Stealing Daddy’s Heart (Daddy’s Good Girl)

Chapter 8

Garrett

As I feed her, I'm stunned by her boldness, her trust. She asks for what she wants, yet remains soft and vulnerable. Her skin is flushed, lips swollen, and her eyes shine.

My chest tightens. I've never felt this way before, ready to risk everything just to hold her.

I trail my fingers along her jaw, tilting her face to meet my gaze. “I never want to let you go.”

It's too soon, too intense, but I can't bring myself to care—not when she's looking at me like that, her eyes filled with trust and something that resembles love.

Skylar covers my hand with hers. “Then don't,” she says simply.

In this moment, it feels possible. I want to lose myself in her, to forget everything else. The age difference, George, the complications that are sure to follow—none of it matters.

The urge to possess her overwhelms me. Skylar is my world now. I'm falling hard. This woman has me under her spell, and I have no desire to break free.

I'm about to lean in, to capture her lips with mine, when the sound of approaching footsteps snaps me into protector mode.

A server approaches with a tray bearing a bottle of champagne and two flutes.

I tense, instincts flaring. I paid for privacy—how did this server slip by? Who sent this? Possibilities flood my mind, each more unsettling. Are we being watched?

I fake a smile, hiding my fury.

“With compliments, sir,” he says, placing a bottle of champagne on the small table beside us.

“We didn't order this,” I say, my voice tight.

The server's smile falters. “I... I was told to bring it over, sir. An anonymous gift.”

It could be harmless, a simple gift from a fan of Skylar's artwork. But my gut twists with suspicion. I know better than to ignore my instincts.

“Get out,” I growl, my voice cutting through the air like a knife.

The server scurries away, leaving the champagne behind. I eye the bottle warily, suspicion churning in my gut. It looks harmless enough, but I know better than to trust appearances.

The Scarpettas are crafty; this feels too convenient, too perfectly timed.

Skylar, however, is beaming at the unexpected gift. Her face lights up with excitement, and I can't bring myself to ruin her moment. Tonight is supposed to be about her, after all.

Taking a deep breath, I try to push my doubts aside. We need to leave quietly, without raising any alarms. But Skylar's practically glowing, as if she's just won an Oscar.

“This is the good stuff,” she says, nodding appreciatively at the bottle. “Looks like someone's trying to impress me. An admirer, maybe?”

My jaw clenches involuntarily, possessiveness flaring. “Only my admiration matters. No other man should be looking at you.”

Skylar laughs, the sound light and musical. She thinks I'm joking, but she couldn't be more wrong.

“Oh, Garrett,” she says, playfully swatting my arm. “You're too much. I love it.

“I pull her close, wrapping my arms around her protectively. “I mean it, Skylar. You're mine. No one else's.”

She giggles, pressing against me. “Your attention is all I need anyway.”

“Good,” I growl, nipping at her ear. “Because I don't share.”

Skylar shivers, but her eyes are bright with excitement. “I know how possessive you are and how much you want to protect me. But seeing you like that... You looked ready to tear that poor guy apart.”

I pause, realizing how my behavior must have appeared to her. I change when I think she's in danger; it's instinctive, but I can see how it might be unsettling.

“You're not afraid of me, are you?” I ask, suddenly concerned.

A wicked grin spreads across her face as she shakes her head emphatically. “Hell no. Honestly, it kind of turns me on.”

Her admission sends a jolt of desire through me, intensifying my need to get her alone.

I lean in close, my lips brushing her ear as I speak. “Babygirl, remember our deal?”

Skylar blinks, her eyes wide and innocent. “What deal?”

I pull back slightly, my gaze locked on hers. “We leave when I say. No questions.”

She pouts, her lower lip jutting out adorably. “But we just got here,” she protests, her fingers playing with the lapel of my jacket.

We’ve been here for hours. She’s done everything she set out to do, now it’s time to go home. I arch an eyebrow, my expression stern, but my eyes filled with promise. “Time to go.”

A mischievous grin replaces her pout. “Go where? Your place to... talk?” Her tone makes her intentions clear.

The thought of having her alone in my apartment intoxicates me. I can feel my dominant side rising, eager to give her exactly what she needs.

“Yes,” I growl, tightening my hand possessively on her waist. “And when we get home, you will do everything I tell you.”

A visible shiver runs through Skylar's body, and she nods, her eyes dark with desire. “Yes, Garrett.”

Her trust stirs something deep within me. I know she needs to understand everything about me, especially my dominant Daddy side that yearns to care for her in ways she's only beginning to comprehend.

I know she has questions, and I intend to answer them all—after we've had our fill of each other.

I stand, offering her my hand, then pull her close, unable to resist stealing another kiss. Her lips are soft and yielding beneath mine, and I have to force myself to pull away before I lose control right here in this VIP room.

“I can't wait to get you alone. Now, let's get out of here.”

I guide Skylar through the crowded club, my hand resting protectively on the small of her back. As we make our way to the exit, I can feel the weight of their stares.

The age difference between us doesn’t matter to me—I’ve never cared what anyone thinks—but I worry about Skylar.

She deserves better than to be the subject of gossip. The cool night air hits us as we step outside, a welcome relief after the stuffy atmosphere of the club.

“Are you sure about this?” I ask, offering one last chance to back out. “You can still change your mind. But once we start, I won’t be able to stop.”

Skylar's eyes lock onto mine, brimming with trust and desire. “I've never been more sure of anything. I want you, Garrett—all of you.”

Skylar shivers, and I drape my jacket over her shoulders without a second thought.

“Such a gentleman,” she teases, snuggling into the warmth of my jacket.

I smirk, pulling her close. “Don't get too comfortable, princess. I might not be so gentle once we're alone.”

Her sharp intake of breath is music to my ears. “Is that a threat or a promise?”

“Both,” I growl, pinning her against the car. The kiss that follows is electric, leaving us both breathless.

When I pull away, Skylar's cheeks are flushed, her lips swollen. She looks thoroughly kissed and utterly beautiful. “Home,” I say, my voice rough with desire. “Now.”

The drive to my apartment is torture; every red light feels like an eternity. Skylar's hand rests on my thigh, her fingers tracing small circles that drive me wild.

“Eyes on the road, Mr. Hayes,” she teases, her fingers dancing dangerously close to my zipper.

I grab her hand, interlacing our fingers, and bring it to my lips for a kiss.

“Behave, babygirl,” I warn, my voice low and husky.

She giggles, the sound both innocent and mischievous. “Or what?”

I squeeze her hand, my eyes never leaving the road. “Or you'll find out just how strict I can be.”

I have no business yearning for her like this. No right to crave being her protector, or her guide. She deserves someone her own age, someone unburdened by my past.

So why can't I stop thinking about her calling me Daddy?

Fuck, I want it. The need burns through me, an ache so deep it hurts. To cherish her, guide her, make her mine in every way possible–it consumes my thoughts.

Finally, we're at my apartment. The elevator ride is silent, charged with anticipation. Skylar's back is pressed against my chest, and I can feel her heart racing.

Inside, I head straight for the bar. I pour us both a generous measure of whiskey and hand her a glass. “Sit,” I command, pointing to the couch.

Skylar perches on the arm of the couch, a playful defiance in her eyes that makes my dominant side stir.

I sit next to her, close enough that our thighs touch. Skylar takes a sip of her drink, her eyes never leaving my face.

There's a mischievous glint in her eye as she says, “You know, the way you take charge is kind of hot.”

I chuckle, my arm draping over the back of the couch behind her. “Is that so?”

She takes a sip, her eyes never leaving mine over the rim of the glass. “Mhmm. It's like, I don't know. You always know what's best for me.”

The way her throat moves as she swallows makes my mouth go dry. “So, are you going to give me the grand tour?” She asks.

I set my glass down slowly, savoring the anticipation I see building in her eyes. “Later. Right now, I have other plans.”

“Oh?” She arches an eyebrow, a challenge in her eyes. “And what might those be?”

I am itching to reach out, to pull her close, but I hold back. “You've been pushing my buttons all night, Skylar. Testing my control.”

She tilts her head, feigning innocence. “Have I? I hadn't noticed.”

“Liar,” I say, finally giving in to the urge to touch her. I trace a finger along her jawline. “You know exactly what you've been doing.”

Skylar leans into my touch, her eyelids fluttering. Her voice drops to a whisper, laden with desire. “And what are you going to do about it, Daddy?”

That word–Daddy–from her lips sends a jolt through me, breaking something loose inside. I search her face for any sign of hesitation or doubt. But all I see is desire and trust.

“Say it again,” I demand, my voice hoarse.

A slow, wicked smile spreads across her face. She sets her glass down and moves closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Make me… Daddy.”

That's all it takes. I pull her off the couch arm and into my embrace. I cut her off with a kiss, pouring every ounce of my desire into it. When we break apart, we're both panting.

“God help me, but you have no idea how long I've wanted this. The way you just said it is exactly what I've been craving. To be your Daddy, to take care of you, guide you, protect you.”

Skylar shivers in my arms. “I want that too,” she admits. “For so long. But I didn't know how to ask.”

Pulling back slightly, my gaze drops to her lips, full and tempting. “Tell me, Skylar. Have you imagined my hands exploring every inch of your beautiful body? Have you thought about what it would feel like to have me inside you?”

She opens her eyes, desire burning brightly. “Maybe once or twice,” she says, her voice adorably sheepish.

I chuckle. “Only once or twice? I'm hurt, babygirl. I've thought about this every day since I first saw you.”

Skylar's eyes widen, a blush creeping up her cheeks. “Really?”

I nod, my hands skimming down her sides to rest on her hips. “Really. I've imagined every inch of you, every sound you'd make, every way I could make you feel good.”

Her hands find my waist, pulling me closer. “Show me.”

It's the only encouragement I need. My mouth finds hers, and I kiss her with every ounce of passion I have for her.

My hands tighten on her hips, pulling her closer, feeling the length of her body against mine.

A soft moan escapes her, and the sound sends a jolt of pure need through me. I pause, my eyes searching her face. I want to be sure—for both our sakes.

I cup her face in my hands, making sure she's looking directly into my eyes. “I need you to understand what this means, baby girl. If we do this, if I become your Daddy, it's not just about sex. It's about trust, about letting me take care of you in every way. Are you ready for that?”

Skylar's eyes are clear and determined as she meets my gaze. “I've always been yours, Garrett. I was just waiting for you to claim me.”

I lift her with a growl, and she wraps her legs around me. Her surprised gasp turns into a soft moan as I carry her to the bedroom. Her fingers tangle in my hair, her lips ghost over my neck.

With each step, I'm more aware of her—how she feels, how she smells, how perfectly she fits against me. I never knew I needed this, needed her, so much.

Skylar has chosen me, and I'll prove worthy of her trust and submission. I'll be the Daddy she needs and the partner she deserves.