“That’s not an answer,” he growled.
“I grew up traveling with my Mother when she went to meetings. So yes, I’ve seen a number of soldiers.” He opened his mouth to retort, but I put my fingers against his lips. “Uh-uh. You asked your question. It’s my turn now.”
“One second. Don’t want the burgers to burn,” he huffed. He flipped the patties and topped them with thick slices of cheese, seasoning them a second time.
“It’s going to burn,” I said, watching as he covered them with a lid, trapping the steam.
“It’s to melt the cheese. I never burn food. Now, back to your question,” he said, pulling me close with one hand.
“Why do you have soldiers?” I asked.
He didn’t answer immediately. He turned back to the stove, his focus entirely on the sizzle of the pan. He scooped the patties out, stacking them onto the buns before piling the golden potato cubes onto the side. He moved with a quiet efficiency that made my question feel heavier in the air.
Once the plates were ready, he didn’t pick them up. He turned back to me, bracing his hands on the counter, caging meagainst the marble. He leaned in until our noses almost touched, his stormy eyes searching mine.
“Because I can,” he finally answered, his voice a low, vibrating hum.
“And because in this world, Vera, if you don’t have an army, you’re someone else’s property.”
“Is that enough or do you want more?” I turned at his words, glancing at the plate where a pyramid of potatoes sat.
“Any more and I’ll turn into a potato. That’s enough,” I laughed.
“So… no?”
“No, I don’t need to get any bigger,” I said.
He put the plate down and walked over, his expression hard. “Don’t do that. Don’t talk badly about what’s mine. You are fucking perfect the way you are. Got it?”
My mouth went dry.
“Yes, Daddy,”I breathed. He leaned forward, and I closed my eyes, but his mouth only pressed against my nose. I peered up at him, startled, and he winked before grabbing the plates, and strode out of the kitchen.
I took a deep breath to calm my racing heart before hopping off the counter. I followed him to the table, side-eyeing him as he passed me to grab our drinks. He returned with muscles on full display, placing a few different sauces down. I swiped the BBQ and squirted a generous amount.
“A woman after my own heart,” he feigned pain, gripping his chest.
I snorted, then bit into the massive burger with a satisfying crunch. A not-so-subtle groan fell from my lips, my eyes fluttering shut.
“Fuck. That good, huh?” Dane grunted, adjusting himself in his chair.
“So yummy,” I murmured. He reached over and grabbed a potato bite.
“Say, ‘ah’,” he asked huskily. I held his gaze and slowly opened my mouth. As he brought the starch closer, my tongue darted out, sliding along his fingers.
“Mm… salty,” I moaned.
“You,” he chuckled. “You’re a tease. Eat your food, Vera. Otherwise, I’m going to clear this table, spread you open, and feast until there’s nothing left of you but my marks.”
Knots. I’d like that very fucking much.
I couldn’t help but smile as I did exactly as Daddy commanded.
When I’d all but licked my dish clean, Dane leaned back in his seat, watching me. There was a glint in his eyes that promised sinful, delicious things. My throat tightened. A shiver ran up my spine. I jumped to my feet and grabbed my dish. He took it from me.
“You’re not doing that,” he murmured as he shook his head.
“What? Taking my mess back?” I laughed. The first time made sense, but at this point I was bordering on being a burden. He placed the plate down and laced his fingers with mine. He pulled mine to his lips.
