Page 12 of Off Limits Daddy

“Took Olivia?” Duncan turned to another man who I decided must be his friend and Lindsay’s father, Brett.

He had a pained expression, as if he was feeling guilty for not telling Duncan important news. “When I was MIA from work, I was dealing with shit, including Olivia’s kidnapping. Then it was just wanting to get the family settled and preparing for the holidays. I’m sorry I didn’t mention it.”

Duncan turned back to me. “Is that true?”

“The murder took place while Mr. Quinlan was rescuing Olivia. Right outside the building they were in. I believe Aiden was in the car when the shooter drove by and killed the kidnappers.”

“Seems like that’s not a bad thing,” Duncan said.

“Dunc,” Brett said. “She’s saying the boy saw this. Even if killing Olivia’s kidnappers is good, having the boy witness it isn’t.”

“So, what do you want?” Duncan asked me.

“I told you already. I want to talk to him and protect him.”

“Not without me.” Duncan pulled himself up to his full height and stuck his chest out. I imagined it scared a lot of people away.

I wasn’t a lot of people. I raised an eyebrow that let him know he didn’t scare me. With a dismissive purse of my lips, I said, “Then I guess we’re stuck together.”

2

Duncan

Iliked assertive women, except where Aiden was concerned. My mystery gym woman might still feature in my fantasies, but I wasn’t going to let her invade my holiday and boss me around.

At the same time, I had to consider that she’d driven all the way out here on Christmas day to talk to Aiden, which suggested the situation was serious. Could Aiden really be in danger? I just learned that Lindsay and Oliver's daughter had been kidnapped, and if this was related and if Aiden witnessed anything, I needed to take heed. It was clear these people had no qualms about hurting children.

"I'll let you talk to him, but I need to be there with him,” I said.

"Of course. You're his guardian."

My hackles rose. "I'm his father." Granted, I still had a lot to learn. At dinner, Oliver, who'd spent time in foster care as well, pointed out a few things I should be aware of in raising Aiden.

She pursed her lips, and for a minute, I thought she was going to explain to me how I was only his foster father. But what was on paper didn't matter. For all intents and purposes, that boy was mine.

"How about we bring everyone back out here into the living room and you and Aiden and Agent Marsden can have the kitchen?" Brett suggested.

"That works for me," she said.

"I want to have a minute with him alone first."

She gave her head a quick shake. "I would prefer that you didn’t coach him."

My hands fisted at my side. "I don't plan to coach him. But the boy has been through a lot. I want to explain —"

"You can let him know that I need to talk to him, but please do not tell him anything."

I gritted my teeth, wondering how it was that only a few weeks ago, I had enjoyed the most spectacular sex of my life with this woman and had regretted not getting her name and number. No, I was beyond annoyed, which wasn’t easy to do. I was a pretty easygoing guy, usually.

Brett returned to the kitchen, and a few moments later, all the kids along with Mira were back in the living room, pulling out games to play.

I stopped Aiden from joining them, kneeling in front of him. "I know you want to play with the others, but this woman behind me, Agent Marsden, has come a long way hoping to talk to you. I will be with you, so you don't have to worry, okay?"

Aiden glanced over at Agent Marsden and then at me, stepping a little bit closer. While I hated that he was doing it because he felt he needed protection, there was a part of me that was also pleased that he trusted me enough to provide it for him.

"How about we go make some hot chocolate and we can sit and talk in the kitchen?" I suggested.

He gave a nod, and I led him back into the kitchen expecting Agent Marsden to follow.

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