Page 24 of Daddy's Little 1

I don’t know how much more of this intensity I can take, so I reach for a piece of shrimp and put it in her mouth. She manages to bite the tip of my finger, and half of it drops back onto the plate. We both look down at it, and she hoots with laughter. Much too loud for a place like this, judging by the stares of the other diners, but I don’t give a shit. I’d do anything to hear that joyous sound every day.

And then she snorts…

“So fucking cute.”

“No way,” she says between giggles. “I never believe when people say that.”

“You can believe me, baby girl. Always.”

ChapterEleven

Brenna

"I need to finish this book."My words are meant to sound scolding but come out with a sigh as Roman strokes my thighs. Goosebumps erupt all over my body.

"I thought you came out here to relax," he teases.

I made myself a mimosa and grabbed a book I needed to finish for art class since I’m staying here a little longer. But ten minutes ago, Roman came out here, sat in the pool, and pulled my legs onto his lap.

I like it so much that I haven't had the heart to tell him until now that he’s far too gorgeous and distracting for me to focus. But who wouldn’t find Roman distracting?

I still can't believe he's all mine.

My time with him has been a fairytale, mostly because he spoils me. And because I never dreamed he would want me back. Turns out I was wrong.

"I did, but you’re not helping. I have to read this book for school." I reach forward and bop him playfully on the head with the book.

He grins from ear to ear. "Oh, and what exactly isn't relaxing about this?" He snakes his fingers higher on my flesh, landing between my thighs as his mouth lands on mine, devouring me.

I meet the thrust of his tongue greedily, ready to give up on all semblance of studying.

"What thefuckis this?"

Oh, God. I know that voice. A voice that, three days before he's supposed to be back, should have me running into his arms. But instead of joy, all I feel is dread.

My legs drop into the pool as Roman jumps up, dripping wet. I swivel and put my book down, staring at his feet because I can't bring myself to look my dad in the eyes.

"James! You're home early. Who let you in?"

Probably the wrong thing to ask right now.

"I have a key, remember?” he asks, his face white with fury. “So I used it after knocking for a solid five minutes and getting no answer. And it’s a good thing, too, considering—”

"Look, James, it's not what you think,” Roman cuts across him.

“Oh, really? Then I must have imagined your tongue at the back of my daughter’s throat,” he bites off.

Roman rakes a hand through his dark hair. “James, please. Let’s go into my office and talk about this.”

“You were supposed to be looking after her, not taking advantage of her!” Dad continues, stalking toward Roman.

It all happens so fast. I hear the dull thud and watch as Roman’s head snaps to the side. Blood sprays from his mouth from my dad’s punch.

Dad looks murderous. “It makes me sick to my stomach to know you’ve had your hands on her, that you used her. Someone I trusted.”

“I didn’t use her, James. I would never use Brenna. Not her.”

Roman staggers back under Dad’s next punch.