Page 16 of Lion's Little Scamp

Harrigan did not tighten his grip, but he did not release her either. He just maintained hold of her hand as he turned to look down at her, radiating a calm determination, much like she expected a Daddy would.

“I texted Sullivan and let him know you would not be there.”

Irish blinked and stared up at the man in astonishment. “You can do that?”

Harrigan pulled her close and wrapped his free arm around her back. “When it comes to health and safety matters, yes, I can do that. You are exhausted and need a nap. Don’t worry though, the animals will be there tomorrow for you to care for. As my mate, you get a little more latitude than most of the trainees, but that doesn’t mean you’ll get out of chores every day. Tomorrow, you’ll be in the barns shoveling shit and whatever else Sullivan demands.”

With that explanation, Irish leaned into his body. “Well, okay. I’ll take a nap, Sir.”

“Daddy,” Harrigan corrected.

“Huh?”

“I’d like you to start calling me Daidi. It’s Irish for Daddy.”

Irish thought about the request and a warm shiver ran through her at the meaning. Though he had not claimed her as his mate, he wanted to Daddy her. “Okay, Daidi.”

He smiled down at her, obviously pleased. She was shocked when her pussy dampened and clenched with need. She wondered what he would do if she suggested he join her for a nap and then not sleep until much, much later. She wasn’t sure why, but her heart felt lighter.

When Harrigan began to walk again, his steps were fast and long. She ended up skipping to keep up, which made her giggle because she could not remember the last time she had skipped.

When they passed the helicopter, she reached out to touch the big shiny machine with a smile. “Can you take me for another ride? This time while I’m awake and can see things?”

“Did you like the ride here?”

Irish shrugged. “I’m not sure. I fell asleep before I really got to experience anything. Plus, I was sitting in the dark and couldn’t see anything. I’d love to see the world from a bird’s view.”

Harrigan stopped at the base of the stairs. “You’d never flown before?”

She shook her head with a soft sigh. “No. Foster kids don’t get vacation trips anywhere. And the past couple of years, I haven’t really been in a position to travel except by the shoe leather express.”

It was a sad commentary on her life, but she shrugged it off before allowing it to drag her down any further.

“Maybe you can teach me to fly?” she asked with a flirty smile.

Harrigan huffed and turned to the stairs. “We’ll see how you do on your next trip.”

Once they were home, he pointed across the main room. “Change into your pajamas, go potty and then bed. I’ll be in to tuck you in.”

“Yes, Daidi,” Irish said with a yawn, yelping when he smacked her butt as she walked past him.

Harrigan was waiting in her bedroom with the covers pulled back when she was finished in the bathroom, holding a t-shirt in his hands.

“I thought you might like to wear this instead of your pajamas,” he held the shirt out to her.

She smiled even as she yawned again. “I’d like that. Thank you.”

With a full tummy, and knowing she was safe with her Daidi, Irish found herself too tired to lift her arms.

“Want help getting changed?”

“Yes please, Daidi.”

Harrigan’s heart squeezed with pleasure at the easy manner in which she accepted his help. He just had to get through the next two minutes without pushing for more. He was close to the edge of his control, and his lion was beginning to pace in anticipation.

Kneeling before her, he started at her feet, pulling off her shoes and socks. He then worked her belt and opened her jeans which he pulled down, leaving her panties in place. When her arousal filled his nostrils, he had to close his eyes for a moment as he savored the scent.

Finally, he stood and reached for the hem of her shirt. “Arms up,” he said, wincing at the harsh sound of his voice.