Page 66 of Daddy Enforcer
“Luke is the same,” Connor says, sipping his espresso. “This whole deal keeps you grounded. But don’t let it make you soft, Max. You’re still a Guard.”
Connor’s tone is teasing, but there’s a challenge in it, the kind of ribbing that keeps us sharp.
Henry laughs, leaning forward, his massive frame dwarfing the chair.
“Yeah, man, you can’t go all mushy just ‘cause you’re playing house,” Henry laughs. “Still got that deadly edge, right?”
Henry’s grin is wide, but his eyes are sharp, testing me.
I chuckle, shaking my head.
“I’m still the deadliest Guard you’ll ever meet,” I say, my voice low but confident. “Took down Trent and those Varkov bastards, didn’t I? Don’t worry, I’ve got plenty of edge left. Enough for the whole damn squad.”
I take a sip of coffee, feeling the familiar fire in my gut, the part of me that’s always ready for a fight, even if I hope I never need it again.
Billie’s voice cuts through, bright and sassy from the boys’ table.
“Deadly? Oh, please, Daddy!” Billie giggles. “You can’t be deadly after rescuing my rubber duckies from the deadly waterfall in the bath last night!”
He’s leaning over, his eyes sparkling with mischief, Felix tucked under his arm. The other Littles burst out laughing, Luke clapping his hands, Richie snorting into his juice. Even Cole, Connor, and Henry crack up, their deep chuckles filling the air.
I shake my head, a grin spreading across my face despite myself.
“Watch it, Little One,” I call back, my tone mock-stern. “You’re gonna earn yourself another paddling if you keep that up.”
Billie sticks out his tongue, his giggle infectious, and I feel my heart swell. That sass, that fire—it’s what makes him my Billie, the boy who’s turned my world upside down.
The table quiets, and I lean back, watching the park across the street, kids running, kites soaring under the blue sky. I neverthought I’d get here, this moment of happiness, surrounded by my brothers and their Littles, with Billie safe and free. Two months ago, I was staring down a gun barrel, ready to die if it meant saving him. Now, we’re planning picnics, house-hunting, building a life together. It’s more than I ever dreamed, and I’m so damn glad it’s real.
Now to finish these coffees and get ready for picnic time in the park…
The park is alive with the hum of a perfect October afternoon, the sun casting long shadows across the lush grass as our gang spreads out blankets under a sprawling oak.
I’m sitting cross-legged on the checkered blanket, the picnic basket open beside me, filled with sandwiches, fruit, and cookies the Littles insisted on packing.
Billie’s leading the charge, his pastel t-shirt flaring at the bottom as he jumps and organizes a stuffie race with Luke, Richie, and Bodie, their laughter echoing through the park.
Felix and the other stuffies are lined up on the grass, ready to race as the boys cheer them on.
Billie’s in his element, his sass and sparkle brighter than ever, and I can’t stop watching him, my heart full knowing he’s free from Trent’s shadow for good. There’s still work to be done in getting Billie’s relationship with his mother back to where it was, but we’re working on it and I know in my heart that things will resolve themselves over time.
Cole, Connor, and Henry are sprawled nearby, passing around a thermos of coffee, their banter light but edged with the camaraderie that comes from years of missions together.
The Littles’ giggles mix with the chatter of families and the distant bark of dogs, and for a moment, it’s like the world’s paused, giving us this slice of normalcy I never thought I’d have.
Two months ago, I was in a warehouse, putting a bullet in Trent to keep Billie safe. Now, we’re planning suburban houses and playrooms, and it feels like a dream I don’t want to wake from.
But life has a funny way of keeping you on your toes, and I feel my Guard instincts kick in. It’s just a hunch, but…
Billie breaks away from the stuffie race, his cheeks flushed, and plops down beside me. Any thoughts of the Guard leave my mind, my darling boy now taking my attention.
“Daddy, you’re missing all the fun!” Billie says, his voice teasing as he hands me a grape, his eyes sparkling with that Little mischief I love.
I pop the grape in my mouth, grinning, and pull him close, his warmth grounding me. We’re in our own little bubble, the park fading as I brush a strand of hair from his face, savoring this quiet moment.
But my comms buzz, a sharp vibration against my wrist, and I glance at Cole and Connor, who’ve gone still, their hands checking their own devices.
Henry’s eyes narrow, and I know it’s serious.
