Page 20 of Protected By Her Daddy

I laugh, a bit shy under his keen gaze. “Likewise.”

“Étienne keeps us well-fed. Breakfast, lunch, dinner—whatever you want, he can make it,” Gabriel explains.

“Thank you for all the wonderful meals you’ve prepared for me,” I say warmly, smiling at the French man. “I’ve never eaten such delicious food.”

“Ah, this is music to my ears, ma chérie,” he says with a wink. “It is a pleasure to cook for such a beautiful woman.”

I blush, and Gabriel’s hand tightens on mine. I look up, catching a flash of warning in his eyes as he looks at the chef.

“We’ll leave you to get on with your work,” he says coolly, practically dragging me from the kitchens.

We take the elevator again, this time to the very top floor. The doors slide open to reveal the penthouse with its panoramic city views, modern décor, plush furniture, and warm lighting that makes the expansive space feel cozy. Gabriel is right. This space has become my home in recent weeks.

“I realize I haven’t shown you the best view yet,” he says, leading me toward a large door off the living room that I somehow haven’t noticed before. He opens it to reveal a rooftop terrace.

“Wow,” I breathe, stepping out into the fresh air. “This is… incredible.”

The view is stunning, with the city sprawling beneath us and the sky stretching above. There’s a small garden, with comfortable seating and even a fire pit.

“It’s peaceful,” Gabriel agrees, his voice softer now, almost contemplative. “I come out here when I need to think.”

I glance at him, wondering what a man like Gabriel needs to think about. But instead of asking, I let the silence between us settle, comfortable and unhurried. My tension eases, the weight of my worries lifting a little in this sanctuary he’s created.

“Thank you for showing me all this,” I say, turning to face him. “I know I don’t belong here, but… it’s nice to pretend, even if only for a little while.”

Gabriel’s expression softens, and he takes a step closer, his presence warm and reassuring. “You belong here as much as anyone, Wren. Don’t ever think otherwise.”

“I’ll try not to be any trouble,” I reply, my voice tight with fear of the unknown. What if I mess this up? What if I disappoint him?

His mouth tightens. “You could never be any trouble, Wren. You’re a fighter. Never forget that. No more of this self-doubting shit, got it?”

I give him a small salute. “Got it, Daddy.”

Gabriel’s expression instantly changes. His features become tense as his eyes bore into mine. “What did you call me?”

I laugh shakily. “It was a joke. I-I didn’t mean to offend you. I?—”

He shakes his head as he prowls toward me. “You didn’t offend me. Far from it. I liked it.”

I swallow hard. “You liked me calling you… Daddy?”

He nods as he brushes his knuckles over my cheek. “Yes, I liked it, little bird.”

Little bird.

This time, the endearment shakes loose a memory.

There’s only one thing I want, little bird. You.

Did I imagine Gabriel saying those words that first night as I drifted off to sleep? I had a ton of pain meds in my system, so maybe it wasn’t real. The pertinent question is, do I want it to be real?

Part of me does. So desperately. But I’ve always kept a reinforced wall between myself and any romantic relationship. I’m not stupid. I’m the abandoned girl clinging to a kind word and yearning for stability. I know that my deep desire to be loved could be my downfall. It would be so easy to mistake the safety Gabriel offers for something… more.

Gabriel rubs his thumb over my bottom lip, pulling it away from my teeth. Without thinking, my tongue darts out to lick the rough pad.

“Fuck,” he growls, a muscle flickering in his jaw, a flush staining his high cheekbones.

My heart gallops at the molten heat in his brown eyes. Goosebumps spread across my flesh, tightening my nipples into hard points. Warmth pools in my lower belly and spills into my core, sending the blood rushing to my throbbing clit. My body sparks to life, and the need to touch him is overwhelming.

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