Protector Daddy

by Roberts, Laylah

  “I’m ready, Daddy!” she said.

  Oh. He probably didn’t want her calling him that in public. Spike. Spike. Spike.

  She grabbed her shoes and huge handbag from the closet.

  “Mr. Fluffy, come on! We’re going for a ride.”

  She set her handbag down to put on her shoes. She hopped around on one foot as she drew the left one on. Then she tried to do the same with the other foot, only she jumped on top of her loose laces and nearly went flying forward headfirst.

  “Little girl, what are you doing?” Spike growled at her, grabbing her by the shoulders and steadying her.

  “Putting on my shoes.”

  He grumbled something under his breath as he crouched down in front of her and took hold of her shoe. “Shoulders.”

  She held onto his shoulders as he put the shoe on and did up both of the laces. Then he stood and turned her toward the internal garage door. A slap on her ass got her moving.

  “Hey!” she protested, rubbing at the sore spot.

  “Next time, ask for help.”

  She strode into the garage, glancing at his big, black truck before her eyes spied a gorgeous looking motorcycle.

  “Ooh, can we take that?”

  Spike looked over to the bike then shook his head. “Nope.”

  “Why not? Oh, because there’s nowhere to put the shopping? Do you have a backpack? I could wear it?”

  He shook his head. “Got no gear for you.”

  That was sad. “It’s so pretty.”

  “Doll, my bike is not pretty.” He gave her an offended look. Whoops.

  Note to self, don’t insult the big, bad biker’s bike by calling it pretty.

  “But it’s so shiny. Can I touch?” She walked closer to run her finger lightly along it.

  Shiny.

  Spike just grunted and she looked over to see him holding open the passenger door. She supposed it was too wasteful to buy some motorcycle gear just to go for a ride. And he didn’t seem too thrilled at the idea of taking her anyway.

  She walked over to his badass truck. This thing seemed even bigger than it had the other day. Big hands grasped hold of her waist, lifting her into the air.

  Seriously. Those daily gym workouts? Really working out.

  She put Mr. Fluffy into the back seat. Spike set her into the seat then grabbed the seat belt and pulled it over her. She could barely resist bouncing around in excitement.

  “This is so fun! I wonder what sort of material I should get. Is there anything you need? I wonder if Mr. Fluffy would like a new outfit?”

  Today the puppy was dressed in a glittery red shirt. She didn’t take offense when Spike didn’t answer. She took over the radio, turning it to a station where she knew most of the songs and started singing along as he drove. Soon they reached an outdoor mall with a large fabric store. She was so eager that she had her belt off as soon as they entered the parking lot.

  “Belt!” he barked.

  “But we’re in the parking lot.”

  “Belt.”

  With a sigh, she did as ordered. He parked out front and she undid her belt. Then she turned to grab Mr. Fluffy, putting him in her handbag. Gosh, when had he gotten so heavy? She was going to need a bigger bag soon.

  Spike came around and opened her door. He lifted her down and took her hand, closing the door and beeping the locks.

  He gave her ass a sharp slap. “Don’t ever take your belt off unless we’re stopped, understand?”

  “Sorry,” she said quietly.

  Smiling, she led the way into the shop. Spike kept his gaze moving, never lingering on one thing.

  “Oh, look at this one! So pretty!” She gathered up different pieces of material. “Hmm how much to get? What do you think of this one?”

  Spike didn’t answer. She shrugged and kept chattering to herself as she strolled around the shop. Gradually, she had too much to hold. Stuff kept slipping out of her arms.

  “I think I should have gotten a cart.”

  He took most of it off her. “Do you need anything else?”

  She glanced over at him. He was tense, his eyes continuing to search for any threats. Was he really that worried about safety?

  Likely he’s just bored. This isn’t exactly exciting stuff for most people. And she’d been bouncing around the shop like a kid in a candy store. She was probably annoying him.

  “No. I’m good. Let’s go.”

  Fuck it.

  What had he said? But before he could work out how to retract his statement, to make things better, she was turning towards the counter.

  She’d seemed so happy, dancing around from place to place and now she’d shut down. He knew he should be happy they were leaving but he couldn’t help but feel like he’d stomped on something precious.

  And broken it.

  Unsure what to say to fix things, to put that light of happiness back in her eyes, he was quiet as he drove them home. When they arrived, he carried everything up to her room where the sewing machine was. They’d stopped at a drive through to eat and she’d chosen a salad.

  That concerned him too. Since when did she like salads?

  You’ve done something. Fix it.

  “Want to watch a movie?” She loved watching movies and eating popcorn. And he had to admit, he looked forward to their daily movie together.

  “No, thanks. Think I’ll organize all of this.”

  “Want something to eat?”

  She gave him a quizzical look. “We just ate.”

  Yeah. But she hadn’t eaten much of it.

  “Dessert? Make you a sundae.”

  “Are you okay, Spike?”

  He grunted. He wasn’t used to hearing her call him Spike. It was always Daddy. She’d called him Spike a few times while they were out today and he’d almost not answered her. He’d figured it was because they were in public. But they were home now.

  And he did not like it.

  “Daddy,” he growled.

  Her eyes widened. Okay, calm down, man.

  “Are you okay, Daddy?”

  He let out a satisfied grunt. “I’m fine. Gonna be in my study.”

  * * *

  Millie hummed happily as she sewed a skirt for her Little. It was layered and would end about mid-thigh, so not something she’d wear in public. Ever since Spike took her to the store yesterday, she’d been sewing up a storm.

  A knock on the door startled her and she glanced over as Spike came in. He sat on the bed, watching her at the table. “That looks good.”

  “Thanks.” She smiled happily.

  “You really enjoy this.”

  “I do. I’d love to do this as a job. I mean, I enjoyed my work at the library before I got laid off, but this really makes me happy.”

  “You should do it.”

  She shrugged shyly. “Not sure anyone would want to buy my stuff.”

  “Don’t know until you try. I could give you the capital to start up a business.”

  She stared at him, shocked. He looked a bit surprised himself.

  “Oh, thank you. But that’s okay. It’s really just a hobby. And I have some money set aside anyway, if I need it.”

  He looked like he wanted to ask her something then he seemed to think better of it. “Just got off the phone with Steele. He wants to know if you’d come to Pinkies tonight, see if you could spot the traitor.”

  “Oh, is he going to have some of his men there?”

  “Apparently a few of them are drinking there tonight.”

  It could be a good opportunity. Plus, she really wanted to have a chat with Damon about what was happening with Luther. And Corey.

  Spike scowled. “Don’t like you leaving the house.”

  “I’ll be fine. I need to do this. I need to find this guy for Damon. Then he can find out who he’s working for. And maybe then he can focus on Luther. And nobody can find the Devil’s Sinners asshole. He’s likely left the city. I’ll stay with you the whole night, I promise. I’ll do everything you sa
y. But please, Spike. I need to get back to my life. And this is a step towards that. I can’t hide here forever.”

  He studied her for a long moment then he grunted. “Fine, we’ll do this. But you will do exactly as I say when I say it.”

  “Pinky promise.”

  30

  Irritation filled him as he turned his truck down the street leading to Pinkies. He had a bad feeling about tonight.

  But how long could he keep her with him? Nobody had found asswipe, Corey. It looked like he’d left the city. Not to mention that the longer Millie stayed with him, the harder he was finding it to keep some distance between them. And he badly needed that distance.

  So they were here. Against his better judgment.

  This was better for her too, because he couldn’t give her anything more than he was. Not when his heart still belonged to his dead wife.

  Right?

  As he pulled into the parking lot at Pinkies, she undid her belt. He hadn’t even come to a stop before her door was open and she was jumping out, her dog in one hand, bag over her shoulder.

  His heart nearly leaped into his throat. Quickly, he turned off the truck and grabbing the keys, climbed out. He beeped the locks as he strode over to where she was nearly at the door. Reaching out, he took hold of her hand, halting her.

  “What was that?”

  “What?” She gave him a surprised look.

  “You just jumped out of a moving truck.”

  “It wasn’t moving.”

  “It damn well was. And you’re in trouble.”

  Mr. Fluffy growled up at him.

  “Trouble?”

  “Yes. Trouble. You’re getting a spanking.”

  He kept hold of her hand as he led her through the front door, barely acknowledging the bouncer. He kept his gaze roaming the room, ever watchful for danger as they walked towards the door to Steele’s private rooms.

  The guy guarding it merely opened the door and stepped to one side. He wondered what happened to Jerry, the guy who’d been knocked out while he was supposed to be watching Corey. Steele didn’t tolerate mistakes.

  Upstairs, Steele was standing at the window looking out while Grady was working on a laptop at the table.

  “Spike, Miss Millie,” Steele greeted them.

  “Um, hi,” Millie said as they walked past.

  “Need your bedroom,” Spike told him, taking the dog from her and handing him over to Grady, who looked shocked to find himself with an arm full of dog.

  “Really?” Steele grinned like a lunatic.

  “Spike!” she protested as drew her into the bedroom.

  He stopped and turned to her, his hands on his hips. Maybe he was overreacting. She hadn’t gotten hurt. Which was surprising, considering how often the damn woman stubbed her toe. But he also wanted her to know that taking risks, even small risks, wasn’t acceptable.

  “What are you doing? You can’t spank me!” she protested, her cheeks red.

  “Am I your Dom?”

  “Temporarily.”

  That word bit deeper than he’d expected.

  “Am I your Dom?” he repeated.

  “Yes.”

  “Yes, Sir or Yes, Daddy.”

  “Yes, Daddy.”

  Okay, that soothed some of the rough edges.

  “Did we agree that I’m in charge of your safety?”

  She bit her lip, looking worried. “Yes, Daddy. But I wasn’t in danger—”

  “I could have sped up. You could have tripped and fallen under the tires.” Okay, it was unlikely he’d speed up while parking or that she would fall beneath the tires, but you never knew.

  “I’ve done it heaps of times before.”

  He grimaced at the thought, feeling ill. “Don’t care. You don’t put yourself at risk under my watch and expect to get away with it.”

  Chagrin filled her face. “Do you really have to spank me here? Couldn’t we wait until we go home?”

  “You risked your safety, so no it can’t wait. Stand at the end of the bed, bend over and place your forearms on the mattress.

  “But Damon and Grady will hear!”

  “This room is soundproofed. They’ll just think we’re having sex.”

  “Oh God, that’s almost worse!”

  He raised an eyebrow at that. She was blushing bright red. He twirled his finger in the air.

  Trepidation filled her face as she turned and bent over in position. He raised her skirt then took a moment to take her in. She was wearing the same red dress she’d worn when she’d first approached him in the parking lot at Reaper’s. Her panties, though, were a pair that he’d bought her. They were pink with ruffles.

  He turned the lock on the door, not that he thought anyone would come in, but to make her feel better. Then he slid her panties down over her ass.

  Standing to the side, he rubbed her bottom. Then he laid a smack on one cheek. “From now on, you are not allowed to undo your own seat belt without permission.

  Smack! Smack!

  She let out a small groan.

  Smack! Smack!

  “Tomorrow you are also going to write a hundred times, I will not jump from a moving car.”

  Smack! Smack!

  He rubbed her ass then decided to move lower, to her thighs. He wished he had a paddle or her hairbrush.

  Slap! Slap!

  He gave her thighs two hard smacks then he sat on the bed and pulled her onto his lap. She was sniffling but not crying. Rubbing her back, he kissed the top of her head.

  Tilting up her chin, he kissed her. “Don’t do that again. Understand? I don’t want anything bad happening to you.”

  “Why?”

  “What?”

  “I mean, I guess I don’t understand why you care so much. We’re not . . I’ll be leaving soon.”

  Fuck. He didn’t like the idea of that. “But while you’re here, you’re mine to care for. To look after. And I take that seriously. You’re far too precious to put yourself at risk like that, understand me?”

  “Yes, Daddy.”

  “Good girl. Let’s get this done and then we can go home.”

  “I can’t go out there.” She looked appalled as she gaped up at him. “Isn’t there like a back door we can sneak out of and go home?”

  “Don’t you want to find Steele’s rat?”

  “They think we had sex.” Her face was as bright as a tomato.

  “Well, I can tell them that I spanked you if you want.”

  “No,” she shouted. “No, I don’t want you to do that.”

  “Don’t worry. You’re not the first woman to have sex in here or get spanked, for that matter.”

  She groaned and hid her face against his chest. “I have to go out there.”

  “Yep.”

  “I’m gonna be bright red with embarrassment.”

  “Yep.” She already was.

  “I really would appreciate that hole to open and swallow me right now.”

  “Afraid that’s not happening, doll.” He stood and set her on her feet. “Come on. Won’t be so bad.”

  * * *

  He was right.

  It wasn’t so bad.

  It was worse.

  Damon had run his gaze over her, studying her then he’d turned to Spike. “See you went easy on her.”

  Spike had just raised an eyebrow while she’d hidden behind him. She’d spotted Mr. Fluffy sleeping in a corner of the sofa.

  “Josh told me she jumped out of your truck while it was still moving. Said you had a face like thunder and he figured your woman wouldn’t be sitting for a week.”

  Holy crap.

  Who was Josh? The bouncer? This was so embarrassing.

  Spike grunted.

  Grady walked over and took hold of her chin, inspecting her face. “She didn’t even cry. You’re losing your touch.”

  Spike slapped his hand away. “Don’t touch. Mine.”

  Her heart raced at the possessiveness in his voice even as she cautioned herself to keep her he
art safe.

  Oh, who was she kidding?

  Her heart was already involved. She was going to be a mess when this was all over and she had to leave him. There was no way around it.

  Grady gave Spike a strange look that she couldn’t interrupt. “Water, dear? Or a daiquiri?”

  “A daiquiri please.”

  “Virgin?”

  “Yes.”

  Spike led her over to where Damon was standing by the windows. “My men are starting to trickle in. I wanted you here first. Most of them are here tonight celebrating. See if you can spot the traitor.”

  She nodded, still feeling embarrassed but, grateful to have something to focus on.

  “Spike, talk to you a moment?” Damon asked.

  Spike squeezed her hand then walked away. Grady stepped up next to her with her drink in hand. She took a big gulp.

  “Don’t be embarrassed, love. I bet you look gorgeous with a red bottom.”

  “Grady!” she spluttered.

  “Millie?” Spike asked sharply from across the room.

  She turned and waved him off then she gave Grady a quelling look. He just smiled, looking pleased with himself.

  “So protective, isn’t he? I’m glad he’s taken an interest in another sub. Never thought I’d see him this way again after Jacqui’s death.”

  “This is just a temporary arrangement between us. While I’m having to stay with him. Then we’ll go our separate ways.” She didn’t want him to think this was anything more.

  Grady studied her. “And is that what you want?”

  “Doesn’t matter what I want. It is what it is.”

  Sympathy filled his face. The last thing she wanted was his pity.

  “We live in two different states. And we’re very different people. It would never work.”

  “Anything can work if you want it badly enough,” he told her.

  But Spike didn’t want it.

  “Don’t lose hope, my dear. I think he’ll pull his head out of his ass eventually. Now, do you see our traitor?”

  She let out a breath of frustration. “Not yet.”

  * * *

  Spike kept his gaze on Millie as Steele spoke to him.

  “. . . and then I murdered him in cold blood and beheaded him, putting his head on a spike.”