Charming Colton Read online

  Owen nods, his eyes wide. “Yes, sir.” He glances back at Eve as they lead him away, his eyes pleading with hers.

  I don’t know what to think of the man right now. I’m furious with him though. He could have come forward at any point. If he knew it was serious enough that I was protecting her… Jesus.

  I need to focus on Eve, not Owen or any other person. She’s trembling badly, and I hold her upright with an arm around her waist. I don’t give a fuck that everyone is probably looking at us. Too bad. All that matters is Eve. Not one single other person.

  My captain asks her a lot of questions, which is procedure and understandable, but it gets on my nerves anyway. At some point, Davis goes inside, fills Eve’s boss in on what happened, and retrieves my SUV from the other side of the hotel.

  I’m grateful because now I don’t have to parade Eve past anyone to get her to the car.

  It’s midafternoon before I finally tuck her in the passenger seat and round the hood.

  My boss stops me before I open my door. His brow is furrowed.

  “We need to talk,” I tell him.

  “I figured that was coming.” He sighs.

  I nod at him as I climb into the SUV.

  It seems like it takes an eternity to get back to Eve’s apartment, and I’m proud of her. She never fell apart. Not even while she was being grilled for information, and not now that she’s in the relative safety of the car.

  She doesn’t fall apart when we get inside her apartment either. I’m actually a bit concerned as I take her hand and lead her directly to the master bathroom. I know the only thing that might help her center is a bath, so I turn on the water and plug the stopper in the bottom before I turn back to her.

  She’s smiling at me, her gaze clearer than expected. “Thank you.” She cups my face.

  I set my hand over hers. “For what, baby?”

  “For saving my life. For being there for me. For taking care of me for two weeks. For being everything I needed. A man. A Dom. A Daddy. I’ll never be able to thank you enough.”

  I sit on the toilet and pull her between my legs so I can hug her against me. “Any time, baby. Any time.” When the tub is full, I release her to turn the water off, help her out of her clothes, and take her hand as she steps into the water. “Bubbles?”

  She grins. “Yes, please.”

  I add her favorite bubbles and roll up a towel to set behind her neck so she can lean back. I sit on the edge of the tub and stroke her cheek while she closes her eyes. She looks almost peaceful. “You okay?” I ask, concerned.

  “Yeah. I’m good.”

  “I’m sorry I had to take Bates out. That must have scared the hell out of you.”

  She blinks at me. “I’m just glad you’re a good shot.”

  I chuckle. “One of the best. I wouldn’t have taken the shot if I thought I’d miss.”

  “I appreciate you not missing,” she jokes as she leans forward and picks up the body wash. She holds it out to me. “Will you wash me?” Her voice is dipping. Adult Eve is about to flee the apartment.

  “I’d love to, baby.” I pour plenty of soap in a washcloth and start with her hands, massaging her fingers and up her arms. I take my time. There’s nothing I enjoy more than taking care of Eve.

  As I continue, I worry about the elephant in the room. I need to talk to her about us, but I don’t want to disturb her bliss, nor do I think now is the time to bring up the future. She’s been through a lot. Her brain is overloaded. That’s why she’s turned her care over to me.

  After I finish washing her, I let her sit in the tub until the water gets too cool before I pull the drain and help her out. I dry her off, wrap her in the towel, and swing her up into my arms.

  She squeals. “Colton…”

  I carry her to the bed, and drop her unceremoniously on top, letting her bounce, which makes her giggle. I love that sound. I strip away the towel and pull the covers up over her.

  With my hand on her hip, I stare down at her. I’m the luckiest bastard alive.

  “I’m not tired. I don’t need to sleep right now,” she tells me.

  “You should be exhausted. You’ve been through a trauma.”

  “You have too. I wasn’t the one who pulled the trigger. Doesn’t that bother you?”

  I stroke her hip through the covers. “It’s not my favorite thing to do, but it happens sometimes. I’ve learned to manage it. I’m trained not to hesitate. When lives are on the line, I know what has to be done, and I do it.”

  “How many people have you had to shoot?”

  “I don’t think you want numbers, baby. I’ve killed a few people. Always when it was necessary to save other lives. Today that life was yours.”

  She shoves to sitting and reaches for my shirt. “Join me.”

  I let her pull my shirt over my head. “Are you sure?”

  “Positive.”

  I stand and remove the rest of my clothes before climbing under the covers with her.

  When she reaches for me, I pull her hands over her head and clasp her wrists in one of my palms.

  She whimpers. “I always go from zero to ninety-nine when you hold me down like this.”

  “Just ninety-nine?” I tease.

  “Out of ten,” she responds, making me chuckle.

  “Well, good, because I like holding you down while I torment your body.” I grab her hip with my free hand and lean over to suck one of her nipples into my mouth. The moan that escapes her lips is like music in the quiet room. There’s nothing sweeter than the little noises she makes when I make love to her.

  I lift one leg and situate it between hers, forcing her to part her knees. This makes her arch her back, also delightful.

  When I reach between her thighs, I find her soaked. Swollen. Hot. Wet. Greedy. I love it. I love everything about her.

  I’m a damn lucky man.

  Chapter 32

  Evelyn

  * * *

  I wake up Sunday morning to the smell of bacon, and I smile. Colt is cooking. He’s an amazing cook, and that’s good because he’s done most of the cooking in the last two weeks. He doesn’t seem to mind at all that I’m nearly always little in the apartment and that means he nearly always takes care of me.

  I wasn’t so little last night while we made love, more than once, pausing only to eat takeout. But I feel little this morning, or maybe I just don’t want to deal with the future. I don’t want to think about what happens after today.

  Colt is going to leave eventually. Maybe not today, but soon. Maybe he’ll stay with me until he gets another undercover assignment. Maybe I can talk him into that idea. I’m sure he’ll at least be on administrative leave for a while after taking out Bates.

  Either way, I refuse to let the impending doom ruin the fact that I get a full day with him. Maybe even more.

  I slide out from under the covers, use the bathroom, and ponder my clothing options. For the past week, I’ve slept either naked or in one of Colt’s T-shirts. He likes it that way. Even though I spend most evenings in my little space in childish pj’s or clothes, Colt removes everything when we go to bed. I get it. I think he likes to make love to my adult side.

  He definitely does go out of his way to keep my little persona horny all damn day, and he can dole out amazing orgasms even when I’m little, but when it’s time to actually have sex, he tends to guide me gently back to my adult self.

  I open my drawers and grab a pair of pink panties and a babyish cotton nightgown. It’s white with a rainbow on the front. It’s so short, it barely covers my butt.

  By the time I shuffle into the kitchen, I’m fully little, and Daddy turns around from the stove to smile at me. “Good morning, baby.” He motions for me to come close and hugs me against his side. “Did you sleep well?”

  “Yes, Daddy. Are you making pancakes?”

  “I sure am.” He kisses my forehead. “Why don’t you have a seat? They’re almost ready. I’ll bring you a plate.”

  I skip to the
table and sit. He must have suspected I would wake up little because he has set the table for my youngest self. Sippy cup. Plastic fork. Princess plate.

  Daddy cuts up my pancakes like he did last time and scoots my chair closer to the table. “Davis is coming over this morning for a few minutes.”

  I lick the syrup off my finger and meet his gaze. “Okay. How come?”

  He shrugs. “No idea. He called a bit ago and said he had something for me.”

  “Is he bringing Britney?”

  “I don’t think so. He said he was getting her a sitter.”

  My eyes go wide. “He gets her a babysitter when he goes out?”

  I nod. “Apparently.”

  “Wow, that’s hardcore. The thought never would have occurred to me.”

  Daddy reaches over and tickles my side. “After everything we’ve been through since I met you, I’m not sure I’d leave you home alone either. Maybe I should get the number of his sitter when he comes by.”

  I giggle as he continues to dance his fingers over my tummy. “I don’t need a babysitter, Daddy. I’m big enough to stay home alone.” The thought of him leaving me with someone else is unnerving.

  He chuckles. “Oh, now I’m definitely going to find someone. I’m also going to come up with good reasons to leave the apartment so you won’t have a choice.”

  I consider the implications. Since I started seeing Daddy, I haven’t craved interaction with other Daddies. I proved that last week when I couldn’t finish my scene with Owen. The idea of being left with someone else makes me pout.

  Daddy chuckles. “Don’t give me a reason to spank you already this morning, baby.”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  We finish eating and I help Daddy clean up the table just in time for the doorbell to ring.

  I glance down at my nightgown. “I’m not even dressed.”

  Daddy shrugs. “I’m sure Davis doesn’t care what you’re wearing, baby. He’s also seen you naked.” He lifts a brow as he reminds me.

  True.

  I skip over to the door next to Daddy and wait for him to look through the peephole before opening it.

  Davis smiles at me as he comes inside. “Hey, little one. Sorry to hone in on your Sunday. I won’t stay long. Britney isn’t too pleased with my absence anyway.”

  “It’s okay,” I tell him. “Next time maybe you can bring Britney with you?”

  “Sounds like a great idea.”

  Daddy pats my bottom. “Why don’t you go find something to play with while I talk to Davis?”

  “Yes, Sir.” My shoulders slump though because I’d rather stay in the room and eavesdrop.

  “Can I get you some coffee?” Daddy asks Davis as I head for the shelf next to the television where I keep my coloring books. I don’t ask permission to stay in the room while they talk. Daddy didn’t specifically tell me to leave the room. He simply told me to find something to play with. And I have. Colors.

  I spread them out on the kitchen table and find the picture I want to color while Daddy makes Davis a cup of coffee. “I know you didn’t come by here just to say hi. You said you have something for me?” Daddy nods toward the folder Davis is holding.

  Davis lifts the folder and sets it on the counter. “Take a look.”

  Now, I’m beyond curious. It takes every ounce of self-restraint not to be nosy, and though I wouldn’t mind having my butt spanked at some point today, I’d rather it not be for punishment.

  Daddy opens the folder as he slowly slides the mug of steaming liquid toward his friend. He stares at the contents for several minutes, flipping through the pages.

  I can’t help but stare. It looks like there are three or four pieces of paper. I also think his hand is shaking a bit.

  I’m holding my breath when he lifts his gaze to Davis. “Are you serious?”

  “As a heart attack.”

  “Do you have any idea what this means to me?”

  Davis shrugs. “I can guess.”

  Daddy glances at me, his face impossible to read. It almost looks like he’s about to fist pump the air, but he’s also hesitant. He glances back at Davis. “I haven’t told Eve anything yet.”

  Davis nods and sips his coffee before setting it back down. “Well, I’ll let you get back to your day. Take your time with that. Look it over. Discuss it with Eve. Do what you need. You know how to find us.”

  Us? I’m so confused.

  Davis turns toward me, his face switching to full Daddy mode. “Britney would love to have you over again soon.”

  I glance at Daddy. “I’d like that, Sir.”

  “She threw a bit of a tantrum when I left her with a sitter this morning, so she’s grounded for the week, but maybe next weekend. I’ll set something up with your Daddy.”

  I shift my gaze toward Colt, my heart pounding. Will he still be here in my life next weekend?

  Colt sees Davis out and then silently comes to me. He lifts me out of my chair and carries me to the couch.

  I wrap my legs around him so that we’re chest to chest, which means I’m straddling him when he sits. He brushes my messy hair from my face and tucks it behind my ears. I can tell he’s thinking hard and I don’t want to interrupt him. He’ll say what he wants to say when he’s ready.

  “Do you have any idea how much I love you, Evelyn?”

  I’m not expecting that to be his opening line, so I suck in a breath. “I love you too, Daddy.”

  He smiles. “I know I said there was no way we could stay together after the bad guys were caught because I would need to move to another case and be unable to see you.”

  I nod. There’s hope in his words. I hear the hanging “but.”

  “I decided that wasn’t going to work for me or for you or for us, so I resigned from the police department.”

  I gasp. My eyes go wide. That is not what I expected him to say. “What?”

  He nods, grinning.

  “But you love your job. You’ll be unhappy.”

  He slides his hands down and cups my bottom, my panties the only thing between us. “I love you so much more than that job, baby.”

  I furrow my brow, concerned about his decision. “What does Davis have to do with it?”

  He beams. “Davis just offered me a job working for his company, Black Blade Protection.”

  I process his words slowly. “He did?”

  “Well, technically his boss did. You know his boss. Andres Phillips, though no one calls him that at work. He goes by Blade. He’s a member of Surrender.”

  I nod. “I know Master Andres.” I did not know what he did for a living or that he was Davis’s boss. And now apparently Daddy’s boss. I wiggle closer. “Are you sure that’s what you want?”

  He gives my butt cheeks a squeeze. “Positive. It’s like Fate stepped in. I just sent my resignation a few hours ago while you were sleeping. It’s obviously meant to be. Besides, it’s the same kind of work. Protecting people and solving crimes. I’ll just be working for a private agency instead of a public police force. It’s perfect.”

  My smile spreads wide. “You’re going to stay with me?”

  “Forever. If you’ll have me.”

  I close the distance between us, throwing my arms around his neck and hugging him tightly. I’m filled with relief. I can’t believe how lucky I am.

  Daddy’s hands slide under my nightgown and rub my naked back. “How attached are you to this apartment?”

  I lean back, meet his gaze, and shrug. “It’s just an apartment. Why? Is yours bigger?”

  He chuckles. “God, no. Mine is nothing more than a boring place where I keep my shit and sleep when I’m not on an assignment. I was thinking we should look into ditching both of them and finding a house. Someplace with a private backyard where you can play outside without anyone seeing you.”

  I can be happier. “Really?” I bounce on his lap and clap my hands together. “I’d love that. I’ve never gotten a house because I didn’t want to take care of it alone.”


  “Well, you won’t be alone anymore, and I’ll take care of it and you.” He taps my nose.

  I smash myself against him again. I can’t stop hugging him. “I love you, Daddy.”

  “I love you too, baby.”

  Epilogue

  Three months later…

  * * *

  Evelyn

  * * *

  “And you have to see the backyard too,” I exclaim excitedly as I grab Britney’s hand and pull her from my new playroom.

  She giggles as she follows me from the room. “I can’t believe you don’t have a bed in your room.”

  I shrug. “I sleep with Daddy.”

  “My Daddy makes me sleep alone sometimes. Plus naptime.”

  I had put my foot down on that subject when Colt asked me if I wanted a little-girl bed. I do not. I want to sleep in his bed. Our bed. I love the playroom. A place I can go and escape and be fully little without keeping the entire house as my little space, but I’m not sleeping alone.

  I drag Britney through the house toward the back door. She hesitates when I reach up to slide the glass door open. Davis and Colt are talking at the kitchen island, and she glances at her Daddy.

  He lifts a brow. “Where do you think you’re going, sweetie?”

  “Eve wants to show me her backyard.”

  “Did you ask my permission?”

  “No, Sir.” She hangs her head.

  “Do I normally let you go outside alone?”

  “No, Sir.”

  I clear my throat. “I’m sorry. It’s my fault. I wasn’t thinking.”

  Davis shakes his head. “Not your fault, Eve. Britney knows the rules.” He comes to her and tips her chin back.

  “May I please go outside with Eve, Daddy?”

  “Let’s all go,” Colt says. “I wanted to show Davis the shed anyway.” He rounds the island and opens the door for us, but he takes my hand and pulls me against him after Davis and Britney step onto the patio. He holds my chin. “You need to be more aware of other people’s rules, baby.”