Page 74 of Barron

“Are we finished for now?” Barron asked Shifter.

“I showed you the data,” Shifter replied. “Now you have to digest it.”

“Yeah. I’ll stop by after the meeting with the captain. The workings of Betty’s mind escape me.” He caressed Yoanni’s hair. “Want to go home?”

“Mmm-hmm. Enough for one night.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Yoanni curled on her side. Eyes still closed, she reached out to Barron’s spot on the bed, seeking his warmth and hard body. Nothing but cold sheets met her fingertips. Rolling onto her back, she stretched her arms past her head and lazily opened her eyes. A pale light, soft yet bright enough, filtered through the blinds to illuminate the scant furnishings in Barron’s room.

Time to wake up.

Giving herself a mental push, she left the bed, then padded out of the bedroom and into the hallway in search of Daddy.

My Daddy.

Whirling butterflies fluttered in her belly as her heart jumped with excitement and happiness. After all the bullshit, lies, and complications, not to mention the bleak separation of months on end, she’d arrived at her happy place: Daddy’s arms.

At the end of the corridor, she hid at the edge of the hallway to fill her eyes with all of him. Barron was the most beautiful man she’d ever known, and she would never tire of looking at him.Clothed or naked made no difference to her. However, if given a choice, she preferred the nude version.

This morning, he stood already dressed in the middle of the kitchen, sipping his coffee with an absent expression. His thoughts, obviously, were miles away from here…and her. He turned to face the window, and she took the opportunity to slink forward. Keeping her steps careful and silent, she continued until she stood behind him. Slowly, she wrapped her arms around his waist and breathed in.

Ah, Barron’s clean, masculine scent inspired her imagination and sparked her libido.

His warm hand enclosed hers. “Good morning, Nugget. It’s early. Why don’t you sleep a little longer?”

“Mmm, and miss out on this? Not on your life.” Squeezing him tighter, she dropped her forehead onto his back.

“I’m right there with you. Your sweet body pressed against mine feels heavenly.”

“We’re in a win-win situation.”

“Absolutely.” He turned, and before she knew it, he swept her into his arms.

“I can walk, Daddy.”

“Hush, Daddy wants to hold you this way.” Keeping her close, he moved to the sofa and then sat without letting her go.

“I like it when you hold me like this.” She burrowed closer to his chest, enjoying the play of hard muscles underneath.

He kissed her forehead. “So do I.”

“You woke up too soon. What’s worrying you?” She ran her fingertips along his closely shaven cheeks and jaw. The intimacy of the touch thrilled her.

“I’m anxious more than worried. The captain seems to have the situation in hand, but I want Betty, Analise, or whatever her name is, picked up. End this thing once and for all.”

“I agree, but you know what? I still don’t understand why she’s after me.”

He frowned. “Good question and it’s my fault we don’t know the whole story. I let her get away.”

“Oh, Daddy. Don’t say that.”

“It’s true. Arrogance blinded me. She used a pitiful act and I bought it. Not until I saw her laughing and talking with Killer and Los Emes, did I understand my error.” Gently, he kissed the top of her head. “I don’t agree with her lies and schemes, but to a point, her motivation to get even with the MC makes some sense. The Spawn assisted in her brother’s arrest. Cutter presented evidence and testified against him in court. Follow me?”

Yoanni glanced up. “I do.”

“Her involvement with Killer and the cartel seems to have a purpose. Getting the Devils’ Spawn kicked out of their territory would complete her revenge. The Spawn won’t give up their territory without a fight. Unless that’s exactly what she and the cartel want: a fight. Nails’s sister knows the cost of a turf war is expensive, but so do the Steel Wolves.”

---