Page 17 of Watch Me, Daddy

But then something changed.

A subtle shift passed over his face, revealing a momentary glimpse of reluctance that caught me off guard. His strong jawline tensed ever so slightly, and I noticed a faint furrow forming between his brows. He was pulling away from me. I could feel it.

What was going on inside his head?

“Feel free to join me in the kitchen when you’re ready,” he smiled, his face softening.

I nodded quickly before his gaze turned away, leaving me feel bereft and alone. I chewed the inside of my cheek.

I needed to know more.

I sat down on the bed and fingered the hem of the shirt I was wearing. I had originally just planned on being comfortable, but I really wanted to know what Aidan thought of me, and this outfit felt too casual if I was going to get the answer I was looking for. I got up and headed back into the closet, looking at all my options before I found the perfect dress.

With a sense of determination, I slipped out of my outfit and into something far more seductive, a figure-hugging black dress that accentuated my every curve. There would be no way that he could mistake me for a little girl in this dress.

I brushed my long, jet-black hair until it cascaded in a soft wave down my back. After that, I focused on my face. I did my makeup with meticulous care, working to bring out the color of my sage green eyes. As I dabbed on a hint of a fruity scented perfume that I’d found on the counter, I felt a newfound sense of confidence welling up inside me. He wouldn’t be able to resist, or at least I hoped he wouldn’t.

With a deep, encouraging breath, I stepped out of the bathroom, ready to face whatever the evening had in store for me.

I opened my door, relieved to find it unlocked and slipped out of my room. I glanced in the other rooms as I passed them, not surprised to see several other guest rooms, an office, a living room, and a more formal dining room along the way. Before I entered the kitchen, I paused and took a deep breath, calling on every bit of strength and confidence that I could muster. I strode forward feeling like a hot bitch strutting on the catwalk.

As I stepped into the kitchen, the sight that greeted me made my heart flutter with delight. Aidan was standing by the stovetop, focused and confident as he cooked what looked like a delicious meal that was slowly coming together. The aroma of sizzling chicken filled the air, accompanied by the enticing scent of sautéed vegetables, and the tantalizing smell of fresh herbs and spices. The rich, warm notes of a creamy sauce teased my senses, and my mouth watered at the thought of the delectable meal he was crafting for us.

Time seemed to pause as he looked over his shoulder at me. Very slowly, his gaze drifted up and down my body, as if he was savoring the sight of me like I was the most succulent dish he’d ever tasted.

His face was a canvas of conflicting emotions—desire and reluctance warring for supremacy. His intense green eyes locked onto mine, a hunger evident in their depths, but there was also a flicker of hesitation, as if he was trying to restrain himself. I could see the struggle in the clenching of his jaw, the slight furrowing of his brow, and the way his fingers twitched at his sides. It was as if he wanted to reach out and pull me close, yet he was holding back.

It was frustrating to say the least.

“Is it almost ready? I’m hungry,” I quipped. The sound of my voice seemed to snap him out of whatever he was thinking, and he smiled, his lips tight with tension.

“Just a few more minutes. Why don’t you sit down at the table. Would you like me to stay and eat with you? If not, I can take my dinner up to my office. I have a lot of work to see to tonight,” he answered, his tone gentle and understanding, yet somehow a bit detached.

“I’d like you to stay,” I replied, my voice quiet and a little bit unsure.

“Sounds good,” he admitted. The desire he’d had in his eyes for me had vanished.

Frustration simmered deep in my belly.

With a sigh, I took a seat at the table, grabbing one of the freshly baked rolls and slathering it with butter. I popped a bite in my mouth and chewed. As I swallowed, I came up with an idea.

“I saw what happened outside. It was pretty bold of you to go out like that on your own,” I said, wanting to poke him.

“Sometimes I like to be bold. It sends a message,” he answered carefully.

“Seems foolish to me. All brawn and no brains?” I blurted out.

He chuckled softly, but there was no anger or annoyance that crossed his face. Instead, he remained ever so frustratingly cool and calm. “My men may have not been visible, but they were there all around me. I wasn’t alone, Irina,” he said more seriously now, a touch of firmness to his voice that hadn’t been there before.

I swallowed hard and looked away, a jolt of desire fluttering deep in my core. “Who were they?” I asked. I crossed my legs and sat back, lifting my chin defiantly as I appraised him with a touch of coldness.

“The Kozlovs,” he answered simply. He turned his back to me and stirred the sauce in the pan before plating the chicken and vegetables for us both. I stayed quiet until he slid a plate in front of me and took the seat opposite to mine. I picked up my fork and cut a piece of chicken first.

As I took a small bite, a burst of flavor danced on my tongue, and I couldn’t help but close my eyes in sheer pleasure. The chicken was tender and succulent, bathed in a luscious, creamy sauce that had just the right balance of richness and tanginess. Next, I tried the sautéed vegetables, noting that they added a delightful crunch and freshness to each mouthful, perfectly complementing the indulgent flavors of the dish. Everything was absolutely delicious, and I considered myself a bit lucky that my kidnapper was a good cook, at the very least. I swallowed the mouthful and cleared my throat, wanting to learn more about the whole exchange.

“Anton moves quickly,” I murmured.

“Despite our careful planning, the Kozlovs found our safe house, likely through electronic channels, but I can’t be sure. I don’t actually think that they know you’re here, but we’re moving to another location in the morning just to be safe,” he explained.

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