Page 186 of Screwged for Christmas

“Dad, I can explain,” Evie began.

“I wasn’t asking you,” he quipped. “The limo is outside. Wait for me there.”

“Like hell,” we both said and I meant every word.

I pulled her to my side.

“She’s not going anywhere,” I hissed.

Evie turned her gaze up to mine. “Dad, how did you find us?”

Captain Davidson raised an eyebrow. “I drove all night to get here because I lost my cell phone. I knew there were only two places you would be. Mystique or here. Given how well I know you and your ability to be persuasive, I knew there was no way you would leave Mystique without her so I stopped here first. The SUV outside told me I was right. But I had no idea you would violate my daughter.”

“Hold it. There was nothing that wasn’t consensual. And with all due respect our friendship and past have earned you, you should know I’ve fallen in love with your daughter. If she’ll have me, I’m going to marry her and never let her leave my side again. She deserves someone who will always be there for her.”

“And you think that’s you?”

“I know it is.”

“Are you saying I never cared for my baby girl, asshole?”

“I’m saying you’re never around long enough to know what’s going on in her life. Did you even know Christmas is her favorite holiday? That she never celebrates because you’re never home to celebrate with her?” I wanted to roar that last part but I kept my temper in check. I was seething and so pissed off I had the urge to bury my fist into the man for hurting Evie, knowingly or otherwise.

Davidson’s face fell, and for the first time in all the years I’ve known the man, he looked contrite.

“Evie, is all this true?”

“I’m sorry, I don't mean to hurt you, Dad. Did you really drive all night to come find me?”

“I’m here, aren't I? I was worried as hell. Oh, sweetie, you could never hurt me.” He paused, holding my gaze a minute before turning it to his daughter. “This really what you want?”

My ice princess steeled her shoulders and pushed out of my arms right when I thought she would cry. “This is what I want. I’m happy with Gabriel.”

Instead of hugging his daughter, the man shoved his hands in his pockets and marched out of the open door, head hanging low. He paused, turning to look back at me first. “You hurt her, I’ll have no problem disposing of your body.”

My respect for him returned. “Merry Christmas to you too, Davidson.”

He locked eyes for a moment and an understanding passed between us. He didn’t like what happened between me and Evie, but he wouldn’t stand between us either.

He turned to Evie and opened his arms. That one gesture seemed to heal years of hurt and misunderstanding between them. I stood back and watched as the man held his daughter close and whispered something to her that made the woman I loved smile.

“Merry Christmas, Daddy.” One final squeeze and my friend walked off. I truly understood how the man never recovered from his wife’s death and deep down I’m beginning to understand the heartache. I didn’t need years to know I would only be half the man I was without Evie in my life.

And just like that, we were alone again.

“I think that was as close to an approval as we’ll ever get.”

Evie bit her lower lip, looking at me with tears in her eyes. “You really love me?”

“I do. I’ll dedicate my life to making you happy.” I sat down on the bed and pulled her to me. Tears clung to her cheeks. I knew Davidson. He might not be happy about the recent turn of events, but he knew that deep down his daughter was safe with me.

“Marry me, my Ice Princess.” It was the only thing I could think of to say that felt right. “Or I can pull out those cuffs and give that sweet ass of yours a good spanking.”

She slipped into my lap and wiggled her delicious ass, making me hard and ready. She blushed charmingly, noticing the effects she had over me.

“Are you planning to use sex to get whatever you want from me for our whole marriage?”

EPILOGUE

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