Page 42 of Daddy Defender
It’s just us.
Bodie’s heat, his fire, and my Daddy side roaring to make him mine…
The boy’s fingers dig into my shoulders, and I deepen the kiss, my hand cupping the back of his neck, his hair soft under my touch.
Bodie moans, a soft, needy sound that shoots straight to my core, and I’m lost in him—his scent, his taste, the way he fits against me.
Fuck. This is incredible.
I feel alive.
I feel…
But then reality crashes in, Cole’s message flashing in my mind, and I pull back, my breath ragged, my body humming with arousal and shock.
Bodie’s eyes are wide, his lips swollen, his cheeks flushed as he stares at me, like he’s just as stunned.
“What… what was that?” Bodie whispers, his voice shaky, clutching Poot and Billy like they’re his lifeline.
I step back, my heart pounding, my hands flexing to keep from pulling him back in.
“Bodie,” I mutter, scrubbing a hand over my face, my scar itching. “That was… a mistake. We can’t do this. We can’t… not now.”
His pout returns, but it’s softer, hurt flickering in his eyes.
“A mistake?” Bodie says, his voice cracking. “You kissed me back, Henry. Don’t act like I threw myself at you.”
“I know,” I say, my voice rough, guilt and want twisting in my gut. “I wanted it. Hell, I want you. But this—us—it’s complicated. Vince’s goons are out there, and I’m your protector, not your… whatever this is.” I gesture between us, my Daddy side screaming to claim him, to set rules that make him mine, but my Guard training holds me back. “We need to focus. Keep you safe. That’s myjob.”
Bodie’s lips tremble, his Little side peeking out despite the fire in his eyes.
“Your job,” Bodie repeats, his voice bitter. “Right. So I’m just a mission to you? Another op, like Hicks?”
Bodie’s words hit like a blade, and I flinch, the memory of Hicks’ death raw.
“You’re not just a mission,” I growl, stepping closer, my voice low and fierce. “You’re… you’re under my skin, Bodie. Come on, you know you are. But I can’t let that cloud my head. Not when those mercs could be outside right now, waiting to put a bullet in you.”
Bodie swallows, fear flashing across his face, but he lifts his chin, defiant as ever.
“Fine,” he says, his voice quieter but still sharp. “Keep me safe, then. But don’t pretend you didn’t feel that kiss, Henry. I’m not some dumb Little who can’t handle the truth.”
Damn, he’s as sharp as a tack.
I stare at the boy, my pulse still racing, his taste lingering on my lips. Bodie’s right—I felt it, and it’s got me rattled. I’ve faced cartels, dictators, bullets, but this boy, this firecracker Little, is shaking me in ways I don’t know how to handle.
Things just got real complicated, and I’m not sure I can keep my Daddy side in check much longer.
“Get your stuffies,” I say, my voice gruff, trying to regain control. “We’re locking this place down. No more games until Cole’s surveillance is up and we know what we’re dealing with.”
Bodie huffs, holds Poot and Billy tight, his pout back in full force.
“Whatever, Bossypants,” he mutters, brushing past me to the couch, his body grazing mine.
The contact sends another jolt through me, and I clench my fists, fighting the urge to pull him back, to kiss him again until we both forget the danger.
I turn away, grabbing my phone to text Cole back, my fingers steady despite the storm in my chest.
H: Understood. Lock down surveillance ASAP. Bodie’s holding back more intel—working on it. Keep me posted.
