Page 6 of Maid for Daddy

“That’s for sure. What did she call you when you were a little boy?”

“Back then she called me, ‘young sir.’”

“It’s very formal but I like it. They don’t have rules like that where I grew up.”

“I don’t particularly like it. Having money shouldn’t entitle you to a title. I believe that kind of respect should be reserved for men who deserve it. My brother saw disrespect everywhere, and he always fought for it. That’s a true sign of insecurity. When you’re worthy of respect, it comes to you naturally. A man should never argue his worth. It makes him look weak.”

“I can see that too. I suppose there have been terrible people who were called sir. Maybe we should reserve that title for knights.”

Her innocent interpretation makes me laugh. “That’s it. If you don’t see me in armor, I don’t want to hear any of this sir business.”

“So, what are we eating?”

“Looks like Sherry’s famous roast duck.”

“I’ve never had duck, but it smells amazing.”

“Sherry can make anything taste amazing.”

I set a plate on the table in front of her and lean back in my chair, watching as she takes the last few delicate morsels into her mouth. God damn, even seeing her eat turns me on.

RING!

“Hello? Yes, I’ll accept the charges.” It’s my beloved brother calling from prison. I suspect he’s checking to see if Samantha arrived.

“Hey, brother. I sent you a care package from New York. Did you get it?”

I glance over at Samantha. “I did.”

“Well, what do you think? I heard she’s a little hottie. Is it true?”

I sigh and scrub a hand across my face. “Nothing could be truer.”

“You know she’s yours, right? I told her father she’d work as a housekeeper, but you can use her services any way you want if you get me.”

I feel a tightness in my chest as the anger slowly bubbles up inside me. “We don’t treat women like that.”

“Says who? Her father knew what he was doing when he traded her off. She’s fair game.”

I step out onto the veranda so Samantha won’t overhear. “That’s bullshit and you know it. We aren’t animals and this family doesn’t operate that way anymore.”

“Hey, it’s all good. If you don’t want to dip your stick in her, don’t.”

I try my best to remain civil but the thought of anyone touching Samantha makes me want to reach through the phone and strangle him. I don’t care if he’s my brother. If he lays a hand on her, I’ll kill him.

“Did you see the doctor they assigned you?”

“Why? You telling me I’m sick in the head?”

“Yes, Samuel. You’re a fucking monster.”

“Remind me to never do you a favor again. Do you want me to send her back? I’ll do it.”

What? No. She can’t go anywhere. I won’t let her.

“No. She’s staying but if one more ‘package’ shows up at my door, I’m calling the prosecutor so he can have the judge add more time to your sentence.”

“You wouldn’t. I’m the only family you have left.”

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