Page 96 of Restrained

HAYDEN

Christmas was nice. Which is weird. I’ve never really given a fuck about Christmas. When I was really young, my father was usually drunk and really angry during that time, so I just wanted it to be over. When I moved in with my grandma, she tried, but I never believed in the magic of that time like the other kids, and I still just wanted it to be over.

But yesterday with the Sterlings and Penelope, it was nice. Asher didn’t show, so Lola was worried, but he did have several gifts shipped to Baz and then video called him. So at least they all knew he was alive. The kid has a difficult path ahead of him, that’s for sure, but I still believe he’s going to come to Lola.

Baz ran wild and appeared to have a great day where he was spoiled by us all. Nora and Vivienne cooked a huge meal. It was great. Uneventful, but in the best, most comfortable way. And now, Lola and I are spending the day after in her bed.

Can’t ask for much more than that.

“I need food.”

I smile at Lola in all her naked glory, her body draped over my chest. “What sounds good?”

“Leftovers? Mom sent a bunch home with us.”

I nod, thinking about the turkey and all the fixings I never had growing up but am definitely going to be spoiled by now. My stomach growls at the thought. “Your mom is going to get me fat.”

Her fingers trail over my stomach. “I don’t think so.” She shrugs. “But I also don’t care.”

“Liar,” I growl as I cup her chin and bring her lips up to mine.

“You’re right. Better keep it tight or it’s the curb for you.”

I laugh and kiss her lips before we climb out of the bed, and she pulls on my dress shirt and buttons it.

“What am I supposed to wear?”

She shrugs. “I think maybe you should leave some casual clothes here.”

I grab her hips, pulling her to me. “For you to steal?”

“Yup.”

“I’ll do that soon then.” She kisses me. “And you should bring some things to my place.”

“I can do that.” She smiles. I breathe in her honey and lavender scent as I hold her close to me.

I plan to marry her soon, so it doesn’t scare me at all. Still, there are some loose ends in her life, and I don’t think she wants to be married quite yet.

Doesn’t matter to me. She’s mine. I’m hers. We’re good.

I pull on my dress slacks and button them before we start toward the kitchen when the sound of the doorbell fills the house. “Hayden, will you grab the door? It’s probably Mom. I’m gonna go start the food.”

I nod and walk to the door, pulling it open with a smile, but it fades when I see an older man I don’t know. “Hello?”

He looks annoyed as he examines me. “Where’s my daughter?”

Lola’s father.

“I’ll go get her.” I raise a hand in the air as he starts to walk inside. “You wait there.”

I know they don’t have a good relationship, and there’s no way I'm inviting him in without her permission. I walk to the kitchen, and she turns to me, her face still flushed from her last orgasm moments ago and her hair in disarray.

Not exactly how someone wants to greet their father.

“Your dad’s here.”

She goes pale. “What?”

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