Page 41 of Arrow

Emilee bit her lip, a mix of guilt and anxiety washing over her. “It's Arrow. He left me a note this morning telling me to stay put, and I forgot to text him that I was coming to have coffee with you all. He wants me home. Like, yesterday.”

Trinity's eyes widened. “Ooh, someone's in trouble with Daddy.”

“Shut it,” Emilee retorted, but there was no actual heat behind it. She quickly typed out a response:

On my way, Daddy. Sorry I didn't tell you. Won't happen again.

As she hit send, her stomach did a little flip. Arrow's protectiveness was both thrilling and terrifying, like riding a motorcycle at top speed on one of the back mountain passes.

“I gotta go, ladies,” Emilee said, sliding out of the booth. “Thanks for... well, everything.”

Delilah gave her a knowing look. “Go on, girl. Don't keep your man waiting.”

Trinity shook her head at her. “I told you, yet. Yet might be sooner than you wanted.”

Emilee rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. “Yeah, yeah. I'm going.”

As she hurried out of Day & Night, her mind raced. Arrow's text had been short, but she could practically feel his concern — and displeasure — radiating through the screen. Part of her bristled at being told what to do, but a bigger part... well, that part liked it… a lot.

“Get it together, Em,” she muttered to herself as she climbed into her car. “You're a grown-ass woman, not some teenager sneaking out past curfew.”

But as she started the engine, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was in for one hell of a talking-to when she got home. And maybe, just maybe, she was looking forward to it.

CHAPTER 17

EMILEE

Emilee's heart sank as she pushed open the front door. Arrow stood against the kitchen counter, his muscular arms crossed tightly over his chest. His jaw was clenched, eyes narrowed, and his whole body radiated tension like a coiled spring ready to snap.

Shit. He's pissed.

“I can explain,” Emilee blurted, her words tumbling out in a rush. “I went to Day & Night for coffee with Trinity, Delilah, and Makenzie. I really needed some girl time, you know?”

She fidgeted with the hem of her shirt, avoiding Arrow's piercing gaze. His silence was deafening.

“Look, I know I should've texted you,” she continued, “but I just... I needed their support. Things have been crazy lately and?—”

“Kitten.” Arrow's voice was low and controlled, but she could hear the undercurrent of frustration.

She winced. “Yes, Daddy?”

“Come here.”

Emilee hesitated, then shuffled closer, her stomach doing somersaults. Up close, she could see the muscle ticking in Arrow's jaw.

This was not good. Not good at all.

“I'm sorry,” she whispered, unable to meet his eyes. “I know I messed up.”

Arrow uncrossed his arms and placed his hands on the counter, his knuckles white. “We'll discuss this. But first, I need to know—are you okay?”

The unexpected question caught Emilee off guard. She blinked, finally looking up at him. Despite his stern expression, concern shimmered in his eyes.

“I... yeah, I'm okay,” she mumbled. “Just needed some friends, you know?”

Arrow nodded slowly. “I understand that. But next time?—”

“I know, I know. Tell you first.”

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