Page 88 of Their Little Helper

“If we can’t, I know a place that does a great breakfast.” Daddy kissed my cheek before reaching for the door handle. “And then we’ll call your Papa and I’ll scream at him.”

That plan made Daddy just a little too happy, so I hoped it didn’t come down to that.

It’d be better than having to deal with the police, though, so it might’ve been the better option in the long run.

Please don’t let Mr. Hanson call the police.

“It’ll be fine, baby.” Daddy paused, kissing my cheek again. “Got your phone?”

“Yes. I have my stuff.” Keys too…just in case. “I’m ready.”

And too hungry to keep hiding.

“It’ll be fine.” Daddy perked up, giving me a big smile. “But when in doubt say Santos brought you home so he’s the ass for not managing the situation better.”

Daddy had too much practice with situations like this.

“I’m glad I belong to you and Papa so you won’t have to deal with stuff like that anymore.” We were definitely keeping him safer. “That sounds dangerous.”

“Questionable decisions usually are, but you’re right, you belong to me so that drama is all in the past. I’m a family man now and I have people in my life to take care of.” Daddy seemed to think that was me and Santos based on how he was shaking his head, but I kind of thought we needed to watch over him.

“I like being taken care of.” I might’ve mentioned that last night but it was kind of fuzzy. “I…I have to study later.”

He probably needed to know that too and I hadn’t gotten nearly enough homework done lately.

“Then after we figure out where our clothes are we’ll head to your place.” Daddy seemed more confident once we had a plan. “I have to work this afternoon but I have time to get you settled first.”

“I…I can show you my apartment too.” That seemed like something I should do even though he’d already decided to keep me. “I think…I think we’ll end up spending most of our time here but you’re always welcome at my place.”

“Aw.” Daddy gave me another kiss, snuggling me close for a tight hug. “You’re such a good boy.”

As he pulled back, he nodded. “But yes, there’s more room to spread out here. Pokey would go crazy trapped in a small apartment, so there’s no reason to torture all of us like that.”

Good point.

“You’re—”

Oh.

Mr. Hanson.

My brain went blank when a man in a suit came down the hall, not frowning but not exactly looking happy. He was either the best-dressed burglar I’d ever seen or Mr. Hanson. If I’d been by myself I’d have been confident it was Mr. Hanson, but Daddy attracted the weirdest naughty people, so I wasn’t going to make any assumptions.

“Gentlemen.” The man I was hoping was Mr. Hanson inclined his head and kept up the even tone that made it seem like we were in a movie. “Master Santos requested that your clothes be cleaned. They’ll be ready shortly. I can prepare breakfast for you if you’d like?”

Weird.

It was weird.

Right?

I didn’t know what to say so I shifted behind Daddy and poked him.

He was smart and took charge. “Thank you, Hanson. Did Santos leave any messages for us?”

Yep.

It was weird.

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