Page 49 of Daddy Defender
Bodie nods, his expression softening, and I can see he gets it, appreciates the honesty.
“Thanks, Henry,” Bodie says, his voice warm. “For telling me, I mean. It’s…a lot, but it makes sense. You’re like this big, grumpy hero, aren’t you?”
The boy grins, a playful spark in his eyes, and my chest lightens.
“Grumpy,huh?” I say, raising an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at my lips. “Careful, Little One, or this grumpy Daddy’s gonna make you regret that.”
I lean closer, mock-stern, and he giggles, the sound bright and unguarded, cutting through the heavy moment like sunlight.
“Promises, promises,” Bodie teases, sticking out his tongue, his Little side dancing. But then his stomach growls, loud enough to make us both laugh, and I seize the chance to keep things light.
“Alright, that’s it,” I say, clapping my hands, swinging my legs off the bed. “Enough deep talk for now. Time to eat. A Daddy who goes hungry turns into arealgrumpy Daddy, and you don’t want that.”
I point at him, mock-serious, and he laughs again, his whole face lighting up.
“Oh no, not a grumpy Daddy!” Bodie says, clutching the sheet dramatically, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Better feed you quick, then. What’s on the menu, Bossypants?”
I stand, pulling on my jeans, grinning.
“Whatever we’ve got in that bag from the store,” I say, realizing that it won’t exactly be the best meal ever. “Sandwiches, jerky, your precious gummies. But you’re helping, so move that cute butt.”
I toss him my t-shirt from the floor, and he catches it, giggling as he slips it on, the fabric swallowing his petite frame.
We head to the kitchen, his barefoot steps light behind me, and for a moment, it’s easy—his sass, my rules, the shared laughter.
I grab the bag, pulling out sandwiches and his grape soda, while he hops onto the counter, swinging his legs, Billy and Poot tucked under his arm.
The weight of the situation is still there, how could it not be?
But right now, it’s just us… a Daddy and his Little, stealing a slice of normal.
As we eat, him teasing me about my “old man” taste in jerky, I feel it—the balance shifting, the trust growing.
Bodie’s not just a mission, not anymore.
And maybe, just maybe, I’m not just a shadow to him either…
Chapter 17
Bodie
“Maybe I could drive next time?” I ask. “You know, this being my van and all…”
I look across to Henry and can tell by the expression on his face that he’s not even entertaining the idea.
“Hmmm. We’ll see,” Henry replies, doing his best to sound like he’s giving my question some serious consideration.
I giggle. It’s actually kind of nice to be permanently in the passenger seat along with Poot and Billy.
The morning sun’s high, painting the sleepy town in gold as Shred rumbles down the coastal road. Last night—wow… last night—was a whirlwind.
The body-to-body heat, his hands, his lips, his big Daddy dick… it’s got my head spinning, my Little side glowing, and my grown-up side terrified of how much I’m starting to trust him.
But after our talk, his promise of looking after me in all ways, I feel a little steadier, like maybe he’s not another Vince waiting to break me.
We’re back in town to grab more food and some magazines—Henry’s idea, saying I need something to keep my Little side busy besides sketching and stuffy surf comps. It’s sweet, even if he’s still all bossy Daddy about it, scanning the street like a hawk as we park near The General Store. The store’s familiar now, that cozy mix of coffee and cinnamon greeting us as the bell jingles. I clutch Poot tighter, his tusk poking my arm, and stick close to Henry, his presence a warm shadow that’s equal parts annoying and safe.
“Alright, Little One,” Henry says, his voice low, that gravelly Daddy edge making my cheeks warm. “Food, magazines, in and out. Stay where I can see you, and no wandering off to the toy section this time.”
