Page 23 of Leland

I followed Kay back into my kitchen and started a pot of coffee. “Do you want a cup for the road?”

“I’m staying here, Leland. I’m too worried about our girl to leave.”

“Kay, it’s been a long day and it will be an even longer night. Go home and get some sleep.”

She rolled her eyes at me and my palm itched to swat her ass.

“Kay,” I tried again before being interrupted by a soft knock on the front door.

Who the hell was at my house at 2 am?

Palming the gun on my hip, I looked through the peephole on my door and snatched it open when I saw Bash, Smoke, and Blade standing on my front porch.

“What’s wrong?”

“Um, Rouge is hurt?” Smoke answered, shouldering his way inside. He handed Elliot a soda before tossing some paper bags down on the coffee table. “Sorry, the only thing open was a McDonald’s.”

“You guys came to bring food?” I asked, watching Bash bring in several grocery bags.

“No, we came so we could help with Rouge.”

Fucking shit. Tears filled my eyes and I looked away, embarrassed of my sudden emotions.

“We all love her, Leland, and we love you. We’re here for you guys,” Blade said, settling onto my couch.

I couldn’t wait for Rouge to wake up so I could show her the living room full of people who’d spent the night just to make sure she was okay. I hoped she could see how truly loved she was then.

Chapter Eight

Rouge

I stretched my arms above my head and instantly regretted it. Pain rolled through every part of my body, making me groan. Last night came rushing back in pieces. I’d been attacked, kicked some guy’s ass, and called Leland Daddy. Groaning again—out of embarrassment this time—I gently pulled a pillow over my face.

I was so fucking stupid.

“Hey, sugar. I thought I heard you.” Leland’s voice startled me and I jumped. More pain. More embarrassment.

“I didn’t mean to scare you, baby. I’m sorry. How do you feel?” he asked, sitting on the bed beside me.

“I’m fine,” I mumbled. The familiar flames of my temper fluttered around in my belly.

Leland placed a hand on my belly and rubbed softly.

“No, Daddy wants you to tell him the truth. Are you feeling sore? Emotional? Maybe a bit grumpy?”

Pulling the pillow off my face, I was met with the sight of a shirtless Leland. Holy shit. He was panty-melting gorgeous. “I’m feeling angry.”

“Yeah? Do you know why?”

I thought hard on his question for a while. “I think I’m embarrassed.”

“Oh, sugar.” Leland slid his hand from my belly to my hand and held it in his. “What are you embarrassed about? A random man attacked you and you kicked his ass. You admitted what you needed to me and your friends. You told me about your biggest fear and are giving me the privilege of helping you work through it. You havenothingto be embarrassed about. You are such a badass.”

Some of the heat in my belly dissipated at his praise and I smiled at his words.

“So what could you possibly have to be embarrassed about? Maybe I should be embarrassed because I’m in the presence of someone so strong.” He dramatically fell to the floor on his knees. “I’m unworthy. I’m unworthy.”

Giggling, I relaxed. “I called you Daddy.”

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