Hero Daddy

by Roberts, Laylah

“Sometimes?”

  “With the right person,” he clarified. “Usually when I’m here, I’m looking to scene with a sub. I don’t usually come help in the Littles’ area.”

  And why didn’t he? How was he going to meet a Little unless he spent time with them? Was he just waiting for someone to pop into his lap like Sunny had with Duke?

  Maybe that’s exactly what he’d been hoping for.

  “What do you like about it?” She bit her lip. “Sorry, that was very personal. You don’t have to tell me.”

  “I like taking care of someone. I like the feeling of being completely in control. Littles often need more from me. Cuddles, reassurance, care, rules, discipline.” He wasn’t comfortable with explaining anything more.

  “Could I see? Would anyone mind?”

  Ink longed to reach out and pull her lip out from between her teeth. “Let me check with the monitor. There’s always a monitor in this room. They’re mainly only there to observe and to ensure that everyone is taken care of. There will be Littles in there with their Tops, but also some who are on their own. Don’t interact with anyone unless they speak to you.”

  “If they do speak to me?”

  “Well, don’t ask them any adult questions. If you have questions, wait until we leave. All right?”

  “Yes, I understand, Sir.”

  “We’ll probably just go in and observe for a few minutes. I don’t want us interrupting anything.”

  “All right.”

  He moved to the door and pressed the buzzer. Soon a dark-haired older woman with graying hair opened the door. Reina was a regular monitor. Most Littles reacted well to her. She could be strict when necessary but mostly she was a softie with a big heart. She looked at him then over at Betsy.

  “Hey, Ink,” she said in a pleasant voice. “Don’t see you coming here much.”

  “I’m mentoring a new sub for tonight,” he explained. “This is Betsy.”

  Reina glanced at Betsy with a welcoming smile. “Hello, Betsy. Are you a Little?”

  “I, umm…I only just learned about, uh, age play.” She glanced up at Ink for guidance. He couldn’t deny that felt good.

  “Betsy would like to come in and observe, if that’s all right?”

  Reina’s gaze narrowed, still studying Betsy. Did she see something he didn’t? He hadn’t spent enough time with Betsy to know for sure, but he couldn’t see any signs of her being a Little.

  Reina turned and looked into the room. “We have four Littles in here right now. And they’re with their caregivers. Let me ask them.”

  They had to wait just a couple of minutes until she was back. “They’ve all agreed that you can come in to observe. Betsy, you’ll follow Master Ink’s instructions, yes?”

  “Yes, ma’am,” Betsy replied.

  Reina let a smile slip free. “That’s what I like to hear. Come in, sweetie.”

  Betsy slipped in and Ink followed. The Littles’ area was far different than the rest of the club. This room was well lit. It was cheery.

  Storage covered one wall. Bins that could be pulled out, containing toys. At one end of the wall there was a door. It led to the nursery where there was a changing table, rocking chair and an oversized crib. This main area was for playing. There was a big playful rug on the floor. A doll’s house. A play kitchen. An arts and crafts area and a large train set. Other toys could be pulled from the storage wall. To the right was a chair that faced the corner and attached to the back of the chair was a sign.

  Timeout chair.

  Ink glanced down at Betsy as she stood by the door, looking around. Her face was a blank mask. There were four Littles. Two boys and two girls. One girl was playing with a tea set. An older man with salt and pepper hair sat next to her, taking his cup of tea and holding it gently in his hand. Across the room, the two boys played with the train set.

  The last couple, he sort of knew. Zac, the Daddy Dom, turned and saw Ink there with Betsy. He leaned in and whispered something to his Little, Lara. Her black hair was pulled back in two braids and she wore a cheerful, yellow dress.

  Lara nodded and Zac walked over to Ink. He felt Betsy stiffen and had to bite back the urge to touch her. Reassure her. Zac held out his hand and Ink shook it.

  “Haven’t seen you for a while, man,” Zac said, eyeing Betsy curiously. “How are you?”

  “I’m good. Master Zac, this is Betsy. She’s new. I’m mentoring her.”

  “You are?” Zac gave him a surprised look.

  “It’s just temporary.”

  Did he just imagine the way Betsy’s shoulders tensed? He hadn’t said that to hurt her.

  Zac’s gaze narrowed as he stared down at Betsy. He’d obviously seen her reaction as well. His green gaze moved up to Ink. He raised an eyebrow.

  “I’m not here often enough to be a good mentor,” Ink said gruffly. He didn’t look down at Betsy, but instead glanced over at Lara who was getting to her feet. She moved over towards the storage tubs.

  “Are you a Little, Betsy? If so, Lara and I can act as mentors. We’ve done it before with other new Littles.”

  “Oh I don’t…I’m not…I don’t think…” Betsy stumbled over her words.

  Ink took pity on her. “We’re just observing today. Betsy is getting a feel for what she likes and,” something caught his eye, “Lara!”

  Zac turned just as Lara attempted to pull a large tub out of the shelving unit. She stepped back and tripped over a couple of blocks, landing on her bottom.

  “Lara!” Zac raced over to her as the Little girl burst into loud tears. He settled down next to her on his knees as Reina came over, looking worried. Zac drew Lara close, rocking her as she cried.

  “Poor baby, did you hurt your bottom?” Zac crooned.

  “Uh-huh. Daddy it h-hurts.”

  “Daddy’s going to take you into the nursery and check you didn’t bruise yourself. What were you thinking, pulling down that big tub? It’s far too big for a tiny thing like you to carry. You need to remember to ask Daddy if you need something. That’s what Daddy is here for. To take care of you.”

  “I didn’t w-want to interrupt y-you. I didn’t w-want to be a b-bother.”

  He kissed the top of her head. “Lara-girl you could never be a bother.”

  He stood then reached down and helped her up. Taking her by the hand, he led her into the nursery, scolding her lightly the entire time.

  Reina shook her head and moved the tub to one side.

  Betsy just silently took it all in. She didn’t say anything. Didn’t move. But there was something about the way she held herself. Could she be a Little? Finally, she glanced up at him. Those big brown eyes swam with so much sadness and longing it made his back teeth ache.

  “Can we go?” Betsy asked quietly.

  “Sure.” He nodded over at Reina who watched Betsy with interest. She gave them both a small smile.

  “Hope to see you again, Miss Betsy,” she said warmly.

  “Oh, ahh, yes. Thank you, ma’am,” Betsy said quietly.

  She moved in closer to him. He tried not to show any reaction, not wanting to scare her off. They moved to the door and he held it open for her.

  When they stepped into the corridor, he looked down at her. “I think that’s probably enough for tonight, yeah? I’ll take you back to Master Angus.”

  “All right.”

  “All right, Sir,” he said sternly.

  “All right, Sir,” she repeated softly.

  He knew he was being curt. But that scene in there had served to remind him of what he really wanted. And didn’t have.

  Time was up. Angus could take care of his own problems. He winced. Betsy wasn’t a problem. If anyone was a problem, it was him.

  They stepped into the dungeon.

  “Sir?”

  “Yes,” he said absently. Where the fuck was Angus?

  “I think I’ll head home.”

  “You need to speak with Master Angus first,” he insisted, catching sight of the big man. “Th
is way.” He stepped forward and she quickly moved to catch up to him.

  “Master Angus,” he said politely as they reached the man who was talking quietly to one of the dungeon monitors.

  Angus turned and stared at Ink then down at Betsy. “Did you need me for something?”

  “It’s been over an hour. I’m delivering her back to you.” He turned to look down at Betsy, who was now looking somewhat anxious. He had to swallow back the urge to draw her close and tell her everything was fine.

  She’s not what you’re looking for. Time to stop fucking around.

  “Betsy, see you around sometime.” Damn, man. Did you leave all your charm at the door?

  “Thank you.” Her gaze dropped. She looked…forlorn. He felt like a complete ass.

  Angus cleared his throat. Ink glanced over at the other man to find him frowning at him. Really? He was giving him that sort of look when he’d basically dumped Betsy on him? Ink scowled back at him.

  Then he decided to risk touching her. He slowly reached out and grasped hold of her chin. “Betsy, maybe I’ll see you next weekend, yeah?”

  What was he doing? He’d no plans to come next weekend.

  But something like gratitude, or maybe it was hope, filled her face.

  Fuck it.

  3

  “Ink, you’re late,” Reyes snapped as Ink strolled into the other man’s office which was out back of Reaper’s bar.

  A rush of anger filled him, and he curled his hands into fists. Christ, he was only a few minutes late.

  Ink had a slight issue with change. And trust. And authority figures. And his temper. So all that combined, yeah he was a bit volatile. And he and Reyes often clashed.

  “Been fucking busy,” he growled.

  Duke shot him a look. Right. He got it. Calm the fuck down, Ink. Why do you always have to fly off the fucking handle, Ink? Get grip on your temper, Ink.

  He knew the lecture by heart by now. Had heard it for years from Duke. The other guy was his best friend, his brother. But sometimes, he didn’t understand him.

  Reyes was staring at him with those cold eyes. His session last weekend at the club after he’d finished playing tour guide hadn’t helped relax him at all. He’d found a firecracker sub to play with. Had spanked her soundly when she’d gotten sassy with him. Tied her to a spanking bench and made her come over and over.

  But had taken nothing for himself. Not even when she offered to suck him off. It just hadn’t felt right. In fact, the whole night had been off ever since…

  He’d said good night to Betsy. Christ, why had she gotten under his skin? Why her? She was so shy. Jittery. How would she react if he was to pull her over his knee? If he lost his temper in front of her?

  Yeah, she’d run the other way.

  And she’d never fit in here, with the Iron Shadows. The idea was laughable really. Imagine if she got an eyeful of all the guys? Not just the six of them, but the rest of the members of the Iron Shadows. A number of them were rough, violent.

  Nope, none of them were good enough to be around Betsy. Including him.

  “We interrupting something, Ink?” Reyes asked dryly. He leaned back his chair, his fingers tapping on the desk.

  Duke frowned at him from where he was resting against the wall to Reyes’ right. Ink, Spike and Razor were sitting in the seats on the other side of the desk while Jason leaned back against the wall behind them.

  “Interrupting something?” he asked.

  “You’re thinking pretty hard about something,” Reyes replied.

  Fuck.

  “Or is it someone?” Razor teased. “You get laid last night? That why you’re late today? Got some sub tied up at home in your bed?”

  “Shut the fuck up,” Ink snarled at Razor. He knew the fucker was just fishing. But he wasn’t in the mood. He crossed his arms over his chest. “What’s this meeting about?”

  “Got better things to do, huh?” Reyes asked.

  Ink shrugged. He wasn’t explaining himself. “Yep.”

  “Feel free to leave. Wouldn’t want to interrupt whatever other important shit you’ve got going on.” Reyes' voice was dark. Icy.

  Ink stared at him. The other man glared back.

  Christ. What was he doing? This is what he got for only having a few hours of sleep last night. Then he’d had a job go wrong today. A client on the warpath. He was fucking stressed and tired.

  “Sorry. Bad day.” He ran his hand over his face. “What’s going on?”

  “Need to talk to you all about Sunny,” Duke said.

  He sat up straighter. That brought him back to the here and now better than an icy glass of water over his head. “What about Sunny? Is she all right? Did you leave her at home alone?”

  He hadn’t seen her when he’d walked in, but his mind had been on other shit. Sunny was like his baby sister. He’d do anything to help protect her.

  “She’s fine,” Duke told him. “She’s out with Jewel in the bar.”

  He frowned. “You think it’s a good idea to leave her out there?”

  “You think anyone would mess with Sunny?” Spike asked in his deep voice. “Knowing that she’s Duke’s?”

  Unlikely. Still. There would be no way he’d leave Betsy out there. Christ. He needed to stop thinking about her.

  She’s nothing to you.

  He just nodded. “What’s going on then?”

  Duke frowned. “I don’t like that she’s seen his face. Far as we know, no one else has.”

  Ink stilled. There could only be one person that he was talking about. The Fox. Would this shit with the senator never go away?

  This was all fucking Reyes’ fault.

  All right, so it went back further than Reyes. To Smiley. The old President. The sadistic fuck. He’d gotten the Iron Shadows messed up with all sorts of illegal shit.

  Reyes had come in and started sorting shit out. He’d bought the bar. He’d taken over the Iron Shadows after ousting Smiley. But the bar and club had been in a bad financial state. They’d started laundering money through the club for Fergus Bartolli, who had used them to blackmail Senator Robins. The good senator had been buying girls from a pimp, taking them to his cabin and raping and murdering them.

  Ink had done a dance for joy when Reyes had offed Bartolli.

  He’d thought that would be the end of things. Until Reyes insisted on doing something about the senator.

  “You saw his face, though,” Jason pointed out.

  Ink turned to glance back at the large man. He was easily the biggest of them all. And the youngest. Ink hadn’t been so sure of the other man when he’d first joined them. He’d seemed too quiet. A gentle giant.

  But Jason had his darker side. Just like the rest of them. Only some of them hid it better than others.

  “When he was pretending to be that homeless guy, Marv, you saw his face,” Jason reminded Duke.

  Duke frowned. “Yeah, but according to Sunny, he looked far different from the man who locked her up.”

  “He’s a master of disguises,” Spike said. “It’s why he’s so good at what he does. He can blend in. Pretend to be whoever he likes. He’s smart. He’s deadly. And he has few morals.”

  “That makes him a fucking problem,” Reyes growled.

  “Wait. You think the Fox is going to be a problem?” Ink asked. “Why? I mean, Sunny has seen him but that could have been another disguise. Nobody knows who he is or what he truly looks like. He cares about her, in his own weird way. He saved her. Sure, he fucking kidnapped her,” and if he ever saw the asshole again, he’d clock him just for that, “but he killed Horse and Rory. They were intent on hurting her. He didn’t do anything to her but lock her up and keep her safe.”

  “And send us on a damn goose chase looking for her,” Reyes growled. “All so he could kill the senator.”

  Someone had hired the Fox to take the senator out. But they had no idea who and as far as Ink was concerned, they didn’t need to know.

  “He was giving you ass
holes an alibi,” Ink told him. “And what does it matter who assassinated the senator so long as he’s gone? Far as I’m concerned, he did us a favor.” He turned to Duke. “He likes Sunny. Look at what he did to that asshole ex of hers.”

  The Fox had somehow gotten into Greg, Sunny’s ex’s, bank accounts and donated all his money to a charity for foxes in the UK. It couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy.

  “You’ve got no reason to think Sunny’s in any sort of danger,” Ink told Duke.

  Duke was thoughtful. “Yeah, I just…any hint of threat to her and I can’t fucking think rationally, you know?”

  “Understandable,” Razor told him. “You’re a protective guy. She was kidnapped and you didn’t know where she was. Of course you’re gonna freak.”

  “Yeah. I’m finding it hard to let her out of my sight at the moment. She’s told me a few times that I’ve got to ease up. That’s why I left her out in the bar with Jewel. Couldn’t leave her at home alone. Couldn’t bring her in here.”

  “Ahh, you’re learning the art of compromise. I’ve taught you well,” Razor said sarcastically.

  “Shut up, old man,” Duke growled.

  “There’s no reason to think the Fox is a threat. He’s likely moved on,” Spike told them. “Taking out the senator was a job for him. None of it was personal. No reason for him to stick around.”

  Duke just nodded. “Yeah, I’ll try to ease up on the protective stuff.”

  Good luck with that.

  Reyes went through another few things of interest. Then his face turned grim. “The senator’s father is pissed about his son’s death.”

  “His father?” Ink asked. “Did we take a look at him when we were watching the senator?”

  Reyes nodded. “Yeah, but they had little to do with each other. The dad is Jonathan Robins Senior. Filthy rich. Inherited a hundred million when he was twenty. He’d turned that into a billion by the time he was thirty. Owns a shipping company. A couple of hotels. Has his finger in numerous other pies.”

  “He on the up and up?” Razor asked.

  “Far as I know,” Reyes said. “My contact just said that he’s pissed. Apparently, he tried to cover up the way the senator was found, but it was too late. It had already come out about the girls he’d been buying and murdering.”