Page 21 of Protected By Her Daddy

Holy crap, what’s happening to me?

The buzz of Gabriel’s cell phone startles us both, breaking the tension. Dropping his hand, he plucks the phone from his pocket.

“I need to take this,” he says tersely, turning to head back inside.

I nod, cheeks burning as I follow him.

What the hell just happened?

There was no mistaking the blatant hunger in Gabriel’s eyes. I may be a virgin, but I’m not naïve. I know desire when I see it. It should terrify me after what happened with Gregory and Jerry, but it’s different with Gabriel. He doesn’t make me feel dirty. He makes me feel precious, cared for. I’ve never felt as safe and protected as I do with Gabriel. He’s opened his home to me, fed me, provided medical care, and a secure place for me to heal. As the days have passed, we’ve slipped into an easy companionship.

But with one word, everything has changed.

Daddy.

I know some men like the whole Daddy Dom thing. Is that what Gabriel likes? Is that what he expects from me in return for his help? And why doesn’t that thought have me running for the hills?

Chapter 7

Gabriel

I watch her from a distance, how she moves with more confidence than she did three weeks ago. Wren’s strides are longer and surer, and she no longer needs the sling as we walk through the park, which has become part of our daily routine. The trees burst with autumnal colors, scattering leaves of flaming orange, sunshine yellow, and burnished gold along the paths.

“Look at the ducks,” Wren says, pointing toward the pond where they swim in lazy circles, ripples trailing behind them. She smiles, a soft thing that still doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “They seem so content.”

I nod, but my mind isn’t on the ducks. It’s on her. The woman I’ve waited my whole life for. My little bird.

Keeping my hands off Wren since our moment on the rooftop over a week ago has been hell. When the word Daddy slipped from her lips, it unleashed something inside me—the cravings I’ve kept at bay out of fear of scaring her away. The want, the desire, the need to see her submit, to call me Daddy as she sucks my cock, grows stronger with each passing day.

But it’s not only the physical attraction, although that’s present in abundance. I’m drawn to her goodness that radiates through the hurt, warming me in a way I’ve never experienced. She charms everyone she meets and fits seamlessly into my life. Even her guards and the staff, initially politely dutiful, have grown fond of her, their professional facade giving way to genuine care and concern.

Our conversations have grown more profound. I told her about losing my parents when I was nineteen, about my friendship with Ed, the struggles we faced, and the drive that propelled us out of our circumstances. We’ve talked about our dreams, fears, and the world outside my penthouse. It’s been years since I’ve connected with someone on such a genuine level.

“You’ve changed, Gabe.”

I recall Ed’s words a few nights ago. Wren had gone to bed early, and Ed and I were sitting in the living room, the city spread out beneath us like a glittering tapestry.

“Wren has brought something out in you I haven’t seen in years,” Ed remarked thoughtfully. “It’s easy to get lost in our world of deals and contracts, but you've found something real.”

I nodded, knowing he was right. “She’s given me more than I’ve given her, Ed. I needed this more than I knew.”

“Does she know?”

“Know what?”

“That you’re in love with her?”

I swirled my scotch in my glass. “No.”

Ed leaned back in his chair, studying me with his sharp, discerning gaze. “Why not?”

I sighed, staring into my glass as if the amber liquid could offer some answers. “It’s complicated, Ed. She’s been through a lot, and I want to make sure she’s ready, that this is what she truly wants. But it’s more than that. Wren’s been in survival mode for so long. She’s never known what it’s like to be loved unconditionally. She has abandonment issues, and I want her to trust that I’m not going to disappear on her.”

Ed nodded slowly, the city lights reflecting in his eyes. “I get it. You’re giving her space to come to her own conclusions. But don’t wait too long, Gabe. You’re both on the same page, even if she doesn’t realize it yet.”

I looked up at him, a question in my eyes.

“I’ve seen the way she looks at you when she thinks you’re not paying attention, brother. There’s a lot more going on there than she lets on. She’s scared, sure, but she’s also falling for you. Hard.”

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