Page 70 of Naughty Santa Daddy

“I’m fucking serious. You will do as I say.”

I’m brave and annoyed enough to ask why.

“Because I am the only person in this world who cares that you live.”

It’s a slap in the face, and I turn my cheek, hating that he’s right. I have no one to count on. Not a soul in my life who can keep me safe. I only have Massimo.

He gives me a smug look as the SUV reaches the main road and picks up speed. We’re leaving the threat behind us. For now.

I’m at his mercy. He knows it. I know it.

“I have a proposition for you,Bella.”

“I suppose I don’t have a choice.”

“You do. I can stop the SUV right now and let you out.”

Asshole.I glare at him as he shrugs.

“I never said I was a nice man.”

“Your proposal?” I ask with attitude.

“Share my bed, and no one harms you.”

Chapter 6

Gail Haris

Gail Haris

Massimo

Hadley is silent as I drive along the dark back road. I wonder what is going through that beautiful head of hers. She has to realize that if she tries to escape again, there’s nowhere to go—only forest and swamp out this way, winding back roads, and with the snow picking up, the roads are going to be treacherous. I’ve got her out in the middle of nowhere with no sense of direction, and a snowstorm on top of that. Fate has a funny senseof humor, giving ice and snow right now of all times. The fuckers chasing us don’t stand a chance of catching up or finding us. I’d bet at least half of them end up in a ditch or wrapped around a tree.

If, by chance, Hadley happens to try another grand escape and make it to the main road, my men will be waiting for her. No way am I letting a repeat of this and allow my enemies to get so close to her again. Despite the cold, my body is boiling with rage at the thought. Foolish of me to think I could let my guard down long enough for a damn shower. The idea of tying her to my bed sounds tempting. Or bringing her to shower with me…

I keep my eyes trained ahead until I finally come to the turn that leads to my property. Too bad it’s dark and she doesn’t get to enjoy the view of the vast landscape that leads up to the cabin. It’s a simple two-story log cabin home—roughly a little over three thousand square feet, much smaller than my main home. I’m not a fan of the holidays, but I do enjoy the escape from everyday life this place offers. My son still believes in all the magic of this time of year, so he loves spending Christmas here.

Instead of opening the window and risking Hadley watching me key in the security code, I call my team to alert them of our arrival. Immediately, the gate slides open, and I drive us forward. Hadley shifts in her seat, and I swallow my dark chuckle.That’s right, Tesoro, you’re mine now.

Halfway up the drive, I stop the SUV. I shift to park and turn in my seat to face her. Even in the dim lighting, she’s stunning. It’s a shame she’s been dealt a shit hand, and now she’s trapped with me. But these next few days don’t have to be unbearable if she agrees to everything I want.

“My son is going to be with us. Nothing ever touches my son.” My voice is heavy with warning. “If you do something stupid, you will pay dearly. Do you understand?”

She whips her head to glare at me. “Define stupid.”

I’m beginning to regret this. Infuriated that she thinks this is a joke, I grind my molars. I’m trusting her to be around my son. Plus, I just saved her life. Not that being with me is much of an improvement. I grab the bridge of my nose. “You’re young. And it’s pitiful how naïve you are.”

“Don’t patronize me. I’m not that naïve.” There’s a hint of pain in her voice, but she quickly covers it up with sass. “I can see how a cruel monster, like yourself, might think anyone who is decent must be naïve.”

I respect bravery in this situation, but there’s a fine line between fearlessness and stupidity. Where my son is concerned, I want her to show neither. I need her to be obedient.

“Let me be perfectly clear. You’re already caught. Look around, take in your surroundings. If you do leave, what do you think is waiting for you? There will be grave consequences if you do anything to jeopardize the welfare of my child. I’m trusting you, don’t make me regret it.”

Her eyes narrow. “Why would you trust me?”

“That’s a really good fucking question,” I grumble and stare out the windshield. I know she’s a good person. There’s not a single doubt in my mind on that. She wouldn’t intentionally hurt my child. But people become reckless when they’re cornered or scared. My son is to be off the table in whatever hairbrained plan she might come up with. She needs to understand this isn’t going to be some Hallmark Christmas vacation. She’s not our guest, but my captive.

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