“No. Well, yes, I did miss you,” I confess softly, and he practically purrs. “But I meant touch. No one’s held me like this for a while.”
“I’ll hold you as much as you want, rabbit. You just let me know.”
“This is good.” I snuggle even closer and close my eyes. He’s so warm and smells amazing.
“This is perfect.” He kisses the top of my head again and gets back to checking his emails. From this angle, I could look over and read them, but he’s not trying to hide it. It’s nice to know he trusts me.
Soon, the city gives way to trees and then to gates.
I sit up to get a better look, and the houses are gorgeous. Straight out of fancy-pants mansion monthly, and the one we pull up to has to be the biggest one on the block.
It’s a gorgeous stone-and-brick monstrosity that reeks of old money.
“How long have you lived here?” I ask as we drive up the long-ass driveway.
“Liv was just starting school, and I wanted her in the best school, so maybe twenty years.”
“Twenty years!” I gasp, and then it hits me. He’s got a daughter who’s my age. In theory I know this, in reality… Well, what if she hates me?
“Can I tell you a secret?” he whispers.
“Sure.” I nod, my mini panic attack forgotten.
“I really don’t like this place,” he whispers, and I laugh out loud.
“Then why did you buy it?”
“It was the biggest, gaudiest house on the block, and I wanted everyone to know who the boss was.”
“Well, it positively screams money and importance.”
“Exactly.”
The car stops, and Tag opens my door. Daddy growls when Tag offers me a hand to help me step out.
“It’s so he doesn’t trip, boss.”
“Rory, I’ve assigned Tag to be your bodyguard.” He turns to growl at him. “But if he keeps flirting with you, I’ll kill him instead.”
“Come on, boss. I know he’s yours.”
“If you ever need anything or feel threatened and I’m not around, you go to him.”
“Do I really need a bodyguard?” That sounds kinda scary.
“Men from your trial are getting hurt.”
“Do I really need a bodyguard from the men who are getting revenge on my behalf?” I challenge.
“What are you implying?” He sounds mock offended.
“Nothing.” It’s probably best if he doesn’t say it out loud. “But it sounds like I’m safe from the revenge, so why would I need a bodyguard?”
“I have enemies.”
“Like the men who were chasing us?”
“Yes.”
