He ran a hand through her hair. “No, that’s not fair. Not when I’m probably just being paranoid. But I’d feel better that if you want to go anywhere in the near future that you have either me or one of the guys with you. Madden would do as well. Not Rory.”
No. Not Rory.
“I’m probably being overly cautious, but just let me stick someone on you when I’m not around. I need that after yesterday.”
“Yes. Of course.”
“Call Jewel. Arrange to go shopping tomorrow. I’ll get someone to go with you. Jason would love to go shopping, I’m sure.”
She rolled her eyes at that.
“Thank you, baby girl.”
“What for?” she asked in surprise.
“For giving me peace of mind. For not telling me I’m a paranoid bastard.”
“I’ll just think it instead,” she teased.
She was so tired that she could barely see straight. She poured herself another cup of coffee, knowing she was going to need it to get through the afternoon.
“Hey, babe, pour me one too, will you?”
She glanced over at Duke, noticing he looked tired as well. Guilt filled her. “I’m sorry I woke you up so early this morning.”
She brought him his coffee and he took both cups from her, putting them on the small table in the break room. “I’m not. I’m glad you were in my bed and not alone.” He tugged her close, hugging her. She leaned into him, taking in his scent.
“Me too.”
A throat clearing had her trying to pull back. But Duke held her close.
“Rory. You’re late.”
“Doesn’t look like you’re all doing much work anyway,” Rory sneered. He slammed his locker door shut and left.
Duke sighed. “That asshole is on his last legs.”
She didn’t say anything, just drew away and picked up her coffee.
“I’ve got a client coming in soon,” he told her. “Don’t drink too much coffee.”
She snorted after he left. Right now it felt like caffeine was the only thing keeping her upright.
18
Sunny groaned silently, rubbing her sore stomach as she yawned. She was tempted to have another coffee, but it felt like the caffeine was eating her stomach lining. Her hand shook as she filled up a glass of water. She should probably eat but she felt slightly nauseous.
Duke had been with his last client for the past two hours. This client had been in each week for the last three weeks. Today they were finishing off a large tattoo on his back. Today was pretty quiet, a few regular clients with longer bookings so there wasn’t much for her to do.
She yawned again, her eyes watering. Crap. She needed more coffee. Her stomach would just have to cope. She poured a cup and then sat at the table with a slump. Her hand shook as she took a sip.
Sugar. She couldn’t wait for bed tonight.
“Hey, little rebel,” a deep voice said and she sat up with a smile. Whoops. Even though he was her boyfriend, he was still her boss and seeing her sitting around looking half-dead probably wasn’t a great look.
“Finished with your client? I’ll go rebook them. Sorry, was just having a short break.”
He waved his hand. “It’s okay. All dealt with.”
“I’m sorry. I thought you’d be with them a bit longer.” Now she really felt like shit.
“Sunny, it’s fine,” he said firmly with a frown. “I’m more worried about you. You feeling well? You look pale.”
He came closer and placed the back of his hand on her forehead. She had to resist the urge to lean into him and close her eyes.
“I’m fine. Nothing another cup of coffee won’t fix.” She forced a bright smile on her face. He didn’t look fooled. He watched as she reached out a shaky hand for the cup.
He plucked it from her hand before she could take a sip. “Just how many coffees have you had today?”
“I don’t know. Seven? Eight?”
“Okay, little rebel. You can consider yourself cut off.”
What? They were open for another two hours! She wouldn’t get by without coffee.
“Hey, you can’t do that!” she protested, getting to her feet as he poured the coffee down the sink.
“Just did.”
“Duke!” She scowled up at him.
“Babe, you’re shaking because you’re on caffeine overload. You’re pale as hell and you’ve got dark smudges under your eyes. You’ve barely eaten today so I’m guessing your tummy doesn’t feel great, huh?”
“I’m fine.” She reached around to grab for the coffee pot once more.
He gave her a sharp smack on the ass. She gasped and looked around. “Duke!”
Grasping hold of her hand, he led her towards his office.
“What are you doing? I need to get back out front. I have work to do.”
“Today is quiet. All our clients are regulars. We can handle any walk-ins.” He led her into the office and shut the door behind him.
He pointed at the sofa. “Sit down. I’m going to go get you some water and something to eat. Then you’re going to take a nap.”
“I’m working.”
He rested his hand on her hips. “And I’m the boss.”
“You can’t pay me to sleep!”
“I can do what I like, baby girl. And frankly, I’m far more worried about your health than what it is I’m paying you to do. So either you get something healthy in your belly and have a sleep or I’m going to reschedule my next client then take you home and put you to bed for the rest of the day.”
He’d do it too. She could see the determination on his face. She huffed out a breath. “Okay, fine.”
“Seems someone gets a bit grouchy when she doesn’t get enough sleep, huh?” He turned and left before she could snap back at him.
With a groan, she sat. Who was she kidding? He was right. She needed plenty of sleep, it was just the way she was. And her head was thumping, her tummy bubbling with nausea which was a combination of fatigue, caffeine-overload and lack of food.
“I’m sorry,” she said as soon as he came back.
He gave her a surprised look. “For what, baby girl?”
“You’re just trying to take care of me and I’m being ungrateful and grouchy.”
He sat next to her on the sofa and handed her a bottle of water and an egg salad sandwich he must have popped next door to get.
She attempted to unwrap the sandwich, her hands fumbling. He grabbed it from her and took off the wrapping but instead of handing it back to her, he held it up to her mouth.
“It’s okay, baby girl,” he told her. “I can tell you’re not feeling so great. You’re tired and out of sorts.”
She swallowed her mouthful and took a drink of water. “I’ve always needed at least nine hours of sleep at night to function.”
He held up the sandwich and she took another bite. It was starting to settle her stomach, but her headache was getting worse.
“Which means that you really do need a nap.”
She rubbed her forehead. “I think if I take some painkillers, I’ll be good.”
“No, little rebel. You’re having that nap. This is nonnegotiable. Daddy’s putting his foot down.”
“His foot?” She stared at him in surprise. He fed her another bite.
“Yep.”
“Is this like your counting?”
“The foot is much more serious. The foot must be obeyed or there are dire consequences.”
“Sounds ominous.” She smiled.
“Oh, it is. Disobeying the foot means that you end up standing in the corner with a very sore, red bottom on display. Now, finish eating that while I get you some painkillers for that headache. Do you need to go to the toilet?”
She nodded and finished off the sandwich before using the bathroom. When she came back, he held out two painkillers and the water for her. Then he led her to the couch. He’d placed a pillow and blanket on the sofa. He helped settle her then gently massaged the back of her neck as sh
e yawned and closed her eyes.
He moved his hand lower to pat her bottom. “Sleep, baby girl. I don’t want you moving from here until I come back, understand me?”
“Yes, Daddy.”
“That’s my good girl.”
Duke walked into the office and stared down at a sleeping Sunny. She looked so peaceful. He was glad she was managing to sleep without nightmares. When she’d woken him up screaming this morning, he’d nearly gone for his gun, thinking she was being attacked.
He fucking hated that she was having nightmares because of what happened yesterday. He breathed in deep and let it out slowly, trying to ease the knot in his gut.
She mumbled as she moved onto her back, wincing slightly. Damn. Maybe he shouldn’t have spanked her this morning after she’d just had a bad dream. He ran his fingers though his hair as he moved to the sofa and gently lifted her shoulders up then turned himself so her back was resting against his chest, his arm secure around her.
He picked up the water bottle she’d barely sipped from. He needed to take better care of her. She’d drunk far too much caffeine today and not eaten enough. She was exhausted.
He loved being both her man and her Daddy. He fucking loved. . .her. He loved Sunny. Couldn’t imagine his life without her. Leaning in, he kissed the top of her head. It was nearly time to go home and he hated having to wake her up but she’d rest better at home.
Time to step up and really take care of her. He lifted the bottle of water to her lips.
“Have a drink, baby girl,” he whispered quietly. He pulled the blanket up around her. Then gently pushed the tip of the bottle into her mouth. She opened her mouth and started to suck.
“That’s a good girl. I want you to drink all of this.”
He enjoyed holding her like this when she was all sleepy. She sucked on the water for a while then he felt her stiffen and knew she was waking up. She tried to move her mouth away but he held her tight.
“Uh-uh, you’re not getting up until all this water is gone, baby girl. Settle back. You’re all right. I’ve got you.”
And if he had his way, he’d never let her go.
She laid back and drank it all. He put it down and then drew her up so she was sitting on his lap.
“How you feeling, baby girl?” he asked, brushing her hair back.
“Better.” She ran a hand over her face. “How long have I been asleep? What time is it?”
“Five-thirty.”
“I slept for two hours?” She gaped up at him and tried to scramble off his lap but he held her still. “Why didn’t you wake me?”
“Because you needed some sleep. You’re exhausted.”
“Shoot. I need to get back to work.”
“Nope.”
“Nope?”
“We’re leaving a little early. Madden is going to close up. I just came to wake you up.” He set her on her feet and stood, holding her until he was certain she was steady. “Go to the toilet while I get our stuff.”
“I don’t need to go.”
He snorted. “And as soon as we start home you’ll have to pee.”
She blushed slightly but just nodded. He raised her chin up to lightly kiss her lips. Then he turned her and gave her a smack to the ass. She yelped and rubbed her bottom, glaring at him over her shoulder.
He just grinned. “Go.”
He lifted her up into the truck, and she scooted along into the middle seat. He climbed in and shook his head at her. “Back in the other seat, little rebel.”
She pouted. “But I want to sit next to you.”
He tapped her nose. “And I want you to be safe. The middle seat is just a lap belt. Not safe enough. Scoot over. Now. Or you’re gonna see a good use for a bench seat.”
“Sex?”
He let out a surprised bark of laughter. “No, baby girl, our first time is not going to be on the bench seat of Spike’s truck.”
“This is Spike’s truck?” She looked around, slightly surprised. She’d expected something all black and chrome from the surly man.
“Yeah. It’s his baby. Don’t think he’d appreciate us breaking it in like that. He’d have no objections to me putting you over my lap for not listening, though.”
“You wouldn’t!”
He just stared at her. Oh. He totally would. She slid back into the seat. He reached over and fastened the seat belt. She was feeling pretty good after her nap.
“Can we watch a movie tonight?”
“Figured I’d make us some dinner, you can get in your pajamas then go to bed straight after, little rebel.”
Her jaw dropped open. “But that’s so early!”
“You need to catch up on missed sleep.”
“I had a two-hour nap!”
“Which is a good start. But you’re still a little too pale for my liking. I want you in bed early.”
“I’m fine, Daddy. I promise,” she said softly.
“You’re still going to bed early.”
She sighed, knowing she wasn’t going to win.
“What are we having for dinner?” she asked as they pulled into his driveway.
“I’ll fix something for you. I want you to relax on the sofa.”
He came around and opened her door, undoing the seat belt and lifting her out. But instead of setting her on her feet, he held her against him, his arm under her ass. She wrapped her legs around his waist.
“Daddy!” she squealed. A giggle escaped her as he shut the door. She turned her head, resting her face on his shoulder as he walked towards the house.
“Hello! Duke!”
Sunny stared over at where Paisley stood by Duke’s mailbox. She was dressed in her usual work-out gear.
Duke half-turned. “Yeah? What do you want?”
“Duke,” Sunny scolded.
“Oh, well, I just wanted to see if you wanted to come over for dinner tomorrow night. I’m making smoked salmon potato cakes over a crème fraiche mash.”
Seriously? She was actually inviting him over to her place while he had Sunny in his arms?
“He’s busy,” Sunny told her.
“Well, I’m sure he’d like to decide that for himself,” Paisley said in a snotty voice. “Duke, darling?”
Sunny rolled her eyes at the simpering tone.
Duke just turned and walked away.
“Duke? Aren’t you going to reply?” Paisley called out.
“Sunny already gave you my answer,” Duke called back. “I’m busy.”
“A different night then?”
“He’s busy every night,” Sunny said with a grin. Not very nice of her, but then how many ridiculous fines had that woman given her?
Duke unlocked the door and then set her down to deal with the alarm before he drew her back into his arms. “Thank you, little rebel.”
“For what?”
“For saving me. That woman has been trying to get at me ever since I moved in here.” He gave an exaggerated shudder. “Could you imagine what she’d do to me if she got me in a room alone?”
She had to giggle. “I think you could defend yourself.”
“I’m glad I never have to find out. Because I am most definitely busy every night.” He cupped her face and kissed her sweetly. “And so are you.”
Her heart raced as her insides danced.
“Now, let’s get my little rebel into her pajamas so she can relax on the sofa while I make her dinner.” He took hold of her hand and led her down to the bedroom.
He pulled a pair out that had a picture of a grouchy looking crab on them and the words, Crabby in the morning.
He silently helped her into her pajamas. Then he picked her up and walked into the living room, setting her on the couch. He turned the T.V. on to one of the shows she liked.
“Stay here on the couch.” He tapped her nose and she wrinkled it at him, but settled in. Truthfully, she was still a little drained. She was watching one of her favorite shows when she became aware of the scent of smoke. She sniffed. What was that? Was some
thing on fire?
The smoke alarm started blaring and she heard Duke swearing loudly from the kitchen. She jumped to her feet and raced into the kitchen, in time to see him open a window and throw a smoking pot out of it.
“What happened?” she yelled over the blaring smoke alarm. She rushed over to open other windows as he reached up to unscrew the alarm. The silence was a huge relief.
He grimaced. “Burnt the playdough.”
“What?”
“I was trying to make playdough for you and I burned it. I don’t have anything for your Little here and I found a recipe and it seemed so simple. Turns out, I’m—oomph!”
He wrapped his arms around her, managing to keep his balance as she slammed into him, wrapping her arms around her middle.
“Baby girl? You okay?”
“Yeah. . .I just. You were really making me playdough?”
“Yeah. Fucking failure that was.”
“I don’t care.”
“Babe, that stuff is burnt to shit. You’re not touching it.”
“No, I mean, I don’t care that I can’t play with it. It’s just. . .that was really sweet.” She gazed up to him. “Thank you, Daddy.”
“You’re welcome, baby girl. Just do me a favor.”
“What?”
“Do not tell anybody that just happened. Ink would never shut up about it.”
She giggled. “Your secret’s safe with me.”
He sighed and shook his head. “Come on, let’s get you back on the sofa.”
“Can I stay here with you, Daddy? Please? I can help you cook dinner.”
He nodded. “All right, but if I burn another fucking pot, we’re ordering pizza.” He set her down at the kitchen counter then picked up another bottle of water, putting it in front of her with a raised eyebrow.
“Yum, pizza. A vegetarian, tofu, no-cheese one?”
He just gaped at her. “You kidding me?”
She giggled. “Yep.”
“Little brat.” He grabbed a carrot from the fridge and started chopping it.
“Can I help? I can do that.”
“You cannot. This knife is far too sharp for you.” He placed some bits of carrot in front of her. “Nibble on those while I cook our feast of. . .” he drew out a box from the pantry. . . “Mac n’ cheese. Can’t fuck that up, can I?”
Motorcycle Daddy (MC Daddies Book 1) Page 19
