“That so?” Reyes drawled.
“I’ll organize something. Be there soon.” He hung up before Reyes could question him any further. Shit. He hated not taking her home himself.
“Sunny?”
She looked up as Duke made his way towards her. There was about another hour until they got to close up and go home and she was feeling fatigued.
She couldn’t believe that Duke had spent time with her Little. It had been sweet the way he’d done her hair and watched cartoons with her. Then he’d listened to her talk about her past at the diner over lunch. Even helping her color.
“Everything okay?” she asked, noting Duke’s frown.
“I have some club business to do. I don’t think I’ll be back in time to give you a ride home.”
Disappointment filled her but she just nodded. “That’s fine, I’ll take an Uber.”
“You’ll what?” he asked, gaping down at her.
What had she said that was so weird? Oh, maybe it was the money thing. He was a bit funny about her spending her own money. She was going to have to have a talk with him about letting her pay her way more. She didn’t want to leech off him.
“I’ll take an Uber. I have an App. Don’t worry, I’ll wait inside until they come.”
She felt proud of herself for remembering that. Although that meant she’d have to set the damn alarm. Maybe Madden would wait with her until the Uber came.
“You’re not taking a fucking Uber.”
“Duke, shh, Rory has a client.”
“Don’t give a fuck. If a bit of swearing puts them off then they’re not our sort of client.”
Well, she guessed that was pretty accurate. She’d heard all sorts of colorful phrases and words since she’d started working here.
“What’s wrong with taking an Uber?”
He opened his mouth. Closed it. Then he shook his head. “I do not know where to begin. How about how unsafe it is getting into a fucking car with a stranger?”
“Ubers are perfectly safe. Lots of people take them without an issue.”
“Well, you are not most people and you will not be taking one. Someone will be here before it’s time to lock up to take you home.”
“And how do I know this someone is safer than an Uber?”
He leaned in so they were eye-to-eye. “Because I will be choosing who that person is and it will only be someone I trust with your safety. Not a damn fucking stranger.”
“I’ve taken an Uber on my own before, Duke.”
“Don’t expect to take one in the future. Not unless you want to sit uncomfortably the next day.”
“Duke!” she protested.
“You tell her, son!” a deep voice rumbled from out the back.
She went bright red, glaring up at Duke who still remained stern. He pointed at her. “Wait here for who I send. Do not try to disobey me on this. It’s a safety rule.”
And he was very big on safety rules.
“Fine. But I think you’re overreacting.”
He grasped hold of the nape of her neck and pulled her in to kiss her. Hard. “You’re mine now, little girl. That means you have to put up with me being overprotective and bossy.”
“I won’t always give in,” she warned.
“When it comes to safety, you will. Or I’ll be wielding that hairbrush of yours in an entirely different way.”
He stepped back, leaving her standing there, swaying slightly.
“I’ll call you tomorrow.” Then he strode out of the shop without a backward glance. As though he knew she was going to do exactly as he’d ordered.
Damn man. Entirely too arrogant for her peace of mind.
She rubbed her ass. He wouldn’t use her own hairbrush on her, would he?
13
She stood nervously outside the door to Duke’s house the next day. She wasn’t sure she should be here. What if he was still asleep? What if he’d had a long night? Doing club business. What exactly was club business?
She bit at her lip.
Go home, Sunny. Wait for him to call you.
That was something the old Sunny would have done. She’d never dare make a move. She always let other people call the shots. But while Duke far outweighed anyone else in her life for dominance and bossiness, she also knew he didn’t want a puppet he could maneuver into doing what he wanted.
She’d let Greg, and to a certain extent, Alan mold her into what they wanted. Growing up, she’d had to take on an adult role young.
She’d never really gotten to be herself. Whoever that was.
So she’d spent half the morning moping, waiting for Duke to call and telling herself not to bother him. Now it was mid-afternoon and she was done waiting.
Which was why she was standing at his front door, a basket of freshly baked blueberry muffins in her hand. She just needed to find the courage to ring the bell.
What if he rejects you? What if he doesn’t want to see you?
No. He liked her. He’d made that clear. She had to stop listening to her insecurities. She pressed the doorbell, hearing it ring. There was a long moment of silence. Maybe he wasn’t at home. His truck was here, though.
Had she turned him off somehow?
Then the door opened and he stood there, dressed in a pair of sweats and a tight black sleeveless top.
Hello biceps.
She swallowed; her mouth dry as neither of them said anything. Then she held up the basket.
“Muffins.”
He raised an eyebrow. Why wasn’t he saying anything? Now she felt like a complete dork. He hadn’t wanted to see her. She’d done something wrong. She put the basket down by their feet.
“Enjoy.” She turned to flee, tears stinging her eyes.
Then a hand reached out and wrapped around her arm. “Wait.”
She turned back to find him staring at her in puzzlement. There was something else in his gaze. Something dark. Intense. He looked stressed. Even standing there with a bottle of beer in his hand.
He was drinking already? Not that she was a prude or anything. It was his day off; he could drink if he wanted. He rolled his head from side to side as though trying to stretch tight muscles.
“Where you goin’, babe?”
“Um, well, I wasn’t sure if you wanted company. I mean, you said you’d call me, not that it matters that you haven’t,” she said hastily. “But I thought you might want something to eat. . .see I made muffins and I made too many and I. . .” she squeaked as he wrapped an arm around her waist and hauled her inside the house. Then he leaned down and snagged hold of the basket of muffins. He kept her tight against his side as he kicked out to shut the door.
Then he half-carried her into his living room. There wasn’t much in this room. Just a big sectional, two recliners and a huge T.V. mounted on the wall. The layout of the house was exactly the same as hers, with the addition of a large deck out the back. There was a game playing on the T.V. so she guessed he was just relaxing. Doing guy stuff.
And you interrupted.
“You didn’t have to invite me in,” she told him. Not that he’d actually invited her.
He just grunted then drew her along into the kitchen. He opened the fridge and silently pulled out some butter and two more beers.
“Oh, I don’t want a beer thanks,” she said as he offered her one. “I don’t drink much.”
He gave a nod and put one back. Then he split open some muffins and slathered them with way too much butter. She bit back a remark about healthy fats.
He took a huge bite then wrinkled his forehead. “What’s in this?”
“Um, blueberries.”
He shook his head and crooked a finger at her. “Come here.”
She moved a step closer. “I, ah, added some bran to make them healthier. You know, keep you regular.”
He raised an eyebrow at that.
“Well, not you, I mean I made them for me too. Not that I meant I needed. . .I just mean, bran is healthy and I. . .shit I need to stop talking
now.”
His lips actually twitched, lightening the dark look on his face.
“Closer.” He crooked his finger at her again.
She thought she was plenty close enough, but she took another small step. He grasped hold of her hips and pulled her in until their lower halves were pressed together.
All right, so he’d wanted them that close.
Then suddenly, he lifted her so she was sitting on the counter and settled himself between her legs. Her breath caught as her pussy brushed against his firm stomach, her breasts pressed against his chest, her nipples pebbling immediately.
“Fuck, you’re beautiful.”
She knew she wasn’t. But it felt good to hear the words, to see the desire in his face.
“I’m not,” she murmured.
He tugged at her ponytail, the small spike of pain increasing her arousal. She raised her face so she was looking into his. “Nope. That’s not allowed.”
“What?” Her breathing quickened as he lowered his mouth so it was inches from hers.
“No speaking badly about yourself. If I say you’re beautiful it’s because I mean it. Not a man who says things he doesn’t mean.”
And she appreciated that more than she could say. Even if she couldn’t see what he saw in her.
“Fucking beautiful. Sexy. Deliciously sweet.” He leaned in those last few inches and took her mouth with his. This was not like any of the kisses she’d experienced before. This was hard. Hot. Primal.
He was devouring her.
This was no quick peck. No brush of the lips. This was all-in, raw. Hungry.
She loved it.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, trying to get closer, to find her way inside him. He abruptly drew away, stepping back. She sat there, panting, her body licked with flames wondering what just happened.
“Why did you stop?” The demand in her voice surprised her.
He leaned against the opposite counter, staring at her like he was a man starving and he wanted to feast.
Well, she was here for the taking.
“Because that wasn’t meant to happen.”
“Why not?”
He turned away, running his hand through his hair. “My control is shot today. You shouldn’t have come over.”
Ouch. That fucking hurt. She dropped her gaze and slid off the counter. “Sorry. I’ll go.”
“No, wait. Fuck! I didn’t mean it like that.” He stepped forward and caged her between his arms as he rested his hands on the counter behind her. “Sunny, look at me.”
She kept her gaze lowered, not wanting him too see the tears in her eyes.
“Sunny. Look. At. Me.”
Nope. No way. Nuh-uh.
“I’m going to start counting,” he warned.
She raised her gaze to glare at him, her temper overriding her determination to hide her hurt feelings from him.
“Just because you start counting doesn’t mean I’m going to do what you say.” She stomped her foot on the floor then looked down at the limb in question in amazement. Had she really just stomped her foot?
“Are you having a tantrum, little rebel?” he murmured.
“No,” she sulked. “I want to go home.”
“No, you don’t.”
“You’re not the boss of me!”
He grinned. “Ah, but honey, that’s exactly what I am.”
She frowned up at him.
His face sobered. “I’m sorry if I hurt you, Sunny. I didn’t mean to. I misspoke.”
She felt her temper drift away at the regret and worry on his face. “Are you all right?”
His face lightened. “Oh, Sunshine River, what the hell did I ever do to deserve you?”
She blushed slightly at those words.
He cupped her face with his hand. “So sweet. Always thinking of everyone else. But who looks after you?”
“I can look after myself.”
“Of course, you can,” he said, surprising her. “You’re smart and strong and resourceful. But I like taking care of you. It makes me feel needed and useful and strong.”
“You’re all those things,” she whispered. “And more. You’re much stronger than me.”
He smiled down at her. “My Sunny. She makes everyone around her feel good, but she doesn’t see how truly amazing she is.”
Her blush deepened.
“I’ve spent all morning resisting the urge to call you. To go to your house, throw you over my shoulder and carry you back here where you belong.”
“So why didn’t you? I mean, the whole caveman routine is a bit overkill, I’d have come willingly.”
He ran his thumb across her cheek. “Ah, but deep down I’m a caveman at heart.”
“Would have given the neighbors something to gossip about.”
“There’s my little rebel.”
She shook her head because she was pretty much the opposite of a rebel. She’d followed the rules all her life. And look where it got her. . .maybe she should have thrown them out the window a long time ago.
“Why didn’t you come get me?”
“Because I’m not good company today. I had a damn shitty night. Got barely any sleep. I didn’t want you around me today, not when I’m like this. And it seems I was right since I hurt you just now.”
“You didn’t mean to.” She wrapped her hand around his wrist. “You don’t have to be perfect for me all the time, Duke.”
He snorted out a laugh. “Well, I can guarantee that won’t be the case. I’m far from perfect.”
She wasn’t so sure about that. She was pretty sure he was perfect for her.
“I can deal with dark and intense Duke. He’s not so different from bossy and grouchy Duke,” she teased.
He shook his head. “Like I said, don’t know what I did to deserve you, but I know I don’t want to let you go.”
“So let me stay with you today.” She reached up and brushed his hair off his face. “We don’t have to do anything. I’ll sit and watch the game with you and drink beer.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Do you even know who’s playing?”
She grinned. “Baby, I don’t even know what sport it is.”
He leaned his head back and burst into laughter before crouching down to swing her over his shoulder. He slapped her ass as she squealed.
“Come on, little rebel. You can sit on my lap while I give you a sports lesson.”
“I hope there’s not a quiz at the end.”
“Oh, there is and every wrong answer gets you a smack on the ass.”
Well, for once it seemed like her lack of sports knowledge was going to come in handy.
14
“I’m really sorry, I don’t know how I mucked up the stock order again.” Sunny ran her fingers through her hair, tugging at the pony tail she had it pulled back in today.
Agitation filled her. How did she keep getting this wrong? It was ridiculous. And embarrassing. She needed to get this stuff right, otherwise she was just a liability.
He’s only keeping you around because of your relationship.
This last week, it felt like Duke had been putting some distance between them. He was still attentive. Still affectionate, particularly when her Little surfaced. But she’d been retreating too. Uncertain whether this was still something he really wanted.
Shouldn’t he have done more than just kiss you by now?
Unless he doesn’t find you attractive. Maybe you’ve gained weight. Maybe you embarrass him.
Shame and self-doubt ate away at her until she was practically shaking as she stood across from Duke. He was frowning as he stared down at the order.
Idiot. Idiot. Idiot.
“You should fire me,” she blurted out.
He glanced up from the piece of paper, that slight frown still on his face. “What?”
She twisted her hands in front of her. “You should fire me. I made a mess of the ordering system. For a second time. I mean, what kind of an idiot messes up something that simple?”
“Sunny, you’re being too hard on yourself,” he stated, putting the paper down and studying her intently. “Come here.”
She shook her head. Then she wrapped her arms around herself. “You shouldn’t keep employing me just because we’re. . .ah. . .we’re friends.”
His frown deepened; his puzzlement clear. “We’re not friends.”
Ouch. That hurt.
“Right. Right.” She nodded. “We’re neighbors.”
He narrowed his gaze. “We’re a damn sight more than neighbors, Sunshine River. Now get your ass here. Right the fuck now.”
She still shook her head, standing her ground. What was she doing?
“This isn’t about the order,” he stated.
“Yes, it is. I’m a fuckup. . .” she trailed off. Whoops. She hadn’t meant to say that.
“You’re a what?” he asked in a low voice.
She just shook her head.
“Right. We need a chat. Because it seems there are a few things you’re keeping from me. I’m going to give you until the count of three to get your ass around my desk or I’m going to come and get you. And, little rebel, you will not like it if I have to come get you.”
That dark note sent a shiver of longing up her spine. She wanted the protection of a Daddy, the cuddles, the love. However, it also seemed she enjoyed having boundaries, being dominated. Taken in hand.
“One.” He stared at her. She fidgeted, not knowing exactly why she wasn’t moving.
“Two.” Did she want him to come for her? Seemed so. Because she wanted a punishment? Maybe.
“Three.” Oops. Time was up. And as he rose, regret settled in her gut. His face was easily read in that moment. And the man was not happy. At all.
“Wait, I’m coming,” she said hastily.
“Too late, little rebel.” He stalked around the desk.
Maybe she’d best get back to work. She stepped towards the door. “I think I’m needed out front. Madden’s next client is probably—” she squealed as he picked her up and carried her to the sofa. “Duke!”
“Nope,” he told her gruffly then he sat on the sofa with her on his lap. Face-up, thankfully. He held her as she fought to get free. “Settle down, little rebel. Before I settle you down.”
Motorcycle Daddy (MC Daddies Book 1) Page 13
