Page 36 of Her Hero Daddy

He studied her before nodding, “Okay. Are you sure you don’t want me to set you up in the house? I’d feel better about you being closer to me.”

She shook her head. “I’m okay. I’m so tired tonight. It’s not even that late, but it’s been such a long day. I’m probably going to just crash.”

The frown on his face told her he didn’t like her answer, but he nodded and pulled an iPhone out of his back pocket.

“Here. This is for you. I added mine, Luke’s, and Ally’s phone numbers to it for you. Use it as much as you want. It’s all unlimited.”

She took the phone from his hand, feeling the heat of him brush against her. The pull she felt toward him was strong. Her attraction to Tim had been nothing compared to what she felt toward Kane.

“Thank you, Kane. For everything. I feel like I will never be able…”

He cut her off. “If you say anything about repaying me, you will be in a lot of trouble, baby alligator.”

She closed her mouth and used her hand to imitate zipping her lips shut and throwing away the key. His eyes crinkled at the corners slightly, showing his amusement, and she couldn’t help but smile.

“Well… again… thank you. All of this means so much to me.”

He reached over, brushing his knuckles over her non-bruised cheek, using his thumb to rub gently. She almost thought he was going to kiss her until he pulled his hand away slowly and sighed.

“I will let you go to bed. Call or text if you need anything, or just come over to the house.”

She nodded, feeling slightly disappointed, though she didn’t know why. He’d already offered for her to stay in the house with him. She couldn’t expect him to stay in the apartment with her all night. Why didn’t she give in to his offer?

“See ya later, baby alligator.”

“In a while, crocodile,” she whispered before closing the door.

She left the lights on and crawled into the comfortable bed. She was completely drained, but her mind wouldn’t stop thinking about the man who was so close yet too far away for her liking. Despite her earlier release in the shower, her clit was aching again, only she had a feeling that her own fingers wouldn’t be able to relieve that ache. It felt like she tossed and turned for hours until she finally dozed off into a fitful sleep.

16

KANE

Leaving Haylee in the apartment had been hard. He wanted to demand that she stay in his guest room so he could keep her near him. But he had no right to make that demand. She wasn’t his. Not yet anyway. When he mentioned being a Daddy Dom, the flicker in her eyes made him feel hopeful. Not that she would necessarily want him to be her Daddy Dom, even if she were a Little.

He walked around the house aimlessly, checking the locks and windows to make sure they were secure. The day had been a nonstop test of his temper. The only reason he’d been able to keep control was because of Haylee. She was already scared enough as it was, and he didn’t need to make it worse, even though his fury was solely because of the bastard, Tim Parker.

She had been so strong throughout her interview with Luke and then her exam with Logan. He knew she hadn’t wanted to go through either of those things, but it was necessary so they could nail Tim to the wall. Kane needed to make sure the guy wasn’t released from prison for a very long time once he was caught. It didn’t matter, though. He would keep Haylee safe, even if she didn’t stay with him. He would look after her.

Knowing he couldn’t sleep, Kane went into his office to get some work done. He needed something to keep his mind busy and off the tiny Little girl in his garage apartment. He called Damian and got caught up with him. There were three guys set up at different posts around his house, and three more would be showing up the next day to cover Luke and Ally’s house.

“You really like this girl,” Damian said.

Kane nodded to himself. “There’s something about her that I’m drawn to.”

He heard Damian sigh. “Have anything to do with trying to make up for what happened to Mom?”

Damian knew him better than anyone. They had gone through hell together when they were kids. They were only eleven months apart in age and had been the best of friends all their lives.

“It might. I’m not really sure. I feel this need to take care of her. Protect her. I couldn’t just stand by and not help her, and now, I don’t think I could walk away even if she asked me to.”

“You’re a good man. You always have been. You’ve always kept the weight of the world on your shoulders and are always looking to protect those who need it. Mom would be proud of you.”

Sadness filled him as he stared blankly at the laptop screen. They didn’t talk about their mom very much anymore. It was too hard. Too heavy and painful.

“I love you, brother. Thanks for all your help.”

“Anytime. I can’t wait to meet her. I’ll plan a trip down to Pinebrook soon. Need to come to see your new house.”