Page 100 of Cook

“It’s the middle of the night,” said Cook.

“I want to go home.” I rocked back and forth on the bed as tears threatened to flow over my eyelids.

“We’re not going home.” Cook’s voice was low and stern.

It struck me in the face, and I forced myself to be still on the bed. We were staying here and Cook and Celt were going to talk about their dangerous business. They would talk about the Mafia. About all the men who came to Signora’s and used me. They were dangerous—why did Cook have to be involved in that?

“Maddie.” He grabbed my chin. “Look into my eyes.”

Forgetting everything but Daddy, I did.

Chapter 17

Cook

Though Maddie shook in mygrip, I didn’t let her go. I was learning to read her, and she needed a firm hand right now. Putting more pressure on her chin, I hoped I wouldn’t leave bruises for tomorrow.

Tears turned her eyes glossy, and one leaked to create a wet trail down the side of her nose. I brushed the fat droplet off her face, confused. We were just talking.

So why did she start crying?

Why was she trembling?

“Baby girl,” I whispered, my voice cracking. “I don’t understand.”

She pinched her lips and shook her head as though she didn’t want to tell me. “We should just sleep, Daddy.”

I loosened my grip on her. “What did I tell you at Serenity?”

Maddie clamped her mouth shut again.

“You give it all to me. Your fears. Worries. Everything.”

“Yes, Daddy. I-I’m sorry.”

I wouldn’t correct her apology this time. She wasn’t allowed to apologize for many things, but for disobeying me, she could fucking grovel. “Tell me what happened.” I forced her chin up to stare at me.“Baby girl, tell me.”

“I’m scared.” Her voice trembled, and it shook me too to my core. What was happening to me?

“Why?” I asked, lowering to my knees in front of her. I released my hold on her chin, but before I could draw back my hand, she rested her cheek against my palm. I held her there, wiping away another tear with my thumb.

She quaked, shaking the bed under her. The old joints creaked. “Please don’t leave me, Daddy. I can’t lose you.”

I exhaled as my heart sputtered a beat.

Guns.

The fucking guns.

While Roni was good with Celt and I talking MC business, I shouldn’t have said shit about it around Maddie. I fucked up. No wonder she was scared and wanted to go home.

“I’m fine.” I pulled her into a hug. “I’m not going anywhere. You’re safe. I’m here.” She would always be safe with me. I would never let anything happen to her.

I held her close until she finally stopped shaking. When I looked at her again, alarm bells blared in my mind. She put on her brave face, her chin jutted out and her eyes distant. She wouldn’t look at me. I wanted to ask what would make her feel better, but the truth was thatIneeded to make that choice for her.

“Take off your clothes,” I said.

Without making a sound, she stripped herself of Celt’s sweatshirt and Roni’s scrubs. She didn’t have any underwear on. I didn’t know if Ronnie didn’t get her a pair or if Maddie just didn’t put them on.

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