Page 47 of Maddox

"And if she doesn't want to know?"

Anna's expression was solemn. "Then we respect that. Her healing has to come first, even if the information could help your investigation."

I nodded, my mind racing with the information Clare had revealed. "The numbers instead of names...that's standard tradecraft for keeping identities hidden in criminal organizations."

"What concerns me most is the implication that these girls were being moved around, possibly across state lines or even internationally," Anna said, sipping her coffee. "The 'castle' with mountains and a lake could be anywhere—Colorado, Montana, even somewhere in Europe."

I pulled out my phone. "I need to get this information to my team. We've been trying to connect Blakeny to a larger trafficking operation for months."

Anna nodded. "Just remember, Clare's safety and wellbeing have to remain the priority. This information is valuable but pursuing it can't come at the cost of her recovery."

"I understand," I assured her. "Nothing is more important to me than Clare."

After Anna left, I called Gideon and relayed everything Clare had told us. His response was immediate.

"Eagle Reserve just outside of Dallas is a large private estate that's been on our radar for a while," he said. "Owned by a shell corporation we've been unable to trace back to Rice, but the timing of its purchase lines up with when his trafficking operation seemed to expand."

“Keep me in the loop,” I said. “I know Walker is still in Destin, but I really need a few days off.”

“No problem,” Gideon answered. “Xavier is on point with Kingdom and Salvation is covered. Dion is still looking into that missing woman.”

Shit. I rubbed my head. With everything happening here I hadn’t reached out to him to see if he needed help.

“We’ve got it covered,” Gideon reiterated. “Go see to Clare.”

I hung up, beyond grateful for my friends, and hurried to the playroom. Clare was still asleep, and needing to hold her, I shrugged off my shirt and got in bed, gently easing her close. I wouldn’t mind a nap myself.

CLARE

I opened my eyes and realized where I was, and memory came flooding back. Everything. It was like watching it in slow motion. Almost like a film. The worry of what I’d been rescued from came back, but this time I didn’t shy away from it because I knew Daddy had been so proud of me.

Then I smiled because not only was I tucked up safe and warm, but I was also resting my head on a Daddy-sized pillow. I could hear the quiet thud of his heart under my cheek, and the way his chest hair tickled. I could also feel the material of his pants against me, so I knew neither of us were naked.

Which was a shame.

My heart stuttered as I processed that. Shame? I wanted Daddy naked? I wanted to be naked with him?

I wasn’t a virgin, but I’d never had a long-term sexual relationship because I didn’t trust any man to see my Little side. Well, up to now.Special touches.I wanted that and more. But I knew Daddy was on the go-slow part of the plan. He was afraid to rush me. And I got that, and up to a few days ago I agreed. So, what had changed? It wasn’t the session with Anna, I was sure. Maybe it was Daddy himself? Maybe I was learning to trust him?

Maybe it would be up to me to let Daddy know I wanted special touches? Was I brave enough?

I lifted my head slightly to look at Daddy's face. He was still asleep, his expression peaceful. I studied the strong line of his jaw, the slight shadow of stubble, his full lips. Something warm and fluttery stirred in my belly.

Carefully, I shifted my position, moving up so my face was level with his. I hesitated for just a moment before pressing my lips gently against his. Daddy's eyes fluttered open, surprise evident in them before they softened. He didn't move, letting me control the moment.

I pulled back slightly, my cheeks flushing. "Hi," I whispered.

"Hi yourself, princess," he replied, his voice husky with sleep. "That was a nice way to wake up. How are you feeling?"

I considered his question carefully. "Better. Lighter." I traced a pattern on his chest with my fingertip. "I remember everything I told Anna."

His eyebrows rose slightly. "You do?"

I nodded against his chest. "It's like...like a door opened in my mind. I can see those memories now." I swallowed hard. "Those other girls...do you think they're still alive?"

Daddy's arms tightened around me. "I don't know, princess. But my team is already looking into everything you told us. You've given us important leads."

I nodded, absorbing this. "Good. I want him caught. I want them all caught."

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