Page 52 of Protected By Her Daddy

But even as we drive toward the event, the weight of my responsibilities lingers, a silent sentinel in the back of my mind. No matter what, I’ll protect our little family, whatever it takes.

The charity auction is in full swing, and the air buzzes with the kind of energy that only comes when money meets a good cause. Some of my guys blend with the guests, while others make their presence known at the entrances and exits. I guide Wren through the throngs of well-dressed philanthropists, introducing her to the city’s elite, who could be key influencers in our future business endeavors.

“Mr. and Mrs. Hubbard, meet my wife, Wren,” I say with a warm smile. “Up-and-coming star in the business world.”

Wren’s hand trembles slightly as she shakes hands with them, but her voice is steady. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both.”

“Likewise,” Mr. Hubbard says, his eyes crinkling with genuine interest. His wife nods, equally engaged.

As I watch her converse, something shifts inside me. She’s radiant, her usual trepidation replaced by a spark of excitement. Her cheeks are flushed, her eyes alight with the thrill of the evening, and maybe something more. It’s like watching a flower bloom in fast-forward.

“Gabriel,” she whispers a few hours later, leaning close to me as we applaud the winning bid for a painting, “I can’t believe how much you spent on that trip to Maui for the kids’ theater group.”

“It’s a good cause,” I reply, though my focus isn’t on the stage. It’s on her, the way she claps, the infectious joy in her laughter. If I weren’t already, I’d be a goner, completely wrapped around her little finger.

“Let’s see if we can sneak out early,” I murmur, itching to get her back home. “I’ve had enough of sharing you for one night.”

“Greedy,” she teases with a sideways glance, but I can tell she’s ready to leave too.

“Only for you,” I quip, leading her out of the elegant venue to where Ed waits for us.

I help Wren into the car, pausing to speak to Ed.

“Anything?”

“No sign of Gregory or Jerry tonight,” he says quietly, his tone all business. “But I’ve made contact with Abe. He’s on the case.”

“Good.” I slide into the backseat beside Wren, tugging her close.

“Is everything okay?” she asks, sensing the shift in mood.

“Perfect now,” I assure her, taking her hand. “Let’s get you home.”

We’re silent in the car, and I leave her to her thoughts. Soon enough, those thoughts will only be of me, anyway. I smile as Ed pulls into the parking garage. I help Wren out of the car and into the elevator. The doors slide shut with a hush, sealing us in our own private world. Wren is curled into me, her warmth bleeding through the layers of my suit. I tighten my hold around her, savoring the quiet before her question breaks the silence.

“What was that about?” Her voice is small but curious, and she tilts her head to meet my eyes.

“Nothing, sweetheart,” I reassure her, brushing a thumb over her cheek. “Just making sure you’re safe, that’s all.” It’s the truth, albeit not the whole story. My hand finds its way to her belly, resting there with an almost sacred reverence. “Especially now that you’re carrying our baby.” The words still send a thrill through me, a mixture of pride and a fierce protectiveness I’ve never known before.

She blinks up at me, her blue eyes shimmering with emotion.“I still can’t believe it’s real,” she whispers, stroking her fingers over my chest. The sensation shoots straight down my spine to my cock.

“Believe it,” I murmur, trying to keep my composure as my body responds to her proximity.

She tugs my head down, and her lips press against mine in a soft, sweet kiss that belies the urgency of her next words. “I need you to fuck me, Gabriel. Hard.” She pulls back enough for me to see the plea painted across her face.

Christ. There’s no saying no to that. Not that I’d ever want to. My grip tightens on her, my fingers digging into her hips.

“Now there’s a request I can’t refuse,” I growl, the humor in my voice edged with raw desire.

The elevator dings, announcing our arrival, but it might as well be miles away. Right now, all I can focus on is Wren and the fervent need coursing through both of us. As we step out, I keep her close, my mind racing ahead to where every fantasy we’ve ever whispered in the dark waits to become reality.

“Home,” I say, as much to myself as to her, because with Wren in my arms, that’s exactly what this place is. Home.

Chapter 15

Wren

We don’t make it to the bedroom. Gabriel scoops me up and heads through the living room.

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