Page 6 of Stealing Daddy's Heart

“Art isn't frivolous,” I find myself saying. “It's essential. Especially in times like these.”

Skylar's eyebrows shoot up. “Wow. A compliment? Who are you, and what have you done with Garrett Hayes?”

I laugh, surprising myself. For a moment, I forget about the danger lurking at the edges of this glittering party. I'm simply a man talking to a beautiful, passionate woman who makes him feel alive in a way he hasn't in years.

“Maybe I've changed a bit too,” I admit, letting my guard down for just a second.

Skylar's smile softens, and she reaches out, her fingers brushing my arm. The touch sends a jolt through me, and I have to fight the urge to pull her closer.

“I'm glad you're here, Garrett,” she says softly. “It's good to see you.”

The way she says it makes my blood run hot. I want to sweep her away from this crowd, someplace we can be alone. The thought is insane, forbidden.

“Skylar,” I start, my voice low and intense. “Your exhibition?—”

But before I can voice my concerns, we're interrupted by the sound of a fork tapping against glass. George stands at the center of the room, his face beaming with pride.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he begins, his voice carrying easily over the crowd. “I want to thank you all for coming tonight to welcome home my beautiful daughter, Skylar.”

He gestures toward her, and all eyes turn to where she stands, radiant in the soft glow of the chandelier.

Skylar looks at me, regret in her eyes. “Duty calls. We'll catch up later?”

I nod, not trusting myself to speak. Skylar smiles at me before turning back to the party. I watch her go, my chest tight, my desire unquenched and my judgment clouded.

My instincts scream to get back on my game–there’s a dangerous world lurking beyond these walls.

A commotion near the entrance catches my attention. I spot one of our security team, his hand to his earpiece, a look of concern on his face. Alarm bells ring in my head.

As I make my way to the guard, George launches into a speech about Skylar's homecoming and her upcoming exhibition. I half-listen, my focus split between George's words and the new threat that's just spooked our team.

“Sir,” the guard murmurs as I approach. “We've got a situation outside. Unauthorized vehicle, heavily tinted windows. It circled the block twice before parking across the street.”

My jaw tenses. It could be nothing. Or it could be them— the Scarpettas, testing my reaction. Sending a message. Either way, I'm not taking chances. Not with Skylar here.

George's voice pulls me back into the room. “Your talent, your passion, your drive—they inspire me every day,” he says, eyes misting. “And I can't wait to see what you'll achieve with your upcoming exhibition. To Skylar, and to her bright future!”

I raise my glass, my mind racing. George's words hang in the air, and with them, a risk. I scan the crowd for any sign of threat.

My gaze drifts back to Skylar. Instinct, maybe more, draws me to her. Her lips part, a blush rises on her neck.

I clear my throat, refocusing. “Double the patrol,” I tell the guard behind me. “Watch that vehicle. Report any movement, coming or going.”

I set my empty glass on a passing tray. My hand shakes. I need to focus. Everything depends on me staying in control.

For the first time in years, I'm struggling to put duty first.

How did it get so tangled so fast? The Scarpettas, Skylar's new spotlight, the tension I feel when I look at her—it all threatens to break me.

I try to push it down. But I'm in trouble. Deep and inescapable.

I'll do whatever it takes to protect Skylar. From the Scarpettas, from her growing fame—and from myself if I have to.

Chapter 2

Skylar

The night airis crisp against my skin as I step out onto the terrace, the muffled sounds of the party fading behind me. The quiet soothes my mounting tension.

---