14. Soren

Lying on the couch in Adonis' office, I half-heartedly listen as he issues threats and orders like he's tossing around cookies. It's been three days since the shooting, and he's more aggressive than ever. He also won't let me out of his sight. I go everywhere with him, and he with me.

So when I get up from the couch, he raises a hand to silence the men around him. "What are you doing?" He stands as I do, his body rippling with tension, needing to be in the same space as me.

"I was just going to walk around a bit, take Blue out, and get some fresh air, maybe." A primitive sound escapes his lips; he's agitated that I want to do something away from him. I don't blame him. What happened has terrified me beyond belief, and I don't know if I'll ever leave his property again, but I feel safe here in his space.

"No." He snaps the word out so fast it feels like a whip. "You'll stay here."

Sighing, I realize he means well—if I'm in his sights, then he's reassured I'm safe; he's keeping me safe. But I need a reprieve from all the violence and intensity I'm surrounded with right now.

"Eli will come with me." I look at the man in question, and he raises a brow before nodding his head. "I need a minute, Adonis. I need to feel like I can step outside, feel the sun on my face, and not worry about being shot at. Because, Daddy, I know, like I know the sun will set and rise every single day, that you will keep me safe. Always." He's still unswayed. As I speak, I walk closer to him, and despite the audience around us, I don't care what they hear or see. "I know I'm safe if I stay on your property. I won't leave. I just need a damn minute, Daddy, please."

Dropping to my knees in front of him, I gaze up with innocent, pleading eyes as I rub my face along the bulge in his pants. I need this. I need him to give it to me. "Please, Daddy, let me outside to play?"

"I won't let a damn thing happen to her," Eli promises from his position across the room.

Sifting his hands through my loose hair, Adonis pulls me closer to his pelvis, his eyes blazing with fire for retribution and need for me. "I don't fucking like this."

"I know, Daddy." Nuzzling his erection, I rub my cheek along what I know is smooth flesh behind his zipper.

"Then why are you fucking asking this of me?" Fisting my hair, he angles my head back, and I hear feet shifting behind me. I'm not sure if his men are uncomfortable or turned on by the sight we must make. "Baby girl, I need you more than air. If something were to happen to you, I would burn the world to the fucking ground in my wake before following you to the grave." Tears rush to my eyes, and my heart swells as moisture floods my panties.

I can't give up, though. I need Adonis to see that I am safe here. I know I am. "Daddy, I love you." It's all I have left to say to convince him.

A choked sound escapes his lips, and he fists my hair securely in his grip. "Yes." Dragging me to my feet, his lips slam over top of mine in a fiery kiss that I feel to my soul, claiming my mouth in a way that leaves no room for argument about who owns me. "You listen to every fucking word Eli says. I don't care what it is, or if you think he's wrong, you fucking listen to him, Soren, or so help me god, I will lock your beautiful ass up and never let you leave this damn house again. Are we clear?"

"Crystal." I smile gratefully at him before pushing up on my toes and whispering in his ear, "Will you take me tonight? Show me who owns me again because, Daddy, I miss you so much." It feels like he hasn't been inside my body in forever, and I need it. I think it's also why I feel so restless.

"I'll make you scream," he vows, taking my mouth one last time before releasing me and allowing me to walk away.

Blue follows me out of Adonis' office, and I hear the man speaking with Eli before he joins me in the kitchen, where I'm waiting on him.

"Stay here." Eli steps outside before I can affirm that I'll listen to him and is back a few moments later to hold the patio door open for me. Blue bounds out, rolling in the grass like a puppy while we watch. "You're a weakness to him." My heart stops as I turn to look at Eli. "I'm not saying it's a bad thing. It was bound to happen one day."

"What are you saying then, Eli?" I hate how my voice wavers. This is a big fear for me.

Scrubbing a hand down his face when he looks at me, I'm certain he sees the tears clouding my eyes. "You're good for him, Soren; don't doubt that. But you are a weakness in the eyes of his enemies." Pausing to glance around the yard, he proceeds forward, and I follow alongside. "If they hurt you in any way, it will bring him to his knees." A tear spills, and he hastily continues, "But the other day has only proven that the mere idea of you being harmed will make him and his organization stronger."

"How?" I swipe at the tears.

"As we speak, he has been strengthening the connection to his allies. He's been making deals with street thugs to keep their ears to the ground so if a threat against you is ever made, we'll know before a plan can be formed."

"You are very confusing, Eli." Bending down, I scratch Blue's belly as his eyes roll back and his tongue hangs out of his mouth.

"I'm told that a lot." There's a pause, and I can tell he has more to say. "To his enemies, they see you as weakness, Soren. But us? His men? We see the strength you give him. The determination he has to make sure you and everyone around him is safe."

"Sooooo, what you're saying is, I need to stick around for a while?" I grin at the idea.

"If by a while, you mean forever, then yeah, I think that's what needs to happen." For the first time since meeting this man, I see a hint of boyish playfulness when he winks at me.

Distracted when Blue lets out an excited bark as he chases a squirrel across the yard, I can't help but laugh at his silly antics. It's the first time I've looked at him and seen the puppy still living inside him.

"Looks like you're having an effect on more than one soul here," Eli observes, and I must bite my lip so I don't sigh again. I seem to do that a lot when I think about Adonis, talk about him, or am in the same room as him.

I try to play it cool by lifting my shoulder in a shrug, but Eli sees right through me. I don't care. I'm not interested in hiding my feelings. If I had my choice, the whole world would know I belong to him and him to me.

Blue comes bounding over, out of breath, and dashes past us to the door leading inside. I spin to follow behind, only to find Adonis standing there, blocking the entrance. His hands holding the top of the frame, stretching his god-like body out for me to peruse at my leisure.

"Daddy," I breathe out, my heart fluttering with the butterflies in my belly.

"Missed you, baby girl." His eyes flame with heat and intent.

"Ten minutes, man. You didn't even last until the first commercial break." Eli's laughter and teasing earn him a lethal glare. "Come on, Blue, let"s go see if we can find some steaks." Blue barks and eagerly follows Eli inside.

Adonis slams the sliding door closed behind himself as he prowls towards me. I don't know why, but I run. I kick off my sandals and dash towards the forest by the pond at the back of his property.

Laughing when I hear him growl, I glance over my shoulder to see him jogging behind, allowing me the head start that I know won't last long.

"Soren," he groans when I reach the tree line, hiding behind the largest one. "You're taunting the wolf." I peek out at his warning, hiding my smile as he strips off his shirt, buttons popping and flying everywhere as he rips the front open. "Daddy needs you, baby girl." The way his tone softens melts my heart into a drowning puddle of need.

"Gotta catch me first," I tease and take off again, hiding farther into the grove. Covering my mouth with my hand, I try to remain silent while listening for Adonis.

I dart out and run to another tree. My feet hit a branch, and I scream when I feel the bottom of my foot rip open.

"Soren!" Adonis dashes over, dropping to his knees next to me, sliding his hands over my body as tears spring to my eyes. "Where does it hurt, baby girl? Tell me."

"Foot," I groan, cursing myself for ruining the fun we were having.

His warm hands grip my ankle and lift my leg so he can assess the damage. "I need better lighting." He comforts me with soothing touches. "We'll get you back to the house and clean it up before I ravish you until you're too addicted to leave my side again." Scooping me up in his arms, he lays a light kiss on my lips before hustling back to the house.

Eli sees us coming and opens the door, concern etched into his features. Leaning up, I kiss Adonis' jaw and whisper in his ear, "Don't you know? I never want to leave your side, Daddy." His whole body tenses with that little confession. I don't think he realizes just how much I need him in my life. He thinks he's addicted to me; he has no idea I feel the exact same way.