Protecting Freedom

“Fine.” I decide not to push my luck. Instead I turn around in a slow circle. “I changed. Does this meet your approval?” It’s on the tip of my tongue to call him Daddy, but I hold it back.

“I never said I didn’t approve of the last one. I just don’t think others should see you in it.”

“Others besides you?”

“There you go, asking another question I didn’t agree to answer.” I swear his lips are fighting a smile. His dark green eyes seem playful.

“Okay, then tell me what happened.”

“I was shot,” he says simply with a shrug of his shoulder. He says it so casually he could be talking about a paper cut. I’m shocked and unsure of what to say. “It’s fine.” He comes closer to me, and I must have a worried look on my face because he places his hands on my upper arms and leans down a little to look into my eyes. “Hey, I said it’s okay. It was a through and through. It just needs some time to heal.”

He reaches up and tucks my hair behind my ear, and the gesture is so familiar. As if we are more than what we really are—two people who barely know each other. For all the time we’ve been near one another we haven’t shared much. But it doesn’t stop me from loving his touch. Loving him. I can’t explain it. I don’t care that some would say it’s just a crush because we don’t know each other. But I do know how he makes me feel. And that isn’t something that’s ever changed. Not in three long years.

“Are you sent on top secret missions?” I don’t know a ton that goes on. My dad tries to shield a lot from me, but it’s impossible to block everything from my eyes.

“Not anymore.” His hand drops away from me and he takes a step back as if realizing what he’s doing.

“So, what is it you do now?”

“I was asked to watch over you until your dad gets back.” He puts his hands in his pockets and I wonder if it’s to keep from touching me? I can see the look in his eyes and it’s not as straight-laced as he would want everyone to believe.

“I’m sorry,” I tell him as I lean against the seat closest to me and watch his eyes follow the curve of my hip.

“I’m not.” His voice is lower than before, and he clears his throat.

“I meant that you had to give up the missions. Not that you had to watch me.” I bite my lip to keep from smiling and watch as the corner of his mouth turns up.

“I see. Well, it wasn’t what I wanted to do anymore.” As if he can’t help himself, he takes a step closer. His hands are still firmly buried in his pockets, but the muscles of his arms are strained.

“So what is it you want to do?” My eyes trail down his tight black shirt to his trim waist. I begin to fantasize about what’s under there and if he’s got that sexy V on his hips that leads down to his cock. “You aren’t leaving, are you?” The thought springs into my head and I have to look up and meet his eyes. My heart begins to pound as the worry spreads.

“Why? Would you miss me?” His words are teasing, and I’m surprised how much I like the sound of it. His cocky smile makes my fingers twitch. I’d love to run my thumb over his bottom lip.

“Maybe a little,” I admit, trying to play it cool. “But you wouldn’t, would you?”

“I have no idea, sweet pea. But if it’s up to your dad, then yeah, I’m staying.”

Why do I love that he called me that? He’s not looking at me as if I’m some kid he’s having to babysit. I catch the way he’s licking his lips and the way his eyes linger on the hint of cleavage that I keep leaning forward to show him.

“What if it’s up to me?” Emboldened, I step forward, and this time I’m the one to reach out and place my hand on his chest.

His eyes darken as he looks down to where I’m touching him. He doesn’t pull away or tell me to stop. Instead, his eyes lock with mine and he cocks his head to the side.

“Can you be a good girl?”

Goosebumps break across my skin at his question. Can I be? I don’t want to. Not with him. I want to do bad things that might get us into trouble. And then I want to do them again even if we’re caught. With Washington, I want it all.

I look up at him through my lashes and shake my head slightly. Then with all the strength I have inside me, I step around him and go to the door. I’m late for my meeting with Chad. When I open it, Washington’s hand comes from behind me and he pushes the door closed. His broad chest presses into my back as his mouth comes to my ear.