AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter Eight
Two weeks later…
Kade
Caitlyn argued for the past twenty minutes about how she no longer wanted to remain at my house. She pointed out how ridiculous the reasoning was, and how she couldn’t just stay here. Most people would have jumped at the chance to lounge around and do nothing else. No outside responsibilities. No bills. She pushed all of my buttons on a normal day but throughout our conversation she had tweaked all of them in one glorious rebuttal.
“We agreed on my position over a week ago.” I held up a hand. “Didn’t we?”
“The only position you mentioned was me bent at the waist, Daddy.”
“Caitlyn,” I growled. “Those pretty pink lips are about to get you into trouble.”
“Didn’t you say how you wanted me to voice my opinions?”
“You’re not winning any points with your attitude. Drop it.” I waited for her hand to return to her side as well and motioned for her to do so. “I care about your opinion on most things, but not when it comes to Antonio and this situation. I don’t want you wrapped up in this drama. Antonio is an awful human being.”
“Can we please come up with another plan of action? I’ll go crazy if I’m cooped up in here like a caged bird!”
“You’ve got twenty-five hundred square feet of freedom, Caity-bug. I’m not trying to make you go crazy, but I swear it’s safer than the alternatives.”
“What are the alternatives?”
“Kidnapped and killed by goons. Does that sound particularly appealing to you?”
“No, but you’re not taking into consideration my strength. I’m stronger than I was the last time Antonio crossed my path. I can cause him and his men serious pain,” she flexed her arms. “Look how ripped my guns are.”
“As awful as Antonio is, do you think breaking his bones would make you feel better? Think about it for a moment. Would hurting Antonio satisfy your revenge?”
“No, I don’t want revenge, and I’m not seeking it.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “I appreciate what you’re doing. I really do, but I’ve got to get back to some semblance of normalcy.”
“If you truly feel this way, then what was all the talk about us getting together once this situation with Antonio is dealt with?” I pinched the bridge of my nose, and then returned my focus to her. “Hm?”
“No fair throwing words I mentioned in post coital bliss back at me.” She stomped her foot. “I’m not even talking about me and you. I’m talking about being in the city and having a life.”
“Do you need a time out, Caity-bug? You’re certainly acting like you need a reminder of who’s in charge here.”
“Are you gonna spank me too?”
“Yeah, if that’s the only way you’ll listen.” I grabbed her around the waist, lifting her up and off her feet. She kicked my shin, one swift and solid blow, and the pain dropped me to my damn knees. I barely managed to prevent her from hitting the floor, and she landed backwards over my left arm. I let her down to the floor gently.
“I’m so sorry.” Caitlyn wrapped her arms around my waist. “I wasn’t trying to hurt you. Please, don’t be mad.”
“I know you didn’t mean to hurt me, but you cannot choose when and if you listen to what I tell you.” I pushed out of her arms and got up. “If you honestly picture some sort of future with me, then you need to be more mindful.” I rubbed the tender spot on my shin. She worried her lower lip in between her teeth. “You’re going to sit right here.” I tapped the floor with my right foot. “You’ll think long and hard about your actions.” I scoured the room for a notepad and pen and then returned to her side.
“Am I going to write a letter to Antonio and ask him politely to leave our city alone?”
“Oh, you must be wearing your smarty-pants pants today.” I clucked my tongue. “No, little girl. You’re going to write three hundred and fifty times, one sentence per line, I will not use my super strength on Daddy. Understood?”
“Yes, I understand.” Her eyes widened, but she nodded in agreement. “I really didn’t mean to hurt you.”
“No matter your intention, it was still painful.” I leaned down and kissed her forehead. “I’ve got a few phone calls to make, and then I’ll come back and see where you’re at.”
“This is still overwhelming. It’s way too much for me to process.” Caitlyn sniffled. “I’m not used to anyone being concerned about me or caring about me at all.”
“Well, sweetheart, you’re going to figure it out sooner or later. Hopefully, it will start to sink in without a burning tail, though it seems the best way to get through to you. I care, and I’m not going to abandon you. We’re in this together, Caitlyn. Trust me enough to believe my words, and if you can’t do that yet, then at least believe my actions.” I kissed each of her cheeks and then patted her head. “I’ll be back in half an hour.”
As I reached the doorway, she muttered under breath, “I’m sorry, Kade.” My heart soared from her declaration and somehow reminded me just how far she’d come in a short time.
