Page 54 of Daddy's Little Charmer
Harmony nodded. “Yes.”
“Then why do you still look sad, Baby?”
“I love you. More than anything in the world, but I can’t live like this.”
Christian moved closer to her and cupped her cheek. “Like what? I’d give you anything you’ve ever wanted. Just tell me.”
“I want some freedom.”
Christian looked confused. “Honey, you’re free to come and go whenever you want.”
“With the guys?”
He nodded hesitantly. “Well, yes.”
Harmony looked away, sighed, and glanced back at him. “How is that freedom?”
“You don’t like being around the guys?” he asked, baffled.
“Daddy, it’s not that. I love those guys.” Harmony paused and tried to think of her next words. “How would you feel if you had to be followed everywhere? You couldn’t go anywhere by yourself? Or even be at home without someone here?”
Christian straightened but didn’t move away, as he considered her words for a moment. “I think I’d hate it.”
Harmony stared at him. “Do you see why I can’t stay?”
“No, Baby. I see what needs to change, but I’ll do anything to make you happy.”
She studied his face for a moment. “So, I can drive the car you bought for me?” she asked hesitantly, and her eyes narrowed on his expression.
Christian grunted. “Yes.”
Harmony’s gaze narrowed more. “Really? You don’t sound too sure?”
“Yes. I promise. You can drive anywhere around here.”
Harmony sat back. “You’re giving me guidelines for where I can drive?”
Christian gritted his teeth and wiped a hand down his face in frustration. “I wouldn’t call them that.”
Harmony tipped her head to the side and pondered him. “Why don’t you trust me?”
Christian jerked back as if she’d slapped him. “Trust you? Jesus, woman. I trust you with everything I have. It has nothing to do with trust.”
Something inside of her relaxed. “So, what’s it about?” she asked.
Christian ran an agitated hand against the back of his neck. “Security, Baby. The thought of something happening to you and taking you away from me gives me nightmares and makes me physically ill.” Christian moved a little closer and cupped her face with his hands. “I wouldn’t survive it. I’m not kidding, Baby. I could not live without you. I would die right along with you.”
Harmony’s mouth dropped open. “Daddy, no, you can’t mean that,” she exclaimed starkly.
Christian nodded. “It’s how I feel. I love you so much. You’re my whole world. I was fixated on you from the very start, and it’s just gotten more intense.”
Christian watched the different emotions cross her face—anger, despair, acceptance, and then happiness. He let out a breath. He knew at that moment everything would be okay.
“I’m sorry I didn’t understand,” Harmony murmured.
“It’s my fault. I should have told you about my sister from the very start. I also should have explained why I have youprotected. I didn’t even see what I was doing. All I could think about was your safety.”
Harmony clutched at his hand. “Now we know, and we can move on. That’s what’s important.”
