8. Brook

EIGHT

brOOK

S he couldn’t believe she’d agreed to it. The word "okay" had left her lips before she could fully process what it meant, and now her heart was racing and her mind spinning. What shocked her even more was that Storm had asked . For a man so confident and commanding, he could have just told her how things would be, and yet, he hadn’t. His consideration made her chest ache in a way she didn’t entirely understand.

There was no denying the connection between them, an almost magnetic pull that had been there since the first time he’d walked into the real estate office. Even through his disapproving looks, she’d felt it between them. The way his dark eyes would narrow at her, the subtle clench of his jaw—it had sent a thrill through her that was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. Being near him was like standing too close to a fire, tempting and dangerous.

“What do we do now?” she asked, quiet but steady, even as her pulse hammered in her ears.

Storm’s smile was slow, deliberate, and devastatingly warm. His hand remained firm on her chin, his thumb brushing against her jaw, sending heat coursing through her. “Now,” he said, sounding steady and commanding, “you go inside, get ready for bed, and go to sleep. No reading, no playing, and no touching yourself.”

Her cheeks flared with so much heat she was sure they were glowing. If it were possible to spontaneously combust from sheer embarrassment, this would be the moment. She reacted instantly to his words in her core, flipping and twisting in ways she didn’t know it could. Her panties had been damp since the moment he swooped in at the accident scene and took control. Brook thought she’d known what it was like to be turned on, but this—this was an entirely new level. Storm had awakened something inside her that no one else had ever come close to touching.

“The blush on your cheeks tells me you might have been thinking about doing the last part, sunshine,” he teased, his voice dipping lower, velvet and steel all at once.

Damn. How did he read her so effortlessly? It was both maddening and thrilling.

“I was not,” she whispered, though her words lacked conviction.

He chuckled, the deep, rumble vibrating through her like a physical touch. He leaned in closer, his dark eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that stole her breath. “Just so you know, Little girls who lie to me get put over Daddy’s lap, their panties pulled down to their knees, and their adorable bottoms spanked. Do you want to make a trip across my lap tonight, baby?”

Oh. God.

Her thoughts scrambled. Did she? The answer was an overwhelming, contradictory yes —and also a panicked, heck, no.

The idea of being spanked by Storm, with his enormous, powerful hands, was as thrilling as it was terrifying. She could already imagine the heat, the sting, the way his strength would make her feel small and safe all at once. But she also wanted to be able to sit comfortably at her desk tomorrow.

“No, thank you,” she managed to squeak, her voice barely above a whisper.

His chuckle was rich with amusement, his lips curling into a smirk that made her knees weak. “So polite,” he murmured, winking at her. “Using your manners to get out of a spanking, sunshine.”

Her heart fluttered wildly. This man was going to be the death of her, and she wasn’t sure if she cared one bit.

“I will be at your place in the morning to pick you up. Wear a thick coat, it’s going to be cold.”

She sighed, bummed that this moment was coming to an end. Spending time with Storm was addicting.

“I hate that you have to come all the way back here tomorrow. Are you sure you don’t want to stay? You can sleep in my bed, and I can sleep on the couch.”

For some reason, she knew that was the wrong thing to say because his jaw clenched, and his eyes darkened even more. “Little girl, if you ever think I would allow you to sleep on any couch, you’d be sadly mistaken. And as much as I’d love to come in and sleep in bed with you, I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

Eyebrows pinched, she tilted her head to the side. “Why not?”

Storm shifted uncomfortably, and when she flicked her eyes down, she gasped. Even though it was dark in the cab of his truck, there was enough light for her to catch the outline of something long and hard pressing against his jeans. Had she done that to him?

“Because I’m barely holding on by a thread as it is, sunshine. Today was an emotional day, and it’s already late. I want you to get a full eight hours of sleep. What kind of Daddy would I be if I kept you up all night?”

The best kind. Not that she would ever say that out loud. But she did like the thought of all the things Storm might do to her. She had a feeling he wasn’t a missionary kind of man like her exes had been.

“Oh,” is all she said.

“I don’t want to send you in there alone, though, if you’re still upset.” He ran his thumb over the apple of her cheek.

She leaned into his touch. They’d agreed he would be her Daddy, but she didn’t know what that meant exactly. So many unanswered questions would keep her up half the night. That was what she was a mess over. The accident was already forgotten.

“I’m okay. I was more shaken up by the guy screaming at me. I don’t like it when people yell.”

“Understandable, baby girl. I don’t like it either, and I sure as fuck don’t like it when they do it to you. I’d still debating showing up to that asshole’s house to teach him a lesson.”

It was ridiculous to be touched by the fact that Storm wanted to protect her, but her heart still fluttered wildly. “You already took care of everything. I’m okay.”

The tension behind his gaze faded slightly at her reassurance. “I’ll walk you to your door.”

Nodding, she reached for the handle to climb out of the truck, but he grabbed her arm, stopping her. “Don’t ever open your own door when we’re together, sunshine. That’s my job now. Wait for me.”

Then he rounded the front and pulled it open for her. He held out his hands, and when she put hers in his larger ones, he helped her climb out until her feet settled on the ground. Sheesh. Who made those things so tall? They were not fit for someone short like her.

“Thank you.”

Without letting go, Storm led her up the walkway and then stood behind her protectively as she fished her keys out. When she turned to face him, his nearly black eyes met hers, sparkling with what she was sure was arousal.

“What are you going to do when I leave?” he asked quietly.

He was testing her. He had told her in the truck what he’d wanted her to do, but she had to search her mind to try to remember. Everything was so fuzzy when she was around him. She was also distracted by the knowledge that his cock was hard.

“Um, bed?”

The corner of his mouth quirked into a smirk. “My girl might need to work on her listening skills, huh?”

“Um…”

Storm chuckled and hooked his index finger under her chin. “You’re going to lock this door when I leave, and then you’re going to get ready for bed. Brush your teeth, drink some water, get into pajamas, and crawl into bed. When you’re tucked in, I want you to text and let me know. Got it?”

She nodded and then opened her mouth to speak, but he held out a card before she could get it out. “Here’s my number. Steele’s number is also on this card along with Kade and Bear’s. If you ever can’t get hold of me and you need help, you call any of them. Okay?”

The crisp card had a bear logo on the front with all four men’s names on the back and their phone numbers. It looked much more official than she would have expected for a motorcycle club.

“Put mine into your phone and text me right now so I can save your info,” he told her.

He waited patiently as she did so. When his phone pinged, he nodded and then stepped forward, sliding his hand behind her neck. “That’s my good girl. I’ll talk to you soon.”

Before she could agree, he leaned down and brushed his lips over hers. Goosebumps rose over her arms as she kissed him back, her arms snaking around his waist. He was so tall compared to her, but it didn’t seem to deter him. Instead, he rested one palm on the door frame and held her firmly as he dominated her mouth with his.

It was demanding. Precise. At the same time, it was intimate. Exploring. Not rushed in the slightest. Storm seemed like the type of man who might be impatient, but not with her. He always took his time.

When he pulled back, they stared at each other for a long moment before he cleared his throat. “Lock this door, sunshine.”

Then he stepped out of the way to let her shut him out, his gaze locked with hers until they were unable to see each other. She set the deadbolt and rose to her tiptoes to watch Storm walk away through the peephole.

Wow.

That was… intense .

Resting her hand over her racing heart, Brook sighed and blinked several times.

She could hardly wait to talk to Carlee about this. It would have to wait until tomorrow, though. Her Daddy had given her tasks to do, and she didn’t want to be naughty right out of the gate.

Storm arrived at her door at exactly seven-thirty, punctual to the last second. When Brook opened it, the sight of him stole her breath. The fitted, white Henley he wore clung to his broad chest and muscular shoulders, the fabric stretched just enough to hint at the tattoos winding up his forearms. It made her mouth go dry the instant she let him in, and she had to remind herself to breathe.

“Carlee told me you like chai tea,” he said, holding out a cup from the local coffee shop. “I told them not to make it too hot, but I didn’t trust them, so I tried it to make sure it wouldn’t burn you.”

Her eyes widened, her gaze darting from the steaming cup to his dark, steady eyes. Staring up at him, her lips parted in surprise. “That’s... really considerate.” She spoke so quietly her words came out on a breath.

As she took the cup, her fingers brushed his, and for a fleeting moment, her brain seemed to short-circuit.

Get it together. You cannot get all hot and bothered over him testing your drink.

Storm shrugged, the movement casual, and his lips curved into a slight smirk. “Don’t worry,” he said, leaning against the door frame with an effortless confidence that made her knees feel weak. “I didn’t drink much. Just enough to be a hero.”

Was he being funny? Brook blinked. Does Storm actually have a sense of humor?

She giggled, rolling her eyes dramatically. “Oh, a hero, huh? Did you save kittens from trees on the way here, too?”

“No trees,” he replied smoothly, his tone full of mock seriousness. “But I did help an adorable Little girl yesterday who was in a minor accident. It’s all in a day’s work.”

Brook shook her head, trying to stifle her smile as she stepped back to let him inside. “Come in, Mr. Hero. I’m not awake enough for all this charm.”

He followed her, his dark gaze sweeping over her apartment. Though most of her Little things were tidied away in her bedroom, there were a few touches scattered throughout the main living area—a pastel throw blanket draped over the couch, a jar of crayons sitting on a stack of coloring books on the coffee table, and a plush unicorn perched on a shelf. Subtle but telling.

“I like your place, sunshine,” he said genuinely. “It’s cute. Just like you.”

Her heart gave an unsteady flutter at the sweetness and sincerity of his words. It was such a simple compliment, yet it sent warmth spreading through her chest like sunlight breaking through clouds. She shouldn’t have been so affected, but it wasn’t even eight in the morning, and she was already dangerously close to becoming putty in his hands.

“Thank you,” she murmured, her cheeks pink. “I just need to grab my bag.”

“No rush,” he said, his tone easy.

She ducked into her bedroom, grabbing her work stuff and taking a moment to double-check her appearance in the mirror. When she returned, she found Storm standing in front of one of her bookshelves. The one filled with her collection of smutty, filthy comfort reads. The color drained from her face, only to be replaced by a fiery blush when he turned toward her, a knowing gleam in his eyes.

Her stomach flipped as she ducked her head, her whole body blazing. Of all the shelves...

Storm chuckled softly and closed the distance between them, his movements slow and deliberate. Gently but still firm, he cupped her chin, tilting her face up so she had no choice but to meet his gaze.

“Don’t be embarrassed about what you read, sunshine,” he murmured, his deep voice laced with amusement and something far more seductive. “It’s hot. I like knowing you read these books. Maybe one of these nights, I can read to you before bed.”

Brook swallowed hard, the image of his suggestion making her pulse race. She wasn’t sure she’d survive the experience without bursting into flames, but his easy acceptance of her book choices sent a wave of relief crashing over her.

His thumb brushed her cheek in a tender, almost absentminded motion, the casual intimacy of it making her knees wobble. Her voice was almost trapped in her throat, her ability to think slipping away under his penetrating gaze. All she could do was look up at him, her heart hammering against her ribcage as he smiled, clearly aware of the effect he had on her.

“We’re going to be late,” she muttered breathily.

“Okay, sunshine. Let’s go.”

They drove in silence through their small town as shop owners turned their closed signs to open, set up produce and other items on the sidewalks, started their day with the sunrise coming over the horizon. Brook had lived here all her life. She loved this place, it was her home.

Brook glanced at him as they walked hand in hand, her curiosity getting the better of her. "How long have you lived in Shadowridge?" she asked, her voice soft but filled with interest.

Storm turned his head slightly, his thumb brushing idly over the back of her hand, sending a little spark through her. "All my life," he replied simply. "My father was the VP of the MC."

“And now you are?” she prompted, tilting her head to look at him.

“Yeah,” he confirmed, his tone steady. “Now I am.”

“Do you like it?” she asked with genuine curiosity.

Without hesitation, he nodded. “I do. The guys are my brothers. My family. They don’t expect me to be anyone I’m not.”

That caught her attention, and she couldn’t help but wonder what he meant. Who would ask him to be someone else? From what she’d seen, Storm was perfect just as he was—confident, protective, and unapologetically himself.

“Do you have any other family?” she asked after a pause, her voice gentler this time.

“My mom still lives in town,” he said with his gaze fixed ahead. “My pop died a long time ago.” His grip on her hand tightened slightly before he turned the question back on her. “What about you? Who do you have in your life?”

A pang of sadness squeezed deep in her chest, but she forced the best smile she could muster. “My mom lives here, too. So, I have her. And Carlee too, I guess.”

Storm glanced at her sharply, and she hated the way admitting that made her feel so… alone. Like she wasn’t enough. Like she was some kind of loser.

“Yeah, I’d say you have Carlee and all the other Littles,” he said firmly. “And you have me now. Plus, that includes the rest of the MC. So, I’d say you have a whole lot of people in your life, sunshine.”

Brook’s breath hitched, and for a moment, she didn’t know what to say. A lump formed in her throat, and it was probably for the best that she stayed silent. She wasn’t sure she’d be able to speak past the overwhelming warmth his kind words brought.

“I don’t know how we’ve never run into each other before,” Storm added, his tone softer now, almost contemplative. “Fucking shame it took us so long to meet.”

For someone so gruff, even with his frequent swearing, Storm had a surprising way of saying the sweetest things. It left her feeling both flustered and giddy at once.

When he pulled into the parking lot of her office, Brook hesitated to touch the handle of the truck door, remembering what he’d said last night about her not opening doors when he was with her. She peeked at him from beneath her lashes, and he dipped his chin in approval. “Good girl,” he praised with a smile.

Her heart fluttered wildly, and she couldn’t suppress the faint shiver that ran through her. Going to work with soaked panties hadn’t been part of her plan for the day, but apparently, it was inevitable now Storm was her Daddy.

“Thank you for driving me to work,” she murmured as he helped her down from the truck. “I’m sorry to put you out.”

Storm’s eyes softened, though his lips twitched into a smirk. “You didn’t put me out , sunshine,” he said sincerely. “This is the best fucking way to start the day if you ask me.”

Her cheeks heated at his words, and she couldn’t help but smile. “You really do swear a lot,” she teased, her tone light.

He raised an eyebrow, as though genuinely considering her observation, before leaning down so his forehead was almost resting against hers. “Guess I should probably try to curb that, huh? Little girls don’t need to hear such bad words.”

“I think I’ve heard and said my fair share,” she replied, giggling softly, her cheeks aching from how much she’d been smiling all morning.

His large hand cupped her chin, his thumb brushing against her as his dark eyes locked onto hers. The warmth in his gaze was inescapable, wrapping around her like a blanket, even more so as his cologne surrounded her senses, making her feel lightheaded in the best way.

“You better not curse, sunshine,” he murmured in a husky timbre. “Little girls who say bad words get into trouble.”

She swallowed hard, heat blooming in her chest and pooling low in her belly. Why did she get all squirmy every time he talked about punishing her? She’d been spanked before—sort of. During sex, anyway. But her previous Daddy had never actually punished her, and the thought of Storm doing so was both thrilling and terrifying.

Her thoughts scattered when his lips touched hers, gentle and fleeting but powerful enough to leave her breathless. When he pulled away, her heart was pounding so hard she thought he might actually hear it.

“Do you have any plans tonight?” he asked casually, his dark eyes still locked on hers.

She blinked, almost laughing at the question. “Uh, start a new book, maybe?”

Her words sounded pathetic even to her own ears, and for a moment, she was sure he’d realize how boring she was and regret offering to be her Daddy.

“Perfect,” he said, his tone warm and decisive. “You can read while I make us dinner, and then we’ll sit down and talk about what things are going to look like moving forward.”

“You cook?” she blurted higher and louder than intended.

Storm chuckled, the sound deep and rich. “Yeah, baby. By cook, I mean I’ll pull the containers out of the to-go bag and put the food on plates. Have a good day, and I’ll pick you up at five.”

He turned her gently, giving her bottom a firm swat that made her giggle and yelp as she scurried into her office. Her cheeks burned, and her bottom stung faintly through her skirt, but as she sat at her desk, the warmth radiating from the slight sting only made her smile even wider.

It was going to be a very good day.