Page 20 of Blake

Savannah’s lip began to tremble. “That’s what I’m trying to find out. The cops said she got hooked on heroin and probably ended up ODing somewhere. I never believed a word of it. Her body was never found. Four years have passed but I can’t forget it. It’s why I do what I do. It’s why I take risks. I’m doing it all for Mia.” She chuckled grimly. “I guess revenge and justice are more important to me now than white picket fences.”

Blake’s mind was reeling. Mia seemed high on drugs out of nowhere. Then the following day, she disappeared? The exact same thing had happened to Chloe.

He reached out for Savannah’s hand, giving it a firm squeeze. “Sweetheart. I had no idea. I completely understand what it’s like to have your life upended like that. And why you’ve made it your mission to put things right. Even if things can never quite go back to the way they were.”

He was thinking of Chloe, of course, but he didn’t want to open up about that right now. It didn’t feel right when Savannah was baring her soul to him. Right now, this was about her.

"Blake, there's something else," Savannah said, her voice wavering. "You know that hidden camera that Scarface found? I made a mistake."

He furrowed his brow, concern etching itself onto his features. "What happened?"

"I . . . I left some footage on the camera. Footage of me dressed as a Little, playing with toys and stuff. I was pretending to be a TV presenter, introducing myself to camera to test it out. I think that's how he found me. I’m pretty sure I said my name on camera." Tears welled up in her eyes, and she looked away, ashamed. “I’m so stupid.”

"Hey," Blake said softly, tilting her chin to meet his gaze. "You don’t need to be embarrassed. He stole that camera from you, Savvy. That was your private moment. He didn’t deserve to see it.He’sthe one who should feel ashamed."

Blake watched the play of emotions across Savannah's face, a mix of vulnerability and courage that tugged at his heartstrings. He took her hand in his, warmth seeping through their intertwined fingers.

"Thank you for sharing all of that with me," he said, his voice low and sincere. "It means a lot that you trust me with this." He paused, his gaze serious. "We need to be careful from now on. These guys know your name and where you live. They have your files. We have to lay low, avoid drawing any attention to ourselves."

Savannah nodded, biting her lip. "I thought you were going to be angry with me, Blake. For putting that footage of myself on my camera. For being careless.” Her cheeks reddened. “For some reason, I thought you might spank me.”

Blake raised his eyebrows in surprise. “Spank you?” He paused. “Is that what you wanted?”

She looked down at her sippy cup and shrugged. “I . . .” She yawned. “I don’t know exactly.”

Blake felt Savannah lean into him. He placed a protective arm around her. “We’ll talk more about that tomorrow,” said Blake. “I’m certainly not going to spank you for being robbed. But ifspanking is something you’re interested in, maybe we can talk through why it appeals to you. And whether I, as your protector, can give you what you need.”

She smiled up at him. “You’re my protector now?”

“Whether you like it or not,” he replied. “But hopefully you will like it . . . eventually. I’m just going to have to earn your trust first. I can see you’ve been let down by people in the past. I’m going to work hard to remedy that.”

"Trust," Savannah murmured, her green eyes meeting his. "That's what it all comes down to, huh?"

"Always," he replied. "Now, let me get your bed ready while you prepare for sleep." He moved toward the cot bed in the corner of the safehouse. He began to lay out fresh sheets, a soft blanket, and a plush pillow. “Don’t forget to brush your teeth, sweetie. I know it’s late but self-care comes first.”

Savannah took a Minnie Mouse toothbrush out of her bag and held it up to Blake. “Watch this,” she said. She pressed a button on the handle and the bristles lit up neon pink.

“Very cool,” he replied with a grin.

She began brushing her teeth at the sink. The gentle sound of bristles against enamel filled the silence, and Blake couldn't help but smile at the sight. She was like a beacon of innocence and vulnerability, drawing him closer.

He rolled out a camp bed for himself beside her cot while she went to the bathroom and changed into her pajamas. When she stepped out, he almost gasped at the sight of her. She was wearing a lilac onesie with bunny rabbit ears, and she looked like the sweetest little thing in the whole damn world.

"Well," he said. “I never put a lilac bunny to bed before.”

She giggled. “First time for everything, Mr. Daddy Dom.”

As she settled under the blankets, Blake picked up a children's book from the shelf, the cover adorned with a colorfulillustration of a magical tree. He sat down on the edge of the crib where Savannah lay, her eyes wide and expectant.

"Ready for a bedtime story?" he asked, his voice softening as he opened the book.

"Uh-huh," she mumbled, snuggling deeper into the blankets. “Do you have any mystery stories?”

“Sorry,” Blake said. “But this book’s full of adventure. You’ll love it, I promise.”

Savannah smiled. “I’m sure I will.”

Blake began to read, the words painting vivid images of adventure and wonder. A sense of calm settled over the room as Savannah listened intently, her breathing growing steadier.

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