Page 39 of Daddy Defender
But I guess we all have secrets, right?
I should know.
Maybe in time Henry will let me in all the way?
As we step outside, the coastal air hits me, salty and cool, the sun dipping low over the ocean.
The street’s quiet, just a few locals wandering, no sign of black trucks or Vince’s goons. Henry’s carrying the bag of food, his other hand free, and as we walk toward Shred, parked under a crooked palm tree, his fingers brush mine…
OMG.
Did he just…
Are we about to…
It’s accidental, I think, but it sends a jolt through me, warm and electric, and before I know it, my hand’s slipping into his.
I freeze, my heart hammering, but Henry doesn’t pull away. His grip tightens, firm but gentle, his calloused palm grounding me.
We’re walking hand in hand, Billy and Poot tucked under my other arm, and my Little side’s practically dancing, a surge of excitement bubbling up.
It’s like I’m a kid again, safe with someone big and strong, but there’s something else too—a spark that’s not just Little, but grown-up Bodie, noticing how his hand feels like it was made to hold mine.
“Easy, Bodie,” Henry says, glancing down at me, his voice teasing but warm. “Don’t go getting any ideas. We’re just walking to the van.”
I stick out my tongue, my sass kicking in to hide the butterflies in my stomach.
“Whatever, Bossy,” I say, but I don’t let go, and neither does he.
My cheeks are burning, and I focus on the pavement, the crunch of our steps, the distant crash of waves.
This feels… good.Toogood.
And that scares me, because the last time I felt like this, it was with Vince, and he turned my world into a nightmare.
But Henry’s not Vince.
Henry bought me Billy, listened to my Little side without a hint of judgment, and he’s risking his neck to keep me safe.
My fingers tighten around his, and I steal a glance at him, his jaw set, eyes scanning the street. Henry’s a wall between me and the world, and for the first time in weeks, I feel like I can breathe.
We reach Shred, and Henry lets go to open the passenger door for me, his hand lingering near my back as I climb in.
I settle Billy and Poot on my lap, the new stuffy’s sunglasses glinting in the fading light, and I can’t stop smiling.
“Thanks for Billy,” I say, my voice soft, almost shy. “It means a lot.”
Henry grunts, sliding into the driver’s seat, but his eyes soften.
“Anytime, boy,” Henry says, starting the engine with a cough. “Now let’s get back to the shack before you eat all those gummies.”
I giggle, popping open the soda, the fizz tickling my nose.
As we pull onto the road, the ocean shimmering to our right, I clutch Billy and Poot, my heart a messy mix of trust and fear.
Vince’s still out there, his threats looping in my head, but with Henry’s hand brushing mine, his Daddy vibes wrapping around me, I feel a flicker of hope.
Maybe, just maybe, I can let him in a little more.
