7. Chase

As soon as Bella left his office, he picked up his phone.

"Ava, clear my schedule for the day," he called out as he scrolled through his contacts.

Colt answered almost immediately. "Hey. Is Ava okay?"

He smiled at the protectiveness of his friend. He also felt a pang of jealousy that Colt had someone to be so protective over. "She's fine. Although twat-waffle seems to be a new favorite term of hers."

There was a moment of silence before Colt sighed. "I'm really going to have to start spanking her ass more. I've told her to stop saying that."

Somehow Chase was pretty sure even if Colt started spanking her more, she'd still be just as sassy.

"Anyway, I need a favor. I need to know anything and everything you can find out about Jared McCallister and I need the information as quickly as possible," Chase added.

Almost instantly, he could hear Colt typing on the other end of the phone at the same time Ava popped her head into his office.

"Your schedule is cleared," she said.

He nodded and smiled. "Good. I'm on the phone with your Daddy. He's unimpressed with twat-waffle."

The look on her face made him chuckle and then she stuck her tongue out at him and huffed before going back to her desk. He'd really enjoyed that. Getting the brat back for all the sass she'd thrown his way since she'd started working for him.

"I'll see what I can find and give you a call back," Colt said.

"Thanks."

After spending the entire day going through all the documents she'd brought in and reviewing the case files, he decided he hated the fucker she was married to. The guy had never deserved a woman as sweet and soft as her.

He was looking forward to Ava getting the papers signed and filing them so they got sent to that asshole. Jared McCallister was in for a big surprise. The information Colt had found on him had proved to be invaluable.

His phone buzzed on his bedside table the next morning and he saw Ava's name on the screen.

"Hey, Ava."

"Hey, boss," she said, her voice raspy.

He furrowed his eyebrows. "What's wrong?"

"I'm sick. I woke up with a head cold and Daddy's making me stay home."

Considering how overprotective his friend was, Chase was surprised he hadn't already taken her to a doctor. "Okay. Get some rest. Can you text Bella and ask if I can stop by in an hour to have her sign the paperwork?"

Ava sniffled. It was quite disgusting but it made him smile anyway.

"Yep. I just texted her and I'll text you when she responds."

"Great. Thanks. Just rest and get better," he said before ending the call.

Within a few minutes, he got a text from Ava saying that Bella was expecting him at her townhouse within the hour. House calls weren't usually something he did but since Bella told him she worked at home, there was no reason for her to have to drive across town to his office when he would already be out. At least that's what he told himself.

Nearly an hour later, he pulled up in front of a quaint townhome that was in a decent part of town. He was relieved about that. He liked knowing she was living somewhere safe. Not that it was really any of his business, but he kind of wanted to make it his business.

He only had to wait a few seconds after knocking on her door before she answered and a look of surprise crossed her puffy, red face. She'd been crying and he was ready to kill whoever caused that.

"What's wrong, little one?"

"What are you doing here?" she asked at the same time.

Without thinking, he stepped forward, crowding her space, but he wanted to pick her up and hold her so he could make her feel better.

"Didn't Ava text you and tell you I was coming?" he asked.

Bella sniffled and shook her head. "She said she'd be here in an hour."

Freaking Ava. The brat. It didn't matter. He'd deal with her later. His main concern was the sad Little girl standing in front of him.

"Can I come in?"

Her eyes widened slightly but she nodded and stepped back, allowing him inside. As soon as the door was closed, he turned and hovered over her until her back was pressed against the wall. He reached out with his free hand and cupped her chin, examining her face.

"Who made you cry?" he demanded.

Fresh tears filled her eyes, and he couldn't stand it another second. He dropped the papers on the entryway table and scooped her up in his arms before he carried her deeper into the home.

"Chase?" she asked with alarm.

As soon as they were in the living room, he sat down on the couch and settled her on his lap. He was crossing a line and he knew it, but his Daddy instincts were taking over. Even if the sweet Little girl he was holding wasn't interested in him in that way, he still wanted to comfort her.

"Why are you crying, baby?"

She tucked her chin to her chest and leaned against him so he couldn't see her face. Normally he would demand eye contact, but he would allow her to hide for the moment.

"He's just so mean. He won't stop harassing me and I try to stay strong, but it wears on me," she said softly.

Chase tightened his arms around her and leaned back on the couch, pulling her with him so he could rock her. He was pretty sure her Little age was quite young and he wondered if she had something like a pacifier or blanket that would help soothe her.

"Did he call you this morning?"

She nodded and hiccupped. "Yeah. He was screaming at me about signing off on the divorce papers."

It was difficult not to let out a string of curse words and threats, but he held it in. He didn't want to upset Bella more than she already was. Instead, he stroked his hand over her back and cuddled her.

"It's going to be okay, baby."

Several minutes passed before she sat up and looked at him with a quizzical expression. "Why are you holding me?"

He offered her a smile and reached up to stroke his thumb over her wet cheeks. "Because I can't help myself. You're sweet and adorable, not to mention smart and brave, and I'm drawn to you. I want to Daddy you and take care of you. It's okay if you don't feel the same way. I'll still bury your asshole ex in court."