I raise an eyebrow. "Conditions?"
"Yes. If we're doing this whole secret relationship thing, then I get to set some ground rules too."
The fact that she's negotiating with me instead of just accepting what I've decided is both irritating and impressive as hell. "Such as?"
"Such as, you don't get to act like you don't know me at school. I'm not asking for PDA, but you can’t pretend I don't exist."
"I would never do that, baby, but that’s fine. Done."
"And I want your phone number programmed into my phone under a normal name, not 'Coach Reynolds.' Something I can actually say out loud if someone sees me texting."
"What did you have in mind?"
She grins, and there's mischief in her eyes. "Well, you could be my Uncle Murphy. I have a very close relationship with my uncle."
I nearly choke on my coffee. "Your uncle?"
"What? Too weird? Okay, how about my boss? I do work for you sometimes, helping with team stuff. Murphy from work texts me about... work things."
"Work things."
"Very important work things. Like whether I've been a good girl today."
The way she says it makes my cock twitch. "You're going to be trouble, aren't you?"
"I sort of hope so. You look like you could use some trouble in your life." She moves closer, leaving the mug on the counteragain, before pressing herself against my chest, her warm little hands over my heart. "But you knew that when you claimed me."
I wrap my arms around her, breathing in that warm scent that's already becoming addictive. "Smart mouth."
"You love my smart mouth."
"I do." I tilt her chin up so she's looking at me. "But make no mistake, baby girl. These rules, this arrangement, it's temporary. The second you graduate. I'm not hiding what you are to me anymore."
"And what am I to you?"
"Mine." The word comes out rougher than I intended. "You're mine, and eventually everyone's going to know it."
She shivers against me. "Yes, Daddy."
"Good girl. Now, since we're on the subject of rules, let me add a few of my own."
"Such as?"
"Such as, you text me every morning and every night. I want to know you're safe, that you're taking care of yourself. Whenever we’re apart, if you leave somewhere, you tell me. Then, you tell me when you’ve arrived at your next destination. No texting and driving though. Ever. I’ll turn that ass bright red if I find out."
"Okay."
"And if anyone gives you trouble—anyone—you tell me immediately. I don't care if it's another student, a teacher, or the fucking principal. You're under my protection now."
"What are you going to do, beat up a seventeen-year-old?"
"If necessary." I'm only half-joking. "But hopefully my reputation will be enough to keep most idiots in line."
She laughs. "You know, for a guy who's worried about people finding out about us, you sure sound like you're planning to be pretty obvious about the whole protection thing."
"There's a difference between being protective and being obvious. I've been looking out for you for months anyway. Now I just have more reason to."
"More reason?"
