Page 13 of Night Latch

My eyes drifted back down to our joined hands. We looked good together.

A hand settled gently on my shoulder, and I knew it was Otto before I caught his gaze. His touch was already something I’d become so used to that it was already making me melt. "Hey there, little one," he whispered in my ear. His voice was like warm honey as he draped a blanket over my shoulders. "Aren’t you supposed to be relaxing? Take advantage of this nap time because it sounds like things are gonna be hectic once we land."

My heart threatened to leap out of my chest. He hadn’t had a chance to shave before being rushed onto this flight and his jawline was a tempting expanse of stubble. I wanted nothing more than to rub my fingers across it. Then my cheek. Then my lips.

His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, and he was wearing jeans that seemed a bit snug in the center. He’d never looked more attractive, except maybe when he climbed into my bed in nothing but a pair of boxers.

"Mr. Sinclair?" Otto's deep voice brought me back to the present, and I blushed even more.

"Yeah, sorry, Da— Otto." I must have been truly zoning out ifDaddyalmost slipped out. He was several years younger than me, for God’s sake. What was wrong with me? "Just...thinking about the press conference." That was only half a lie. Yes, I was preoccupied by the shit show waiting for me when we landed, but more than that, I could stop picturing Otto in my bed, feeding me from his chest, holding me and calling mebaby.

Otto raised an eyebrow, but didn't call me out on my obvious lie. Instead, he adjusted the privacy screen to the aisles so we had a little cocoon of privacy. Then he pushed up our armrests and pulled me closer to his chest so he could hold me and rub my back. “Just close your eyes and think about what’s gonna happenwhen you’re in bed tonight.” He leaned down so his lips were close to my ear. “And whether you want to leave the lights on this time.”

Instinctively, I turned and rooted in his chest, wishing he was shirtless so I could latch on and get a taste. Since he was clothed, I just breathed in the subtle hints of his cologne and his milk, fully relaxing in the safety of his arms.

Nestled against Otto's broad chest, the hum of the plane's engines lulled me to sleep. His warmth surrounded me in a comforting embrace. The rich leather seat creaked slightly as I shifted, trying to get even closer to him without climbing into his lap. I felt like I was wrapped in the most luxurious blanket, except this one held me back with strong arms.

Otto had quickly proven to be exactly what I needed, and now I couldn't imagine nighttime without the nurturing care he provided. Caring for a Little required a certain amount of effort, and Otto never hesitated to do what was needed to take care of my needs.

As I dreamed of cuddling with Otto in an actual bed, the plane hit a pocket of turbulence and jolted us violently. My eyes flew open and my heart was thundering in my chest as I clung tighter to Otto. Panic clawed at my insides because I hated flying in general, and unexpected bumps in the air were my personal nightmare. The shaking continued and each tremor sent spikes of fear through me.

"Shh, little one. We're gonna be just fine." His voice was a low rumble against my ear as he pulled me closer, enveloping me in his warmth. The assurance in his tone soothed my frazzled nerves, and I instantly relaxed.

A flight attendant appeared beside us with a bright smile. “Can I get you anything to eat or drink?”

"Can I have a double bourbon, please?" I tried to keep my voice level, but the words came out more like a plea than a request.

"Of course, sir." She nodded and looked at Otto. “What can I get for you, sir?”

Otto continued to stroke my arm even when I was sitting upright. “Can I get a sandwich and some orange juice, please?”

“Absolutely. I’ll be right back.”

I turned to Otto with a raised brow. “You don’t want a drink? You can order anything you want. All of your expenses are covered.”

“Not while I’m on the clock.” He gave my wrist a squeeze. “And definitely not if you’re drinking a double shot.”

When the attendant returned, I quickly threw back my drink, welcoming the burn as it traveled down my throat. The warmth of the alcohol spread through my body, dulling the sharp edges of my anxiety and stress.

"Better?" Otto murmured, his tone soft yet sexy.

I shrugged and took a deep breath. "Yes, thanks."

Otto picked up his sandwich and held it out to me. “Take at least a few bites of this, please. You need something in your stomach beyond liquor.”

I grinned and took the sandwich. “Yes, Daddy.” I meant it in a joking way, teasing him for making me eat.

He just growled in response and leaned over so his lips were right by my ear. “Be a good boy and you’ll get a special surprise later.”

My heart almost exploded as I imagined all the things that could be.

For the remainder of flight, I was practically curled around his arm as he comforted me. Even though I wasn’t sure in the moment, I didn't regret showing Otto my vulnerability. That was part of our arrangement. He was hired to take care of my needs, even though neither of us had any idea what that would ultimately look like.

11

OTTO

We stepped off the plane into the cool night as Preston fixed his suit and smoothed down his hair. A swarm of PR people from his company descended on us, ready to brief the boss on the tragedy of the day. The housekeeper's death had shaken the entire company, but there was no time for grief, only damage control.

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