He wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me to him. His strong lips come crashing down on mine, and I melt in his arms. He undresses me right there on the spot, replacing my clothes with hot and hungry kisses.
I hop up on the kitchen table, beckoning for my big strong watcher to come and take me. And he does. Over and over and over again.
ChapterNine
Ethan
Four YearsLater
We spendthe day wrapped up in each other. It’s hard to allow myself to let go of the fact that she’s still in danger, but I can’t resist her. From the very start, I knew she would be trouble; I just didn’t know how much. My heart tells me she’s the one, but I hope I’m not setting myself up for heartache. This is exactly why I’ve spent so many years as a lone wolf.
It’s nearly nightfall, and Avery wants to attempt a fire. She’s so cute; how could I resist? “Go for it.” Her hair’s a mess, and she’s wearing my t-shirt, not much else.
“I have one more order of business for tonight.”
“Besides getting naked again, princess?”
“That’s a given.” She bends over to start the fire, giving me a great view of her white cotton panties. I rush over, ready to forgo the fire for another fuck. She pushes me away, giggling.
“I bought a movie for us to stream.”
“A movie?” I can’t hide my disappointment. The only thing I want to watch is Avery’s glorious face as she comes over and over. She smiles and clicks on the Smart TV, scrolling until she stops on a familiar thumbnail.
Now I’m the one who gasps. “I thought you didn’t watch sad movies.”
She wraps her arms around my waist. “I’m willing to give it a go. Besides, I never back down from a dare.”
“I’ll remember that.” I pull her close. The remote falls from her hand; the movie postponed…until my phone buzzes on the coffee table. Huston Riley’s name pops up on my caller ID.
Shit.
“It’s my dad.” Avery grabs my phone from the table.
“Here.” I hold my hand out, expecting her to drop it in my hand. Instead, Avery tosses her hair over her shoulder and answers.
“Hello, Daddy.” She sucks her lip between her teeth. “No, everything’s fine.” She moves away from me, and I keep pace right behind her. “That’s great.” Her sudden burst of joy has me pining to know what’s up. As if sensing my need, she turns to me. “It’s over.” She hands the phone to me. “He wants to talk to you.”
I swallow back a feeling of guilt, even though it seems unjustified. The situation is contained, and Avery is safe and sound. With me, forever, from now on.
“Mr. Riley.”
“The money’s been deposited into your account. You can leave the house. I’m on my way there. I’ll take my daughter home myself.”
“You’re on your way here?” I ask. “Right now?”
“No fucking way.” She grabs the phone from my hand before I can stop her. “Daddy, no.” She puts it on speaker. “I’m not going anywhere with you. In fact, I kind of like it here. I’m going to stay for a while.”
“Impossible. I need you at home where I can keep an eye on you.”
“Maybe you didn’t hear me.” Avery’s lip curls. “I’m not going with you. I’m staying here,”Don’t say it. Don’t say it.“With Ethan.”
“With Ethan?” Huston Riley practically spits my name. “Why?”
“Honestly, it’s none of your business. My life isn’t your business. I need space, room to grow. I’m twenty-five, a grown woman who can take care of herself. Please, dDad. Can’t you just trust me to make my own decisions?” We’re met with silence on the other end.
“Of course I trust you,” Huston speaks. “I never knew you felt like this.”
“I do.” She looks like a little girl, indignant and strong.
