Page 26 of Barron

The words she’d waited so long to hear were heavenly music. Yoanni rushed to her room. Funny how the inspiration she didn’t have this morning was now alive and well. She knew exactly what she’d bring to Daddy’s house. Her pink overalls and the unicorn T-shirt were the first items she tossed into her bag.

“Oh, Daddy, I hope you’re ready for me.” She giggled quietly.

CHAPTER SIX

The ride back to his place seemed endless. It wasn’t the first time Yoanni rode with her arms wrapped around Barron’s waist and her breasts pressed to his back. But this wasn’t a casual ride around town. An unknown danger, a faceless enemy, and unresolved wounds complicated their barely renewed relationship.

To help and protect her, he wanted—no, he had to keep his mind straight and detached from the need and desire of her. Fuck, it was near impossible. After months of separation, everything in him hungered for her slightest touch. Barron was hyperaware of her closeness, and the bike’s vibration exacerbated the sexual tension in his crotch and thighs.

When his house came into view, he breathed a tentative sigh of relief. The ride was over, but the challenges were only beginning. He was about to welcome his precious little girl into the intimacy of his home, the space he called safe and all his. Whatever happened between them during the next few days would either break them or unite them forever. He was going to fight tooth and nail forforever.

When he pressed the remote control on his handlebar, the garage door rolled up, and he pulled inside next to his truck. “You can get down, Yoanni,” he said, turning off the engine. As he climbed down, he found her standing, eyes wide and posture stiff.

He touched her forearm. “Being here scares you?”

Without answering, she quickly shook her head.

“You’re safe in my home. I’ll protect you with my life. Don’t you know that?”

She nodded, still silent. Her golden skin had gone a little pale.

“What is it, then?”

“Um… I don’t think I’m ready.” She pointed over her shoulder to the door that led into his house. “For this.”

“Right.” He blew out a breath. “I’ll baby you the way you want and deserve. But I’m not going to jump your bones or try to force you. If that’s what you’re afraid of, forget it. I won’t deny how loving you occupies every thought in my brain, but I’m a man of my word. I brought you here for your safety and to throw whoever is threatening you off your trail. This house is alarmed top to bottom, and you know I carry a weapon. Plus, I have other safety measures. I told you before, I’ll protect you with my last breath.” He smiled. “Enough with the heavy. Come with me.”

He pulled her arm gently, and she went with no resistance. Barron entered the laundry room, grasped the doorknob, and said, “Brace yourself.” His words were followed by deep barks and repeated whines.

“Wait a second. That’s a dog.”

“Oh, yeah. And he’s a bundle of energy.” As he opened the door to the kitchen, his dog bolted through, yipping and whining. “Yoanni, meet Caesar,” he barely managed to say before the huge, shaggy brown-and-black mutt, wagging his tail nonstop, stood on his hind legs, sniffing and trying to lick Barron’s face.

“Okay, boy. I’m happy to see you too. Enough.Sit!”

Caesar obeyed instantly. With his rump on the floor, he turned his attention to a smiling Yoanni.

“He’s beautiful,” she murmured. Bending closer, she offered her fingers to Caesar. He stretched his snout forward and sniffed lightly.

“I’m amazed. He never allows a stranger to go near him. He likes you.”

“And I like him. When did you get him?” she asked, scratching behind one of Caesar’s ears.

“A few months ago. I went to the shelter with the daughter of one of my brothers. I saw him, he lifted a paw at me, and we fell in love. I think he’s a shepherd mix. They told me he’s about a year old.”

“You got lucky. He’s gorgeous.” She straightened. “I see the shepherd lines. His dark color and coat are so shiny. Shows you take good care of him.”

He smiled down at Caesar, who panted, staring from him to Yoanni. “We’re buddies. He takes good care of me too. Okay, let’s keep moving. He’ll follow us around until I give him his treat. Once he gets it, he’ll ignore us for a while.”

In the kitchen, Barron took a bacon treat out of a jar in the pantry. He tossed it in the air, and Caesar snatched it with a quick jump. Holding his precious loot, he walked out of the kitchen.

“You see?” He laughed. “He’s got more important things to take care of.”

Holding her hand again, he took her to the living/dining room.

“This house is bigger than my last place. Even though it’s still pretty small, there’s enough room. You’ll be comfortable here.”

Barron guided her to the short hallway connecting the home’s three bedrooms and one bath and opened the first door. He cringed, eyeing the unmade bed and laundry basket next to his dresser. It was overflowing with dirty clothes. There was a time when he was organized and put everything away. Lately, he’d lostthe urge. Keeping outer appearance tidy was the only remaining habit the army had ingrained in him, and for that, he got hell from his brothers.

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