“I’d strongly advise against it,” he added. “There are people out there who want you dead. And walking away from me means walking right into their crosshairs. You go, you’re not just risking your life. You're risking your parents’ lives too.”
The truth hit her like a punch. She wasn’t trapped by him. She was trapped by the world outside.
“So it’s stay and follow your rules… or leave and probably die,” she said bitterly.
“Pretty much,” he said, one corner of his mouth tugging into something almost like a smile. “Though I’d like to think staying has some perks beyond basic survival.”
She lifted an eyebrow, wary but curious. “Such as?”
He didn’t blink. Didn’t waver. Just said, “Such as being mine. Fully. Officially. If you want that.” The air between them thickened, charged with something that had been building for too long.
So,” he said, voice dipping into something dark and tender all at once, “what’s it gonna be, baby girl? Do you want to be mine? I can promise you safety. Security. Not having to be alone and afraid anymore." He paused, then added softly, "Having someone care for you the way you need."
Lily's heart hammered in her chest. This was dangerous territory. He was offering exactly what she'd always wanted but under duress, when she was at her most vulnerable. It wasn't right. It wasn't how this was supposed to happen.
"I don't need anyone," she lied.
Blade sighed. "Rule three, baby girl. Complete honesty, remember?"
Those words again.Baby girl.And the way he looked at her, like he could see right through her walls, right into the heart of her.
"Fine," she admitted, looking away. "Maybe I do want... that kind of relationship. Eventually. With someone I choose, when I'm not being hunted."
"Fair enough," he conceded. "But while you're here, under my protection, you'll follow my rules. You might not be ready to admit it yet, but you are mine Lily. My little girl. I’ve got all the time in the world, but my patience will wear out eventually."
Was he serious? Was he actually giving her space to decide if she wanted the Daddy/little dynamic with him? After making it clear he'd enforce his rules regardless?
It was confusing. And strangely considerate.
"Okay," she said finally.
"Okay, what?" he pressed.
She rolled her eyes. "Okay, I'll follow your rules while I'm here."
He nodded once, satisfied. "Good girl."
The praise sent a pleasant shiver down her spine that she desperately tried to ignore.
A knock at the door interrupted the moment. Blade immediately tensed, hand going to his waistband where she assumed he kept a gun.
"Stay here," he ordered, moving silently toward the door.
Lily held her breath, reminded of the danger lurking outside these walls. Blade checked the security camera feed on his phone, then relaxed slightly.
"It's Doc," he told her, tucking his gun away before opening the door.
A middle-aged man with salt-and-pepper hair stepped inside, carrying a medical bag. His eyes found Lily immediately, assessing her with a professional gaze.
"This the patient?" he asked Blade.
"Ankle infection," Blade confirmed. "Possible dehydration and malnutrition too."
"I'm right here," Lily reminded them irritably. "And I'm fine."
Doc chuckled, setting his bag on the coffee table. "Let me be the judge of that, young lady."
She bristled at his tone but allowed him to examine her ankle, unwrapping Blade's bandage carefully.
