Travis’s standing there, all muscle and quiet strength, his eyes soft but commanding, and it hits me like a tidal wave: he might just be my perfect Daddy. Not just the stern protector, not just the Guard I’m supposed to hate, but someone who sees me—my fire, my Little side, my need for justice—and meets me there, every step of the way.
He kneels beside the bed, brushing a strand of hair from my face.
“Get some sleep, Little Lawyer,” Travis says, his voice softer now. “We’ve got a big day tomorrow. You did good today, telling me about Kyle, those files. We’re gonna figure this out, together. And when we do, it’ll be all candy and roses for you.”
I nod, my giggles fading into a warm, contented glow.
“Okay, Daddy,” I whisper, pulling Bean closer. “But you owe me a movie night withextrapopcorn next time.”
Travis grins, that rare, boyish smile that makes my heart skip.
“Deal,” Travis chuckles. “Now close your eyes.”
I do, sinking into the pillows, the weight of the day—Kyle’s sleazy charm, the Obsidian Ventures files, the kiss—melting away.
Travis’s presence lingers, a quiet promise, and as I drift toward sleep, I feel safe, anchored, like maybe, just maybe, we can face whatever’s coming.
But if Travis thinks I’m going to stop trying to get him to give in to his animal passion, then he’s got another thing coming…
Chapter 16
Travis
The morning sun glints off the city’s glass towers as I pull my unassuming black car into the top floor of the parking lot across from Knox & Rain’s office.
Higher ground.
Always an advantage.
Now to make it count…
The vantage point’s perfect—high enough to see the street below, the entrance to the building, and anyone coming or going.
Miles is in the passenger seat, his backpack on his lap, Bean safely tucked away. He’s in his work clothes—a crisp shirt, jeans, that tracker still tucked in his waistband—and his eyes sparkle as he fidgets, his gaze darting to the office building.
The memory of last night’s kiss, his soft giggles as I carried him to bed, lingers like a pulse under my skin, and it’s taking everything I’ve got to keep my mind on the mission.
Focus.
We’ve come this far.
We’re getting closer by the day…
I cut the engine, the silence settling between us, and turn to him, my voice steady but firm.
“Same deal as yesterday, Little,” I say, my voice controlled but warm. “Act normal at work. Do your job, keep your eyes open for anything off. Files, conversations, anything tied to Obsidian Ventures or Kyle Knox. I’ll be up here, watching the comings and goings. We need to know who’s involved in this mess.”
Miles nods, his lips pressed into a thin line, but there’s a flicker of unease in his eyes. “I get it,” he says, his voice quieter than usual. “But… what about Knox? If he pulls that sleazy charm again, do I play along? Like yesterday?”
I grit my teeth, the thought of Kyle’s slimy hands anywhere near him sparking a possessive heat in my chest.
“If you have to flirt to get answers, do it,” I say, forcing the words out. “We both hate it, but it’s part of the play. Just don’t let him get too close.”
His eyes meet mine, soft but sparking with something bold.
“I understand,” Miles says, then leans closer, his voice dropping to a teasing lilt. “But just so you know, there’s only one man Iwantto flirt with.”
The words hit me like a shot, and a surge of animal passion roars through me, raw and unstoppable.
