Page 53 of Her Courage

Kaleb and Colby's responses pinged in rapid succession:

Kaleb: Baby girl, we know about Ashlei and Jace. They're Scarlet Rose members in good standing.

Colby: Sweet girl, did you think it was a coincidence that so many of your colleagues are accepting? Kaleb and Andrei have been very... selective in their hiring practices over the years.

I tucked my phone into my pocket, still shaking my head as I pushed away from my desk. Lottie never ceased to amaze me with her perspective on the world. She'd been right under our noses for years, working in the company we'd built as a sanctuary for those in the lifestyle, and she'd had no idea.

The walk to her office wasn't long, but I took my time. The corridors were mostly empty at this hour. Most employees had sensible working hours, unlike my stubborn little girl who still worked late despite our repeated warnings.

When I reached her office, I paused in the doorway, content to watch her for a moment. She hadn't noticed me yet—her brow furrowed in concentration as she stared at her computer screen, absently twirling a strand of honey-brown hair around her finger. The soft glow from her desk lamp highlighted the curves of her face, casting shadows beneath her lashes.

Beautiful. My chest tightened with the familiar surge of possessive love that never failed to take my breath away.

I cleared my throat, and she jumped, a startled squeak escaping her lips as her chair rolled back and she half-rose from her seat.

"Andrei! You scared me," she gasped, hand pressed to her chest.

"I can see that, kroshka," I replied, unable to keep the amusement from my voice. "Do you know what time it is?"

She glanced at her computer screen, wincing slightly. "Eight-thirty?"

"Indeed." I crossed my arms, leaning against the doorframe. "And what was our rule about working past eight?"

Lottie's lips pursed into a pout that made me want to bite them. "That I'm not supposed to?"

"That's right." I pushed away from the doorframe, crossing to her side of the desk. "And yet here you are, still working."

"I lost track of time," she protested, but her eyes gleamed with that hint of mischief that told me she was testing me. Always testing, my little bratty girl.

"Hmm." I reached past her to save her work, then shut down her computer. "I think we'll be discussing your tendency to 'lose track of time' later tonight."

Her breath hitched, and a delicate flush spread across her cheeks. "Yes, Daddy A."

"Good girl." I grabbed her coat from the rack in the corner and held it out. "Now let's get you home where you belong."

Lottie stood, sliding her arms into the sleeves as I held her coat. I settled it onto her shoulders, using the opportunity to press my lips to the sensitive spot behind her ear.

"I need to bring my laptop," she said, already reaching for her bag.

"No, you don't." I caught her wrist gently but firmly. "It's almost nine o'clock on a Wednesday night. Whatever work you think you need to do can wait until tomorrow."

"But the Henderson file⁠—"

"Charlotte." My voice dropped an octave, the warning clear.

She stilled immediately, her eyes widening. "Yes, Daddy A."

"Better." I gathered her purse and guided her toward the door with my hand on the small of her back. "Oscar is waiting downstairs."

We walked in comfortable silence to the elevator, my hand never leaving her back. The possessive gesture wasn't lost on the night security guard who nodded respectfully as we passed, his lips curling into a knowing smile. Everyone in the building knew who she belonged to now. Who would protect her.

As the elevator doors closed, Lottie turned to look up at me. "I really did lose track of time, you know. Ashlei and I were talking about Friday, and then I got caught up in some reports..."

"I know, kroshka." I brushed a strand of hair from her face. "But rules are rules, and they exist for a reason. You need rest, especially after everything that's happened."

She nodded, her expression softening. "I know."

"Good."