Chapter 6

CHAPTER SIX

T he ride back to his place seemed endless. It wasn’t the first time Yoanni rode with her arms wrapped around Barron’s waist and her breasts pressed to his back. But this wasn’t a casual ride around town. An unknown danger, a faceless enemy, and unresolved wounds complicated their barely renewed relationship.

To help and protect her, he wanted—no, he had to keep his mind straight and detached from the need and desire of her. Fuck, it was near impossible. After months of separation, everything in him hungered for her slightest touch. Barron was hyperaware of her closeness, and the bike’s vibration exacerbated the sexual tension in his crotch and thighs.

When his house came into view, he breathed a tentative sigh of relief. The ride was over, but the challenges were only beginning. He was about to welcome his precious little girl into the intimacy of his home, the space he called safe and all his. Whatever happened between them during the next few days would either break them or unite them forever. He was going to fight tooth and nail for forever.

When he pressed the remote control on his handlebar, the garage door rolled up, and he pulled inside next to his truck. “You can get down, Yoanni,” he said, turning off the engine. As he climbed down, he found her standing, eyes wide and posture stiff.

He touched her forearm. “Being here scares you?”

Without answering, she quickly shook her head.

“You’re safe in my home. I’ll protect you with my life. Don’t you know that?”

She nodded, still silent. Her golden skin had gone a little pale.

“What is it, then?”

“Um… I don’t think I’m ready.” She pointed over her shoulder to the door that led into his house. “For this.”

“Right.” He blew out a breath. “I’ll baby you the way you want and deserve. But I’m not going to jump your bones or try to force you. If that’s what you’re afraid of, forget it. I won’t deny how loving you occupies every thought in my brain, but I’m a man of my word. I brought you here for your safety and to throw whoever is threatening you off your trail. This house is alarmed top to bottom, and you know I carry a weapon. Plus, I have other safety measures. I told you before, I’ll protect you with my last breath.” He smiled. “Enough with the heavy. Come with me.”

He pulled her arm gently, and she went with no resistance. Barron entered the laundry room, grasped the doorknob, and said, “Brace yourself.” His words were followed by deep barks and repeated whines.

“Wait a second. That’s a dog.”

“Oh, yeah. And he’s a bundle of energy.” As he opened the door to the kitchen, his dog bolted through, yipping and whining. “Yoanni, meet Caesar,” he barely managed to say before the huge, shaggy brown-and-black mutt, wagging his tail nonstop, stood on his hind legs, sniffing and trying to lick Barron’s face.

“Okay, boy. I’m happy to see you too. Enough. Sit!”

Caesar obeyed instantly. With his rump on the floor, he turned his attention to a smiling Yoanni.

“He’s beautiful,” she murmured. Bending closer, she offered her fingers to Caesar. He stretched his snout forward and sniffed lightly.

“I’m amazed. He never allows a stranger to go near him. He likes you.”

“And I like him. When did you get him?” she asked, scratching behind one of Caesar’s ears.

“A few months ago. I went to the shelter with the daughter of one of my brothers. I saw him, he lifted a paw at me, and we fell in love. I think he’s a shepherd mix. They told me he’s about a year old.”

“You got lucky. He’s gorgeous.” She straightened. “I see the shepherd lines. His dark color and coat are so shiny. Shows you take good care of him.”

He smiled down at Caesar, who panted, staring from him to Yoanni. “We’re buddies. He takes good care of me too. Okay, let’s keep moving. He’ll follow us around until I give him his treat. Once he gets it, he’ll ignore us for a while.”

In the kitchen, Barron took a bacon treat out of a jar in the pantry. He tossed it in the air, and Caesar snatched it with a quick jump. Holding his precious loot, he walked out of the kitchen.

“You see?” He laughed. “He’s got more important things to take care of.”

Holding her hand again, he took her to the living/dining room.

“This house is bigger than my last place. Even though it’s still pretty small, there’s enough room. You’ll be comfortable here.”

Barron guided her to the short hallway connecting the home’s three bedrooms and one bath and opened the first door. He cringed, eyeing the unmade bed and laundry basket next to his dresser. It was overflowing with dirty clothes. There was a time when he was organized and put everything away. Lately, he’d lost the urge. Keeping outer appearance tidy was the only remaining habit the army had ingrained in him, and for that, he got hell from his brothers.

“Here’s my bedroom. Sorry it’s messy.” He gave an embarrassed grin. “I wasn’t planning on having company when I left. I’ll try to be neater while you’re here.” He closed the door and pushed the next door open. “Here’s our bathroom. Separate shower and tub. We’ll have to share. You know I don’t take forever, and I promise not to gross you out. I keep my bathroom clean. I’ll give you towels in a moment.”

Moving along, he didn’t give her a chance to inspect the bathroom. He tapped his knuckles against the next door without opening it. “It’s just an office in here. Nothing interesting. I have a computer, a table, and some file cabinets.”

“May I see?”

Yoanni’s hazel gaze and sweet expression ensnared his willpower as surely as if she’d thrown a lasso and pulled the rope. Unable to deny her request, he opened the door. A simple table, computer monitor with tower, and several file cabinets lined up against the side wall came into view.

“See what I mean, Nugget? There’s not much to see.”

Glancing around the room, she walked past him. “You need photos or something. It’s too bare and cold. No personality. How can you work in here? At least you have a window.” She faced him. “We’ll go shopping for things to decorate.”

Barron nearly laughed, but if he did, she’d misunderstand. He’d wanted to keep the moment light, but watching her walk around his home making simple observations destroyed his efforts. He was as thrilled and overjoyed as a child given the run of a candy store. Containing his excitement required a determination she’d just about erased from him.

“Seen enough?” That was harsh, but it worked. Her lips parted, and she stopped moving .

Fuck me. The urge to bite those luscious lips was unbearable. He escaped to the hallway.

“Your room is this way.”

Head lowered, Yoanni left the office.

You’re a fucking prick , he berated himself. But the only way to keep her attitude less chirpy and tempting was to be a jerk. Add another line to the long list of apologies he owed her. But to help her and keep his hands-off promise, he needed a clear head and some separation. Later, once this shit was resolved, he’d love her day and night.

He opened the door to the guest room. It was a boring replica of his, but without the mess and dirty clothes basket.

“I hope it’s adequate.”

Yoanni walked in, smiling. “I think it’s perfect. A queen bed and two pillows, plus a dresser and a closet.” She faced him. “How lucky can a girl be? Although…”

“I know, you’d like to go shopping for things,” he said with a chuckle. “We’ll talk about that. Just so you know, on occasion, Johnny G has slept over. I washed everything after his last visit. There’s also an extra blanket in the closet. Hold on a sec.” He walked out, leaving the door open. He returned with a set of folded towels and put them on the bed. “These are clean. Make yourself at home, little Nugget. If you need anything else, let me know. I’ll be in the kitchen making us something to eat.”

“Thank you,” she said, rubbing a hand over her stomach. “With all the commotion, I forgot to eat.”

“I don’t blame you. I wouldn’t want to cook with that hideous thing hanging in my kitchen. Come out when you’re ready.”

Closing the door, he scrubbed his hands over his face, slid them up through his hair, and clasped them behind his neck. Fucking hell, this was worse than he’d thought. Until he got used to Yoanni’s presence, the next few days would be a constant test of his dominance and control. She was his Little. Not a doubt existed in his mind about that. He also didn’t want to restart their relationship with all the negative shit in the way. He’d have to wait until her situation was resolved…

His grumbling stomach got him back on track.

Did he have anything decent to feed her? He normally would’ve picked up dinner on his way back from the agency, as he only cooked on weekends. That would have to change.

Back in his kitchen, he searched through his pantry. Caesar, finished with his treat, came behind and sat in a corner watching him.

“Don’t you dare say a word,” he grumbled at the silent dog.

Good news was he had tomato soup. Everyone liked tomato soup. He opened the fridge, crossing his fingers. If he had the right ingredients, he’d be in business.

Luck was on his side…or was it planning ahead? He’d stored a partial loaf of bread on the bottom shelf to prevent mold from ruining it. Plus, he had ham and a cheddar cheese block he could easily slice.

Perfect. Grilled ham and cheese sandwiches with tomato soup made a comforting dinner for a distraught little girl.

He was in the midst of slicing when said distraught little girl came to the kitchen. Barron glanced up, and the knife slipped, coming very close to slicing a finger. He muttered a low curse, and Caesar sat up at attention.

“I’m okay, boy,” he said. Caesar stretched back down and closed his eyes.

In awe, Barron turned his attention to the beauty in the room. On all their past dates and in all their time spent together, Yoanni had never embraced or openly admitted her Little with him. Sure, she’d made a comment or expressed a fondness for Little-oriented activities and TV shows. But because he was in the thick of it, with his head shoved up his ass, he’d missed the clues. Had he taken the time to step back and observe, he might have noticed what his prez and Spawn brothers had seen and which was now staring him in the face: the gorgeous little girl in Yoanni Sanz.

She’d dressed her stunning female curves in short pink overalls and the cutest white T-shirt with a single unicorn he’d ever seen. Ruffled ankle socks peeked out of her sneakers, and her silky hair was pulled in pigtails. She was an enticing combination of sinful innocence with adult sexuality, and his libido exploded with the image she presented. Not to mention that his now-stiff cock could smash rocks.

“Daddy,” Yoanni said with a hesitant expression. She had no idea how beautiful she was.

“Yes, Nugget?”

“It’s new.” She held out the overall’s straps. “I packed it hoping you’d like it.”

“I’m glad you did.” He swallowed. “It’s very pretty on you.”

Shifting playfully side to side, she smiled. She’d almost regressed to her Little when a sudden frown twisted her features, and she was back to adult mode. “Oh, heck. I forgot to show you.” She searched in the front pocket, then pulled out a folded piece of paper. “This.”

Unfolding the paper, he studied it with curiosity. The hieroglyphics and circles could be some kind of foreign language. “Where did this come from?”

She moved closer to him, then, looking over his arm, she pressed her finger to one of the circles. “The paper was left on my door. My neighbor Mrs. Miller stopped by in the morning, and she gave it to me.”

“Do you know what the symbols mean?”

“No, Daddy.”

He tapped his forehead, thinking. A pattern that scared the shit out of him was coming together. “At some point last night, someone left this note, but it didn’t happen while I was there.”

“Huh? ”

“Might as well tell you everything, princess. Thursday night, after I left Nightshade, I stopped by your house. I parked my bike and sat watching your place. I thought of you sleeping. It had to be around ten at night. A couple of your neighbors saw me, but I didn’t see anyone approach your house.”

“Why did you come over, and why didn’t you knock? What’s Nightshade?”

Stick with the truth.

“I came because I couldn’t help myself. I’ve missed you too much, Nugget. Knowing you were back in town did me in. Thursday night, I had no defenses left.” He breathed out. “Nightshade is a kink club. I want to take you there soon. They have a great room for age play and Littles. Would you like to go?”

Giggling, she leaned playfully against his arm. “Yes, Daddy. I loves fun with you.” Her tone had changed to sweet and young.

Unfortunately, he was about to squash her sweet regression once more. And it couldn’t be helped. He had to put together a timeline. “So, someone left this paper. The next morning, you went to the station after Mrs. Miller’s visit. That same evening, you went to your car to come home and found the missing calculator on the hood of your car. Finally, you came home and found that grotesque thing hanging in your kitchen. Do I have the sequence right?”

She frowned. “You do.”

“Three threatening events in one day.”

“Uh-huh.”

“And you don’t know what the circles mean?”

She shook her head.

“Shifter will find out for us.”

“Who?”

“My MC brother Shifter. Don’t you remember him? He’s the Spawns’ computer genius. Tall, long curly hair, with a ton of tattoos.” He laughed. “That describes most of the guys. But what sets Shifter apart from the rest of us is the handle of a knife he has sticking out of his cut’s front pocket.”

“Yes, I remember… His girlfriend is Ginny. She’s a Little like me. I saw them a few times.”

Cupping her face, he caressed her dewy skin with the pad of his thumb. “You gut me, you’re so cute. How did you know she’s Little?”

She grinned. “We recognize each other. Emily was too. Didn’t you know?”

“Not right away. Eventually, Cutter let me in on the secret.”

“It was no secret.” She giggled for a moment, then pouted, turning serious. “We’re careful. We don’t tell everyone. People have strange reactions to us. They think we’re perverts and freaks.”

“Thank goodness I don’t. And many of us know the beautiful truth. But we’re wasting time.” He waved the paper. “I want to send the images to Shifter before we eat.” He took a photo and quickly typed a text to Shifter.

Hey, brother. I’d be grateful if you could figure out the origins of these symbols. I have no background information to give you. Sorry.

He pressed Enter and shoved his phone in his pocket.

“Now we can eat.”

After he prepped the sandwiches and poured the soup to heat up, he filled Caesar’s bowls with food and fresh water.

“Can I help?” she asked.

“Another time, princess. Maybe after you learn where everything is, Daddy will let you help. I also have to get you appropriate utensils and things.” He spoke as he took out placemats and set flatware on his small table. “This is a simple meal. I’ ll be done in seconds.”

Once he grilled the sandwiches to a golden brown and took out the steaming soup, they sat down to eat. Caesar stretched out next to his feet.

“Does he beg?”

“Never. I’m not sure if he was trained that way or human food isn’t interesting enough for him.”

“You’re lucky. Mami’s cocker drools. He isn’t allowed near the table, so he stands a few feet away with this pathetic look and just drools and drools.” She laughed. “Makes Mami crazy.”

“Would make me crazy too,” he murmured, grateful for his amazing pup. Caesar had been an instant icebreaker and conversation maker.

“He’s close to you.” She leaned to the side, smiling at Caesar.

“The feeling’s mutual. I’d go crazy without him.” He was going to expand on the subject, but his phone vibrated in his shirt’s front pocket. “That’s Shifter.”

Yoanni nodded and returned her attention to her food. She was obviously giving him privacy to check his phone. He frowned, reading.

Where did you get those drawings? The research states the images are cosmograms used in Palo Mayombe, an old African religion transported to the Americas during the Spanish slave trade. What the fuck, man?

Thank you, brother.

Barron hit Send. Shifter’s response came back immediately.

Is that it? Are you involved in some Voodoo shit? I poked around the web. What I dug up says it’s the evil side of Palo Mayombe. Are you in trouble ?

Barron sighed.

No trouble. Tell you more in person. Too complicated for a text. Get ready to explain. Blade called for a church meeting tomorrow. You’ll get the text any minute.

With perfect timing, Barron’s phone chimed. That had to be Blade’s text.

Got the text. C u tomorrow.

FU2, bro.

Chuckling, Barron read Blade’s succinct message.

Church tomorrow at noon.

He tucked his phone into his shirt pocket.

“Is everything okay?” Yoanni asked softly.

“Yeah… Shifter is kind of an intense guy. He’s an ace when it comes to research and tech stuff. But if he’s worried or wants an answer, he’ll pester you nonstop.”

“Did he find anything?” She put down the spoon—her soup was finished—and folded her hands on the table.

“The drawings on the note were the opening salvo meant to scare you. He basically confirmed what you explained earlier with a little more context. The circles are cosmograms used in one of the religions you mentioned.”

Yoanni’s lovely golden skin lost color. “Wh-which one?”

“He used two names. Palo…something.”

“Palo Mayombe?”

“That’s it.”

Ghostly pale, Yoanni jumped to her feet. Startled, Caesar whined.

“This isn’t good.” She moved from the table. “Barron, I can’t stay with you. Whoever is after me is evil. They’ll hurt you.”

Going after her, Barron grasped her arms and pulled her close. Her eyes were full of tears. “Yoanni, stop this.”

“No. You don’t understand. If I’m here, they’ll come after you. I have to leave.”

“And go where?”

“I don’t know. I don’t know. Miami? To my parents’?”

“And you’d leave me just like that?” he thundered.

“I… I don’t want to,” she sobbed.

He pulled her into his arms. “Baby, listen to me. This person knows your culture and how to push your buttons with this bullshit. The manipulation is amazing. But that’s all it is: manipulation. He or she knows how to frighten you with the right props, and you’re falling for it. Magic, sorcery, and evil spirits don’t exist. That’s superstition and old wives’ tales.”

“I agree,” she murmured, looking up. Her face shone with tears. “But I’m scared for you. Don’t you understand?”

“Think again, baby,” he murmured, wiping her tears away. “Look around this place. Do you see weird papers or threatening objects anywhere? No, right?”

She glanced around, then shook her head. Lifting her chin, he dropped gentle kisses on her salty lips.

“Come on, give me a smile,” he crooned. “I won’t let anyone harm you. Blade called for a meeting tomorrow. In church, I’ll explain to my brothers how someone’s trying to hurt my baby girl. That’s a call to arms, sweetheart. We protect our ol’ ladies. It’s Devils’ Spawn law. We have your back.”

It was close to one a.m., and Barron was still awake. He’d managed to calm Yoanni enough to put her to bed. The events of the day had emotionally drained her. As soon as he tucked the sheets around her, she fell asleep almost immediately. Even Caesar, much as his pup tried to keep him company, had conked out on his doggy bed.

Not Barron. He’d given her a good show of optimism, but he was worried. This magical mumbo-jumbo shit was way too alien for him. He existed in the material world, where people and objects could be touched and grabbed. Enemies gunned down when all else failed.

If Shifter had found information, so could he. He’d spent the past four hours searching the net and reading articles. Most of the information corroborated Yoanni’s explanation. On the flip side, he’d found plenty of conflicting viewpoints. Now it made sense to him how a religion shrouded in mystery throughout the centuries had turned into a twisted belief that claimed spirits and the dead could be used as weapons.

The research hadn’t explained the heart of the matter. The real problem for him.

Who was coming after Yoanni, and why?

Envy?

Jealousy?

Revenge?

But for what?

He’d gone around and around and couldn’t figure out a single idea that made sense. He discarded her parents right away. Why threaten her in Garden City when her family lived in Miami?

She didn’t deserve this. His baby girl had the liveliest personality he’d ever known. Plus, she was a loyal friend. Her remembered the fiasco at the Dirt Road Saloon. Even though she didn’t approve of Emily’s risky visit to the MC hangout, Yoanni went with her anyway and even stood up to a dangerous biker until he and Cutter had intervened. Before they broke up, she’d entertained him with her antics and made him laugh day and night. He loved her contradictions, her sass, stubbornness, fiery temper, and generous heart…

A shadow moved on the periphery of his vision. He gasped, then squinted, attempting to see better. Out in the night sky, a cloud moved away from the moon, allowing more light into his office.

Barron’s eyebrows shot up. He turned and went mute. No. It wasn’t his imagination.

Yoanni stood on the threshold of his door with no clothes on. The silvery glow streaming through his open window cast curious shapes across her curves and naked form.

The pigtails were gone. Her dark hair fell in waves to her shoulders, and her pert nipples stood upright on small but perfect breasts. He couldn’t see her eyes, yet her full lips trembled. As he glanced down at her rounded tummy, naked mons, and long, shapely legs, he extended a hand to her.

“Princess. Why are you awake?”

“I tried to sleep, but I kept waking up, thinking you were here. Please, Daddy, make love to me like you used to. Help me forget the bad things.”

“Are you sure?”

She moved closer. Yoanni’s beautiful lines became clearer, the glow in her eyes, and the curve of her elegant neck he could nibble for days. Her female aroma wafted to his nostrils… Lord, the scent of her arousal wiped away every bit of resistance in him. Slowly, Barron swiveled his chair to face her.

“I want you closer.”

Yoanni came within touching distance. Staring at her reaction to his touch, he ran the backs of his fingers up and down over a pebbled nipple.

“Oh, yes.” Dropping her head back, she sighed to the ceiling .

Barron had no more resistance. “I’m not made out of iron. I have to love you.”

She locked eyes with him. “I wish you’d stop talking.”

“There she is, my sassy girl.” Laughing, he stood, and she squealed. “Too late, Nugget. You’ll get what you came asking for and more.” He grasped her waist and butt, then lifted her over his shoulder.

“What do you mean more?”

“How soon we forget. Sass gets a spanking.”

“Nooo.” She kicked her legs in fake resistance, but he slapped her ass for real. Her firm cheek jiggled a bit under his hand, and he nearly climaxed where he stood. Fuck, it had been so long.

“Your bed is the closest.” His heart danced as he stomped down the hallway to her bedroom.