Page 75 of We Three Kings
The smile slides off her face in an instant and her eyes widen in horror. “I’m sorry. You probably didn’t need to know that.”
Adorable. I caress over her blushing cheek. “It’s okay. I know what goes on between a man and woman in bed.”
Her deep breath sure as hell doesn’t calm my racing pulse from touching her again. I force my arm down before I go too far. “Do you want to get some breakfast on the way? Have you eaten yet?”
“I had some cereal already, but I can keep you company while you eat. I don’t mind.”
Obviously, she doesn’t. No woman is as easy going as her. “Then let me add myself to the lock and we’ll get going.”
A frown lines her forehead that I hope stems from confusion rather than alarm.
“You want in my apartment?”
I want in your entire life. “Just to keep you safe. I’m as protective of you as Balthazar. We’re both going to take care of you.”
Her grin is back as her head bobs. “Oh yes, I’d like that.”
I give her a pointed look, so she knows what I want to hear.
“Daddy.”
The whisper gets to me, and I lean close to give her a quick kiss on her forehead. This time, I’m the one breathing deep, absorbing her sweet scent. Incredible.
Intense eyes watch as I tap the numbers and press my print onto the screen. With a quick flicker of blue lights, I’m all set. “Now I can get to you anytime you need me.”
“That makes me feel very safe. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
I grab her coat draped on the arm of the sofa. The cheap fabric seems flimsy. “Is this the heaviest jacket you’ve got?”
She rubs the material between her slender fingers. “I picked this one because it has Christmas trees on it, but I can get a different one if you want.”
“I do. We’re going to be outside for a while, and I don’t want you to get cold.”
Rather than wilting under my dominance, she blossoms from my concern. “Okay, I’ll be right back.”
Her little boots scurry to the hallway closet, and she draws out a thick, puffy purple coat.
“My friend gave this to me when she got a new one. It’s a little too big but it’s really warm.” She slips her arms through the sleeves and looks up to me. “Is it okay?”
Giving her my approval would be easier if I was stripping her down rather than bundling her up. I grab the black tab and glide her zipper. “It’s perfect but we need to get you one that fits.”
A frown mars her exquisite face, and she shakes her head.
“That’s okay. I don’t mind.”
God help me. “ButImind.”
The grin returns along with an expression of contentment that I care so much.
“Now I know where Balthazar gets his overprotectiveness from.”
Is that kind of sick? Yes.
Do I care? No.
I don’t give a damn. No one judges me or what’s right for my little one. “Remember what I told you. We’re both going to take care of you from now on.”