Really? That’s how she wanted to play it?
“First of all, you shouldn’t have been jogging in the early hours of the morning alone.”
“Yes, you’ve told me. Many, many times.”
“Does someone need more time with a ginger plug?” he warned.
She straightened up. “No. Promise!”
“Then watch the tone.” He tapped her nose warningly.
“Sorry, Daddy. But I won’t do that again. You’ll be coming with me next time, right?”
“Right.” He wasn’t looking forward to that. His body wasn’t made for jogging.
“If you hear someone calling for help, then the appropriate response is to call 911 and me. Then wait.”
She chewed her lip. “I don’t know if I can do that. I mean, what if you need help?”
“Call 911 and then call Reyes or Sav or Dart.”
“But what if you need help straight away? I couldn’t stand by and let you get hurt.”
He cupped her face in his hands. “I couldn’t stand it if you got hurt trying to help me, understand? It would wreck me.”
“What if it’s Millie or one of the girls?”
He closed his eyes, looking pained. “Fuck. I just don’t want you to get harmed. What if that guy had a gun?”
“I had my pepper spray. I would try to be as safe as possible, but if someone was hurting someone I cared about, then I couldn’t stand by.”
“Fine, if it’s someone you care about and you can safely help them and you’ve already called for help, then you can do it. But if you get hurt, I’m going to be really, really mad.”
“All right, Daddy. Hopefully, it doesn’t come up.”
“With the life we seem to lead . . . I swear you Littles will be the death of us,” he muttered.
She patted his cheek. “You’ll survive. Because if something happens to you, I’ll be soooo mad.”
“Brat. Just try to keep yourself safe, huh?”
“Okay. So, ummm . . .”
“What is it?” He didn’t know how much more he could take.
“How’s the spanky hand feel?”
“You’re safe from it, brat. At least for the rest of the day.”
“Whew. Because otherwise, I was gonna suggest we go get a cream for it.”
“A cream?”
“For the itchiness.”
“There’s no cream that will fix this itchiness,” he told her.
“Now, Daddy, don’t give up so easily. I’m sure we can find a cure.”
“The cure is you following the rules.”
“I’m sure we can find something easier.”
He just shook his head. “I want to see your phone.”
“Why?” she asked suspiciously.
“I want to see her number.”
“You won’t erase it, will you, Daddy?” Alarm filled her face.
“Of course not,” he told her. “Please go get it for me.”
After searching through her phone, he couldn’t find any trace of calls or text messages.
“What’s wrong, Daddy?” she asked.
“Just wondering if it’s worth having Ink’s tech expert take a look at your phone.”
She frowned. “But why? Cat’s no threat. She was grateful to me for helping her and I’ll probably never see her again.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right. Come on, it’s been a big day and I have a surprise for you tomorrow.”
“Another one?”
“Yep.”
“You’re the best Daddy in the world, you know that?”
“Thank you, baby girl.”
“Someone might even put that on a mug for you.”
“Well, I’d have to be very lucky for that to happen.”
“Uh-huh, you sure would.”
25
It’s just a barbeque.
No need to be nervous.
Razor lifted her from his truck and Luna jumped out behind her.
“Luna, heel,” Razor commanded. The dog whined. He turned to Tabby. “Emme is coming today and she’s scared of dogs. She’s getting better and Reyes has been helping her, but it would be better if Luna didn’t rush around the back and frighten her.”
Poor Emme.
Tabby understood what it was like to be afraid. Right now, she was worried about what she was going to talk about with everyone. She didn’t know how to do small talk.
She took a look around at Sunny and Duke’s neighborhood. It was cute and normal. Similar to where Razor lived. As Razor led her past the open garage, she came to a stop. “Is that a motorbike? A pink motorbike?”
“Oh yeah. Don’t get any ideas. Sunny isn’t allowed to ride it.”
“Why not? Why buy it if she can’t ride it?”
“A friend sent it to her,” Razor said. “Duke wasn’t happy.”
What kind of friend sent you a motorbike? That seemed a strange and expensive gift. But she shrugged it off as they walked around and came out into the backyard. It was a warm day today and Duke was already grilling on the porch. Chairs had been set up and the girls were all together down at one end, the men around the grill.
Oh no. She couldn’t stay with Razor? This was worse than she’d anticipated.
She clutched his hand.
“It will be all right, baby girl. Promise.”
Yesterday, his surprise for her had been to take her to the aquarium. She’d loved it and he’d even bought her a new stuffie. An octopus to replace Octy.
A dog gave an excited bark and she glanced over to see Luna playing with two other dogs while Mr. Fluffy lay sunbathing. She had to grin. Mr. Fluffy didn’t care about what anyone else was doing. He did his own thing.
She respected that.
“Tabby!”
A loud yell made her jump, then she turned just as Millie threw herself at her, greeting her like a long-lost friend. Razor’s quick reflexes stopped her from being thrown backward as the other woman squeezed her tight.
“I’ve missed you so much!”
“You saw me a week ago,” Tabby pointed out Millie took hold of her hand.
“Yeah, a whole week! It’s been forever. We have to set up regular dates. Come on, come meet Emme.”
Millie tugged her towards the girls. She quickly glanced back at Razor, who winked at her. She was introduced to Emme, who was a gorgeous-looking woman with wild, curly hair. Tabby didn’t notice her showing any concern about the dogs, although when Luna came over to sit on Tabby’s feet, she did stiffen a bit before relaxing.
“Spike said that Razor did you up a playroom,” Millie said loudly.
Spike walked over and put his hand on Millie’s shoulder. “She might not want everyone to know that, baby doll.”
“Oh, shoot. I’m sorry, Tabby.”
“It’s all right. Really.” She looked at Spike. “Thanks for picking up the bed.”
He just nodded then squeezed Millie’s shoulder. He left, returning a few minutes later with a pitcher of pink water and glasses.
“Fairy juice!” Millie said cheerfully. “Have you had this before?”
“No,” Tabby said. “Does it have alcohol in it?”
“It can if you want,” Jewel told her with a wink. “Be kind of gross though.”
Millie just giggled. “No, it’s special water that helps you see fairies. I have a fairy garden at my house. You need to come over and see it. All of you should.”
Everyone nodded in agreement and she felt herself relaxing. Even if she wanted to fade into the background, Millie wouldn’t let her. No one was ignoring her or making her feel awkward because she was the new girl.
Soon the food was ready and Razor held her plate while she put some food on it. She copied how much Sunny took, not wanting to be greedy.
“That’s not enough, baby girl,” he told her quietly. “Put as much on it as you’d normally have.”
With a blush, she piled the food up. Razor carried it to her chair for her, before filling up her glass with more fairy juice. Mi
llie plonked down beside her and Spike handed her a plate.
“Wow.”
Tabby waited for a comment about how much food was on her plate.
“This food looks so good, Sunny,” Millie said. “Thanks for my vegetarian sausages.”
“I think I like them better than actual sausages,” Sunny replied. “Especially when you dip them in ketchup. Yum, yum.”
They all started chatting. Millie leaned over into her. “Things are really good with you and Razor?”
Tabby smiled. “They’re the best.”
“Told you. Sick sense.”
“Oh, I’m a total believer.”
They grinned at each other.
When they left, it was getting close to dark. Tabby sighed happily as they drove down the street.
“Have a good time, Tabby-baby?” Razor asked. Luna was already asleep in the backseat, completely worn out.
“Uh-huh. I really did.”
“Told you there was nothing to worry about.”
“You were right, Daddy.”
“Daddy normally is.”
She snorted at that.
“Need to stop at your apartment on the way home and feed the fish. Thought we should have a talk about something.”
“What is it?”
“How do you feel about moving in with me? Permanently?”
She turned to look at him. “Really, Daddy?”
“Really.”
“I’d love that.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.” She nodded excitedly. “I don’t ever want to leave. Your house feels like home.”
“Good. Because I wasn’t actually planning on letting you leave.”
“Daddy.” She rolled her eyes.
“Why don’t we pack up some of your stuff tonight, then stop for dinner on the way home?”
“Sounds good, Daddy. Oh, have you got a spot for the gang?” she asked, meaning her fish.
“We’ll find one,” he promised her.
“There’s just one problem,” she said as he drove into the garage under her building.
“What’s that?”
“Jared. I haven’t actually told him about you.”
“I’ll tell him.”
“No, no, I think that would make it worse. I’ll do it.”
“I want to be there when you call him. I won’t let him speak badly to you or try to intimidate you.”
“Okay, Daddy. That sounds really good.” She wouldn’t mind the backup.
They managed to pack up her remaining stuff. She didn’t have a lot. Razor piled it into the back of his truck. They’d have to move the fish another day. She didn’t think she’d be hungry again after all the lunch she’d eaten. But she managed to fit in some Pad Thai.
They were nearly home when Razor’s phone rang. Frowning, he looked at the number then pulled his truck over rather than using the Bluetooth.
“Hello, Jeremiah Samuels. Yes. What? Fuck. Yes, we’ll be right there.”
He ended the call then swung the truck around.
“Razor? What is it?”
“The shop is on fire.”
26
She felt so helpless.
Tabby sat in the truck with Luna and stared out at the garage. By the time they’d gotten there, the fire brigade already had the fire under control. Razor had jumped out, telling her to lock the doors and stay put, before he’d raced towards the fire. But a couple of firefighters had stopped him. Now he was standing there, his hands behind his head as he stared at the destruction.
She couldn’t take it any longer.
“Stay, Luna.”
Climbing out of the truck, she headed towards him.
“Razor.” She moved up beside him.
“How did this happen? Look at it! Everything that I’ve worked towards. Gone.”
She shook her head and hugged him around his middle while facing the building. The office was completely destroyed since it had been made of plywood. At least the shop had been concrete. So the building itself was all right. But what was inside it might not be.
“What the fire didn’t destroy, the water likely has.” Razor let out a deep sigh. “At least most of the finished bikes went out on Friday.”
But there were still all the bikes they’d been working on.
“I’m so sorry, Razor,” she said quietly.
“Thanks, baby girl.” He hugged her as one of the firemen walked towards them. “I better talk to them.” A bike approached. She glanced over to see Dart climbing off. Razor nodded to him, then gestured to her.
Dart let out a low whistle. “Fuck.”
“Yep. Stay with Tabby for a while?”
“Sure.”
She didn’t want to let him go, but she forced herself to stay back with Dart while he talked to the firemen.
How had this happened?
Several hours later, with no answers, they pulled into the driveway at Razor’s house. Both of them were exhausted. They stunk of smoke, and could barely even manage to stumble into the house. After a quick shower, they collapsed into bed.
Tabby opened her eyes.
Her heart was racing. She looked over at the clock. It was just after five. That was practically a sleep-in for her. Had a nightmare woken her?
Then she heard the knocking at the door. Luna barked.
“Razor?” she said.
“I heard it.” He got up with a groan and grabbed a pair of pajama pants, pulling them on and a T-shirt. He’d started sleeping in just boxers lately. “Luna, stay.”
Luna whined as he walked past.
In her gut, she just knew that something was wrong. Climbing out of bed, she hastily pulled on some clothes.
“What the hell?” Razor snapped. “What the fuck are you talking about?”
“Turn around and put your hands behind your back, or we’ll have to use force.”
Oh fuck. She recognized that voice. Not wanting to leave Razor alone with Detective Andrews, she ran down the passage to find Razor and the detective glaring at each other. Two police officers stood with the detective.
“What’s going on? What’s the matter?” she asked.
“Turn around and put your hands behind your back,” the detective ordered.
“What? Why are you arresting Razor?”
“Nothing to do with you, ma’am,” the detective said slimily.
“They think I set fire to my own garage,” Razor snarled.
“That’s ridiculous. Razor would never do that. And he was with me the whole time.”
“I don’t think you’re a very reliable witness, Ms. Smarts. How is your cousin, by the way?” Detective Anders gave her a smirk.
Oh shit. He knew who she was? That Jared was her cousin? No wonder he didn’t consider her reliable.
“Besides, I have a witness,” the detective added as Luna kept barking. “Cuff him, and shut that mutt up.”
“Luna, quiet,” Razor ordered.
“No, don’t! Please!” she cried.
“If you don’t stand back, Ms. Smarts, we’ll have to arrest you as well,” Andrews told her.
“Wait, I’ll fucking cooperate. You assholes. Just leave her the fuck alone.”
Razor turned so they could cuff him. Detective Andrews read him his rights as they led him out, and she ran after him, panic filling her. “You can’t arrest him. Why would he set fire to his own shop?”
“Insurance money, of course,” Andrews replied as they placed Razor into a cop car.
“Tabby, call Reyes. Tell him what’s happened. Stay here. Wait for him to come get you.”
“What about a lawyer?”
“Reyes will organize it. Just stay inside where it’s safe. Got me? Go to your apartment or stay with Reyes. Stay safe.”
She stood on the pavement and watched as they drove away with him. Panic threatened to overwhelm her.
Get it together, Tabby!
She couldn’t help him standing here like an idiot. Ignoring the way the stones bit into her bare fee
t and how she shivered in the morning cold, she raced inside with Luna at her heels.
Rushing into the bedroom, she grabbed her phone. Fuck! She didn’t have Reyes’ number. Her fingers shook. She had Millie’s, though. And she’d know what to do. All she knew was that she needed to help Razor. Immediately.
Later on that afternoon, Tabby sat outside the courthouse. The sun was shining, but she felt chilled.
Reyes was on the phone next to her, speaking quietly into it. After calling Millie, she’d fed Luna, then dropped her off with Lois, promising to keep the older woman updated.
Spike sat on her other side while Sav paced up and down the pavement.
“Can’t we go inside?” she asked.
“Best we wait out here,” Duke told her as he approached with a bottle of water and a muffin. “You need to drink and eat.”
“I can’t eat anything, thank you.”
She thought she’d be sick if she tried.
“This will be over quickly,” Duke tried to reassure her. “And Razor will be unhappy if he comes out and finds you looking like this. He’d want us to take care of you.”
“I just can’t. Sorry.”
“Leave her be,” Sav said gruffly. “You wouldn’t be hungry in her position.”
Duke sighed, but backed off. She sent Sav a small smile.
“Fuc—flipping bad timing that Duncan is away on holiday,” Duke muttered. “Anyone know if this lawyer is any good?”
“Don’t know,” Reyes replied. “I didn’t get a good feeling talking to him. Might be best to look for someone else or fly Duncan home.”
“He’ll be pissed about that,” Duke replied.
“Don’t care,” was all Reyes replied.
“Reyes,” Spike said. Turning, she saw an older man in a suit walking towards them. He was frowning. That knot in her gut tightened. This wasn’t good.
“What happened? Did he get bail?” Reyes asked, putting his phone away.
The man, who she guessed was the lawyer, shook his head. “With his previous conviction, the judge decided he was a flight risk and refused to grant bail.”
No. No, this couldn’t be happening. The world around her spun, and for a moment, she was worried she was going to pass out.
Fierce Daddy Page 30