Page 8

I nod, open the tea bag, and drop it in the cup before pouring the water. “Th-th-thank you,” I mumble as I stir. A shiver runs through my arms and torso, and the spoon in my hand clangs against the sides of the cup as I stir. “S-s-sorry,” I whisper when I feel everyone’s eyes on me. And I don’t just mean the people at my table, but the others around us as well.

“Are you cold?” Cato asks, turning to face me. I shrug, looking down at my lap. His hand cups my jaw, forcing me to meet his stare. “When I ask you a question, I expect a verbal response, Hester. Am I understood?”

His dominant tone steals my breath and, apparently, my sanity because, for the first time in my life, I don’t stutter as I say, “Yes, Daddy.”

CHAPTER 5

Cato

Shame fills her eyes as soon as the word passes her plump lips. Color drains from her face, and if she could get past me, she’d likely run.

Cupping her face in my hands, I tug her roughly into me. “Again,” I demand hoarsely against her lips. “Fucking say it again.” Nothing ever felt so right as it did in the split second it took her to obey me.

“Y-y-yes D-d-d-add-d-dy.”

I growl at her hesitance, hating how nervous she is now.

“Don’t be unsure with me, pretty girl; I like it. Far too fucking much.” Pressing our lips together, I don’t overwhelm her with as intense of a claiming as I’d like, but just enough to shake her up. “Whisper it in my ear, just for Daddy.”

She whimpers, and my cock expands and leaks, yearning for access to the temptation between her thighs right fucking now.

She inhales deeply, then breathes out, “Daddy,” only loud enough for my ears.

Digging the heel of my palm into my dick, I attempt to curtail the orgasm rushing to the surface, bubbling up the stalk from the simple word that means so damn much coming from her innocent lips.

“Fuck,” I grunt. “You have no idea what that word does to me, but I sure as hell hope you’ll let me show you real damn soon.”

Sitting back, I meet her timid eyes with my fierce orbs as the kids return from Miles taking them to play the claw machine. Just in time for our dinner to arrive.

Scarlett happily chatters, filling the silence Nate and I never have the need to fill, drawing Hester out of her closed shell. Despite the stuttering, it’s clear Hester is comfortable around my kids, and that I’m the one making her nervous.

By the time dessert is served, I’ve had my hand wrapped around Hester’s thigh for nearly an hour, and she leans into me every once in a while before catching herself and drawing away. When she does, I squeeze her leg to let her know I feel what she’s doing. She needs to be aware that I want her around me always. Whether she’s leaning on me or sitting five feet away, this woman is quickly becoming my addiction.

After paying the bill, we walk to the car. Nate steers Scarlett in the direction we’re going so she doesn’t get distracted, and I lace my fingers through Hester’s.

“I’m glad you came tonight,” I say, slowing my steps. “I know you only came because you like my kids.” Her eyes widen at my understanding. “It’s okay, they’re pretty likable, and they really like you too.” Her cheeks pinken at my comment.

I watch her lick her lips before she finally speaks. “I had f-f-fun.”

One day, I’ll ask her all about that stutter and the reason for it. She’s nervous enough already, so I won’t push more than a goodnight kiss tonight.

As the kids climb in the car, I keep Hester with me, needing a taste of her lips. Once the door closes, I pull her into me and slant my lips over hers before she can protest. She’s stiff, her hands digging into my chest as I press my mouth on hers, licking the seam of her lips until she opens for me. Palming the small of her back, my other hand plunges through her hair and angles her for deeper access to her mouth.

Tangling her tongue with mine, she mewls out a surprised gasp, and I take advantage, kissing harder, taking more. Swallowing every little sound she makes and groaning with pleasure when her hands finally glide up my chest and wrap around my neck.

She tastes just like the dark chocolate cake from dessert, and all I want is more. If my kids weren’t with us, I’d be doing more than tasting her lips in the back of the car. I’d be diving deep between her thighs, eating her to one orgasm after another until my tongue couldn’t go anymore.

Slowing the kiss down, I draw back with a disappointed grunt. “You are delicious.” She nearly flames red with passion and, I suspect, embarrassment. “I’d like to do this again very soon,” I say once her eyes lift to meet mine.

“K-k-kiss?” Her fingers move to touch her now-swollen lips.

“Kiss…date…fuck. I’m not exactly picky about how I get to spend time with you or touch you; I just want to do it again and often.” Her eyes widen at my blunt words. I’ve never been a man to hide my wants or needs, and I won’t start with Hester. Not when she could mean so damn much to me. To us.

“O-okay.” At her easy acceptance, I give her a slow, bright smile.

Leaning in close to her ear, I command, “Say it again properly,” then pull back just enough for her to see what I want in my eyes.

She swallows roughly as I raise an eyebrow in challenge. Pulling her closer, I slide one hand up the back of her sweater, and the other cups her ass as I dig my erection into her soft belly.