“That’s when I ran, before things got worse.”
“Come here, little one,” I say, and I see a tear start to well up in her eye and I know just how bad this is, that she was trying to suppress it and I was the one who brought those thoughts, those feelings, back out. I’m responsible for this situation now, just like I’m responsible for her.
She moves to the edge of the bed, by my side. “Closer,” I say, and she crawls up onto the bed and I pull her into a hug, running my hands through her hair.
“You’ve had enough for one day, and don’t you worry…that man is going to get what he deserves. I’m going to make sure of it.”
“It’s ok. It’s in the past.”
I say nothing, not wanting to get into a heavy conversation right before bed about how a man who does that to a woman has probably done it to others, just that he’s been able to avoid getting caught up until this point. But now? Oh he’s caught all right. I’m going to snap his world shut like a steel trap.
The only time my woman should be scared is when she’s afraid of getting a spanking…from me. And we’ve already determined that’s not really fear, but anticipation…and the good kind too. For both of us.
“Don’t you worry, Little Angel. Daddy’s got you,” I say, squeezing her a bit tighter. “And he’s never letting go. You’re safe now.”
“Thank you, Daddy,” she whispers into my chest.
“No need to thank Daddy when he’s doing what he’s supposed to do.”
I can feel her smile into me and not a minute later her breath stalls before slowing and deepening, and with that I know she’s asleep exactly where she belongs…here in my arms.
“Sleep now, my princess,” I say softly. “Daddy is watching over you. Always.”
9
Hannah
The next morning
I wake up to the sound of birds outside the window, a fresh breeze coming in and do a big stretch in bed. I’ve literally never slept this well in my entire life, then again I’ve never slept with a big, strong man cuddling me all night long. Usually I’m the one holding onto stuffed animals, not a big, muscled teddy bear holding onto me.
I move to the window and see that the back yard is completely clean. All signs of last night's big party are already completely gone.
“Breakfast is ready for us in the garden.” A smile cracks my lips and I turn to see Henry standing in the doorway, dressed to the nines. “And after that we’re headed to your hometown.”
“My hometown?” I ask, that smile being wiped completely off my face in a single second.
“I know we don’t really celebrate it, but our neighbors to the south consider today the Day of the Dead, and I think it’s only right that I honor your fa
ther today.”
“But I just left there. I’m not looking forward to going back.”
He moves closer to me. “I understand and I won’t pressure you on this, if you don’t want to go.”
“I…” I turn my head to the side. “I don’t. I’m sorry. That’s my past and I’m only thinking about my future.”
“I understand,” he comforts, taking my face in his palms. “I’ll go alone, but you’ll have free rein of the house while I’m gone.”
“Why can’t we just celebrate dad’s life here today?”
“I also have business there I need to attend to.”
“What business?”
He pulls away from me and breathes out hard. I know what’s coming before he even opens his mouth, or at least I thought I did.
“I looked and your house is being repossessed by the bank unless payments are made by the end of the week. I’m going to tidy that up, to keep your credit in good standing.”