Page 51 of Maddox

He chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest. "More than okay, princess. That was incredible." He pressed a kiss to the top of my head. "How are you feeling?"

I considered this carefully. "Good. Safe. Happy." I traced patterns on his chest with my fingertip. "Like I belong here." I pouted. “I need to clean my hand.”

He laughed, his arms tightening around me, but then he reached over for the tee he'd discarded and simply used that to wipe my hand. "You do belong here, princess. For as long as you want."

We lay in comfortable silence for a few minutes before Daddy gently suggested we clean up. He led me to the bathroom, where he ran a warm bath with sweet-smelling bubbles. As he helped me into the tub, I felt cherished in a way I'd never experienced before.

This time we bathed together, and Daddy showed me he didn’t just have a talented mouth, his fingers were exceptional as well.

Chapter Seventeen

MADDOX

My phone lit up and I managed to silence it before it rang. Clare was fast asleep. She’d eaten the lasagne and salad I’d made with what seemed like enthusiasm, and we’d chilled out and watched a couple of movies. I sent an acknowledgement text to Dion and left the bed, shrugging on shorts and padding downstairs to the kitchen. Clicking on the coffee maker out of habit I then called Dion back.

“Hey.”

“Blakeny just got picked up in a car and Eric says it’s likely heading to Orlando Executive Airport. There's a private planeregistered to Rice that’s just filed a flight plan to Dallas. Our eyes on Eagle Reserve are telling us there’s something going on. Lots of high-end cars are rolling up.”

I glanced at my phone. It was eleven pm. “Thoughts?”

“I spoke to Eric and it’s classic signs there may be an auction happening. And as we know, they collect whatever they purchased. Whatever girls get sold will be gone tonight.”

“Fuck,” I swore.

“Yeah. We’re too far south to get the Denver guys there in time, but it means we need you.”Shit.“We’ll be sending the helicopter in thirty minutes. The houses will be protected but Abby’s in the apartment over Salvation as that’s where they were when we got the call. Gideon wants to know if you want Clare with Abby? We can send Liam for her and bring her to Salvation to be safe.

“Okay, let me sort it out.” But it meant I would have to leave before Clare did and I hated that. The trouble was, we had a small window in between the buyers seeing the women and the auction starting. It was our only time to rescue them.

I jogged upstairs, hating to wake her, but having no choice.

I sat on the edge of the bed, gently brushing Clare's hair away from her face. She looked so peaceful, I hated disturbing her, especially after the emotional day she'd had.

"Princess," I said softly, stroking her cheek. "I need you to wake up, sweetheart."

Her eyes fluttered open, confusion clouding them momentarily before recognition set in. "Daddy?" she murmured sleepily.

"Hi, baby. I'm sorry to wake you, but something's come up." I kept my voice calm despite the urgency I felt. "I need to go away for a day or two. It's work."

Clare sat up, instantly more alert. "Is it...is it about what I told Anna?"

I nodded, seeing no point in lying to her. "Yes. We think there might be an auction happening tonight at that location you helped us identify."

Her eyes widened, and I saw a flash of fear cross her face before determination replaced it. "You're going to help those girls?"

"We're going to try," I confirmed. "But I need to keep you safe while I'm gone. Abby is in our apartment over Salvation. Gideon’s going to send a car to collect you so you’ll both be safe there together."

Clare bit her lip, processing this. "I don’t want to go, Daddy. I want to stay here."

I brushed her hair away from her eyes. “I need you safe, sweetheart. It’s easier to guard one place.” And Salvation was the safest place.

“When are you going?”

"Soon.” I started yanking on clothes. “The helicopter will be here in about twenty minutes." I reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. "I wouldn't go if it wasn't important, princess."

She pouted, sitting up. “Who will be driving the car?”

“Liam. He’s worked for us for years. He’s a good guy.”

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