Page 89 of Captivated

“I guess that’s what my father meant, huh?”

Joe glanced over at her. “Pardon?”

“When people call you in, they don’t want you to be seen. That’s what you do, isn’t it? A job where no one can see you.”

“Yeah, babe, that’s what I do.”

Liliana was quiet for a long while.

Joe couldn’t help but ask, “Does that bother you? You did say you couldn’t see the monster coming before—I’m just another breed.”

“Not even close to the same, Joe.”

“How do you figure that?”

Liliana smiled softly, and tipped her head back to rest along the edge of the tub. “Because I know.”

“Gonna have to give me more to go on.”

“I know you wouldn’t hurt me—couldn’t, maybe. Something about you … I don’t ever feel unsafe with you, Joe. You don’t scare me.”

“I should hope not.”

Liliana picked her head back up, and met his gaze again. “What about the heart tattoo—my favorite one. What’s that for?”

“My parents.”

“Oh?”

“My first understanding of love, yeah,” he murmured. “Of two people loving each other, and how they love us. Felt right to memorialize it.”

“How could they not love you, Joe? You’re a beautiful soul.”

Her words came out barely above a whisper, and yet, he still heard them. Just the way she stared at him was enough to make him hook a wet finger at her—a silent demand for her to come closer.

She did just that.

His sweet girl.

His good girl.

Liliana climbed into Joe’s lap, and her arms snaked around his neck. This time, it was him who tipped his head back to rest along the edge while Liliana stared down at him.

“Thank you, Joe.”

“For what, sweetheart?”

“You know what.”

He did, but he also didn’t need her to say it. Not even the thank you, either. He didn’t need recognition for doing what was right, or giving a shit about her. He just … didn’t.

She knew.

That’s what mattered.

Liliana resituated on his lap with a little wiggle of her hips, and there was no hiding the way his semi-hard cock settled in just the right spot between her thighs. Joe didn’t even bother to hold back the rumbly groan that escaped his mouth.

“You’re making it difficult for me to act like a gentleman, Liliana.”