Page 54 of Daddy Defender
Bodie’s Little side’s glowing, and I feel a surge of pride. I haven’t seen him like this before, but I know one thing for sure—I like it a lot.
Connor grabs his duffel, giving me a nod, and Cole scoops Richie up, his giggles echoing as they head out.
The door clicks shut, and the safehouse falls quiet, just me and Bodie, the ocean’s hum filling the space. He’s on the floor,sketchpad open, but his eyes are on me, wary but trusting, like he’s waiting for my next move.
I cross the room, easing onto the couch beside him, my boots heavy on the floor.
“You were brave tonight, Little One,” I say, my voice low, Daddy mode in full swing. “Letting Richie in, holding it together with my Guard brothers here. I’m proud of you.”
I brush a strand of his hair, my touch light, and the boy’s cheeks flush, his pout softening.
“Thanks, Daddy,” Bodie says, the word soft, real, hitting me right in the chest. But then his eyes spark, that defiant streak flaring. “But it’s not even that late! I wanna stay up, maybe sketch some more or play with Billy and Poot.”
He sticks out his tongue, testing me, his Little side pushing boundaries.
I raise an eyebrow, leaning closer, my voice firm but warm.
“Oh, no, Little One,” I say, my voice low and firm. “It’s way past bedtime, and you’re not arguing your way out of it.” I point at him, mock-stern, and he giggles, but I see the tiredness in his eyes, the weight of the day catching up. “You need rest, and Daddy’s making sure you get it. But…” I pause, a smile tugging my lips. “How about a bedtime story to seal the deal?”
Bodie’s face lights up, pure Little Space joy, and he claps his hands, bouncing.
“Yes, please!” Bodie says, his voice high, all sass forgotten. “A good one, Daddy, with waves and stuffies and… magic!”
Bodie scrambles onto the couch, tucking himself under my arm, Poot and Billy in his lap, his head against my chest. He’s got his sketchpad with him too, but I don’t think there will be any time for drawing…
I chuckle, wrapping my arm around him, pulling him close.
“Alright, my sweetness, one story, then lights out,” I say. I clear my throat, letting my voice drop into that soothing Daddy tone. “Once upon a time, in a magical cove called Brightness Beach, there was a brave Little surfer boy named Bodie. He had two loyal stuffies, Poot the walrus and Billy the duck, who rode the biggest waves with him. One day, a stormy sea monster named Krackstink tried to scare them away from the beach…”
Bodie giggles, snuggling closer, his eyes half-closed as I spin the tale—waves crashing, Poot and Billy outsmarting the monster, Bodie riding a ten-footer to save the day.
Bodie’s breathing slows, his body soft against mine, and I know he’s slipping into Little Space, safe and small in my arms. My Daddy side roars, protective, complete, and I keep going, my voice steady, until his eyes flutter shut, his sketchpad slipping to the floor.
I ease him down, tucking a blanket around him, Poot and Billy nestled close.
“Sleep tight, Little One,” I whisper, brushing a kiss on his forehead. He murmurs something, a soft “Daddy,” and my heart clenches.
This—his trust, his Little side, his fire—is worth every risk, every bullet.
I stand, checking the locks, the windows, my Glock within reach.
Tomorrow, we set the trap for Vince, and I’ll end this, for him.
But tonight, he’s mine, safe in Little Space, and I’m his Daddy, guarding his dreams.
I know that tomorrow will be dangerous, so I’m going to make sure that whatever happens, we have a morning to remember as Daddy and sweet, darling Little…
Chapter 19
Bodie
“Hmmm,” I say, slowly coming to. “I slept… well.”
The safehouse bedroom is soft with morning light, sneaking through the cracked blinds like it’s tiptoeing just for me.
Henry must have moved me here after I fell asleep. Which is great because the couch wouldn’t be ideal for a whole night’s sleep.
I’m sprawled in the bed, tangled in the sheets, Poot’s tusk poking my cheek and Billy’s sunglasses glinting where he’s propped against my pillow.
