Page 13 of Daddies' Little Assassin

And I really liked it.

That thought, more than anything else, made me feel like I could let go a bit and I finally drifted off to sleep.

Chapter nine

The Morning After

Istirred slowly, cocooned in warmth and comfort, unlike anything I'd ever known. My cheek was pressed against a firm, steady chest, the soft rise and fall of each breath lulling me back toward the edge of sleep. But the world felt too good, too real to drift away again. I didn't want to miss any more moments of good like this.

Blinking my eyes open, I found myself nestled against Henry's shirtless chest. He had a sprinkling of hair across the broad expanse and my fingers itched to explore every inch. His arms were securely wrapped around me, holding me close as if he never intended to let go and his steady heartbeat thrummed beneath my ear. For a moment, I just listened, letting the sound of it ground me.

I wasn't used to waking up like this—in someone's arms, feeling safe, and cherished. It felt... surreal. Like a dream I was afraid would slip through my fingers if I moved too suddenly.

The soft weight of my stuffed animals pressed around me, and I shifted slightly, trying not to disturb the slumbering giant in bed with me. His hand, which rested protectively on my side, tightened just a bit as if sensing my movement even in sleep.

I glanced up, taking in his relaxed features, his dark hair tousled and a faint stubble gracing his jaw. His presence was solid, reassuring and I couldn't help but smile at the sight. I had a Daddy now.

Nope. I had three!

The thought made my chest swell with something warm, something tender and new.

As I shifted again, Henry stirred, his eyes fluttering open, sleepy and soft as they landed on me. A slow smile curved his lips, and he murmured, "Good morning, darling girl." His voice was a gentle rumble, deep and soothing.

"Morning," I whispered back. I sounded young, carefree and remarkably content.

Henry brushed a strand of hair from my face, his touch gentle. "How did you sleep?"

I snuggled closer, feeling safe in the cocoon of his warmth. "Better than I ever have." And it was true. I couldn't remember the last time I felt this at peace.

To be fair, I probably never have.

Henry's expression softened further, his thumb brushing slightly over my cheek. "Good," he whispered, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead. "That's exactly what I wanted for you."

"You?" I asked, not wanting the moment to end.

"Like the dead," he responded, his index finger stroking the side of my face. "Thora, darling?"

"Uh-huh?" I responded, transfixed by the feel of his hand against my skin.

"I'm going to kiss you now." He waited after saying that, giving me enough time to stop him or tell him no, but there was nochance in heck that I was going to stop the big, handsome angel from kissing me in the way I so desperately wanted.

When his firm, warm mouth met mine I thought my body would spontaneously combust.

Then his tongue teased my lips apart and my heart beat so fast I thought it might escape from my chest and take flight.

Henry kissed me in the same way he took care of me last night. With such utter care and a soft sweet touch. He was a large man who easily dwarfed me, but he handled me like the most precious china.

I knew there would be a time that I'd want to behandled. But right then? In that moment? He kissed me exactly like I needed to be kissed.

His kiss was slow and deliberate, a gentle exploration that sent warmth flooding through me. Every soft press of his lips was filled with a promise—one that said he would take care of me, protect me, and never let me go. My heart swelled with emotions I wasn't used to, emotions that felt like they had been waiting for this moment to surface.

I whimpered softly against his mouth, my hands instinctively clutching at his shoulders, trying to pull him closer. The sheer size and strength of him beneath my fingers sent a thrill through me. Despite his obvious power, he held me with such tenderness, like I was something delicate he was afraid of breaking.

When he finally pulled back, I was left breathless, my lips tingling from the intensity of the kiss. His gaze was warm, filled with something that made my heart skip a beat. "You're so sweet," he murmured, his fingers brushing along my jawline, sending shivers down my spine.

I couldn't find the words to respond, my head spinning from the kiss and the rush of emotions it had stirred up. Instead, Inuzzled closer, burying my face in his chest, the soft scent of him filling my senses.

Henry chuckled softly, the sound vibrating through his chest. "You're shy this morning," he teased, his voice laced with affection.

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