Page 24 of Stalker's Pet

I think back to the things she's told me about her uncle. That he took her in after her parents died and how he worked all the time and did something with numbers. But what I do know is that she’s said on more than one occasion how kind he is and that she adores him.

"Are you going to tell me?"

"I dig into people like your father. People who are doing things they aren't supposed to be doing."

I get the sense he’s not giving them spankings like my punishment. "Are you like a cop or something?"

"No. I’m what you might class as private. A lot of my contracts come from the government." He brushes his mouth against mine. "There’s more, but it's not important. It's dark and dirty, and I don't want it near you. You're the bright light in my world, princess."

"Really?" When he looks at me, there is so much hope and truth in his eyes. I know that there’s so much that he isn’t telling me, but do I really need to know the worst of it to believe him?

"You’re so sweet and pure. I shouldn't get to have you, but I can't let you go. You're mine."

"I want to be yours," I whisper, and it’s the truth. Before Callum, I was completely lost. I was filling out college applications as a means of escape. I wanted to find what was missing inside me, but with Callum, I’ve found it.

"You are. I didn't follow you around because of your father, princess. I saw a picture of you, and I couldn't stay away. The closer I got, the more I needed you. I didn’t hack your laptop to spy on him. It was you I was watching over. My girl."

“So you kind of stalked me?” I grin, and a half smile pulls at the corner of his mouth. “I kind of like how much you need me.”

"You do?”

"Maybe." I shrug, glancing away.

"Maybe? Are you lying, little girl?"

"No, Daddy! I was only teasing. I love it."

Callum closes his eyes. "Say it again."

"Daddy." When he opens his eyes, I touch his cheek. "I really love you, too."

“That’s my girl.” He takes possession of my mouth in a deep kiss as his hand slides up my dress. “I love you. But that doesn’t mean you’re not in trouble.”

“Oh no.” I poke out my bottom lip in a pout. “What’s Daddy going to do?”

“I promise, princess. You’re about to find out.”

No matter what it is, I know I’m going to love it. Daddy always knows best.

Epilogue

CALLUM

Ten years later…

“I’m so full,” Tinsley whispers.

I turn to my left and see her fidgeting in her seat. We’re in the middle of a ceremony honoring her for her contributions to the city’s art gallery. It’s not like we can leave.

“Does it hurt?” I wait for her eyes to meet mine, and I can see the worry on her face as she bites her bottom lip. “Give me two seconds.”

The relief that fills her is instant, but I know it won’t last long. I glance around the space and see the curator of the museum typing on her phone. She spoke first, and now the other artists and donors are giving their speeches. Thankfully we’re seated toward the back, so I get up and go over to her.

“Excuse me, my wife needs to take a quick break,” I tell the curator.

She looks up from her phone in surprise to see me standing there. “Oh, of course. It’s right there.” She points to the restroom that’s right next to us, but I’m already shaking my head.

“She’s still breastfeeding,” I say, and immediately she understands.

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