Keeping Katie (Syndicate Kings Book 5)

What am I doing? I went to the edge of the cliff and leaped right off it. I’ve never been so bold, and I’ve definitely never asked for a man to make me feel good. He probably thinks I’m some desperate hussy. And that’s pretty accurate because right now, I’m pretty damn desperate for him. Only him.

Grady cups my chin, his gaze burning into mine. “I like it when you call me Daddy. I want you to call me that all the time.”

My pussy spasms as I nod. I like calling him Daddy, too. My body absolutely loves it. And when he talks to me like I’m a naughty Little girl, it’s everything I can do not to kneel in front of him and pull his cock out to show him what a good Little girl I am. I’d never have the guts to do it, but it’s the thought that counts. I should get good girl points anyway.

Slowly, we press even closer, our gazes locked on one another. I may not know as much as I’d like about Grady, but I’m confident about the important things. He has a good heart, and he’s loyal. That’s all I need to know.

His lips capture mine, cutting off every thought beyond how it feels when he kisses me. It’s not light or quick. It’s all-consuming. His air is my air. I slip my arms around his neck and lift to my tiptoes. He slides his hands to my ass and lifts me onto the counter.

I don’t know where he ends and I begin. Our mouths bruise each other. Our tongues dance together, tasting, teasing, exploring. The entire time, he keeps his hands on me while he explores my body. If I were kissing any other man, I’d probably panic over all my soft spots being touched. The way Grady caresses me, though, like he can’t get enough, quiets all my insecurities.

We’re breathless by the time he pulls away. My nipples ache. I want him. I want this. I want to forget all my responsibilities and be careless for once.

“Grady.”

“Hm? What, baby girl?”

His stiff cock brushes against my leg. It sends a thrill through me. Even hidden in his slacks, the outline is big. I’m not surprised. Grady is a confident man, and with a cock like his, I can see why.

“I think I want…”

Shaking his head, he gently cups my chin. “It’s not happening tonight.”

“But—”

“I said no. Believe me, baby, all I can think about right now is stripping you naked so I can kiss and lick every inch of your body. It’s painful how much I want you. But what I want more is to take care of you. The only things that are going to happen are a movie, snuggles, and an early bedtime. But I’m not leaving when it’s time to go to sleep.”

Ugh. Why does he have to be so freaking sweet?

“You’re going to be my good girl and let me feed you some dinner. I brought Italian from Vino’s. Chloe said it’s your favorite.”

“Tell me about your parents.”

My chest squeezes as I think about them. “They were wonderful. Full of life. Loved coffee. It’s how they met, actually. At their favorite café. I was two when they opened Twisted Bean.”

I smile sadly, finding comfort in Grady’s strength as he holds me against him. After we ate, he sent me to my room to change into some pajamas before we settled down on my bed to watch a movie. I picked the cutest short and tank top pajama set I could find. When he walked in and saw me, I thought he was going to jump my bones. Unfortunately, I was so very wrong. At least the outline of his cock pressing against his slacks made me feel a little better. He definitely wants me, but he’s holding back. I find it both sweet and frustrating.

I was practically panting when he took off his suit jacket, rolled up the sleeves of his button-down shirt, and then kicked off his shoes to lie down with me. His arms are covered in tattoos. Talk about a lady boner. The man is so freaking sexy without even trying.

The movie we chose ended nearly an hour ago, but we haven’t moved, and I don’t want to any time soon. His arms feel like home. Something I don’t want to think too deeply about.

“My dad got sick when I was six. He went through chemo and other treatments that helped prolong his life, but he was always sick. I was thirteen when he died. We’d been prepared for it, but it was still hard. My mom struggled after. It took a while before we got back on our feet. Then, right as things started settling, my mom was diagnosed with cancer. We’d thought she’d beaten it, but within a year, it returned again. She passed away nearly six months ago.”

He strokes my back in silence. My eyes burn with tears. He gives me a gentle squeeze, and they begin to fall. I wish my parents could meet Grady. They’d like him.

“So you spent most of your life taking care of your parents instead of them taking care of you,” he says softly.

When I don’t say anything, he kisses the top of my head. “That’s going to change, baby girl. From now on, I’m going to take care of you.”

My throat tightens, and it’s like a weight has been lifted. I don’t truly expect him to take care of me. I’m a big girl. But the idea of someone else being in control, Grady in particular, is something I can dream about for sure.

“What about your parents? Where are they?” I ask.