Page 9 of Daddy's Heart

“What are your plans for tonight?” he asked. A strong undercurrent of authority laced his tone.

“I’m going to shower, then figure something out. Probably find a grocery store to get some stuff.” The idea of going out was too much. She was tired—bone tired—and wanted a quiet evening. She needed to come down from all the anxiety rides the day had taken her on. The beach had helped, but not enough.

“I have food here. Help yourself to whatever you want.” He glanced at the window. “It’s going to be dark soon, you shouldn’t be walking around alone.”

She heaved a sigh and dropped her beach bag on the bed. “Thanks.” She stepped toward him, trying to get him to retreat a few steps so she could close the door.

“I’m leaving for the club in half an hour, but I can take you if you really—”

“Ryder,” she cut him off with a hand on the door. “Thanks for everything, really. I’m a big girl and I’ve lived all on my own before. I can handle a few groceries. Go to the club. George is expecting you.”

His eyes narrowed slightly, and a small tick appeared in his jaw while he seemed to deliberate what to do or say next.

“I’ll leave my cell number on the fridge if you need me.” He grabbed the handle and pulled it from her grasp. “I usually get home pretty late, around two in the morning.”

“Fine.” She raised her chin a fraction.

He eyed her silently, sending a dark shiver through her body.

“Have a good night then.” He stepped back into the hallway and pulled the door shut.

She glowered at the door for a full minute before getting herself collected. He was bossy, that was certain, but she couldn’t blame him for it. This was his apartment, and he was doing his friend a favor by letting her stay there. It wasn’t unreasonable for him to make sure she was safe. And he hadn’t really crossed any lines.

Just because he gave her the tingling sensations in her belly—and lower—when he got that authoritative look in his eyes didn’t mean he was acting unacceptably. Her response was what should have worried her. Just a look from him, and swirly sensations filled her to the brim. She needed to get a better grip on herself.

She had a plan.

There wasn’t time for anything more than finding a good job, a nice place to live, and setting herself up for her new life. One that didn’t require second chances, and twisted lies, and hiding. And in order to do that, she needed to keep her mind focused.

A shower.

Fresh clothes.

Trip to the grocery store for important snacks.

Rent a movie on her laptop.

A quiet evening alone, giving into her needs. She would be ready to face the day in the morning. She had an interview on Monday, and she would need to be on top of her game to get the position, moving another space forward toward her future.

Chapter 5

Ryder walked through the purple playroom, watching the scenes around him. He’d grown used to the sounds of leather smacking flesh and barely heard it anymore. It was safewords he listened for, making sure everyone stayed safe in their play. The club would be closing down soon, so only a few players remained in the room.

“Hey, Ryder.” George popped into the room, settling beside him against the far wall. It made it easier to watch the whole room.

“Hey.”

“Sam get settled in?” he asked.

Samantha. Ryder had been trying to keep her locked up in the far corner of his mind, but it hadn’t worked. Too many times when he’d watch a woman being spanked, pulled over a knee, or bent over the spanking bench, he’d envision Samantha in that position.

No sunscreen while sitting in the sun for hours? A nice red ass to match the sunburn she sported might teach her a solid lesson.

“Yeah. I think so. She unpacked and went to the beach right away.”

“Sounds like her.” George laughed. “She’s headstrong. Gets an idea in her head and won’t let go.”

Ryder clenched his jaw. “She didn’t ask about the club. Does she know what you do?”

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