Page 13 of Navy Daddy

I do my business before taking a long look in the massive mirror while washing my hands. I’ve had a great night, and I’m sure the next will be the same. But I can’t stop thinking of what could’ve been had I dropped out of this and gone with Arthur instead.

Drunken horniness is a different kind of beast, and it’s rearing its head while I splash the cold water of false sobriety against my face. God, what I wouldn’t give for another ride on Arthur’s face.

I shuffle out of the bathroom, using the wall as an anchor point as I walk. But I don’t get far before Toby’s lanky frame blocks my path.

“Leaving so soon?” he asks.

“Why would I want to stay in the bathroom?” Annoyance is an understatement.

“I meant from here. Trent said he’s getting you an Uber.” Toby coughs awkwardly.

“Yeah, I’ve got a big day tomorrow.”

“Maybe I can be part of it. Lighten the load?” He runs his hand through the greasy tail of hair sticking to his forehead.

“No thanks. I’m good,” I shut it down immediately. I learned long ago that it’s the best method of approach.

“Okay, fine, but look, I know you’re leaving soon. I’d kick myself if I didn’t try one last time,” he says. “Let me take you out just once, it’ll be ni?—”

“I think you’re a nice guy, but I can’t. I am not interested.” My thoughts immediately head to Arthur. He doesn’t like sharing, and I’m not going to make him have to for Toby fucking Anderson.

Before either of us can get another word out, Trent steps beside Toby. He offers me a hand and says, “Hate to break up whatever this is, but your ride’s here, Eva.”

He’s an angel out of heaven, and I let him carry me away. Dodged another bullet and hopefully it'll be the last.

11

ARTHUR

The Next Night

I’m parked next to Eva’s patio, watching Bart Collins struggle with his front door lock. Must be a surprise to see me here this late, and the concern twisting his features amplifies the thought.

“Arthur?” he yells from the door, squinting at my car.

“Hello, Bart,” I say.

“What are you doing here so late?” He makes his way down the patio, fastening the puffy robe belt around his midsection.

“Taking Eva out as part of her training. I want to run her through some impromptu nighttime drills.” I had a whole day of sitting around to come up with that lie, and it still sounds fake.

I can’t blame myself. Instead of coming up with a decent reason to take Eva out, my head’s been spinning on all the terrible things I want to do to the piece of shit who cornered her outside the restroom. I wanted to tear his fucking eyes out for staring ather all night, and it took a whole lot more than just strength to keep me pinned in my chair.

But if I want to keep watching Eva, keep her safe, I can’t just throw my weight around whenever I want. She’s still new to all this, and I don’t want to scare her.

“She didn’t mention it.” Bart scratches his chin, turning his eyes to the sky while he thinks.

“I sprung it on her, same way I’m doing with you. Be prepared for anything. It’s the best rule in the business.” If I were the kind of man to dress up in a fancy suit and tie, my lie would’ve been harder to pull off. But my usual look of jeans and a T-shirt sell it well enough.

Not that I’d care if Bart knew the truth, anyway. Eva Collins is mine, and I want the whole damn world to hear it. Get everyone else thinking twice about trying to take her from me.

These lies are for her. Until she’s comfortable telling folks, my lips are sealed.

“Makes sense. It’s good to see you’re this committed to the cause,” he says, giving me a firm pat on the shoulder.

“It’s why you’re paying me, right?” We share a chuckle.

“Mind if I ask how it’s getting on with her? The clock’s ticking down, and I want to be sure she’s safe.”

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