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As if he can read my mind, Darius comes up smelling like a freaking million bucks. “You’re scrumptious.” He takes the end of the sleeves and helps me fold the end over my hand. “There. All done. Ready?”
I pin my eyes over his shoulder. “Not really.” A blur of black moves in the distance and I recognize the blacked-out windows. “But he’s here.”
Shadows pass over the men’s expressions as they exchange looks.
“Let’s do this.”
I mentally pat myself on the back for sounding brave, but it is all a front. I’m scared of getting my heart broken again by the man I love most in this world.
CHAPTERELEVEN
BAILEY
Istand surrounded by my men. The more I say that the more it feels real.
“Thank you for this even if it wasn’t planned. Thank you for saving me, too. I didn’t even know I needed saving until you stripped me and made love to me,” I whisper softly and accept Augustine and Victor’s hands when they take mine. Our fingers interlock and I feel at home. There’s only one more piece my heart is missing…
“You saved us right back, precious.”
All three move in closer. To anyone looking on there’s no way they don’t see the energy tying me to these men. The love.
Snow comes down in heavy flurries. My nose is cold and my clothes are less than perfect. But the smile pulling at my lips is real and filled with the warmth of a daughter’s love for her father.
The black SUV rolls up to the front porch and when the door opens up, I’m down the three steps and sprinting across the snow.
“Dad.” I throw myself into the arms of the man who raised me the second he is out of the truck. Pine, fresh winter snow and the smell of leather wash over me.
“My baby girl.”
Tears threaten to fall down my cheeks, but I’m afraid my lashes will turn to icicles if I start to ugly cry.
He pulls me back and looks down at me with tears in his eyes too.
“I’m so sorry, Daddy. I was so foolish. Can you ever forgive me?” Warm fingers find the edges of my face. For a long moment he does nothing but look me in the eye.
“Dad?” My voice quakes with the force of a blizzard.
“My girl, I thought I would never see you again. This is a true Christmas miracle. I’m the one who is sorry. I should have protected you. I was so wrong.”
“You did what you thought you needed to.”
“No. Don’t make excuses for an old man’s errors.”
“Let’s talk inside where it’s warmer.” I didn’t sense Darius coming until he gently moves me from my father’s hold and walks me inside. I welcome his warmth and kindness.
“Thank you,” I whisper, as he pulls me toward the fireplace. Large flames throw heat into the living room space and the heat is a stark contrast to the fridge winter storm.
“Do you want us to leave you two alone?”
“No, please join us.”
It’s my father who answers, causing us all to pause. I still remember the look of betrayal on his face the night I walked in and confessed my sins. I wanted to show him I could be like him—ruthless and unstoppable. Looking back, I know I was reckless, and I caused a lot of pain for many.
“Dad, I need to tell you something.”
He holds a staying hand up.
“Tell me something first, Bailey. Why did you do it? Why did you put yourself in so much danger for a deadly dare?”
