“I know, baby.”
“They were family.”
God, she was killing him.
“Come here, angel.” He pulled her close to him. “Let me take care of you tonight.”
“Why?”
“Because I want to. Because I need to.” It was a compulsion. He couldn’t not take care of her. He couldn’t stand the idea of her hurting. Of her being alone.
“I don’t understand. I thought you didn’t even like me. I remind you of your ex-wife, even though I’m nothing like her. I don’t need all this stuff. It’s just stuff. It doesn’t give me a hug when I’m lonely or cheer me up when I’m feeling down.”
He rubbed his thumb over her cheek. “Are you often lonely and sad, angel?”
She shrugged. “I don’t really have any friends. My family only ever visits or calls when they want something. And the two people I thought were loyal are gone. Pretty pathetic, huh? No wonder you’d never be interested in someone like me. I think I’ll go to bed now. Can you just get Dominic to leave the stuff by my bedroom door and knock so I know it’s there? Thanks.”
Never be interested in someone like her?
What nonsense was she spouting now?
She let out a small whimper and leaned against the hallway wall. For fuck’s sake. What did she think she was doing?
He sighed and picked her up, carrying her in his arms.
“Bain! What are you doing?”
“Taking care of you.”
“And that means picking me up and carrying me around?” She stared up in bewilderment.
“Yep.” He walked into her bedroom and set her down on the bed. “Now, where do you keep your pajamas?” He strode into her walk-in closet.
He came to a stop. Woah. So that’s why all those clothes were out in her bedroom.
“I use this as a music room.”
He frowned and turned to find her standing behind him. “Why in here? Why not use one of the other rooms in this monstrous apartment?”
She shrugged, looking embarrassed. “I like it in here. No one ever comes in here. Larry thinks it’s a waste of time to create my own songs when I can use what other people create.”
“Larry’s a jerk.”
In the walk-in closet there was a guitar, and a keyboard. As well as a couple of pads and pens scattered around. Several big cushions sat on the floor. He could imagine her in there, creating music.
“This is why you spend so much time in your room?”
“Hmm. Oh yes. Oh no, did you think I was being rude?” She looked mortified.
“No. No one could think you rude.” She wouldn’t know how to be. In fact, she seemed to worry too much about looking after everyone else and not enough about herself.
“Where are your pajamas?”
“In the drawers in the bedroom.”
He picked her back up. “Bain! You can’t keep carrying me around!”
“Why not?” He set her back on the bed. “Now, stay put. I’m taking care of you.”
“But I don’t understand why!” She stared up at him as he sat her on the bed.
Right. He hadn’t told her that part yet. He knelt in front of her then he rested his hands on her thighs. “I’m not great at communication.”
“Okay,” she drawled. “You’re not actually telling me anything I don’t know.”
He sighed. “Sometimes I’ll forget to explain things. Be patient with me. Make me talk. Point out stuff I’m doing wrong. Or where I’m being a bit overbearing.”
“A bit?” She raised an eyebrow. “Bain, I’m not sure what you’re talking about. This sounds like you want. . .”
“A relationship?” he asked gruffly. “Good, was worried I wasn’t communicating clearly.”
She gave him an exasperated look. “You’re not! I think you’ve left out part of the explanation.”
“Yeah. Think there might have been a misunderstanding earlier.”
“You think?”
“Watch the sass,” he growled, tapping his finger against her lips warningly. “Little girls who get too sassy get their butt spanked.”
She just gaped at him; her mouth slightly open.
“When I didn’t react to your kiss this morning, wasn’t because I didn’t want to kiss you. I wanted to kiss you too much.”
“Too much. . .then why didn’t you?”
“You’re the client. There are rules. Procedures to be followed.”
“And you never break rules or procedures.”
He frowned. “Rules are there for a reason, Arianna.”
“So what are you doing right now? Surely this isn’t procedure?”
“You are right.” He stood and walked out of the room. “Stay there.”
11
Um. So what the hell just happened? He laid that all on her and then he just left?
“The man has more mood swings than a tired toddler in need of a nap.”
“Speaking of naps, need to get you on a sleep schedule. Might help with the sleepwalking,” Bain told her, walking back into the room with his phone in his hand.
She froze at those words. Sleepwalking? He knew she sleepwalked? But how? Why hadn’t he said anything before now? When had he seen her?
And what was he doing, right?
She stood, groaning at another cramp. That Tylenol just wasn’t cutting it. She needed more.
“Where are you going?” he growled. “Thought I told you to stay put.”
“Bain, you can’t just tell me to stay put and expect me to obey.”
“I can’t? Would make life so much easier.”
He wasn’t serious, was he? Then she noticed his mouth twitch. The ass!
“Sit down, baby. You’re in pain. I don’t like it.” He watched her worriedly. Damn it! Now he was back to being sweet. She couldn’t keep up with him.
“I don’t like it either. I need more Tylenol.”
“Haven’t you taken any yet?”
“Yeah, I took a couple just before. But it’s not cutting it.” She hoped Dominic hurried back.
“You can’t take any more,” he told her.
“What? Why?”
“I’ll read the instructions, but pretty sure you’re not supposed to take more than two.”
“I’m sure it’s just a recommended dose,” she muttered. “Um, Bain, how did you know that I sleepwalk?”
He fiddled with his phone then brought it up to his ear. “Kent. It’s me. I quit.”
Her eyes widened. Wait. Kent? As in Kent Jensen? And quit? Was he quitting his job? Why?
“No, not my job, just this job.”
Her heart started again. Thank God for that. But wait. . .he was quitting his job as her bodyguard? He was leaving her?
Tears started to well.
“Nah, I’m staying on to protect her. Just can’t do it while you’re paying me. Yeah. No. Because she’s mine. Got it.”
He ended the call and placed it on her bedside table.
“You didn’t say goodbye.”
Okay, Ari. That is seriously not important. So his manners were atrocious. What did that matter?
He just said you were his.
“I’m yours?”
“You’re mine.” He watched her cautiously.
“You. . .did you seriously just claim me?”
“I did.”
“That’s really caveman. A bit like picking me up and hauling me around.”
He just shrugged.
“You can’t just claim me.”
“I did. Ari, I have feelings for you.” He looked slightly ill as he said that.
“And you don’t want to?”
“No! I mean, I hadn’t planned on it. I never planned on getting involved with someone again. Not after Jillian. But you. . .you’re very different than I thought you would be. Tried to tell myself to keep distance between us. It hasn’t worked. I can’t stop thinking about you.”
“Oh,” she said quietly.
“Oh?”
She blushed. “I. .
.uh. . .I don’t really know how to do relationship stuff. I’m not always great with other people.”
“We’re a great match then.”
She bit her lip worriedly. “Did you really just quit your job because of me?”
“Just this job. If I’m not getting paid by JSI, then I can still stay and protect you. But I can also do things like this.” He cupped the back of her head and leaned in to kiss her. This kiss was far different from the kiss this morning. This time he was firmly in charge. She didn’t have to think or worry that she was doing something wrong because he completely dominated.
And she melted.
When he drew back, she realized she had her hands twisted in his T-shirt. She pulled them free, patting the material down. “Are you sure? You really want me?”
“Baby, wanted you since day I saw you. Was too damn pig-headed to admit it. Also didn’t think there was any chance you could want me.”
“Are you kidding?” she squeaked.
“I rarely joke.”
No, she guessed that was right.
“Um. . .I. . .what does all this mean? Does this mean I’m your girlfriend?”
There was a beat of silence. Idiot. Why did you ask him that? She was such a dork. Why did they have to put a label on it? She wished she was more experienced at this sort of thing.
“You want to call me your boyfriend, you can. I’m going to call you mine. Should warn you. There’s no half-measures with me. I’m all in. All the time. No doubt that will piss you off sometimes. I’m protective. I’m possessive. Stickler for following the rules. And don’t ever, ever lie to me. That’s really important.”
“I won’t,” she squeaked.
He leaned in. “There’s something between us, Arianna. Something I want more of. You feel the same?”
“Yes. Yes, I do.”
“Then let’s explore it.”
Could it be that simple? She didn’t think so. But right now, she wanted it to be. She wanted to be his. Despite the fact she thought they were likely to butt heads. A lot. He was stubborn. He was bossy. And he didn’t understand the word compromise.
But the big butthead was all she could think about. All she wanted.
“Yes, let’s explore it.”
“Good,” was all he said. “Dominic will be back soon. Let’s get you comfy. Then see if I can give you more painkillers. You have a heating pad?”
“Umm, yes it’s in the kitchen. How do you know that I sleepwalk?”
“Seen you a few times. So you know you do it?”
She picked at the bedspread. “Yes. It started when I was young. Now it only happens when I’m really stressed.”
“Right. So we need to eliminate some stress.”
She gave him a pointed look. “Kind of impossible right now, don’t you think?”
“Did your parents ever take you to someone to help?”
She snorted. “Oh, yeah. They took me to the best therapists. Behavioral, cognitive, speech therapists. I saw them all. Anything to stop me from continuing to embarrass dear old Mom and Dad.”
“What?” he barked. “They were embarrassed?”
“I embarrass them a lot. It wasn’t just the sleepwalking. When I was four, I stopped talking. Selective mutism, they called it. At first my parents thought I was doing it for attention. Makes sense, I never got much attention from them. I was raised by a series of nannies and tutors. Can’t go to school if you can’t talk. Can’t do anything to tarnish the Silvers name.”
“They cared more about their reputation than their daughter?” He looked dumbfounded.
“My mother only cares about her reputation. All of her children had to be perfect. Nothing else was acceptable. I wasn’t.”
She took a deep breath then let it out, forcing herself to smile. “Listen to me complaining. It wasn’t so bad. I had the best tutors, clothes, holidays. I have nothing to complain about.”
He scowled. “Everything except their love and acceptance.”
Yeah. Pretty much.
“Why did you stop talking?”
She shrugged. “No one knows. I’ve always had anxiety. I guess it was related to that. Same with the sleepwalking and nightmares.”
“Nightmares?”
“Yeah, I used to wake the house screaming. My mother complained it ruined her beauty sleep.”
“Bitch. Your dad?”
“He wasn’t around much. He worked a lot. Which I found out later, was really just him fucking his assistant in hotels.”
“Christ.”
She shrugged. “When they got sick of the sleepwalking and nightmares, they put me in a downstairs room and would lock the door at night.”
“Fucking hell.” He ran his hand over his closely shaved head. “You didn’t go to school?”
“Only later, after my father lost most of his money and they couldn’t afford private tutors.”
“What about social development? Friends? Other activities?”
She shrugged. “I never really had friends. Or did other activities.”
He swore. “Those assholes.”
“My parents have certain expectations of their children. My brother was captain of the basketball team. My sister was very popular. She was a cheerleader. And smart. I was none of those things. They didn’t want people to know I was a failure. I was of no use to them until they learned I could sing.”
“And then you weren’t considered a failure anymore.”
“No,” she whispered.
“Those fucking bastards. When did you start talking again?”
“When I started singing.” She smiled. “One of the therapists suggested it. When I’m singing, I’m not anxious. I don’t worry. I just get lost in the music. I love it.”
“I can see that.”
“I wish I could just create music and sing. Without all the rest of it. Maybe one day.”
12
“I’ll help you get changed.”
“You’re not helping me get dressed, Bain.” She glared up at him.
He scowled down at her. “What if you get light-headed and slip? You need my help.”
“Bain. I’m twenty-six years old. I’ve been putting my pajamas on for years by myself. Now shoo.”
“Did you just shoo me?” he growled.
“Yes. I shooed you. Shoo. We’re not at a place in our relationship where you can see me. . .where you can help me. . .” She was blushing and he sighed. Now that he’d decided he was all in he wanted to be all in. But he had to remind himself that not everyone moved at his pace.
He needed to have a talk with her about her Little side. But that could wait for now.
Don’t overwhelm her.
“Fine. Call out if you need help.”
“I’ll be fine. Wait out here.” She turned and walked into the bathroom.
Bossy little thing, wasn’t she? He kind of liked it. As long as she didn’t think she got to be in charge. Ahh, hell, who was he kidding? She could completely wrap him around her little finger. It had been a long time since he’d been anyone’s Daddy. He would have to make certain not to indulge her too much.
She would listen when it came to health and safety. He needed to get her eating more and sleeping better.
Listening to her childhood had nearly killed him. It also explained some things. Like the reason she got worked up over things like spilling food or breaking coffee mugs. He bet her bitch of a mother had liked to highlight every perceived flaw.
He hated that she’d grown up thinking she was less than fucking perfect.
There was a knock on the bedroom door. He walked over and opened the door. Dominic raised his eyebrows then his lips twitched.
“What?” Bain snapped at him.
“Nothing, man. Nothing at all. Just think it took you long enough. Unless. . .Arianna does know you’re in here, right?”
“Course she does. We’re in a relationship. I’ve quit my job as her bodyguard. But I’m staying on to take care of her. Now I can kiss her without breaking
the rules.”
He grabbed the bag Dominic held then shut the door in his face. He turned to find Arianna standing behind him. She was wearing a pair of soft-looking pajamas with puppies on them. Seemed to be a theme she had going on. Her mouth was open as she stared at him.
“That was kind of rude.”
He just shrugged and started rifling in the bag. “Pads or tampons?”
“Bain! Give me the bag?”
“Why?”
“Bain! Give. Me. The. Bag.”
He sighed and handed it over then watched as she pulled out the sanitary products.
“I’ll be back soon.” Her face was beet red.
He grabbed her wrist as she walked towards the attached bathroom. This wasn’t acceptable. He couldn’t have her embarrassed.
“Look at me, angel.”
“Bain, I really have to—”
“Please.”
She raised her head quickly, staring at him in shock.
“What?”
“You said please. You never say please.”
“I say please.”
She shook her head. “Never. I’ve never heard you say it.”
“I’m mean and I don’t have manners. I sound charming.”
“Surprisingly, you are. In your own Bain-like way.”
He had no idea what that meant. But this wasn’t why he’d stopped her. “Don’t know why you’re so embarrassed. You don’t need to hide any of this from me. You get a period. You have cramps. You need some extra care from me. Angel, whatever you need. I’m here. You need me to go get you stuff, I’ll do it. You need me to massage your back, get you a heating pad, run you a bath. I can do that too. Just don’t hide anything from me. I don’t do well with that.”
Understanding filled her face. “Right. Okay. I. . .just. . .periods weren’t talked about in my house growing up. They were kind of a taboo subject. My mother didn’t even explain any of this to me. She bought me some stuff and sent me a link to information online. I’m not used to talking about it. Or having anyone take care of me.”
He pulled her close and hugged her tight. “That’s all going to change. Now, I’ll go warm up your heating pad and then meet you in the living room.”
13
It felt kind of surreal.
Daddy's Angel (Montana Daddies Book 7) Page 11
