Page 20 of Navy Daddy

“I’m going to ignore your jab.” Even though my heart’s starting to pump scorching hot fire instead of blood. “And you’re going to tell me what’s got you so worked up.”

Whoever did this to my princess is going to pay.

She wouldn’t be trying to tear my head off literally if I did something to upset her. This is someone else's wrongdoing.

“It’s no one. Nothing,” she sighs.

It hits me like a bag full of boulders as she opens her mouth to speak. The piece of shit who cornered her in the bar. He must’ve gotten to her.

The one time I take my fucking eyes off her.

“You don’t have to hold it in, Eva.” My calm voice slips behind the wall of rage mounting inside me. “Let me carry the burden instead.”

“It’s not yours to carry.”

“Sure, but these shoulders were made for it.” I slap my shoulders with the padded gloves.

“It really isn’t serious,” Eva says, starting to untie her gloves. “Just this guy from college. He’s been bothering me for years, and I thought it was over since I was leaving. He?—”

She cuts herself off. Probably because my eyes are starting to show signs that I’m trying so damn hard to hide.

“Tell me. Now,” I demand.

“He cornered me while I was shopping. He didn’t do anything, just gave me a fright.” Eva drops her gloves and heads to the camping table, where her mother’s drink of choice for the session is a pitcher of ice-cold sweet tea. “You don’t have to worry about it, Arthur. I can take care of myself. You saw to that personally.”

She shoots me a smile, trying to settle my mood while she pours the amber liquid.

“I know. But I also said you’re mine.” I remove my gloves and take the glass she offers me. “That means keeping you safe. If this piece of shit made you feel scared, I failed.”

“No one knew it was going to happen.” Her voice softens, and she cups my cheek.

I could have if I had stuck to my guns and kept a closer eye on her. That’s a mistake I won’t make twice. And here I was, thinking I’d let Eva enjoy her night on the town without my supervision.

Oh, no, I’ll be there. And if I see that prick, I’m going to smash every memory he has of Eva into the fucking pavement.

“Sure.” I empty my glass in a single swallow and use the time it takes to steady myself.

“We gonna get back to it?” Eva asks, steering the conversation in a different direction.

“We are, but you have to take it easy on me.” I start to bring some levity. “Don’t you know you already fucked me up last night?”

She giggles, and it brightens my mood instantly.

“I’m sorry, Daddy.” She fakes a pout and ends it with a wink. “I’ll go easier on you. Promise.”

We spend the next two hours doing various drills. I can still see the anger bubbling in her eyes while we do. I don’t let it show on my face. Words aren’t going to calm her down, especially not from a brute like me. But actions will.

And Lord have mercy on anyone who tries to ruin my princess’ night out.

17

EVA

My head’s on a swivel, and I keep peering over my shoulder at the dark corners of every bar on the off-chance Toby didn’t get the message. But with every new bar we move to and the mix of shots, cocktails, and beers swirling around my belly, I’ve started losing my razor focus in favor of having a good time.

If Toby hasn’t made his move yet, he probably won't. Maybe snapping at him was what I had to do all along to get him off my case.

“Now, friends, we’ve gathered here to party, to get drunk, to cause a little trouble,” Trent starts and stands up from his chair. He waves his hands over the table to quiet everyone down. “But more than that, we’re here to give Eva one last hurrah before she ascends to the heavens and dances with the angels.”

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