?”Edencouldbarelygetherfriend'snameoutbetweensobsassheheldhercellphoneclosetoherear.
“Eden?What’swrong?Whereareyou?”Carleeasked Edenstoppedwalkingandlookedaround,sniffling “Ineedhelp,”sheadmittedreluctantly “I’mscared”Shecouldn’tstop shaking.
Therewasashufflingsound,andthenCarlee’sboyfriendwasonthephone.“Eden,honey,whereareyou?”Atlasasked.
Tearsstreameddownher cheeks.“Aboutablockfromthediner,Ithink.”Asobescaped.“Iranout.IthinkIwentleft. I wasn’tthinking”
“Okay,honey,I’msendingsomeonetohelpyou.HisnameisGabrielMarcos.Stayrightwhereyouareandkeeptalkingto me,”heordered.
EdenhadmetAtlasseveraltimes.SheknewhewasagoodguyandtreatedCarleelikespungold.Shealsoknewhewasa memberoftheShadowridgeGuardiansMC
BeforeCarleehadstarteddatingAtlas,EdenhadalwaysbeenabitnervouswhenmembersoftheShadowridgeGuardians cameintothediner.She’dsincerealizedtheyweresomeofthebestguysontheplanet.
“Eden?”Atlasprodded.“Areyouwithme,honey?”
“Y-yes,Sir.”
“Goodgirl Keeptalkingtome”
“IsG-Gabrieloneofyour,uh,brothers?” Is that what they call each other? “Hesureis,honey.He’sasupergoodguy.Ipromise.”
“O-okay.”Shesniffledagainasshehuggedherself.Shewasstillwearingherapron.Shehadn’tevenstoppedtograbher pursebeforeshe’drunoutofthediner.
“Icanhearthemotorcycleenginethroughthephone,honey He’salmostthere”
Edenrealizedhe was right She was glad he was still talkingto her The approachingmotorcycle mighthave scaredher otherwise.Sureenough,itwascomingintoviewfromherleft.
“H-he’shere,”shemutteredasthemotorcyclepulledtoastop.
“Okay,honey.LetGabrielhelpyou.”
Themanwhoparkedalongsideherkickedoutthestand,rosefromthebike,andpulledhishelmetoffinseconds Herushed overtoher.“Eden?”
Shewantedtostopcrying,butshecouldn’t.Moretearsfell.Shewastremblingsobadlyshealmostdroppedherphone. Thetallmangentlytookthecellfromherandspokeintoit.“I’vegother,Atlas.”Heendedthecallandpocketedthephone beforesquattinginfrontofher “You’resafe,Eden Canyoutellmewhathappened?” Suddenly,shefeltstupid Maybeshe’doverreacted Shestartedcryinghardernow “I-Id-didn’tknoww-whattod-do I’m sorry.”Sheswipedatthetears,tryingtobanishthem,butmorekeptcoming.
“Youdidtherightthing,Littleone.Youcalledforhelp.” “I’ms-sorrytobeab-bother.”
“Noreasontobesorry”Herosetohisfullheight,turnedaround,andopenedthesaddlebagonhisbike Amomentlater,he heldoutacute,fluffy,brownteddybear “Howaboutyouholdthislittlefellowforme?Ibethe’llmakeyoufeelbetter”
Shetookhimandpulledhimagainstherchest.Hewasadorable.“W-whoseb-bearisthis?” “Yours,Littleone.Ibethe’ssuperhappytofinallygetoutofmybagandintothehandsofaLittlegirl.”
“I’mn-notl-little I’mtwenty-six,Sir”Shesuspectedthatwhenhecalledherlittlehewasn’treferringtosizeorage After all, she was aware that Carlee’s relationship with Atlas was a special kind of arrangement in which she called Atlas her Daddy,andhetookcareofherlikeaLittlegirl.
Before meeting Atlas, Eden hadn’t known such relationships existed, but fromthe moment she’d seen the two of them together,she’dfeltjealous She’dalsostartedreadingbooksandresearchingageplay She’dtoldherselfitwassoshecould betterunderstandherfriend,thatshe’dbeenintrigued,butthetruthwasshe’dlearnedmoreaboutherselfthananythingelse
Gabriel smiledather asheranhis fingers throughhisthickhair topull itbackfromhis face.Thedarkhair was several inches long and curly. In contrast, his beard was gray almost white. “Little girls come in all ages and sizes, Eden,” he informedher.
Shenoddedslowly,sniffling
“Let’sgetyousomeplacecomfortableandsafe,okay?”Heturnedtowardthesaddlebagagainandpulledoutahelmet This onewaspinkandsmallerthanhis.Itwasmadeforawoman.Liketheteddybear,shewonderedwhousuallyworethehelmet. “I’ven-neverb-beenonab-bike,”sheadmittedashepulledthehelmetoverherhead.
Hefasteneditunderherchinandtippedherheadback.Hissmilewaswarmandinviting.“Thenyou’reinforatreat.”He climbedontothebikeandheldoutahand
Shestaredathim.“Id-don’tknowaboutt-this,”shewhimpered,feelingsilly.
“Putyourfootonthepeghereandswingyourlegover.”
She shuffled slowlyforward, her heartracingnow for a new reason. The fear she’d beenfeelingbefore he arrived was beingreplacedbyanewfear Maybethatwasagoodthing
“Nothingwillhappentoyou,Littleone Ipromise”
Shefinallygrabbedhisarm,setherfootonthepeg,andswungherlegover.“Oh,”sheexclaimedasherentirebodycame intocontactwithhis.
Hepoppedhis ownhelmetbackonandstarteduptheengine.“Wrapyour arms tightlyaroundme,Eden.The teddybear willbeprotectedbetweenus”
Maybethiswasabadidea Maybesheshouldhavefoundher witsandheadedfor thebusstoplikeshenormallywould Theproblemwasshe’dbeensopanickedwhenshe’drunoutofthedinerthatshehadn’tevengoneintherightdirection,and she’dbeenafraidtodoubleback.
“Holdontight.”
Shewasn’tabouttoletgo,andeventhoughshewasscared,shefeltexhilaratedashetookoff Thewindhithercheeksand driedhertears Itfeltgoodagainstherheatedskin
Holdingontothisgorgeousmanwasnohardshipeither.Sheshudderedasshepressedclosertohim.Thepositionwasso erotic,withherlegsspreadwideagainsthisthighsandherchestpressedagainsthisback.
Sheclosedhereyes,tookdeepbreaths,andfeltherbodyrelaxastheygotfartherfromthediner.Shecouldn’timaginewhat shewasgoingtodonextwithherlife However,foratleastafewminutes,shewouldabsorbthestrengthofhersaviorandlet himprotecther.
Whenhesloweddownandleanedthemtotherighttoturn,sheopenedhereyes.Her breathhitched.He hadn’ttakenher home.He’dbroughthertothemotorcycleclub. Duh. You didn’t give him your address, dork.
Shedidn’tsayawordbecausethetruthwasshewouldfeelsaferinsidethecompoundthanaloneatherapartment Maybe he’dbroughtherheretobewithCarlee Thatmadesense
Gabriel parked,shutofftheengine,andremovedhis helmetbeforetwistinghis neckaroundtolookather.He wore that grinagain.“As muchas Ilove the feel ofyour arms around me, Little one, you’re goingto have to letgo ifyouwantto go inside.”
Shegaspedandimmediatelyreleasedhertightgrip,embarrassed
He eased himself off the bike before reaching for her hips, lifting her off, and setting her feet on the ground After
unfasteningthechinstrap,hepulledthehelmetverycarefullyoffherhead.“Idon’twanttopullyourprettycurls,Eden.”
Shegroaned.“Maybeifyoupullthemhardenough,they’llgetstraighterandwon’tbesoannoying.”
Hefrownedasheliftedalock “Iwouldneverpull themhardenoughtohurt,Littleone,unless,ofcourse,youaskedme to.”Hechuckled.“Ilovethesewildredcurls.”Heleanedincloserandwhisperedinherearconspiratorially,“Ihaveasoft spotforLittlegirlswithredcurlyhairandgreeneyes.Ithinkit’smyluckyday.”
Herbreathhitched.“You’rejustsayingthattomakemefeelbetter.”
Hetookhershouldersandmethergaze “ImaysayalotofthingstohelpyoufeelbetterbecauseIcan’tstandtoseeaLittle girlsad,butIwillneverlie Iloveyourhair,Littleone”Hetwirledacurlaroundonefinger
Shestaredathimwide-eyed.ThewayhekeptcallingherLittleonemadeherheartrace.Eventhoughshe’dbeenexploring theaspectsofageplay,she’dneveractedonanyofherbourgeoningfeelings,andshecertainlyhadn’tmetaDaddyotherthan Atlas.
“Come”Henoddedoverhisshoulderandtookherhand
“Wherearewegoing?”sheasked Shewasnolongercrying,butthethreatofdoingsoagainassoonassheletherselfthink aboutwhathadhappenedmadeherswallowbackaknotinherthroat.
“Tomysuite,Littleone.”
“Your suite?” Her voice squeaked. She didn’tknow this man. Notreally. What if he expected her to sleep withhimor somethingsincehe’dbeenkindenoughtopickherup?
Then she remembered that Carlee and Atlas had sent himto get her. Carlee would never send a bad man to help her. NeitherwouldAtlas.
She hadtokindofskiptokeepupwithhim,butwhenhe glancedback,he slowed.“I’msorry.Ihaven’ttakencare ofa Littlegirlforalongtime IforgetIneedtoslowmypace”
Astheysteppedinsidethemainbuildingofthecompound,Edenheldherbreath Shehadn’tbeenherebefore Shehadno ideawhattoexpect.Itwasamotorcycleclub,sosheassumedtherewouldbehalf-nakedwomen,drunkenmenpawingatthem, andprobablydrugs.
Whentheyenteredthemainroom,shewassurprisedtoseeonlyafewpeopleinthegiantlivingspace.Awomanwearing allblackwascurleduponthecouchwithherheadonaman’slap Shewaswatchingcartoonsandhadatwo-handledsippy cupinhergrip
The manwas strokingher hair. He nodded toward Gabriel butdidn’tsaya word. Two other menwere sittingata table acrosstheroomplayingchess.TheyalsogaveGabrielapolitenod.
Everythingshe’dever thoughtaboutmotorcycle clubs wentoutthe window.Noone was havingsex.Itwas quiet. There wasnodebaucheryatall
Gabriel led her toward a hallway, where he finally stopped, unlocked a door, and opened it He held it wide for her “Ladiesfirst.”
Sheduckedunderhisarmtoenter.Onceagain,shewasstunned.Thiswasanordinaryapartment.Therewasasmallliving room,anattachedkitchenette,andthreedoorsleadingtootherrooms.
Gabrielshutandlockedthedoorbeforeturningtoher
Shegaspedwhenhishandscametoherwaist,thinkinghewasabouttopullhershirtofforsomething,butwhenshelooked down,shefoundhimuntyingherapron.She’drunoutofthedinersofastshewasstillwearingit.
Heuntiedit,pulleditover her head,andtosseditasidebeforepointingtowardthecouch.“Sit,Little one. I’ll getyoua drink Wouldyoulikejuice,milk,orwater?”
“Umm Doyouhaveapplejuice?”sheaskedtentatively She hadn’thadapple juice ina longtime Itsounded good She loweredontothecouchandsetthebearatherside,feelingkindofsillyholdingit.
“Ofcourse.WhatkindofDaddywouldIbeifIdidn’thaveanemergencystashofapplejuice?” Daddy…So,hewasdefinitelyaDaddy.LikeAtlas.Thethoughtmadeherlickherlips.Hewasbeingsokindtoher.She’d neverevenhadaboyfriendtreatheraswellasthisstrangerhadinthelasthalfanhour
Whenhereturnedandheldoutacup,shestaredatitforamomentbeforetakingitfromhim “Thankyou,”shewhispered It
wasasippycupliketheoneshe’dseenthewomaninthelivingroomholding.Ithadtwohandles andaspill-proofspoutto drinkfrom.
Hesatnexttoher,hisbodyturnedslightlytowardher,andtuckedacurlbehindherear Shefiguredherhairwaswildand unruly,butheseemedtostareasifshewerethemostbeautifulcreatureonearth.
“Takeadrink,Eden.You’llfeelbetter.Thenyoucantellmewhathappened.”
Sheliftedthesippycupandtippeditback,almostmissingherlips.
“Usebothhands,Littleone,”heencouraged
Sheliftedherotherhandtosteadythecupandcenterit Itwaseasierthatway,butshefeltstrangedrinkingfromit Shefelt evenstrangerobeyinghim.Butterfliesflutteredinhertummy.
Despiteallthereadingandstudyingshe’ddoneaboutageplaylately,she’dneveractuallypracticedthekink,norhadshe evermetanotherDaddybesidesAtlas.Shefeltoddlycomfortable.
“Goodgirl,”hepraised,hisfingersstrokingtheedgeofherjaw
Thosetwowordsdidsomethingtoher ShefeltdecidedlyLittler Am I Little? Justbecauseshelikedthewayitmadeher feeltoreadaboutitdidn’tmeanshewouldliketoactuallypracticeit.
“Feelbetter?”
“Yes,Sir,”shemurmured.Forsomereason,itfeltrightandnaturaltoaddresshimasSir. He seemed pleased because he smiled “Good Now, tell me whathappened Atlas said youwere workingat the diner tonight?”
“Uh-huh.” She nodded and thenlooked downather lap. She was wearingher nicestjeans and a white T-shirt. Nothing special.Marvdidn’trequirethewaitressestowearauniformaslongastheyworehisapronwhentheywereonshift. WhenshethoughtabouttellingGabrielwhathadhappened,shegroanedinside Shedidn’twanttotalkaboutit Shepursed herlips
“Tellme,”heencouragedashetookthesippycupandsetitonthecoffeetable.“Didsomeonehurtyou?”
Sheshuddered.“Notreally…”shemurmured.Herfaceheated.
“Ipromiseyou’llfeelbetterifyouletitallout.”
“Itwasnothingreally”
“Idon’tbelievethat Littlegirlsdon’trunoutofworkcryingandcallingforhelpafternothinghappens” Sheglancedupathim.“I’mbeingstupid.Maybeitwasmyfault.”
Hisbrowslifted.“Donotusethatwordagain,Eden.Iwon’thaveyoucallingyourselfnames.Understood?”
Hercheeksheatedfurther.“Yes,Sir,”shewhispered.
“Howaboutyouletmedecide”
Shelickedherlipsanddrewinabreath Apparently,hewasn’tgoingtostophoundingheruntilshetoldhim “Therewere thesefourmenatthedinerhavingdinner.Ihateitwhentheycomein.Theymakemenervous.” Hefrowned.“Doyouknowwhotheyare?”
“No,buttheywearleathervestsandstufflikeyou,butthelogoisn’tateddybear.It’slikearedjester.”
Gabriel’sjawtightened “TheDevil’sJesters They’reagangfromanothertown Theyaren’tgoodpeople” Sherubbedherhandsonherthighs.
“Whathappened,Littleone?”heencouraged.
“TheyweremakingcrudecommentseverytimeIbroughtsomethingtotheirtable,makingfunofmybodyandstuff.They evenaskedifmyhairmatchedmy ”Shetrailedoff,notwantingtosaythatoutloud Gabriel’sentirebodystiffened Hegrowled,too Afterslowlyclosingandreopeninghiseyes,hesaid,“Goon”Hisvoice wascalmforherbutheldanedgeoffury.
“Icanignore their words.Sticks and stones andall that. Idon’tlike itwhenpeople talkto me like that, butthey’re just words.”
“But ”
Shedrewinanotherslowbreath “Iwasbringingoneofthemafreshsoda,butwhenIbenttosetitonthetable,theman
closesttotheedgeoftheboothreachedoutandpinchedmybutt.”
“Hefuckingtouchedyou?”Gabrielblurted.
“Ishould’vejustignoredhimandwalkedaway”Shestartedshakingagain “Ioverreacted” “Whatdidyoudo,Littleone?”
“Ihadn’tsettheglassdownyet,soIturnedandtossedthesodainhisface.”
Gabrielsmiled.“Goodgirl.”
Hereyeswidened “Idon’tthinkthatwasmybestcourseofaction Hejumpedupandstartedscreamingatme Hecalled me names I’ve never evenheard before Everycustomer inthe diner was staringatus ThenMarv came outfromthe back room.Hewasfuriousandstartedlecturingmeinfrontofeveryoneabouthowtotreatthecustomers.WhenItoldhimthatman hadtouchedme,hesaidtogrowup,andhecalledmeworsenamesthantheJesterguy.So,Iranoutofthediner.”Shedropped herface.
Tearsstartedfallingagainassherealizedtheimplicationsofheractions “There’snowayhe’lltakemeback,”shesobbed, puttingherpalmsoverherface “I’llneverbeabletopaymyrent Ineededthatjob”
Gabrielsurprisedherbytuckingahandunderherknees,settingtheotheratherback,andliftingheroffthecouchtosettle heronhislap.Herubbedherbackashepressedhercheekagainsthisshoulder.“Youdidtherightthing.Noonehastherightto yell atanotherperson,buttheymostdefinitelydon’thavetherighttotouchthem.Your boss,Marv,isanasshole.You’re not goingbackthere,Littlegirl”
Shecriedharder.“I-In-neededthatj-job.”
“Nooneneedsthatkindofjob,nordotheydeservetobeabused,Eden.”Herockedherbackandforthforalongtime.“Let itallout,Littlegirl.I’vegotyou.”
Whenshefinallystoppedsobbingandonlytheoccasionalsniffleremained,shewipedhereyes Gabrielleanedtooneside,snaggedatissuefromaboxontheendtable,andhandedittoher “Blowyournose,Littleone” Shedidashesuggested.“I’msorry.I’msuchababy.Ioverreacted.” “Lookatme,Eden,”hecommanded.
Sheliftedhergaze.
“Youdidnotoverreact Youdidexactlytherightthing Yougotoutofanabusivesituationandcalledforhelp”Hereached acrossher,pickedupthestuffedbear,andhandedittoher “Ibetifyouholdthislittleguy,you’llfeelbetter Stuffies always makeLittlegirlsfeelbetter.”
“HowdoyouknowI’mLittle?”sheasked,meetinghisgaze. Hesmiled.“Daddiesjustknowthesethings.IhaveLittle-girlradar,”heteased. “I’veneverhadaDaddy I’veneverevenmetone,exceptAtlas,ofcourse” “Well,nowyouhave,andI’msogladyounevermetonebeforeme” Herbrowfurrowed.“Why?”
“Becausehemighthavesnatchedyouupandmadeyouhis.I’mrelievedtoknowyoudon’talreadyhaveaDaddybecause thatmeansIcanbeyourDaddy.”
Edengasped He can be my Daddy?
CHAPTER TWO
Gabrielwasbothfuriousandelated.HehatedthatEdenhadbeentreatedsobadly,buthewasbeyondgratefulthatAtlashad calledhimandsenthimtogether He’dknownalmostfromthemomenthe’dsteppedoffhisbikethathewouldsoonbe fullywrappedaroundhersweetfinger Shestaredathimwide-eyed.“Youdon’tevenknowme.” “IknoweverythingIneedtoknowtofeeltheconnectiondeepinmyheart.Canyoufeelit,too,Littleone?”Hesetahand onherchest.
Shedidn’trespond Thatseemedpromising “Now, here’s what we’re going to do. You’ll stay here tonight. Tomorrow, I’ll go talk to Marv and find out who specificallywasinthedinerlastnight,and ” Shegaspedandshookherhead.“He’llbefurious.”Andthenshegroaned.“Oh,shit.Ileftmypursethere.MyIDisinit.” Heliftedahandandtappedherlips “Don’tcuss,Littlegirl Daddy’srules” Didsheshudder?Hewasprettyconfidentshedid Andhercheekspinkenedfurther “Yes,Sir,”shewhispered
God,heloveditwhenshecalledhimSir,buthe’dloveitevenmorewhenshestartedcallinghimDaddy.Soon.“Don’tyou worryaboutMarv.Idon’tcareifhe’sfurious.He’sallbluffandhotair.Themanprobablyhasn’tworkedoutadayinhislife.I couldtakehimonblindfoldedwithonearmtiedbehindmybackandknockhimoutintenseconds.”
Shegasped “Youcan’thithim Youmightgetarrested”
Hesmiled “Iwon’thavetohithim Ipromise I’mprettyconvincingwithjustmywords I’llgetyourpurseback,findout whotouchedyou,andmakeitclearyouwillnotbereturning.”
“ButIneedthatjob,”shewailed. “Littlegirl,nooneneedsthatjob.”
Hervoicerose “Iwon’tbeabletopaymybills,”sherepeated “Thenyou’llstayhere I’llhelpyougetbackonyourfeet,Littleone” “Ican’taskyoutodothat.” “Youdidn’t.Ioffered.”
“Maybeyoushouldtakemehome,”shemurmured.“Idon’twanttobeanytrouble.”
“You’renottrouble,andneverrefertoyourselfassuchagain Iwouldn’ttakeyouhomeevenifIdidn’tbelieveinmyheart that you’re mine, Eden. It’s not safe. Those menaren’t good men. If they’re angry enough and I’mbetting they are they probablywentstraighttoyourapartmenttowatchforyoutoarrive.Ibetthey’retherenow.” Shegasped.“HowwouldtheyknowwhereIlive?”
“I’msureMarvwashappytogivethemyourpersonalinformationiftheyaskedforit Marvisanass-kisser Allhecares aboutismakingmoney Hewouldn’twanttheDevil’sJesterstostopcomingintohisdiner” Sheshudderedandlookedaway.Hernextwordschangedtheairintheroomandmadehimchuckle.“Howcomeyougetto cuss,andIdon’t?”
“BecauseI’mtheDaddy,andyou’retheLittlegirl.Imaketherules.Youbreaktherules.That’showitworks.” Sheswallowed “WhathappensifIbreaktherules?”
“ThenI discipline you,” he informed her, watchingher closely She was friends withCarlee, so he had to assume she
wasn’ttotallyignorantaboutage play. She mightnothave practiced itbefore, butshe’d apparentlydone some researchand knewinherheartshemightbeLittle.
Shewashuggingthatbearclosetoherchest Didsheknowshewaspettingitsfurandsometimesrubbedherchinornose againstthesoftfluff?“Disciplinemehow?”sheaskedsoftly.
“Dependsonwhatworksforyou,Littleone.Usually,I’dtakeyouovermykneeandspankyournaughtybottom.”
Shesquirmeddeliciouslyonhislap,butthemosttellingsignwasthewayshesqueezedherthighstogether,anddamnifshe didn’thugthebeareventighter He’dbetmoneyshewaspressinghimagainstherhardnipples
“Youwouldspankme?”sheasked,hervoicepitchinghigher
“Iwill definitelyspankyou,Littlegirl.Often,Ipresume.Sometimes,Iwilldosotodisciplineyou.Othertimes,Iwilldo sotogiveyouthereleaseyoucravefromstress.Ibetyou’dfeelawholelotbetterrightnowifIspankedyou,”hepointedout, watchingherclosely.
Thoseeyesweresopretty Thegreenwasmesmerizing Everytimeshewidenedthem,hiscockstiffened “Idon’tthinkI wouldliketobespanked,Sir,”shewhispered
“Mmm.Don’tknockituntilyou’vetriedit.MostLittlegirlsfinditcathartic.Theymisbehaveonpurposejusttogettheir naughtybottomsspanked.”
Shegasped.Heloveditwhenshegaspedinshock.Helovedthatshewasrathergreenaboutageplay,andhewouldbethe onetoteachherandguideher
“What’syourfullname,Eden?”
“EdenJaneZimbel.”
“EdenJaneZimbel…Now,I’llknowwhattoyelloutwhenyou’reintrouble.”Hewinkedather. Hereyeswidened
He chuckled and slid his hand up to her neck, using a firm, exaggerated voice to try out a full reprimand “Eden Jane Zimbel…WhatdidIsayaboutrunningintheclubhouse?”
Shegiggled.“That’ssilly.”
Hepulledhercloser.“Ilikethewayitsounds.”
Shelookedaroundtheroom “Doyouhaveaguestroom?”
Heshookhishead “No,butyoucantakemybed I’llsleepouthereonthecouch” “Idon’tevenhavejammies,”shearguedadorably.
“Youcanwearoneofmyshirts,Littleone.Itwillhangtoyourknees.”Heliftedheroffhislapreluctantlyandsetheron herfeet.Itwaslate.Heneededtolethershowerandgetsomesleep.“Howaboutashowerorabath?”
“Okay,”shemurmured “I’mprettystickyfromthediner Ithinksomeofthesodasplashedinmyhair,too” “Thenlet’sgetyoucleanedupandtuckedin”Heroseandtookherhandtoleadherintohisbedroomandthroughtothe bathroom.
“Doyoulivehere?”
“Yep. It’s not much, but it’s all I need. The other roomis my office. I work fromhome. I need to be available at the compoundasoftenaspossiblebecauseI’malsotheclub’schaplain” “Oh.”
“Thekitchenissmall,”hecontinuedashepulledoutacleantowelandwashcloth,“butIeatmostofmymealsinthemain diningroomwiththe rest of the club members.” He turned toward her. “Atlas and Carlee have a suite like mine but don’t usuallyspendthenight Theycould,though,anytime” “Oh,”shesaidagain
“Now,here’satowel,”hepattedit,“andthere’ssoap,shampoo,andconditionerontherackintheshower.Ifyou’drather takeabath,Icanmovethemintothetub.”
Sheshookherhead.“Ashowerisfine.Thankyou.Ireallyappreciateyouhelpingme.IpromiseI’llgohometomorrowto figurethingsoutandgetoutofyourhair”
myfeelings,butI’mseriousaboutbeingyourDaddy.Icanfeel itinmybones.Youwon’tbegettingoutofmyhair ever,nor willIdropyouoffathomeandleaveyouvulnerabletotheDevil’sJesters.Fromnowon,you’remyresponsibility.Iwilltake careofyouandmakesureyou’resafe Iwilldealwiththemenwhotouchedandmadefunofyousoitwon’thappenagain” Heleanedincloser.“Thisisyourhomenow,too,Littleone.”
Herprettyeyescouldn’thavegonewiderifshe’dtried.“But…”
Heshookhishead.“Nobuts.LetmegrabyouaT-shirtsoyoucanputitonafteryourshower.Puttherestofyourclothesin thehamper,Littleone Okay?”
Sheglancedatit “Okay”
“Goodgirl.”HehatedreleasinghertoleaveherstandingtherealonewhilehehurriedtohisdressertograbaT-shirt.He alsohatedleavingher aloneinthebathroom.He wouldmuchrather take her clothes offhimself,lower her intothe tub,and batheherlikeheintendedtodofortherestoftheirlives.
ButEdenwasn’treadyforhimtobequitethathigh-handedwithhertonight She’dhadaterriblefright Shewas shaking andscared Gettingnakedinfrontofhimwouldbemorethanshecouldhandle
One night, though. Tomorrow night, he intended to getpastthis stage. He wouldn’thave sexwithher until she was fully readytocommittohim,buthemostcertainlywouldtake careofher ineverywaytomorrow,andthe daywouldendwitha bathandhishandsalloverhersweetbody.
“Need anything else, Little one?” he asked as he returned to set the shirt on top of the towel He also found a new toothbrushinoneofthedrawers.
Sheshookherhead.“No,Sir.”
Hesmiledather.“Ican’twaituntilyou’recomfortableenoughtocallmeDaddy.”Hesteppedtowardthedoor.“I’llleave thisdoorajarincaseyouneedme Justcallout I’llbecloseby”
Shelookeddazedbutdidn’tsayanythingashesteppedoutoftheroom,leavingthedooropenabouttwoinches Hebarely hadthestrengthtoleavehertobathealone.Nowaycouldhealsoshutthedoor,completelyseparatingthem. Ashepacedtheroom,helistenedtohershufflingaround.Thewatercameon.Theshower door openedandclosed.The thoughtofhernakedandsoclosetohimmadehiscockprotest.
Heneededtodistracthimself,andhedidsobyremindinghimselfwhathewouldbefacingtomorrow Hisfirststopwould bethediner Itopenedprettyfuckingearly Hewouldbetheredamnearly,too Hewouldgetherpurseandhavesomewords withMarv.
That manwas a world-class asshole. He’d treated Carlee like scumwhenshe’d worked there. Apparently, the shitbag treatedallthewaitressesthesameway.Whatachauvinistpig.
GabrielwouldgetthenamesofthefourDevil’sJestersoutofMarvandthenmeetwithhisbrotherstofigureoutwhatto do One thingwas for sure Edenwouldn’t be safe until somethingwas done The Jesters weren’t the type of mento take kindlytobeingmadetolookfoolish,andGabriel’sLittlegirlhaddefinitelydoneexactlythat.
GabrielpacedwhileEdentookhershower.Hislifehadtakenaone-eightysofasthisheadwasspinning.He’dspentyears withoutaLittlegirl,butonlybecausehehadn’tevermettherightone.Itwasfunnyhowhe’dknownEdenwashissofast.He feltemotionallyknockedonhisass
Hewasalsoelated.Thankgoodnesshedidn’thaveanythingpressinghappeningwithworkthisweekbecausehesuspected hewouldneedtodevotethemajorityofhistimetohelpinghisLittlegirlacclimate.
Edenwould need gentle guidance as she learned whatitmeantto be his Little girl. He suspected she was also goingto challengehimeverystepoftheway He’dseenhow she’dfidgetedwhenhe’dsuggestedspankingher TheLittlestinker was goingtoenjoyit
Heturnedtowardhisbed.He’dwashedthesheetsjustthatmorning.Hewonderedifshenormallysleptwithastuffie.The bear was the onlyone he had inhis room, buthe could getone fromthe supplyclosetifshe needed itto sleep. Maybe he shoulddothat…?Buthedidn’twanttoleaveher.So,no.
Whenthewaterturnedoff,hetookseveraldeepbreaths Showtime
CHAPTER THREE
Edentried not to thinkabout what would happenwhenshe left the bathroom. It was strange havingthe door open, even slightly She keptworryinghe mightsee her throughthe crack,thoughshe wasn’tsure whyshe cared So whatifhe saw her?
After dryingoff,she quicklyhungupthe towel andpulledhis T-shirtover her head.Atleastshe was covered now. She wasn’treadyforhimtoseeherpaleskinorthescatteringoffreckles.She’dneverbeenfondofhercoloring,butshewasstuck withit.
Shegroanedinsideherheadassheworkedacombthroughhercurls Sheneededahaircut Herredcurlsweretightenough thattheygotunrulywhentheyweretoolong.
Gabrielseemedtolikethem,though.He’dinsistedhewouldnotlietoher.
Shakingoffherwanderingthoughts,shebrushedherteethandthenturnedtofacethedoor.Shecouldn’tstayinhereforever. SheneededtofacethesexymanwhoinsistedhewasherDaddy,eventhoughshebarelyunderstoodwhatthatmightentail Inchingthe door open,she finallygotbrave enoughtostepintothe room,where she foundhimsittingonthe edge ofthe bed.
“Didyoubrushyourteeth,Littleone?”
“Yes,Sir.”
“Howaboutyourclothes?Didyouputtheminthehamper?”
Sheturnedaroundtoseethemlyingonthefloorwhereshe’dtakenthemoff She’dputtheminatidypilesohewouldn’t seeherpantiesorbra,butapparently,he’dbeenseriousaboutthehamper,sosheturnedbackaround,scoopedupherclothes, andputthemintothebasketontopofhisclothes.
Itfeltsointimate,andthoughshe hadnoreal idea whatitfeltlike tobe Little,she was catchingon.Obeyinghis orders madeherfeelveryLittle
“Goodgirl”Hepattedthebedbesidehimwherehe’dturneddowntheblankets “Come Youhavetobeexhausted”
Sheshuffledtowardhim.AllshewaswearingwashisT-shirt.She’dconsideredputtingherpantiesbackon,butshehadn’t wantedtopulldirtypantiesoverhercleanbody.Maybesheshouldhave.
Asshegotcloser,sherealizedshehadanew problem.Hisbedwasveryhigh.Shewas onlyfive-four.Shewouldn’tbe abletoclimbupgracefully,andshecertainlywouldn’tbeabletodosowithouthimseeingherprivateparts
Heroseassheapproached,liftedherbythehips,andsettledherontothebed.
ShegaspedasshetuggedtheT-shirtdownoverherbottomandmadesureitcoveredhercompletely.
Hechuckled.“Youwon’thavesecretsfromDaddy,Littleone.Iknowyou’retiredandstillshookupfromwhathappened thisevening,soIdidn’twanttoaddtoyourstressbyundressingyouandbathingyoutonight,butyoushouldknowIintendto takecareofall your needs,startingtomorrow”Heliftedabrow ashepulledthecoversover her andsatontheedgeofthe bed.
Shesquirmedatthethoughtofthismantakingoverherlife.Itwashappeningsofast.Herheadwasspinning.She wasn’t altogetheropposedtotheideaeither,whichmadeherevenmorenervous.
ShereallyneededtotalktoCarlee “Where’sCarlee?”sheaskedinasoftvoice “SheandAtlasareoutoftown Theywentawayfor theweekend I’ll call Atlas
knowyou’reokay.I’msureCarleewillbeanxioustoseeyouwhentheygetbackinafewdays.”
ThethoughtofnotgettingtoseeCarleesoshecouldsortoutherfeelingswithsomeonewhowouldunderstandmadeher tense Tearswelledupinthecornersofhereyesagain Shecouldn’tstopthem “Hey,there.Whythenewtears?”Heliftedahandandwipedthemawaywithhisthumb.
“Idon’thavemanyclosefriends,”shemurmured,feelingfoolish.“And-andI’mconfused.IneedtotalktoCarlee.”Herlip trembled.Itwouldn’tmatterifshehadtenthousandclosefriends;therewasnowayshewoulddiscusswhatshewasfeeling tonightwithanyonebutCarlee Carleewastheonlyfriendsheknewwhopracticedsomeformofageplay
Gabrielsetahandonthetopofherhead “Takeadeepbreath Noneedtopanic IknowI’vethrownalotatyouinashort amountoftime.I’msureAtlasalreadyhasCarleetuckedinforthenight,butI’llcheckandseeifshecantalktoyoutomorrow morning,okay?”
Edennodded.Ifshetriedtotalk,shewouldcry.Shewassoemotional.ShewasalsostunnedthatGabrielwasn’tjudging her Hedidn’tseemtheleastbitputoutbyherwaterworks
“Now,”hesaidwithatwinkleinhiseye,“Ihaveanimportantquestion” Shepursedherlips,nervoustohearwhathemightask.
“Doyouhaveaspecialfriendyouusuallysleepwithatnight?”
Shesuckedinabreathandheldit.Shecouldn’ttellhimthat.
“No reason to be embarrassed, Little one Most Little girls have special stuffies Some have dozens of them I’msure there’s avarietyinthesupplyclosetinthehallwayifyoulikeacertaintype,or youcansnugglewithMr.Bear tonight.”He liftedthestuffedbearfromthepillownexttoherandhelditup.
Edencautiouslyreached outto take the bear before pullinghimunder the covers. He wasn’tSpot, buthe would do for tonight “Hisnamecan’tbeMr Bear,”sheinformedhimwithoutthinking “Oh?Whatshouldhebenamed?”
Sheshrugged,thinking.“Coco,Ithink.” Hesmiled.“WhyCoco?”
“Becausehe’sthecolorofchocolate,andIlovechocolate.”HowdidGabrielmakeitsoeasytobewithhim?
“Coco,itis Willhedoforthenightuntilwecangetyourthingsfromyourapartmenttomorrow?”
“HowdoyouknowIhavestuffedanimalsatmyapartment?”sheaskedskeptically “It’snottoomuchofastretch.Foronething,eventhoughyoumightnothaveoutwardlyrealizedyouwereLittle,Isuspect youhave tendencies that would’ve tipped me off no matter how or whenI’d met you. I bet youhave some toys youenjoy playingwith.”Heliftedhisbrowagain.
Herfaceheated “Idon’tplaywithtoys I’mtoooldtoplaywithtoys”
Hegaspedasifshe’dsaidsomethinghorrifying
Edengiggled,feelinglighterthanshehadallevening.Gabrieldidthattoher.
“No one is too old to playwithtoys, especiallynotprettyLittle girls withadorable red curls and tinyfreckles ontheir noses,”heteasedashetappedhernose.
“Redhairandfrecklesarenotpretty,”sheremindedhim Bothbrowswentup.“IbelieveImentionedhavingasoftspotinmyheartforredcurlsonLittlegirls.” “Yeah,but…”Shewasn’tsurehowtocontinue.Hewouldbemadifsheaccusedhimoflying.
“Doyouneedmetoflipyouoverandspankyournaughtybottomuntilyoubelieveme,Eden?”
Sheshookherheadrapidlyasshesqueezedherthighstogether “No,Sir”
“Mmm”Heseemedtocontemplatetheidea Heeventappedhislips “Okay,thisisyourlastpass,though Notonemore negativewordaboutyourprettyhairoranyotherpartofyourbody.”
She turned her head away. Itwas hard to believe he wasn’tjustsayingthatto be nice. She’d spenther entire life being madefunof.
Hishandcametohercheek “Heythere,”hesaidgently “Tellmewhatyou’rethinking”
“Peopledon’tlikeredhair,”sheadmittedwithoutlookingathim
Hegasped.“Whatpeople?” Sheshrugged.“Mostpeople.”
“Idon’tknowanyofthesepeople,andI’mcertainlynotoneofthem Ithinkyou’retheprettiestLittlegirlI’veeverseen” Heleanedcloserandadded,“You’realsoabeautifulwoman,Eden.Didsomeonetellyouotherwise?” Herliptrembled.“Adultsaretoopolitetosaymeanthings,butkidsaren’t,andIwasakidonce.”
“Oh,sweetgirl.I’msosorry.Didkidssaymeanthingstoyouatschool?” Shenoddedandpursedherlips
“Well,theyweremeanbullies Ibethalfofthemwerejealous”
Shereleasedherlipsandgasped,lookingathim.
Henodded.“That’s right.Mostofthemhadboring,straightbrownhair.Theywere jealous thatyouhadprettyredcurls. Jealousymakeskidsmean.”
Shedidn’tthinkhewascorrect,butshewasn’tgoingtoarguewithhim Itdidn’tmatteranyway Shewasn’takidanymore Shewasanadult,andGabrielwasapparentlyattractedtoher He’dsaidhe’dbeeninterestedinherfromthemomenthe’dmet her,andtheonlyinformationhe’dhadatthattimehadbeenherhairandskin.
“I’mgoingtotellyouyou’reprettyeverydayofyourlife,Eden.Becauseit’strue.Andifyouarguewithme,I’llfollowup mycomplimentwithaspankinguntilyoubelieveme.”
Sheswallowedhardasshestaredathim Washeserious?“You’regoingtospankmeuntilIthinkI’mpretty?” “Yep.”
“Thatseemsalittleunconventional,”shepointedout.
Hechuckled.“Maybe,butIbetitwillwork.”
She gave hima small smile Everytime she started to feel bad, or tears welled up again, he said justthe rightthings to makehersmileagain HewasgoodatthisDaddyingbusiness
Herchesttightenedwhenhestoodandkissedherforehead.“Sleep,Littleone.I’llberightoutsideinthelivingroom.”
“Onthecouch?Itdidn’tlooklongenoughforyou.Maybeyoushouldstayhere.”Sheglancedattheothersideofthebed. “Thecouchwillbejustfine.I’llsleeponmysideandbendmyknees.”
Shegiggledatthevisual “That’s silly Ican’tkickyououtofyour bed”Graspingatstraws,sheadded,“Plus,whatifI wakeupscaredinastrangeplace?”
Hechuckledagain,hischestshaking.“Doyouthinkthatmighthappen,Littleone?”
Shenodded,keepingherexpressionserious.“OrImighthavenightmares.”
Shelovedthewayhischestrumbledwithhislaughter.Hekissedherforeheadagain.“IfIstayedinhere,therewouldbeno sleeping,Littlegirl So,youneedtoslidedownunderthecovers,curlupwithCoco,andgotosleep I’llberightoutsidethe doorifyouneedme”
Shefoundherselfpoutingashelefttheroom.Onceagain,hedidn’tshutthedooralltheway.Heleftitajar.Afewminutes later,shecouldhearhimtalkingandknewhewouldbetalkingtoAtlas.
Eventhoughshe’d had a verytraumatic evening, one ofthe worst, she found herselffeelingsafer and more contentthan she’dfeltinaverylongtime Twothingsmadethatpossible One,nothingbadcouldpossiblyhappentoherfromhereinside theMCcompound.Andtwo,shedidnothavetogetuptomorrowmorningatthecrackofdawntobeatwork.
Ofcourse,thatsecondfactwasamixedblessing.Nothavingtobeatworkalsomeantshewouldn’thaveapaycheck.Not havingapaycheckmeantshewouldn’tbeabletopaytherent.
Gabriel had insisted she could stayhere, butthatseemed so unrealistic He barelyknew her Whenhe got to know her better,hemightnotlikeher
Shecertainlylikedhim.Alot.Morethanshecouldremembereverlikingamanbefore.Andshereallylikedthatshecould hearhismuffledvoiceintheotherroom.Itsoothedherandallowedhertoclosehereyes.Shecouldfeelherselffading.
Gabriel will protect me.
CHAPTER FOUR
Gabriel hadn’tbeenkiddingaboutthe couch. The onlypositionhe could getcomfortable inwas onhis side. Justthe one side Hislegsweretoolongtostretchoutonhisback,andhisbodywastoobulkytofacethecushions Afterafewhours oftossing,hedraggedhisblankettothefloorandstretchedout
Lord knew he’d certainlyslept inworse conditions whenhe’d beenstationed overseas withthe Army. He’d had many uncomfortablenightsfarworsethanthisonewhenhe’dbeenincombatzones.
Thesunwasn’tupyetwhenhegave upafter afew hours ofsleep.The firstthinghe neededtodowas contacthis boss. Bensenwas theheadoftheVeterans PTSDHotlinewhereGabriel worked Gabriel was the scheduler,andhe didn’thave a shiftofhis owntoday, buthe nearlyalways made himselfavailable iftheyneeded him, and itwas apparentGabriel would needafewdaystogetthingssortedoutwithEden.
HesentaquickemailtoBensenandslippedoutofhissuitetoseeifanyoneelsewasup.Hewasgoingtoneedsomehelp thismorning
Hearingvoicescomingfromthemainkitchen,hewaspleasantlysurprisedtofindboththeclubpresidentandtheenforcer pouringcoffee.SteeleandKadewouldbethemosthelpfulindealingwithhispredicament.
Kade passedGabriel the mugofcoffee he’djustpoured.“Youlooklike youcould use this. Who was the Little girl you cameinwithlastnight?”KadehadbeenonthesofawithhisLittle,Remi,watchingcartoons,buthe’dbeenkindenoughtodo nothingmorethannod
Steelenodded “TalonandBeartoldmetheysawyoucomeinwithaLittle”
Gabrielsighed.“Hername’sEden.She’safriendofCarlee’sfromthediner.Shehadaveryfrighteningincidentlastnight atwork.FouroftheDevil’sJesterswerethere.Theyharassedherverballyandphysically.Whenherbosschosetoyellather insteadofsupportingher,shewalkedoutthedoor.ShecalledCarlee.Atlascalledme.Iwentandgother.”
Steele ran a hand over his head “Shit I’ve heard the Devil’s Jesters have been hanging around more in Shadowridge lately They’vebeenspottedallovertheplace Ihopeyoumadeherstayherelastnight”
Gabrielnodded.“OfcourseIdid.”
Kadeliftedabrow.“Areyouplanningtomakeherstayhereagaintonight?” “Yep.”Gabrieltookasipofthestrongcoffee.
“Andafterthat?”Kadeasked,smirking
“She’smine,”Gabrieladmitted.“AndI’mgoingtoneedsomehelp.”
Steelenodded.“Soundslikeit.I’mfreethismorning.Letmeroundupafewothers.IsawTalonafewminutesago.AndI thinkBearisaround.Whatareyouthinking?”
Gabriel sethismugonthecounter “IcoulduseabitofmuscletogotalktoMarvatthediner I’dlike todothatASAP Eden left her purse when she ran out She’ll need me to get it I’d also like to exchange a few choice words with that slimeball.”
Kaderubbedhisforehead.“Icangowithyou,too.Betweenyou,me,Steele,andTalon,Ithinkwe’llhaveenoughmuscleto intimidatethatasshole.”
“Thankyou ItmightbebettertoleaveBearherewithEden Hecankeepherentertainedwithpancakes” Suddenly,Bearroundedthecorner “Whoneedstobeentertainedwithpancakes?”heasked,hisexpressionserious
“Gabriel’sfoundhimselfaLittle,andshe’sinaspotoftrouble.”
Bear winced.“I’msorrytohear that.I’ll be happytomake the Little girl all the pancakes she caneatwhile yougoslay dragons Ifshe’snervous,I’llsetherupwithsomecartoonsandasippycupofchocolatemilkafterIfeedher I’veneverhada Littleturndownmychocolatemilk.”
“Appreciateit,”Gabrielsaidwithanod.
“I’llwakeRemiandhaveherjoinEden,”Kadesaid.
“Thankyou”Gabrielwasluckytohavesomanybrothershavehisbacknomatterwhathourofthedayornight Damn,he lovedhisfamily “Hopefully,itwon’ttakeustoolongtoputthefearofGodinthatsmarmydinermanager Afterthat,I’llwant totakeEdentoherapartmenttopickupsomeofherthings.”
“Ifshe had analtercationwiththe Devil’s Jesters, youdon’twantto go to her apartmentwithoutbackup either,” Steele pointedout.
Gabrielranahandthroughhishair “That’smythinking,too”
“Perhapswecouldgostraightthereafterwehitthediner,”Kadesuggested “IdoubtEdenisgoingtogoforthat.EventhoughImadeitclearlastnightthatthisisherhomenow,I’mcertainshedidn’t believeme.She’sgoingtowakeupwantingtogohome.Isenseastrongneedtobeindependentinher.It’sgoingtotakesome cajoling to convince her that even Little girls, who are fully capable of being independent, need a Daddy to lean on sometimes”
“Ain’tthatthetruth,”Kadegrumbled.
Gabrielpickeduphismug.“Ibettergetbacktoherincaseshewakesup.Canweleaveinanhour?”
Everyonenodded.
“I’llfindTalon,”Steelesaid
GabrielstoppedbythesupplyclosettograbsomethingsforEdenbeforehehurriedbacktohissuite,sethiscoffeeonthe counter,andquietlyopenedthedoortothebedroom.Hehatedtowakeherifshewassoundasleep.TheLittlegirlneededher rest.Shehadbagsunderhereyes.Hesuspectedshehadn’thadagoodnight’srestinalongtime.
HisheartdidalittleflipasthelightfromthelivingroomstreamedintohisbedroomtoilluminatehisLittlegirl.Shewas curledinatightballwithCococlutchedagainstherchest Butwhatnearlybroughthimtohiskneeswasthefactthatshehad herthumbinhermouth
She was precious withthatriotofcurls spread outonhis pillow and her creamywhite cheekbegginghimto kiss it. At some point, the covers had slid offher, and instead ofpullingthembackup, she’d tucked her entire legs up into his T-shirt. Onlyheradorablelittlefeetwerevisible.
He nearlystopped breathingas he stood over her, watchingher rhythmicallysuckher thumb Did she know she was a thumbsucker?
Basedonwhathe’dgatheredfromherlastnight,shehadn’tknownLittleswerearealthinguntilCarleehadgottentogether withAtlas.Andthoughshe’dexploredabit,shehadn’tfullygraspedherownneedforaDaddy.
Damn,hehatedtowakeher.Hesettheclotheshe’dchosenforherontheendofthebedbeforegentlypickinguparinglet andtwirlingitbetweenhisfingers Herhairhadbeendampwhenshe’dgonetobed Hewonderedifshenormallyusedsome sortofproductinitaftershewashedit.Hisownhairwasgettingabitlong,anditwasnearlyascurlyashers,sohehadsome relaxersunderthesink,buthehadn’tthoughttoofferthemtoher.
He had a lot to learn about this precious Little girl who’d popped into his life without warning. He was certainly unprepared HehadnothinginhissuiteforaLittle Thankgoodnessforthesupplycloset Hewouldneedtodosomeshopping laterthisafternoon
Eden’sprettygreeneyesslowlyopenedandthenwentwide.Asecondlater,shejerkedherthumboutofhermouthasher cheeksturneddarkpink.“Howlonghaveyoubeenwatchingme?”shewhispered.
“Onlyaminute,Littleone.Ihatedtowakeyou,butIdidn’twanttoleavethecompoundandriskyouwakingupaloneand scared”
Shepulledherlegsoutofhisshirtandpusheduptosit,tuggingthehemdownherthighs “Oh Right Youprobablyhaveto
gettoworkorsomething.I’lljustgetanUbertotakemehomeandgetoutofyourway.”
Asshestartedtoeaseoffthesideofthebed,hesetahandonherthighandstoppedher.Itwasimpossibletoignorehow smoothherskinwas Hehadn’tbeenwrongaboutthat Hewaslookingforwardtokissingherrightwherehispalmnowrested “Eden,lookatDaddy.”
Herbreathhitchedasshemethisgaze.
Heloweredtositonthebednexttoherlegs,keepinghislargepalmonherthigh.“I’mnotgoingtowork,Littleone.Iwork fromhome,remember?Myofficeisinthespareroom”
“Oh,right”Shebrushedherhairoutofherface,butitfellrightbackdownaroundhercheeks “Whatdoyoudo?” “ImanageaPTSDhotlineforVeterans.I’macounselor.”
Hereyeswentwide.“Really?That’s…areallyimportantjob.”
“Yes,itis.Idon’tworkregularshifts.Ihandletheschedulingandfillinonthehotlinewhenneeded.Idon’thavetowork today”
“Whereareyougoingthen?”sheasked
“SomeofmybrothersandIaregoingtogotalktoMarvandgetyourpursefromthediner.”
Herjawdropped.“Youdon’thavetodothat.Icanjuststopbytherelaterorsomething.”
Hemovedhishandandsetitdownontheothersideofherhip,puttinghisfacemuchclosertohers.“Eden,youarenever goingbackthereagain It’snotsafe Iwouldn’tsendanyLittlegirltothatdiner Yourbossisaworld-classasshole Youwill stayrighthereandletDaddyhandlethings.”
“Icouldgobacktomyapartmentatleastandwaitforyouthere,”sheproposed. Stubborn girl. Heshookhishead.“Littlegirl,Ican’timpressthisuponyouenough.That’snotsafeeither.I’dratheryoustayherewhileI getsomethingsfromyourapartment”Hefiguredhemightaswelltrytoconvinceherofthat Sheshookherhead “Howwouldyouknowwhattogetme?”
“Youcouldmakemealist.”
Shechewedonherbottomlip.“How longdoyouthinkitwillbebeforethoseguysloseinterestinmeandIcangoback home?Ineedtofindanewjoband ”
GabrielscoopedhisstubbornLittlegirloffthebed,rosetohisfeet,andcarriedhercradledinhisarmstothelivingroom Eventhoughshesquirmed,hehadnotroublecontainingher,andassoonashewasseatedinhisfavoritearmchair,heclamped herdownwithhishandsonherhips.
After a momentofher wiggling,he realizedshe wasn’tfightinghimsomuchas tryingtogetthe T-shirttuggedunder her bottom.“Gabriel…”
“Listentome,Eden,”hesaidinassternavoiceashedared “Iknowalothappenedtoyoulastnight,andyou’renotseeing thingsclearlyyetthismorning,buttheDevil’sJestersarebadmen They’reundoubtedlynotpleasedwiththeoutcomeofyour altercationwiththem.”
“But ”
Heshookhishead.“Nobuts,Littlegirl.Ineedyoutoobeyme.You’renottoleavethiscompoundforanyreasonwithout me withyou Do youunderstand?” He hadn’t meant to sound so bossyand firmfirst thing this morning, but she obviously wasn’ttakingthissituationseriouslyenoughforhistaste.
Sheblinkedathim,andthenthetearswelledup.Hehatedseeinghercry,buthewoulddealwiththetearsaslongasshe wassafe.
“Your safetyis importantto me, Eden Veryimportant Butitwouldn’tmatter ifyou’d never metthe Devil’s Jesters last night Youmetme,too,andyou’remine,Littleone Minetoprotect Minetotakecareof Minetodisciplinewhenyoudon’t obeymysafetyrules.”
Sheswallowedhard.“DoyouseemelikethatbecauseI’msoyoung?”
Heflinched.“No,Eden.IseeyoulikethatbecausemyDaddyinstinctistoclaimyou.Youragedoesn’tmattertomeatall. Twenty-sixisn’tthatyoung However,Iamtwentyyearsolderthanyou DoyouthinkI’mtooold?”Hehadtoask
Sheshookherheadvehemently “No”
“Then,wedon’thaveaproblem.”Hesmiled.
Shebitherbottomlipsohardhereachedupandpluckeditfree.“Don’tdothat.Idon’tliketoseeyouhurtyourself.”
“Youreallywantmetostayhere?”
“Ido.”ThankGodsheseemedtobecatchingon.“I’llgiveyouallthetimeintheworldtolearntotrustmeandacceptthat I’myour Daddy, butwhile you’re figuringthatout, youwill follow myrules because Ineed youtobe safe. Youmaynotgo backtoyourapartment.Youmaynotgobacktothediner.Youmaynotgoanywhere.”
“HowwillIgetanewjobifIdon’tleavetheMC?”
“Youwon’t,Littleone Daddywilltakecareofyourneeds Ifworkingisreallyimportanttoyou,we’lldiscussyougetting anewjobinthefuturewhenI’mcertaintheDevil’sJestersarenolongerathreattoyourlife.”
“But…”
Stubborn Little girl was going to have himhopping. “Ladybug, you’re about to become intimately acquainted with my palm ”
“But ”
“Eden…”hewarned.“DoIneedtospankyoubeforebreakfasttohelpyouunderstandwho’sincharge?” Shegaspedandshookherhead.
“Good.Now,let’sgetyoudressedsoyoucangoeatbreakfastwhileIgotothedinerwithsomeofmybrothers.Ifyougive meyouraddressandthekeytoyourapartment,I’ll ”
Sheshookherhead.“IpromiseI’llbegoodwhileyougotothediner.Iwon’tcomplainasingletimeifyou’lltakemewith youtomyapartmentafterward.”
He’dexpectedthis,sohewaspreparedtorelent.Heliftedabrowandgaveherasternlook.“I’mgoingtoleaveyouhere withBear Hemakessomemeanpancakes OneoftheotherLittlegirls,Remi,isherethismorning,too Youcanplaywithher whileI’mgone Ifyou’reagoodgirlanddon’tgiveBearanytrouble,I’lltakeyouwithmeafterwegotothediner”
Shesatuptallerandnoddedherconsent.“I’llbegood.Ipromise.”
Damn,shewasLittle.Itwasshockingthatshe’dhadnoideauntillastnight.Shewasstinkingadorable. Shewasalsogoingtobeahandful.
CHAPTER FIVE
den’sheartpoundedasGabrielstoodheronherfeetandledherbackintothebedroom.
“Let’sgetyoudressed,”hestated
Shehadn’tnoticedthepileofclothesontheendofthebeduntilnow “Wheredidyougetclothes?”
“Itoldyouwehaveasupplyclosetforeverykindofemergencysituation.Ipickedoutafewthingssoyouwouldn’thaveto spendthemorninginDaddy’sT-shirt,butifyou’dratherstaydressedhowyouare…”
Sheshookherheadasshetuggedthematerialdown.Ithungwaypastherbutt,butshestillfelttheneedtopullonitsince shewasn’twearinganyunderwear
Iftherewasasupplycloset,whydidn’thetakehertheretopickoutsomethingforherself?“Howdidyouknowmysizes?”
Hesatontheedgeofthebedandliftedapairofblackstretchyleggings,redsocks,andacuteblackT-shirtwithaladybug onthefront.
Shegotsoexcitedthatshesteppedcloser “That’saladybug Iloveladybugs Howdidyouknow?”
Hegrinned “Ihadnoidea Itwas acoincidence”Hesetthosedownandpickedupanunopenedpacketofpanties next Therewerethreepairsinside.Pastelcolors.Theyhadlittlebowsonthem.Infact,theylookedexactlylikewhatafour-yearoldwouldwearbutinanadultsize.“Ibetthesewillfityoufine.”Heopenedthemandheldoutallthree.“Whichcolordoyou wanttowear?”
Shepointedatthepinkpair,butwhenshetriedtotakethemfromhim,hepulledthemoutofhergrasp Next,hesnaggedher handandhauledher closer beforetippingher headbackwithhis fingers under her chin “Doyouremember whatIsaidlast nightabouttakingcareofyouinallways,Littleone?”
Sheflushedasshestaredathim.Didhemeantodressher?God,yes,hedid.Shewasn’tsurehowshefeltaboutthat,but herbodybetrayedherasshewatchedhisface.Hernipplestightenedandthenwetnessgatheredbetweenherlegs.
ThethoughtofGabriel seeingher nakedexcitedher for somereason Andthatembarrassedher She was still pondering thisdilemmawhenhegentlypulledherbetweenhislegsandhuggedherhipswithhisknees
Sheshiveredasheranhishandsupherbarearmsbeforecuppingherfaceandleaningincloser.“Canyoubebraveforme, Ladybug?”
She couldn’tkeep fromsmilingathimcallingher Ladybug. Itwas so sweet. She feltherselfsofteningunder his intense gaze Hisbrowswerefurrowed,buthislookwasoneofconcern
She grabbed his thighs to steadyherself. Theywere solid. He was so musclyand serious. Did those adjectives evengo together?“Uh,youwanttoseemenaked?”
“Iwanttotakecareofyouineveryway,andthatwillinvolvemeseeingyourbody,Eden.Forthismorning,myonlyplan istopullthisshirtoffyouandputtheseclothesonyousoyoucangohavebreakfast”
Sheworriedherbottomlipforamoment Shewasprettyshyaboutherbody She’donlyhadafewboyfriends,andnoneof themhadseemedwowedbyher,soshe’dgrownevenmoreself-consciousasanadultthanshe’dbeenasachild.
Gabriel seemedprettyadamantthathe intendedtobe her Daddy,whichwas overwhelmingsince she’dmethimjustlast night.Ifsheweighedtheprosandcons,shethoughtlettinghimseehermightnotbeabadidea.Ifhedidn’tfindherattractive, shewouldseeitinhisreaction,whichwouldputaperiodattheendofthisoddlyrushedrelationshipsentence
“’Kay,”shewhispered
“Goodgirl.”Hesetherbackafewinches,liftedtheT-shirtoverherhead,andthentwistedtograbthepinkpanties.When heturnedbacktofaceher,heslidoffthebedandsquattedinfrontofher.“HoldDaddy’sshoulders,Ladybug.”
Sheheldherbreath,notsureshecouldliftthefoothewastapping Evengrippinghisshoulderswasn’tgoingtokeepher fromswaying.Shewassounnervedstandinginfrontofhimnaked.
He lifted his gaze to hers and thenjerked itdownto her body. For longseconds, he lethis gaze roamup and downher framebeforeswallowing.“Eden…”Hisvoicewashusky.
“ItoldyouI’mnotattractive,”sheblurted Whyhadn’thelistenedtoher?
Hiseyeswentwideasecondbeforehegrabbedherhips,rosetohisfeet,liftedheroffthefloor,andturnedtolieheronthe bed.Hedroppedhishandsalongsideherandheldhergaze.Helooked…angry.“WhatdidIsayabouttalkingnegativelyabout yourself?”
Shesniffled.Herbottomlipwastrembling,andshefeltsoexposed.Whycouldn’thejustlethergetdressed?
“Listentome,Littlegirl I’mgoingtogiveyouthisonelastpasswithregardtohowyouviewyourself Thenexttimeyou saysomethingderisiveaboutyourbody,Iwilltakeyouovermykneeandspankyourbarebottomuntilyoulearnalesson” Shecouldn’tbreathe.Hewasserious.
“Now,another thing. Besides the factthatIwon’ttolerate youthinkingor speakingill ofyourself, you’re dead wrong. I wastryinghardnottolooksoyouwouldn’tbeuncomfortablewithmedressingyouthismorning,butwhenyouhesitated,Ihad nochoice Youknockedthewindoutofmylungs You’rethemostbeautifulwomanI’veeverseteyeson Everyinchofyou MycockissohardrightnowI’mgoingtoneedacoldshowerbeforewecanheadtothekitchen.”
Shewasstunned.Werehis arms shaking?Was hebeingtruthful?Hedidn’tseemlikethesortofmanwhowouldlietoa woman. Plus, if he wanted to fib, he could have just said he thought she was fine or cute. He wouldn’t have needed an elaboratespeech
“Your skinisfuckingperfection Your pinklittlenipplesmakemymouthwater Your breasts are the exacthandful Ilook forwardtoworshippingwithmypalms andmytongue.Thatlittle dip ofyour tummybefore the flare ofyour hips makes me wanttocircleyourwaistandneverletyougo.Icannotwaittoflipyouoverandspankyourwhitebottom,soIcanwatchit turnpinkfrommypalm.”
Shegasped Thatlastpartmadehersquirm Whydidthethoughtofhimspankinghermakehernippleshard?Maybeitwas simplythecoolairintheroom Butthatdidn’texplainthethrobbingsensationbetweenherlegs Ifhewassayingallthatjusttohumorher,hewasdoingafinejobconvincingher.Shebelievedhimwellenoughfortears toforminhereyes.Noonehadeversaidsuchkindthingstoheraboutherlooks.
“Now,we’ll address this subjectagainlater.Rightnow,Ineedtoputthese clothes onyoubefore Ichange mymindand decideI’drathersuckthosepreciouslittlenipplesuntilyouwrithebeforedippingmyfacelowerandthrustingmytongueinto yourpussyuntilyouscream Butmarkmywords,Littlegirl,thatwillhappensoon,andDaddyisgoingtoenjoyeverymoment ofit.”
Herheartwasracing,andsowashermind.
“Repeatafterme:I’mbeautifulandperfectjustthewayIam.”
Shelickedherlips
“Sayit,Ladybug.”
Itseemedsilly,buthewasinsistent.“I’mbeautifulandperfectjustthewayIam,”shewhispered. “Goodgirl.”Herightedhimself,grabbedthepanties,andpulledthemupherlegswhileshelayonthebedinfrontofhim. Herbreathhitchedwithembarrassmentwhenhisfingersgrazedthecurlscoveringhersex “I ”
“Youwhat,Ladybug?”
“I guess most girls shave…downthere. I just…well, I meanno one… It’s beena while since… I wasn’t expecting…” Damn,itwashardtospitthatallout,plusitsoundedridiculousoutloud.Whywasshemakingexcusesforherpubichair? Hegaveheraslow smile.“Eden,Idonotcareonewayortheotheraboutthehaironyourpussy.Ifyoulikeitthatway, keepit Ifyouwanttoshaveit,that’sokay,too Ifyouwant me toshaveit,I’malsogoodwiththat It’syourchoice Theonly personyouneedtopleaseisyou Dowhatmakesyoufeelbestaboutyourself”
Shegasped.Didhejustsayhewouldshaveit?
Hechuckled.“Youheardme.”Hepulledtheblackleggingsupherlegsnextandsettledthemoverherhipsbeforethreading theirfingerstogetherandhelpinghersitupright
Herheadwasspinningashepickeduptheladybugshirt.“Armsup,Littleone.”
Sheliftedherarmsandlethimputtheshirtonbeforerealizingshewasn’twearingabra.“Ineedabra.”
Hetuggedtheshirtdowntoherhipsandthenkissedherforehead.“Now that Imighttakeissuewith.Ifyouwanttoweara brawhenyou’resomeplaceinpublicinyouradultheadspace,that’sfine Buthereinthecompound,youdon’tneedone Trust meonthis You’llfeelLittlerwithoutabra”
Shetuggedontheshirt.Itwasn’tlikeherboobsweresobigtheyneededsupport,butitfeltfunnynotwearingabra.She’d beenwearingonesinceshe’dturnedtwelve.Andshecertainlyhadn’tneededonethatyear.
Whileshewasstillsittingontheedgeofthebed,Gabrielputtheredsocksonher.“There.DidIdoagoodjob?”
Shecouldn’thelpbutgiggle Nowthatshewasdressed,shefeltlighter
Heliftedheroffthebedandsetheronherfeet “HowdoyouwantDaddytofixyourhair?Igrabbedacutepairofladybug hairbaublesifyouwantmetoputyourcurlsupinpigtails.”Hesnaggedthemfromthefootofthebed.They’dbeenunderthe clothes.
She tookthemfromhim. “Those are so cute.” She really wanted to wear them, but pigtails? “Aren’t I kind of old for pigtails?”
Hegaspeddramaticallyandputahandoverhisheart.“Nooneistoooldforpigtails.”
Shegiggledagain.“Myhairissocurlytheywouldstandouttohere.”Sheheldherhandsoutasfarasshecouldreach.
“Ithinkyou’reexaggerating,butIcoulddobraidsifyou’drather.”Hetookherhandandledhertotheattachedbath,where hegrabbedacomb,partedherhairdownthemiddle,andproceededtobraidonesideasifhe’ddonesoeverydayofherlife That’showefficienthewas,anditraisedaquestionshe’dbeenwondering “HowmanyLittlegirlshaveyouhad?”
“You’rethefirst,Ladybug.I’vewaitedalongtimetomeetyou.MybrotherswhohaveLittlestoldmeIwouldknowwhenI mettherightone,andtheywereright.Icertainlydid.”
Thatwasstill abithardtofathom,eventhoughshesecretlyfeltlikehe’dbeensentbyGod.Itstill scaredher.This was happeningtoo fast “Whydo youknow how to braid hair so well then?” she asked as he finished the firstone and tookthe ladybugfromherhandtosecuretheend
“Oh.That’ssimple.TherearealotofLittlegirlsaroundhere,Ladybug.Itseemslikeanotheroneofmybrothersfindsthe perfectwomanforhimeverydamndaylately.SteelehasIvy.KadehasRemi.AtlashasCarlee.DochasHarper.It’s like an epidemic.”Hechuckled.“Sometimes,aLittlegirl’sDaddyisn’taroundwhensheneedsherhairdone.I’mgettingprettygood atit”
Shestaredathisreflectioninthemirrorashecontinued,handoverhand,makingtheperfectbraid Maybesheshouldfeel jealous thathedidthis toother men’s girlfriends,butinstead,shegotthesensetheywerelikeafamily.Gabriel was like an uncletothoseotherwomen.Shesuddenlylongedtobeamemberofthisclub nottheMCexactly,buttheDaddyclub.Could shereallybethislucky?
“There,”hedeclaredashefastenedthesecondladybug “ReadytogomeetBearandhavesomepancakes?”
Thementionmadeherrememberthathewasgoingtoleave,andthereasonmadehernervous.Whatifsomethinghappened tohimbecause ofher? She lowered her gaze and twined her fingers together. “Ishould’ve just told them…” she murmured, mostlytoherself.
“Toldwhowhat,Ladybug?”heaskedasheliftedherchin
“Itdoesn’tmatter”Notnow Thedamagewasdonenow
Hesatonthetoiletseatandbroughtherbetweenhislegsagain.Heseemedtolikethisposition.Itputthemeyetoeye.She likedit,too.“Explainwhatyoumeant,Eden.Toldwhowhat?”
“Thosemen.TheDevil’sJesters.IfIwasn’tsouptightandsuchaprude,Icould’velaughedandshookthemofformadea jokeand ”
Hisgriponherhipstightened “Eden ”Hisvoicewasfilledwithwarning “Andtoldthemwhat?”
Sheloweredherface.“Thatthecarpetdoesmatchthedrapes,”shewhispered.
Hisbreathhitched,andhisfingersdugintoherbuttcheeksbeforeheseemedtorealizehewasholdinghertootightlyand loosened his hands “No Jesus Eden No What those men said was incredibly inappropriate, rude, distasteful, offensive, sexuallyharassing,andaboutadozenotherthings.Nooneshouldevertalktoawomanthatway.Besides,whatdoyouthink would’vehappenedifyou’dlaughedandpretendedlikeithadn’tbotheredyou?Whatifyou’dansweredtheirquestion?”
Sheshrugged.Alotofpossibilitiesranthroughhermind.Noneofthemwerepretty.
“I know Theywould’ve feltempoweredtocontinue harassingyouuntil yougotoffwork Thentheywould’ve followed youhome,andIdon’tevenwanttothinkhowthatwould’vegone”
Shesighed.He was right. “Butatleastyouwouldn’tbe goingto the diner to face Marv and getmypurse back. He has probablyputitinthedumpsterbynow.”
“AndI’vetoldyouI’mnotafraidofMarv.Ifhetouchedyourpurse,Iwillcallthepoliceandfileareport.Ibethewon’t likethecopspullingupduringbusinesshours”
Her eyes wentwide “Gabriel, he’s goingto be furious I’ll never be able to leave this compound againifyougo over there.Mypurseisn’tworthit.I’lljustgetanew IDfromthestate.I’ll tell themIlostit.It’snotlikeIhadalotofcashor a creditcardoranything.It’sjustapurse.”
“Doesn’tmatterwhat’sinit,Ladybug.It’syours.AndasI’vepointedoutbefore,youhavewaybiggerproblemsthanMarv. Youcan’tleavethiscompoundunattendeduntilIcanensurethoseJesterassholesaren’tgoingtocomeafteryou”
Shestartedtrembling.Hewasright.“Ireallymadeamessofthings.”
Hegaveherhipsashake.“Youdidnotdoanythingwrong,Eden.Nothing.Fivemensexuallyharassedyou.That’snotyour fault.I’mgoingtotakecareofit.”
Sheknewwhenhesaidfive,hewasincludingMarv Hewasright Marvhadn’tstoodupforheroraskedthementoleave orevenapologize Marvhadinsinuatedeverythinghadbeenherfaultandtakentheirside Hewasnobetter
“Youwon’tdoanythingthatwouldgetyouintrouble,right?”Thethoughtofhimgettingarrestedbecauseofhermadeher chesttighten.Foronething,shedidn’twanttobesuchaburden,butmoreimportantly,shewantedhimtocomebackhereso shecouldspendmoretimewithhimandseeifthisoddthingbetweenthemcouldpossiblybereal.
“No,Ladybug IpromiseI’llbefine Imaywanttothrowafewpunches,butIwon’tactuallydoso”
“Okay”Shedidn’tknowhimwellenoughtobecertainhewouldn’tgetviolent Hedidn’tseemviolent He’dbeennothing butcaringandgentlewithher.Buthewasinamotorcycleclub.Hedidwearanintimidatingvest.Hehadtattoos,abeard,and hairlongenoughthathe’dpulleditintoabun.Ifshe’dmethimonthestreet,hewouldhaveintimidatedher.
“Let’sgetyoutothekitchen.I’msuremybrothersarewaitingforme.”
