Page 13 of Blade

It wasn't the answer she'd expected. Notbecause it's my joborbecause the club ordered me to.

Because you need it. And because I can. You’re mine.

Lily didn't know what to say to that. So, she said nothing, just watched as he finished treating her wrists, then moved to her ankle, applying fresh ointment and a new bandage with the same careful attention.

When he was done, he straightened up, towering over her once more. "There. Now, Doc said to stay off this ankle. That means you're on couch rest for the day."

She opened her mouth to argue, then thought better of it. She was exhausted, her body finally feeling the effects of weeks of stress and poor self-care.

"Fine," she conceded.

"Good girl," he said again, and this time, she couldn't suppress the little shiver that ran through her at the praise.

Blade noticed. Of course he did. His eyes darkened, but he didn't comment.

Instead, he scooped her up without warning, lifting her as if she weighed nothing.

"Hey!" she yelped, automatically wrapping her arms around his neck to steady herself.

"Couch," he said by way of explanation, carrying her to the living room. "Faster this way."

He deposited her gently on the couch, arranging a throw pillow under her injured ankle. Then he grabbed a blanket from a nearby chair and draped it over her.

"Comfortable?" he asked.

She nodded, suddenly feeling very small and very cared for. It was... nice. Dangerous, but nice.

"I need to make some calls," Blade told her. "Club business. TV remote's there if you want it. I won't be long."

With that, he stepped onto the porch, closing the door behind him.

Lily sank deeper into the couch, pulling the blanket up to her chin. Despite everything, despite the danger, the uncertainty, the confusing emotions swirling inside her, she felt safe for the first time in weeks.

Safe with a man who made her feel small and protected. A man who seemed to instinctively understand what she needed.

A man who could very well break her heart if she let him.

Because that was the thing about Daddies, wasn't it? They made you feel safe and cared for. Made you believe they'd always be there.Until they weren't.

Like Greg, who'd claimed to be the Daddy Dom she needed, only to bail when he discovered she couldn't have children.

Blade would be the same. Once she was no longer his responsibility, once the danger had passed, he'd move on. Back to his life as the club's enforcer. Back to whatever women usually warmed his bed.

Women who weren't broken. Who weren't hunted. Who weren't… her.

She couldn't let herself forget that. Couldn't let herself fall into that little space where everything felt safe and warm and right.

No matter how much her heart yearned for it.

Through the window, she could see Blade pacing on the porch, phone to his ear. His expression was grim, his posture tense. Whatever news he was receiving, it wasn't good.

Her stomach knotted with anxiety. What now? What fresh hell awaited them?

Blade glanced back at the house, his eyes finding hers through the window. For a moment, they just looked at each other. Then he nodded once, a silent reassurance.

I've got you. You're safe.

Despite her resolve, Lily felt herself begin to believe him.

---