Chapter 8

Dinner was eye-opening for Juniper. She’d never had a large family. Growing up, it had always been her and her mom or her and her dad. The only time she’d been around a lot of people had been summers at Danger Bluff, but that hadn’t really counted. She’d usually eaten in the back of the kitchen with Sammi.

This table was surrounded by six burly men, each of whom could make any woman swoon, and four women. She finally met Caesar and Kestrel. It was apparently a growing family, and there were two more spots to fill at the table.

It was hard to deny that their mysterious benefactor, Baldwin Kingsley, had an uncanny matchmaking ability. How did he do that, and would he do so two more times? Phoenix and Caesar were the only two single men of the group, and Juniper sometimes caught them staring longingly as the other Daddies filled plates and snuggled with their Littles.

She felt bad for them, but if Kingsley was as good as he seemed to be, maybe they would both meet the perfect woman for them soon.

Juniper shifted her attention from the bustling table to her own Daddy. He was watching her closely with a constant smile on his face. He also doted on her even more than he had last night.

It was taco night, and he’d patiently filled her plate for her, never appearing the least bit put out that she’d wanted one flour tortilla and one hard corn shell. She’d also been specific about what should go in each so they wouldn’t taste the same.

He chuckled as he finally set her plate in front of her. “Are you sure that’s the right amount of sour cream on the chicken taco? Do you have enough green sauce on the beef one?” he teased.

“Daddy…”

He grabbed her chin and kissed her. “You have no idea how much I love the sound of that, Little girl.”

She grinned at him and squirmed in her seat because he was still holding her chin and her attention. His gaze didn’t move for a long time.

Could she fall in love with a man in two days? Because that’s what she thought was happening.

“I could’ve fixed my own tacos,” she murmured.

“Nope. Daddy’s job. Now, can you lean over the plate, or would you like me to get you a bib?”

She glanced at the other girls. Two of them were wearing bibs over their pretty dresses. Was she ready for that? “I’ll be careful, Daddy.”

“Okay, Juni. And just so we’re clear, it’s okay if you spill. That’s what the laundry room is for.” He reached toward the middle of the table and grabbed one of the four sippy cups someone had prepared.

She took it from him with shaky hands. “I’ve never used a sippy cup,” she whispered.

“It’s a night for new things.” He winked at her and then turned to fix his own plate.

She shivered, wondering what new things he was going to introduce to her. She was certainly nervous about returning to his apartment. The playroom was so pretty, but could she be as Little as he obviously intended her to be?

Juniper ate her food while she watched the interesting dynamic around her. It seemed they had a system of passing around some sort of metal spoon and taking turns updating everyone about their day.

Sadie must have caught Juniper staring at the spoon with curiosity because she snagged it from her Daddy just as he was about to speak. “No one told Juniper about the talking spoon game.”

“Oh, is that what that is?” Juniper asked.

Rocco chuckled and carefully extricated the spoon from Sadie. “Sort of. It all started on our first night when we all sat down to dinner and inadvertently found ourselves taking turns speaking as we passed the serving fork for the spaghetti. It was really just a coincidence, but we joked about it, and it became a nightly ritual. On nights like tonight, when there isn’t one focal dish, we use this metal spoon as our talking stick. We’re a growing family, so it’s a good thing we have a system. By the way, welcome to the family. We’re so glad you’re here, and I want to assure you that all of us will do everything in our power to keep you safe.”

Juniper choked up at his sincerity. In many ways, she was so fortunate. She’d come here by accident, hadn’t she? She thought back on how she’d made this decision. A few weeks ago, she’d started getting spam emails from Danger Bluff. She hadn’t thought much about it. She got spam emails from all kinds of places. But she’d known this place, and the repeat emails had constantly reminded her that she’d loved visiting this resort. Was it possible Kingsley had targeted her until he got her attention, so it seemed like she’d made the choice to come here on her own?

When she realized the men were discussing Eric Rivers, she decided to pay closer attention.

Rocco was still speaking. “…so my plan is to get as much information as possible out of Rivers tomorrow while I take him rock climbing. He booked an advanced solo hike, which works out perfectly.”

“That sounds dangerous,” Juniper interrupted. “I don’t want any of you to be in danger because of me.”

Magnus set a hand on her thigh. “It’s our job, Juni. We’re a team. Trust me, I’ll have eyes on Rocco the entire time. Kestrel will be on standby at the helicopter pad. If we need him to fly overhead for any reason, he can do so.”

Hawking nodded. “I’ll be nearby, too, Juniper. And armed.”

“All of us will be diligently paying attention from wherever we are on the property,” Caesar added.

Magnus lifted his hand to her shoulder. “And your job is to remain out of sight at all times. As long as you don’t leave the fifth floor or the basement, you’ll be safe.”

“I can’t hide forever,” she pointed out, and then she found herself pouting. “I came here to remember my childhood. I want to be able to explore.”

Magnus slid his arm around her neck. “This won’t last forever, Little girl. These men will either get bored and move on with their lives, or they’ll take action. If they do, we’ll be here to stop them from whatever they may plan.” He leaned in closer, making direct eye contact. When he spoke again, he didn’t lower his voice. He let everyone in the room hear him. “You’re mine, Juni. Mine to protect. Mine to take care of. Mine to love.”

Her breath hitched. She couldn’t take her gaze off him. He was so serious and unwavering. He meant every word. A piece of her suddenly loosened. Maybe this was her life now. She glanced around the table. All eyes were on her. Everyone was silent, listening, watching.

Her body relaxed as she accepted the truth. It wasn’t complicated. This was where she belonged. Here. With her Daddy. At a place that brought her peace and reminded her of amazing summers. She’d been a child when she’d visited Danger Bluff. Maybe it was fitting that she would be Little in a way again. Carefree and happy—as soon as they caught these two brothers, who seemed to think she was the key to some sort of hidden treasure. How ridiculous.

She looked back at her Daddy. He was waiting expectantly. “Okay, Daddy.”

He blew out a long breath and gave her a dazzling smile. He even tipped his hat almost off and kissed her. For him, that was huge. “Finish your dinner, Little girl.”