Page 16 of Big Daddy Sheriff

Hector sighed.

Bruce knew the other man hated it when he tried to take control. Technically, they occupied the same level on the organizational chart. Not that there was a chart. And not that it was even an official organization. They just worked for Lana. The one thing that was clear—set in stone—was that Lana called the shots.

Hector’s phone dinged. He fished it from his jeans and checked the screen. “It’s her.” He read the message for a few seconds. “Shit. She knows where the girl’s at.”

“Really? How?”

“Dunno. But she’s sending us to Oklahoma. She says to pack and get on the road first thing in the morning.”

“Alright,” Bruce said with a sigh, resigned to accepting the assignment.

Lana paid pretty well. Plus, what else would he do? A convicted felon didn’t have many job opportunities. Being a “fix-it man” for Lana was about as good as he was going to get. If he had to apply pressure to some young woman to get her to fold, then so be it.

And it looked like he was going to be doing it in Oklahoma.

CHAPTER NINE

That evening, Alyssa was still tired but managed to stay awake, fearing she wouldn’t sleep through the night if she napped any longer.

Apparently, her sleepiness was evident, because Quinn said, “What do you want to do? I would take you up into the mountains and show you some of the sights, but you’re too tired to do any hiking. Even light hiking.”

Sitting on the couch, she smiled. “Is it that obvious?”

“You look a little sleepy. And I don’t mean that as a knock. You’re beautiful. But those yawns are still coming frequently. I’ve noticed you leaning against those pillows, too.”

She smiled. “Thank you. But I’m far from beautiful.”

Quinn frowned. “Why the negative talk?”

“Because it’s true. I’m too chunky.”

Standing before her, he shook his head. “I’m wondering if we need to lay some ground rules.”

The statement gave her pause. What exactly did he mean by that?

He didn’t pursue it any further, and she could tell by his change in posture and facial expression that he feared he’d overstepped.

Part of her was disappointed.

The other part was glad. For a moment, she’d been worried he was going to spank her. Surely he wouldn’t. But it was obvious he was a Daddy. And it was already established that she was a Little.

Was something developing between them?

Mmm. That would be nice.

She tried to shake such notions from her mind. She was just here to hide out. She’d have to return to Little Rock eventually.

The thought made her shudder. But it wasn’t like she was very far from Little Rock as it was.

It was less than three hours away. It seemed too close. Though Big Cedar was tranquil, she would have preferred more distance between her and Lana Foster.

She needed an ocean between them!

Still, even given the close proximity, she knew she was safe with Quinn.

He sat down on the couch and angled himself until he was looking into her eyes. “What’s wrong? I’m sorry if I was too forward. It’s just… well, it’s hard not to Daddy sometimes. Know what I mean?” He chuckled. “Guess you wouldn’t, since you’re not a Daddy.”

She giggled. “No. But I sorta know what you mean. It’s hard not to Little sometimes. But that’s not what’s bothering me.”

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