“Because you’re going to kill them,” I blurt out.
“Yes.”
I bite my lip and ponder this odd new reality. I’m half in love with a man I’ve only met six times. My feelings for him are purely based on fantasy. After all, I can’t really know him well.
But my father knew him. He mentored him and treated him like a son. He made him the executor of his will. He trusted Mace to take care of me, no matter what happened to him or when. I know my father wouldn’t make that sort of decision lightly.
I’ve been wearing rose-colored glasses for twenty-two years. I was oblivious to the ugliest parts of society. I’ve been thrust into a new universe. It’s dark and murky. I suspect I’m going to learn things I never wanted to know.
I’m going to worry. I don’t want Mace to put his life on the line to avenge my father. It’s not worth it. I wish he would just let it go. I grip his fingers with mine.
“Hey… What’s going on in your head now, sweetheart?”
“Can’t you just pretend it never happened? We could have a funeral, like normal people do, and go on with our lives.”
“I’m sorry, Baby. It doesn’t work that way. Whoever killed your father left a calling card in the form of his poisoned body. They may have even watched you come home and leave. I would never risk your safety by brushing this under the rug as if it never occurred. It’s not what your father wanted, either. He sent you to me because he knew you could be in danger. I have to flush that out and ensure you are truly safe.”
“Okay,” I murmur. It’s not really okay, but I’m not going to talk Mace out of whatever he intends tonight. We can discuss it again later. Maybe he’ll hit a dead end and be unable to pursue my father’s killer.
“Sleep, sweetheart. Let your mind rest now.”
I’m finally fading, probably after being overloaded with thoughts, information, and even a delicious spanking and orgasm.
I close my eyes and will sleep to take me under.
Chapter Eleven
Mace
* * *
When the sun comes up, I slip into my room and carefully sit on the edge of the bed. I’ve been awake for hours. I slept hard, holding her in my arms. I’m not sure I’ve slept that well in years. I’m always restless at night. But last night was different.
I can’t think of any other way to describe it than being at peace. I hate that my friend and mentor is dead. I’m furious, and I will avenge his death, even if it’s the last thing I do. But he sent me the best gift in the world. It was his dying wish. And he wasn’t oblivious to either of our feelings for each other.
Even though Autumn and I spent a long time talking after I curled up with her in bed, it wasn’t late. So I woke up long before now. I’ve already worked out, checked with the team in Indianapolis who’s working on this case, and did some more online shopping.
I kept a close eye on Autumn on the monitor the entire time. She never moved an inch. My poor girl was so tired and really needed to catch up on her sleep.
Autumn finally stirs, blinking her eyes open slowly. The first thing she does is smile, which lights up the entire room. “How long have you been watching me sleep?” she asks in a husky morning voice.
“Not long. I just got here.”
She glances down at my chest. “You’re dressed.”
I chuckle. “I’ve worked out in my home gym, made breakfast, ordered several more girl things for delivery, and checked in with my team.”
She giggles. “Girl things?”
“Yep.”
“Adult girl things?”
I shrug. “Some of both. Even though you have a Little side that needs exploring, that doesn’t mean you’ll want to stay in that headspace all the time.”
She narrows her gaze. “I get to choose?”
“Baby, you get to choose everything. My job will be to ensure your needs are met, no matter what they may be. And over time, they might change. That’s okay, too.” She has so much to learn.
