Possessive Daddy Next Door

But she doesn’t question my story. Even though I just told her one of the most insane things ever, she doesn’t seem to question it.

“What will we get out of this deal?” she asks.

“Mother,” Delia says.

But she holds up a hand. “No, Delia. We don’t just open our doors to strange men with the mafia on their tail for no good reason. If he wants a safe harbor here, he’d better bring something along with him.”

I frown and cock my head. “I’ll work for free,” I say.

“Max!” Delia throws up her hands.

“Interesting,” Mrs. Lofthouse says. “That’s an interesting proposal. In exchange for room and board, you’ll patrol the house as a security agent?”

“Right,” I say. “I bring experience and expertise with me.”

“All of our security agents are experienced.” She smiles at me. “But maybe none have such an interesting backstory.”

“I’ll pull my weight.”

“Here’s the problem.” Mrs. Lofthouse leans back and crosses her legs. She puts her hands on her knees and watches me. “If I let you stay, then this little… mafia family will be angry with me. And then I’ll have to deal with them.”

“They might want to make a friend,” I offer. “You could use that.”

“Perhaps.” She tilts her chin. “Or perhaps you’re just more trouble than you’re worth.”

“Mother,” Delia says. “We’re helping him because I say we are. If he wants to work for you for free, that’s between the two of you. But he’s staying no matter what.”

Her mother arches an eyebrow at her and then nods. “Very well then.”

I sit back in surprise. Even Delia looks shocked. “Really?” she asks.

“Really. That’s all you had to say from the start, dear. If you want this, we can make it happen.”

“I… just had to tell you what I wanted?”

Her mother sighs. “Darling, we’re a powerful family. We get what we want. If you truly want this, we can make it happen.” She leans toward her daughter. “But remember, whatever happens will be on your head. If people get hurt… you will be the one responsible.”

“Yes, Mother,” Delia whispers.

Mrs. Lofthouse nods. “Good. Then you can come and stay, Max. Although I still expect you to work for free.”

“I will,” I say. “I won’t be a burden.”

“Good. You’ll have full access to the house and all its amenities, including childcare and food as needed. Ask Archie for anything you want and he’ll arrange it.” She stands up and looks at us. “Anything else? I have business to attend to and some calls to make.”

“That’s it,” Delia says.

“They’re called the Conte Family,” I tell her. “In case you were wondering.”

She quirks her lips into something like a smile. “Yes, I was wondering.”

I stare at her for a long moment. She hadn’t asked, and I suspect she already knew, but I can’t prove it. Without another word, she turns and leaves the room.

Delia turns to me. “That’s great news,” she says but doesn’t sound sure.

“It’s good,” I say and grin at her.

She laughs and hugs me. I hug her back for a long moment before pulling back. “I’ll have to get ready. It’s going to be strange for Tab.”

“She’ll be okay,” Delia says. “We’ll help her adjust.”

“You don’t have to do anything,” I say and stand. “Tab is my responsibility.”

She looks a little surprised then looks away. “Yeah, right. Of course.”

I hesitate. “Unless you wanted to.”

She shrugs. “I like kids. I know I’m not… her mother, or whatever. But I thought I could be her friend.”

I let out a breath. Of course that’s what she was thinking. I take her hand and help her up then kiss her gently on the lips. “I’d love that. And I bet Tab would too.”

“Yeah?”

“Of course. She’s just a toddler though, so don’t expect much.”

She grins. “Oh, I don’t know. I bet I’ll have her doing backflips by the time I’m done with her.”

I sigh and shake my head. “I suspect an intense Lofthouse education is forthcoming, isn’t it?”

“Sure it. She’ll do great though.”

I laugh and kiss her one more time before we leave the room. We find Archie and Tab with some of the staff in the kitchen. Tab is sitting up on a table and Archie is reading to her from a Thomas the Tank Engine book. When we walk in, Tab squirms down and runs over. I scoop her up into my arms.

“Want to stay here, little girl?” I ask her. “For a while. How’s that sound?”

She frowns. “Stay?”

“Live here. We’ll sleep here.”

“Okay,” she says.

Archie comes over and looks at Delia. “I suppose the meeting went well.”

“Better than expected,” Delia admits.

“Good. I can move them in today, then?”

“Right now, if possible.” Delia looks at me. “Your room is next to mine, if that’s okay.”

I shrug and try to keep the lascivious grin off my lips. “Fine with me. I’m sure Tab will love it.”