Page 36 of Daddy Defender
It’s progress, and I’ll take it.
The moment’s heavy, and as nice as it feels to share something, I don’t want Bodie dwelling on my ghosts.
I stand, brushing off the weight, and clap my hands.
“Alright, enough of that,” I declare. “We’re low on food… as in, we havenofood. I’m not letting you starve. We’re heading to the town nearby, grabbing some takeout to bring back. That’s an order, sweet boy.”
My tone’s firm, Daddy mode kicking in, but I keep it light, wanting to see that spark of his flare.
Bodie rolls his eyes, but he can’t stop himself from grinning, his Little side dancing out.
“Bossy!” he says, teasing, his voice all playful defiance. He hops up, tucking Poot and the sketchpad under his arm, and sticks out his tongue. “Fine, but I’m picking the food. And you’re buying, Mr. Big Daddy.”
I chuckle, the sound rough but warm, his sass hitting me right in the chest.
“Deal, but no funny business in town,” I say, knowing that I still need to keep Bodie on a tight leash. “You stick close, or that butt’s gonna regret it.”
I point at him, mock-stern, and he giggles, the sound bright and unguarded, like at the diner. It’s dangerous, how much I like all this, but I’m not fighting it—not today.
We head out, locking the shack, and climb into the van—or should I say Shred as Bodie formally introduces me to his trusty ride.
“Nice name,” I say. “Suits him.”
“Shred’s the best,” Bodie giggles.
The van coughs to life, and I pull onto the coastal road, the ocean a silver shimmer to our left. Bodie’s in the passenger seat, Poot on his lap, humming again, his fingers tapping the sketchpad.
I keep my eyes sharp, scanning for tails, but the road’s clear, the town just ten minutes out.
My mind’s split—half on Vince, half on Bodie.
Ther boy’s trust is key, not just for the intel but for us, for whatever this is becoming. For the first time in years, I feel like I might balance the scales, not just for him but for me too.
The town’s a sleepy strip of shops and diners, perfect for blending in.
I park near a takeout joint, and Bodie’s already out, his sneakers hitting the pavement, that grin still in place.
“Come on, Bossy,” Bodie calls, tossing me a look over his shoulder. “Let’s eat like kings.”
I shake my head and smile, ready to keep him safe, and to keep him close.
Vince’s out there, but right now, it’s just us, a food run, and a Little who’s starting to feel like mine…
Chapter 13
Bodie
Henry might like to play all tough, but taking me into town is a nice move. He could have told me to park my ass at the safehouse and wait for him to return, but he didn’t—and I’m glad.
“Cool beans,” I say, stepping into the general store, almost feeling like this is a normal day and I don’t have a crazed ex who happens to be a ruthless criminal chasing after me…
The bell above the door jingles as we step inside the store, a cozy, cluttered place that smells like fresh coffee, old books, and a hint of cinnamon from some candle burning somewhere.
“Cute,” Henry says, a note of wryness in his voice as he picks up on my earnest delight. “I’m talking about the store, by the way…”
“Sure, sure,” I giggle.
The wooden floor creaks under my sneakers, and I clutch Poot tighter, his walrus tusk poking my arm like he’s reminding me to stay cool.
