Page 56 of Daddy Defender
“Morning, Little One,” Henry says, his voice all gravelly Daddy goodness. “You sleep okay after that story?” He points to the table, where two plates are set, one with a pancake shaped like a wonky heart. “Sit. Eat. We’ve got a big day.”
I plop into the chair, setting Poot and Billy beside me, and grab a fork, my stomach growling.
“You made heart pancakes?” I tease, poking at the lopsided shape, my Little side giggling. “Didn’t know super-spy Daddies could cook.”
Henry chuckles, sliding into the chair across from me, his coffee mug dwarfed in his big hands.
“Don’t get used to it,” Henry says, mock stern. “Pancakes are only for good boys who don’t sneak out to surf.”
Henry arches his eyebrow, and I stick out my tongue, warmth blooming in my chest at his teasing.
We eat, and it’s easy, like last night’s giggles with Richie or our banter.
But Vince’s shadow looms, and I can’t ignore it. I set my fork down, my voice quieter…
“Henry… about Vince,” I say. “This plan with the pier, using Shred… it’s gonna work, right? He’s not gonna hurt you, or… or get me?”
My Little side peeks out, scared, and I hate how small I sound. But luckily for me, I’ve got a Guard on my side, and he knows how to read me and put me at ease.
Henry’s eyes lock on mine, steady as a lighthouse.
“Bodie, listen to me,” Henry says, his voice firm but warm, that Daddy edge grounding me. “Vince’s a coward hiding behind his hired guns. But he’s got an ego. Most assholes like him do. Our plan’s solid—Cole, Connor, and me, we’ve done this before. We’re drawing him out, and when he shows, we’ll take him down. He’s not touching you, not ever again. You’re mine to protect.”
Henry reaches across, his hand covering mine, warm and strong, and I believe him, my fear easing just a bit.
“Okay, Daddy,” I whisper, squeezing his hand back, my Little side clinging to his promise. “I trust you.”
And I do trust him, more than I thought possible, even with that knot of fear about him leaving.
Henry nods, his thumb brushing my knuckles before he pulls back, sipping his coffee.
“Good boy,” Henry says, and my cheeks flush, my Little side glowing. “Now, before things get heavy, I’m thinking we take an hour to relax. It’s actually what I always like to do before shitgets real. So, in a way, it’ll be like you’re an honorary Guard. Anyway… you’ve been brave, and my Little deserves some fun.”
My eyes widen, excitement bubbling up.
“Fun? Like what?” I ask, bouncing in my seat, Billy nearly toppling off the table.
Henry grins, standing to grab something from the counter—a coloring book, the ocean-themed one I picked out yesterday before we had to bolt.
“Thought we’d color together,” Henry says, setting it down with a pack of crayons. “Keep that Little side happy. Cole and his boy picked it up for us, along with some food. What do you say?”
I squeal, clapping my hands, pure Little Space joy taking over.
“Yes, yes, yes!” I say, scooting my chair closer to his. “A million times yes! You’re gonna color too, Daddy? Like, with me?”
I can’t believe it—this big, tough Guard coloring ocean scenes with me. It’s too perfect. I just hope Henry wants to get involved too. That would be everything.
“Damn right,” Henry says, his voice playful but with that Daddy authority. “But you gotta share the crayons, Little One. No hogging the blue ones.”
Henry winks, and I giggle, already flipping open the book to a page with dolphins and waves.
We spread out on the table, crayons scattered like treasure, and I dive in, my Little side fully in charge.
I pick a sparkly blue for a dolphin’s fin, my tongue poking out as I focus, Poot and Billy watching like proud coaches.
Henry’s beside me, his big hands surprisingly gentle as he colors a wave, his green crayon moving slow and deliberate. He’s not just humoring me—he’s in it, his brow furrowed like he’s planning a mission, and it’s the cutest thing ever.
“Daddy, you’re good at this,” I say, peeking at his wave, all swirly and perfect. “But you gotta add some sparkles. Waves need sparkles!”
