Page 107 of Thor

She leaned back into my strength, allowing herself this moment of vulnerability after hours of professional confidence. Her body melted against mine, trusting me to hold her up, to be her safe harbor in the storm of her emotions.

"Really?" she asked, her voice smaller now, less certain than the woman who had commanded the room minutes earlier. This side of her was for me alone. A privilege I would defend with my life if necessary.

"Really." I pressed a gentle kiss to the crown of her head, careful not to disturb her elegant updo. "The way you owned that room. The way you took what they tried to use against you and turned it into your strength. Fucking incredible, baby girl."

Her reflection smiled, pleased with my praise in that uncomplicated way of her Little side. "I was scared," she admitted. "But then I saw you watching me."

My throat tightened with emotion I wouldn't have recognized in myself six months ago. Before Mandy.

She turned in my embrace, facing me directly now, her hands resting on my chest. The emerald of her eyes matched her suit perfectly, bright with intelligence and emotion.

"The arbor," she said, changing subjects with the natural flow of someone comfortable sharing her thoughts. "Is it finished? For the wedding?"

I nodded, my hands settling at her waist, keeping her close. "Just need to seal it. The pine came out beautiful—golden, like honey."

The wedding was set for next month, a small ceremony at my cabin with only our closest friends and family. No church, no traditional venue. Just the mountains, the forest, and an arbor I'd built with my own hands from trees harvested from my land.

Her face lit up with excitement. "Amy and I chose the decorations yesterday. White roses and eucalyptus and these little purple flowers I can't remember the name of." Her hands moved animatedly as she described the arrangements, shifting unconsciously between her adult and Little mannerisms. "And fairy lights! Hundreds of them, woven through the branches and hanging down like—like magic."

I smiled, enchanted by her enthusiasm. I didn't give a fuck about flowers or decorations, if I was honest. I'd marry her in a junkyard if that's what she wanted. But seeing her this happy, this excited about our future together, filled me with a contentment I'd never imagined possible.

"Sounds perfect," I said, meaning it. "Whatever makes you happy, princess."

She beamed up at me, then stifled a yawn behind her hand, her eyes widening in surprise at her own fatigue. The adrenaline that had carried her through the evening was clearly fading, leaving exhaustion in its wake.

"Tired?" I asked, already knowing the answer from the slight shadows beneath her eyes, expertly concealed with makeup but visible to someone who knew her face as intimately as I did.

She nodded reluctantly. "A little. But the party's still going, and I should talk to more—"

"You've done enough," I interrupted gently but firmly, the dominant side of me making an executive decision. "You've impressed everyone, secured clients, launched your business successfully. Now it's time to take care of you."

For a moment, I saw her considering protest—the professional in her wanting to maximize every networking opportunity. But then her shoulders relaxed, acceptance and perhaps relief washing over her features.

"Okay," she agreed softly. "Take me home, Daddy."

Those four simple words sent a surge of heat through my body, tightening things low in my belly. The mixture of innocent exhaustion and suggestive promise in her tone made it clear that while her Little side needed care, her adult side had other needs that required attention.

I took her hand, guiding her back toward the main space. "Let's say our goodbyes."

We made our way through the remaining guests, accepting congratulations and well-wishes. Mandy maintained her professional demeanor, but I could feel the subtle shift in her body language as she leaned into me slightly, allowing me to handle more of the social burden as her energy flagged.

"Leaving so soon?" Amy approached, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she took in Mandy's slightly wilted posture. "Party's just getting interesting. Tyson and Lena disappeared ten minutes ago."

"Called it," Mandy mumbled, a tired smile playing on her lips.

"Tomorrow," I told Amy, my tone brooking no argument. "She needs rest."

Amy's expression softened with understanding. "Of course." She hugged her sister, whispering something in Mandy's ear that made her blush. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do," she added with a wink in my direction.

"That leaves a lot of options," I replied drily, earning a laugh from both Wright sisters.

We made our final rounds, Mandy pausing to thank key clients and supporters. When we reached Wiz, the old biker clasped my shoulder with surprising strength.

"Ride safe," he said, the traditional club farewell carrying extra meaning tonight. A reminder that what Mandy and I were building was precious, worth protecting.

Finally, we stepped outside into the cool night air. The temperature had dropped while we'd been inside, and Mandy shivered slightly in her thin suit jacket. I immediately shrugged out of my own jacket, draping it over her shoulders. It engulfed her small frame, the sleeves hanging well past her fingertips, but she snuggled into it gratefully.

"Such a gentleman," she teased, her voice taking on that quality that existed somewhere between her Little and adult sides—playful but with an edge of mature awareness.

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