Page 86 of Badges
She raises to tickle my ear with her silky lips. “You brought her back to me. I’ll never be able to thank you enough. I love you for everything you do for me,daddy.” Her words are more breath than sound, but they send my blood burning south to fill my crotch.
Before she backs away, I manage to knot my fingers in the fabric of her shirt, pulling her to me.
“Say that again,” I growl, struggling to keep my voice as low as hers.
“What? Daddy?” she purrs, stroking my wrist.
I shake my head, reminding myself I’m supposed to be watching the road. “No, the other part.”
Her smile teases up her cheek. “That I have abandonment issues?”
A rumble escapes from my chest. “Naughty girl. I already knew about those. Try again.”
This time she chews on her lip. “Oh, you mean the bit about how I love you?”
When she bats those dark eyes in feigned innocence, I’m tempted to jerk the truck to the side of the road.
“Yea. That’s the one.” Using her blouse as leverage, I drag her into a crushing kiss.
Just wait
Elena
“Come on, wake up.Time to see your new home.” I gently shake Cynthia’s shoulder to rouse her.
With a cavernous yawn, she stretches and blinks up at me. “I thought it was a dream.” Her crooked smile widens as she looks around.
There’s still just enough sun peeking over the western pasture for her to get an expansive view of the house, tractor, and fields surrounding us.
“Wow, we’re in the middle of nowhere.” As her head twists, she focuses on the big barn. “Elena,” she whispers. “Does he have horses? Can I have one?”
Wade manages to hear her and starts laughing. “You need to meet your grandpa. I think he has one already picked out for you.”
Cynthia’s grip on my hand tightens as she tugs me to follow him. “I have a grandpa?” she squeals.
God, my heart hurts, it’s so full. Having her back, safe and happy, it’s everything I wished and hoped for.
And to know that she has Wade, steadfast and strong, to protect her…
I really do love him for everything he’s done for me. It’s wild to even acknowledge it, but I can’t deny it any more.
“This is a nice house. Look how huge that fridge is!” Cynthia’s neck swivels.
“Let me show you your bedroom.” I pull her towards where I’ve been sleeping.
It makes my belly flutter knowing I’ll be in Wade’s from now on.
“Wait, I have my own? Like, not with six other kids?” She bounces next to me until she steps in and freezes. “What are those doors for?”
“That one is the closet, that one is your bathroom.” I point, suddenly very happy that I rage cleaned yesterday.
I point next towards the long dresser below the TV. “I have a few clothes I’ve been keeping in here, but I’ll get them out tomorrow.”
Her brow furrows and she tilts her head. “You live here too? Why? Where do you sleep?”
Well, shit.
“It’s complicated, but I, um, me and Wade…” How do I even begin to explain?
