Page 56 of Wilderness Daddy

I grimace again thinking no matter how much I like fresh salmon, it sounds horrible cooked out here in the wilderness with nothing but a fire and leaves for flavoring. “Want a protein bar? There’s some peanut butter flavored ones in the bag.”

“That would be cheating, little one.” He strokes my hair before settling his arm over my shoulder and pulling me against him.

“I won’t tell,” I whisper conspiratorially, leaning tighter against him. He taps his chest, turning slightly so I can see the action cam pinned to his coat. My eyes widen and my hand clamps across my mouth as I realize everything we’ve said has been recorded.

“Don’t worry. I’ll make sure Grant cuts the parts where we speak of your punishment.”

“What about the actual punishment?” I narrow my eyes when he grins.

“That would be embarrassing, wouldn’t it? Might be more of a punishment that way.”

I stop dead in my tracks and slam my hands on my hips, glaring.

“Keep that attitude and I’ll leave it on, honey.”

I shiver and again he tucks me against him and we start walking.

“I’ll lose the attitude but please promise you’ll turn it off,” I ask, sounding small—childlike even.

“Yes, I promise. Unless you’re really naughty.” He looks down at me and winks so I know he’s teasing but it still awakens a throng of butterflies in my stomach. I’d die before I’d ever agree to such a thing but as a threat, it makes my body come alive with need.

“Gonna explain why you came out here now?”

“I’m no longer affiliated with Takahashi Sports or the family,” I say, quietly ignoring the stab of pain in my chest that comes from the admission. “Besides George, but he likely isn’t a part of the family anymore either.”

“I’m sorry, baby.” It’s Landon’s turn to stop us. He pulls me into a full embrace and I press my face against him. His supportive hold and warmth feels good both physically and psychologically.

“It’s okay,” I say as I snuggle against his chest. “I needed to stand up to them.”

“Your family is supposed to love you unconditionally, not just when you do what they want, Akari.”

“You’re right, but is that reality?” I tip my head back to look up at his face.

“I think so, yes,” he answers seriously and brushes back my hair with one of his strong warm hands before lowering to kiss my forehead.

“Sweetheart, your parents will always love you. I know it because in the short time I’ve known you, I’ve become completely smitten. Even when you’re driving me crazy.”

I half-smile at him before lowering my gaze. “Maybe.”

“So, you came after me because you had nowhere else to go?”

I glance at him, wondering if that was my true motive, but shake my head, knowing it wasn’t. I came for him, but not because I had nowhere else to go. I came because I want to be with him. And I want to hit my father where it hurts, his business.

“Well, I’m basically a vagabond now, you know. No job, no home, no life. Perhaps I came out here to live off the land like the Wilderness Man videos taught me.”

“Well, you’re going to be a very sorry transient once I get ahold of your ass.” He kisses my nose. “And since you’re a free agent, I’m officially offering you a position at Steed. I don’t want a woman with your business savvy working for any of my competitors so we’ll pay you what you’re worth.”

“And what am I worth?” I cock a brow at him, both curious and excited.

“To me, you’re priceless, baby. To Steed? I’ll need to see what we pay our top execs and then I’ll add fifteen percent.”

Both my brows rise and my heart swells with warmth at his priceless comment.

“You mean it?”

“Of course I do! Akari, do you know how good you are? You’re exactly what Steed needs.”

“I meant the priceless thing,” I say with a cheeky grin. He growls, grabs me by the waist, and spins me, shoving me against a tree before kissing me hard on the mouth.

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