Page 27 of Until I Find You

“Then why’d you ask?”

“Because I wanted to know. Is that bad?”

Yes, it is. Because now we both know. We know that it is only a matter of when, not if.

Now we both know I could lean down and kiss her right now. One thing could lead to another, and I could take her to my bed. Make her scream my name. Call me what I’ve been craving for so long. Sir.Daddy.

I could argue it would be good practice for faking attraction in front of the family. While knowing it could ruin everything.

I’ve already crossed the line in a massive way. She will have to take the next step if she wants anything more. I’m a Daddy. Not hers, but still. I’m supposed to take care of her. Protect her. Keep her safe.

“No, not bad,” I say in a gentle voice.

Camilla whisks a few curls away from her eyes as her shoulders sag a bit, a ghost of a smile on her face. “Oh, okay. Great. Well… uhm…”

“We’ll have to lay some ground rules.”

Her chest heaves. “Yes. Good. Rules.”

“First one: we only act like a couple when my family is around.”

She nods. “That’s good.”

“Two, you can touch me any way you want when we are in public, as long as it is respectful. Am I allowed to touch you?”

Her face reddens. “You have my consent, yes, just, please at the waist or above.” Her eyes widen. Camilla gestures toward her chest. “Except my…”

I nod. “Of course. I wouldn’t dream of it.”

I have. Many times. But would never touch her without her consent.

“Well, you can touch my…” I mimic her circular movement indicating my chest.

Camilla giggles.

“Those are my rules. Want to add any other rules, Camilla?”

She shakes her head. “I’ll let you know if I remember anything.”

“Very well.” I smile. “Oh, and one more thing.”

“Is…is it another rule?”

“Only one.”

“Which is…?”

I place my hand on the chair behind her, caging her in so she can’t run away. Her body doesn’t tense or balk at the idea of being kept. I wonder if the woman who always has everything under control wouldn’t mind losing that control in the right circumstances.

I lower my head so my lips are near her ear. “Don’t ever call me ‘Sir’, ‘Dad’—” I take a deep breath and just go for broke. “—or ‘Daddy’ again unless you want to know just howappealingyou are to me.”

Camilla’s breath hitches before her chest starts heaving. She does not draw away.

“Are we clear?”

She nods.

“Use your words.”

---