AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“They live on cruise ships?” I laughed as I started washing up. He tsked and took the dish out of my hands, his own fingers sliding on mine. A burst of vanilla and cinnamon surrounded us, but neither one of us mentioned it.
“Yes. Believe it or not, Duchess Cruises is a phenomenal company to work for. Mom is the bursar on one of their larger ships, and Dad is an emcee. Rita actually worked as a lounge singer on board once. Those ships are gorgeous, and the crew have fantastic accommodations and benefits, unlike the larger cruise lines.”
We finished the dishes in silence, and then, to my surprise, Donovan picked me up again, carrying me into the bathroom. He set me down, then went back into the kitchen for a stool. Gently sitting me on top of it, he began finger combing my hair.
“What are you doing?” I yawned halfway through my question.
In the mirror, his smile transformed his craggy, bearded face until it was infinitely beautiful. “Brushing your hair out while we wait for the cobbler.” He picked up a brush and smoothed it down my almost-dry locks. “You have such beautiful hair. Like dark honey.”
“I was thinking of cutting it,” I murmured. “It’s hard to take care of.”
“Don’t. I’ll take care of it for you,” he said quietly, gathering it up at my nape in one hand and sliding his fingers down the side of my neck with the other.
I shivered. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, I’ll take care of it from now on.” His fingernails scraped lightly over my collarbone, and goosebumps rose up on all my limbs. “I’ll take care of you.”
“But you said… you signed a contract.”
“Your brother fired me.”
“He can’t do that!” I pulled away, incensed. “I’ll tell him—” A large finger landed on my lips, silencing me.
“So sweet. You’d fight for me, wouldn’t you? You’d find the strength to stand up to the world for me?”
I met his gaze in the mirror. “If-if I have to. Yes.”
His dark eyes blazed. “You never will, baby girl. Protecting you is my job. Taking care of you. Giving you everything you need, making sure you’re safe. It doesn’t matter if it’s my profession. It’s my whole life, do you understand, sweetheart?”
I wasn’t certain what he was saying. Was he… claiming me? “Y-Yes?”
“Yes, who?”
“Yes, D-D—” I held my breath for a moment, as a strong surge of eucalyptus and cedar rushed around us. Behind me, Donovan canted his hips forward, and I felt his cock press against my back, between my shoulder blades.
“Don’t be nervous, sweet girl. You can say it.”
“W-what?” I whispered.
“I’ve been watching you for the past few weeks. I’ve seen the books you read. I heard you in the car, my perfect baby girl. I know what you want to call me. And I want it more than you can know. But I need you to say it.” He pressed harder, pulling my hair gently so that my head tilted back, then let out a soft growl when I didn’t speak.
Oh god, oh god, oh god. I was so turned on, I could feel the wetness seeping into the robe again. He knew… He knew what I wanted. And he didn’t think I was perverted, or disgusting. At least, I hoped not. I closed my eyes tighter, hoping I wasn’t about to make a terrible mistake.
“Yes…?”
“Yes, Daddy,” I managed to whisper.
His growl instantly changed to a purr that traveled through my body like a tremor, changing everything it touched. “That’s my good girl. My perfect girl.” His thumb moved over my lips, tracing them, and I opened my mouth. “Open for Daddy.”
To my shock, his thumb slipped over my tongue, before he gently grasped my cheek. With his thumb and forefinger, he carefully turned my face to one side, then leaned over to place his lips on my neck. I moaned as he nipped and lapped at the soft skin there, his teeth grazing my flesh. His beard rasped over my skin, the tiniest bit painful. I wanted more.
When he finally pulled back, I was breathing like I’d run a race. A cramp started up again in my core, and I groaned.
“You’re going into a mating heat.” He pulled his thumb out and traced my lips with it, the movement soothing me. “I know you’re scared. But you don’t need to be. I’m going to help you through it. I’m going to make you feel better.”
I wanted to cry, from gratitude… and fear. “I’m scared,” I admitted, my heart racing. The only heat I’d ever had had been terrifying, and ended with me in the hospital.
I saw understanding in his gaze. “You don’t need to be afraid. I’m not going to hurt you. I’ll never hurt you.” His voice thrummed with honesty. “Look at my perfect girl,” he said, moving his thumb back inside my mouth. He brought his other hand around and placed it like a collar around the front of my neck. “Suck Daddy’s thumb, sweetheart. I need you to relax.”
