Page 20 of Keeping Katie
“Wait. Does that mean…”
“That Grady is a Daddy?” Scarlet asks. “Most definitely. I think he might be a bit surprising, though. He seems so easygoing, but I don’t think he actually is. He’s super protective of all of us. It’s interesting to see when he goes all Daddy-mode.”
Before I have time to fully digest that and ask more questions, Grady and the rest of the men file in, all with drinks in their hands. A glass of wine in one and a glass of what looks like whiskey in the other. Except Ronan. He only has whiskey.
“Ready to watch the movie for the millionth time?” Killian asks.
Scarlet beams up at him. “So ready! I wonder if Beast is going to be nicer to Belle this time.”
Killian snorts and rolls his eyes but then leans over to press a kiss to Scarlet’s lips. “Let’s hope, huh?”
She nods and cuddles up to his side when he sits down.
The couch I’m on is enormous, big enough for at least eight people. Chloe stays next to me, with Bash on her other side.Grady sits near but not too close. I’m not sure if I’m happy or disappointed. I smell his cologne, but I want more of it.
“Wine?” he asks, holding the stemmed glass out for me.
I take it from him and offer a smile. “Thank you.”
The movie starts, the surround sound so good it feels like we’re in the snow with Belle’s father.
One of Grady’s rings clinks against his glass as he takes a long drink, then looks at me. “The girls fill you in about us?”
A shudder runs through me. Does he mean about being in the mob? Or being Daddies?
“Yes,” I whisper.
He stays quiet for a moment and takes another drink. “We might be bad men, Katie, but I need you to know you’re completely safe with us.”
Slowly, I turn my head to meet his gaze in the dim light. We stare at each other in silence, but it feels like we’re communicating; I’m just not sure about what. I believe I’m safe with him. I believe Chloe and the other girls wouldn’t be here if they didn’t feel completely safe.
“I know.”
As soon as I say it, his shoulders relax, and the tightness of his jaw releases. “Good girl.”
The words are quiet, but in my head, they couldn’t be any louder.
Good girl. Wow.
Who knew two words could be so beautiful? Could make me feel something I’ve never experienced before. Could make me want something I’ve only ever fantasized about.
When did my bed get so comfy?
I curl up tighter and feel around for Pancake. I rarely let her go in my sleep, so panic creeps in as I search for her. My eyes fly open, and I look around the room. Crumb cake. This isn’t my room. This isn’t even my apartment. I must have fallen asleep during the movie.
Chloe is fast asleep at the other end of the couch, and Paisley is sprawled out on the thick carpet a few feet away. Scarlet is sleeping practically on top of her husband. He’s snoring softly with his arm wrapped around her protectively. It’s a pretty cute scene.
As quietly as possible, I peel back the fluffy blanket someone put over me and tiptoe from the room. I try not to think about the fact that it was most likely Grady who covered me up. At least, that’s what I keep telling myself. It could have been any of the guys. I’m going with Grady, though.
I quietly make my way through the maze of a house toward the foyer. Hopefully, the snow will have melted so I can go home and snuggle up with Pancake. Otherwise, I’m not going to be able to sleep tonight. I can’t believe I dozed off during the movie. I never do that.
“Where do you think you’re going, Little one?”
I stop mid-step on the marble floor and slowly turn to find Grady. He’s shed his suit jacket, tie, and shoes, but he still looks just as intimidating. His hair is a bit mussed like he’s been running his fingers through it. The man looks so freaking edible, it’s unfair.
“Oh, um, hi. I didn’t mean to wake you,” I whisper, even though we’re alone in the enormous foyer.
His gaze is locked on me as he approaches, an eyebrow raised. “You didn’t wake me. Where do you think you’re going?”