My Own Daddy (Daddy 1)

“Fuck, man, I’m sorry,” Kaleb said.

“What you said before about a little being a lot of work, I’d have to say there are very few times I feel she needs me more than others but it’s all still the most amazing feeling. I hope you all get the chance that I did. That woman upstairs makes me happier than I’ve ever been. She makes me laugh and worry at that same time. She makes me feel ten feet tall and invincible. The thought of going a day without her makes me break out in sweat and takes my breath away.”

Kaleb nodded. “I admit you have been different since Larkin came into your life. You’re happier, more settled.”

He nodded. “I can’t explain what all she’s brought to my life.”

“Do you want me to go apologize to her?”

He shook his head. “No, but thanks. I’ll take care of her.”

Kaleb, Noah, and Patrick s

tood. Patrick shook his hand. “We’ll leave you to it. We’ve got to get back to the city. We’ll talk later.”

“Thanks for coming. We’ll be back in town in a week or so.”

Darian watched all three men get into a large black Yukon SUV before he closed the door and headed for the stairs. He knew right away that the room was empty when he opened the bedroom door. He walked around the house, opening doors and calling for her. He felt a panic start to build.

“Elder,” he yelled.

The older man came around a corner. “What is it, sir?”

“Have you seen Larkin?”

“No, I’m sorry. The last time I saw her, she went out the patio door.”

“Did she have anything with her?”

“I couldn’t see, but she was far away. It did look like she was holding something in her arms.”

“Goddammit. I’m going to blister her ass.”

“I’ll call the employees and tell them to keep an eye out for her.”

Darian walked into his office when he heard his phone indicate he had a message.

It seems we picked up a stowaway, Patrick texted Darian. What would you like us to do?

Darian pinched the bridge of his nose as relief loosened the knots in his gut. Can you drive around but end up back here without her knowing?

We’ll try. Expect us in thirty minutes or so.

Darian called for Elder. “She’s with the guys.”

“Oh.”

“She’s trying to run away.”

“I’m sorry, sir.”

“She overheard Kaleb say some things about littles needing their daddies too much. She totally missed what I said, and it hurt her feelings.”

“She does have a tender heart.”

Darian nodded. “Yes, she does.” He walked to the front door and waited for the guys to show up. He was angry, but the worry overshadowed it enough that he didn’t know if he would punish her or not. He’d let everything happen and decide when he had her in their bedroom.

Chapter Fourteen