Page 48 of Shattered Dreams
“Always.” Lizzie whispered, pressing a kiss against his hip.
“And forever.” Elliot rubbed his beard against Max’s thigh.
Epilogue
Three months later
“Are you sure about this?” Lizzie nibbled on her lower lip as she joined Daddy next to the grill in his backyard. His dog, Rancho, ran up and down the fence line chasing the dog next door, while Master relaxed in lounge chair next to the pool.
“Of course, I am.” He flipped the burger over, then tugged her closer to him. “Are you scared? I promise that she doesn’t bite.”
She placed her fingers on his chest, covering his heart, and the healing ink under his shirt. She still couldn’t believe he’d tattooed a stitched together heart on his sternum to represent her and Master’s place in his life. “But she’s your daughter.”
“And will love you nearly as much as I do, I promise.”
Her heart skipped a beat. She was still trying to get used to the fact that the big handsome detective loved not only her, but Max as well. In fact, it had been a few tense moments, after their first time together, when Daddy had pulled the alpha card…
“…Fuck this.” Elliot sat up and reached for his jeans. Standing, he slipped them on, but didn’t fasten them.
Fear had coated the inside of her mouth. Had they just screwed everything up? With her blood still singing from the most amazing sexual experience of her life, it hurt to think that it might have ruined what they’d been building together with Elliot.
“Daddy?”
He raked a hand through his dark hair, before glaring at them both. “Do either of you know why I’ve resisted jumping in bed with you for as long as I have?”
Max slowly rolled into a sitting position, a frown on his face. “Because you’re a stubborn bastard?”
“Besides that?” Elliot glowered at them. “I don’t have sex with someone who doesn’t love me.” He rubbed the back of his neck, then reached for his discarded shirt. “They have to be just as committed as I am.”
Lizzie frowned. “What makes you think we’re not committed?”
“I don’t know. Maybe the fact that you haven’t told me that you love me?” He raked his fingers through his hair.
“You could say you’re guilty of the same thing…” Max shot back. “Taking care of us. Building a relationship with us, but not once have you mentioned your feelings.”
Elliot froze, his mouth opening and closing, before he finally crossed his arms over his chest. Obviously, he hadn’t thought about that fact. Lizzie would’ve giggled at the picture he presented, but knew it wasn’t the time nor the place.
So instead, she decided to put him out of his misery. “I love you, Elliot Landon. I wouldn’t have asked Master to help me seduce you if I didn’t. Despite what rumors have it, I don’t sleep around. Master may share me for a scene but it’s never sexual.” She gave him a look. “So, what do you think that means when he not only offered to share me, but willingly helped in your seduction?”
Elliot almost looked frightened. “Ahhh…”
“I’ll tell you what it means. Get your head out of your ass, Sir, and accept the fact not only do I trust you with my most prized possession, but that I’m in love with you as well.” Max glared at him.
Elliot glared back. “I ought to spank both of your asses. All you had to do was open your mouths.”
“Feel free to – I’ll even go get the spoon and the ruler.” Max slowly rose to his knees, obviously intending to go for the requested items. “But we get to spank you as well, since you’re guilty of the same crime.”
“Sit your ass back down. There’s not gonna be any spanking tonight.” Elliot sank back down next to them. “You both love me?”
“Absolutely…” Lizzie nodded solemnly.
“Without a doubt…” Max sighed. “…sneaky bastard that you are…”
“…it’s still scary.” Lizzie whispered. “…cause it’s so new, and most people won’t accept it and…”
“And quit borrowing trouble, Elizabeth.” He tipped her chin up with the handle of the spatula he held. “I know my daughter. When she sees how happy you both make me, she’ll welcome you into the fold, no questions asked. Trust me.”
She bit her lower lip. “Okay, Daddy.” She sighed. “But are you sure she won’t be upset that you’re moving in with us?”
