Page 4 of Watch Me, Daddy

He took a step towards me, and I took one back, looking quickly over my shoulder at the man waiting by the doorway. He didn’t move, instead gazing back at Aidan for direction, the expression on his face carrying with it rapt deference. He was waiting for Aidan to issue a command. Whoever Aidan was, he commanded power and respect like someone who’s name meant something.

He didn’t rule out of fear like Anton. It was clear he’d earned his soldier’s respect.

For a second, I contemplated just going with him. I wanted to escape this terrible marriage anyway, but I knew that by doing so, it would not only put my father at risk, but the rest of our bratva family too, including myself.

I’d seen the look in Anton’s eyes when I defied him. While I was certain he wouldn’t kill me, I wasn’t sure how much he’d hurt me to punish me for running away from our arranged marriage. Aidan seemed different, but so had Anton when he’d first walked through the door. What if it was simply a mask meant to gain my trust, one he would pull down after we reached the safety of wherever he planned to take me, and then he’d hurt me the same as Anton had?

I wouldn’t risk it. I wasn’t going to go down without a fight.

With a fierce determination, I launched towards him, swinging my arm in a hard punch meant to catch him in the side of the head. But Aidan effortlessly deflected the blow, his movement fluid and precise. I fought on, using the strength in my legs to leap out of the way when he reached for me, but it was as if he could anticipate my every move, making me feel like a novice. Still, I pressed on, refusing to back down.

As we sparred, I felt a strange mix of frustration and admiration. The way Aidan handled my attack with ease was both maddening and impressive. He had the strength to overpower me in an instant, yet he held back, showing restraint and control that spoke to his character as a man.

He didn’t want to hurt me.

But I couldn’t let myself be swayed by these thoughts. I had a point to prove, and I continued my assault, pushing myself to the limits. With a sudden burst of energy, I aimed a swift kick at his side, but he quickly caught my leg, spinning me around and pinning me against the cold stone wall without even a hard breath.

This was easy for him.

I gasped, the small of my back pressing against the icy stone as I lifted my eyes to meet his.

For a moment, we were locked in a heated gaze, and I saw something flicker in his eyes, a mix of concern and something else I couldn’t quite decipher. His grip was firm but not forceful, holding me in place without causing any pain.

I was strong. I wasn’t going to give up yet.

I could feel the tension escalating once more as I refused to back down, glaring back at him with an extreme sense of indignation. Aidan’s guarded expression showed a mix of surprise and determination, and I seized the opportunity to catch him off guard. With a sudden surge of energy, I lunged forward, sinking my teeth into his forearm.

A low growl escaped his lips, but he didn’t release me. Instead, he tightened his grip on my shoulders and swiftly lifted me off my feet. Before I could react, he effortlessly hoisted me over his shoulder, immobilizing me in an instant.

“Enough, Irina,” he said firmly, his voice commanding yet still tinged with concern.

It annoyed me to no end.

I struggled, kicking my legs in protest, but it was futile against his strength. As much as I fought against him, there was no going anywhere. He was too strong.

“Let me go!” I shrieked. I pummeled my fists into his back, but it was like trying to push through a brick wall. I didn’t move an inch.

“You fight really hard for a girl with nipples as hard as yours,” he murmured quietly, his voice soft enough for only me to hear now. It caught me off guard, and for an instant, I stilled completely.

My cheeks grew warm, and I felt a subtle heat spreading across my face. I tried to hide my embarrassment, but the more I attempted to control it, the more evident it became. In that moment, I was vulnerable and exposed, but also much warmer than I’d ever felt in my life.

The scent of his cologne enveloped me like a tantalizing mystery, leaving me spellbound by its enthralling notes. It was a heady blend of woody undertones, infused with a hint of smokiness that carried with it a touch of danger. Each inhale revealed subtle hints of spicy warmth, teasing my senses with an intoxicating aroma that seemed to match the perplexing aura of the man wearing it. The fragrance wrapped around me like a comforting cloak, yet it also stirred a restlessness within me.

A restlessness I could only identify as desire.

As Aidan’s strong arms held me securely over his shoulder, an unexpected sense of safety washed over me. It was an odd juxtaposition, being in such a vulnerable position yet feeling strangely protected. I couldn’t help but notice how his touch sent a jolt of electricity through my body, leaving me acutely aware of his proximity. I tried to push aside the growing desire that stirred within me, but in that moment, with my heart beating against his back and the scent of his cologne closing in on me, it was difficult to deny that deep down, a part of me was enjoying this.

Part of me wanted to resist, to pull away and keep my distance from this dangerous, powerful man, but another part of me yearned to find out more, craving the perilous thrill of being near him and the intoxicating pull of the unknown.

I couldn’t help but feel incredibly small and vulnerable in comparison to his towering presence. From this vantage point, the world seemed to shift, and I was acutely aware of the sheer difference in our sizes. His broad shoulders and strong arms held me firmly, making me feel tiny and delicate in his grasp.

I swallowed, trying to contend with the confusing emotions swirling through me. My body remained still, as if I had forgotten how to fight with nothing more than a few words from his mouth. I took a shaky breath, pushing back my shame and reminding myself that I was a force to be reckoned with. I wouldn’t let him win, not now, not ever.

His hand settled on the back of my thigh, dangerously close to the lower curves of my ass. I closed my eyes, imagining myself so horrendously exposed over his shoulder like this.

My leggings would leave almost nothing to the imagination. They were skintight so that they didn’t slide down when I perspired during my workout. Plus, I liked them that way. Thankfully, right now at least, they were staying in place just like they were supposed to.

“Fuck off, you Neanderthal. Put me down!” I exclaimed.