Keeping Katie (Syndicate Kings Book 5)

Memories come whooshing back—ones I’ve tried my hardest to forget. I’ll have to tell her at some point, but I hadn’t planned on it so soon. She deserves to know. Maybe she’ll understand why I function the way I do. Why I’m so overprotective and controlling. Why I want to take care of her and make sure she’s safe all the time.

“You don’t have to tell me,” she says softly, stroking my chest.

I shake my head and swallow. “It’s okay,” I answer roughly. “It’s hard to talk about, but I want you to know.”

She doesn’t speak. Instead, she squeezes me tighter, and it’s exactly what I need.

“I was born in Ireland. My father was in the top six of the mafia over there. One day, we were driving home, and we were ambushed. We lived in the country, and our house was several miles off the main road. Cars surrounded us from every direction. I don’t even know where they came from. My younger brother was next to me, and my mom in front of him. My dad shouted for us to get out and run. So I did. I got out and sprinted as fast and hard as I could go, knowing my brother had gone the other direction with my mom.”

Bile rises in my throat, and I have to take a second to breathe.

“By the time I stopped, I was deep in a forested area. I don’t know how far I’d gone. It could have been a mile or more. I was only seven. Ryan was five. I hoped my mom was with him because he couldn’t take care of himself. Hours passed, and I waited until it was dark before I slowly made my way back to where our car was.

“I’m not sure how long it took me. I was exhausted and scared when I finally made it.” My voice is raw. and my chest is painfully tight. It’s been a long time since I’ve spoken about my family to anyone. “They were all slaughtered in the middle of the road.”

Katie lets out a sob, her fingers wrapped in my shirt. “Oh my God,” she sniffles. “I’m so sorry.”

I hold her closer, soaking in her warmth and sweetness. Overall, I’ve had a good life. I’m more than fortunate, and I have people who have my back no matter what. I’ve also experienced a lot of grief and ugliness. Things that have scarred my soul and turned my heart black.

Katie gives me something to live for. To look forward to. And she’s so fucking good down to her core. I need some of that because I’m not so sure I have much good left in me.

“Declan’s father was my uncle. When he got wind of what happened the next day, he got me on a private jet immediately and brought me to America. He raised me like his own, and I’m grateful for him. I probably would have ended up dead if I’d stayed in Ireland.”

She shifts, then swings a leg over my waist and crawls on top of me, her gaze sad and her nose red from crying. When she lowers herself and hugs me with her whole body, I let out a deep breath, and a major weight lifts from my shoulders. She’s like a balm for my soul.

“I’m not an easy man, baby. I need control. It helps me feel like I can keep bad things from happening. I’m going to be obsessed with your safety, and you’re going to have a ridiculous number of rules surrounding it. I’ll have trackers put in all your shoes, and I’ll want to know where you are at all times. It will be suffocating.” I close my eyes, squeezing them tight. “I guess I’m telling you this because if you think you can’t handle it or don’t want it, I need to know now before I become even more invested than I already am.”

The last thing I want to do is give her an out. Especially this early because it’s likely she’ll realize how many red flags I have and run for the hills. I wouldn’t blame her. I’m not fully convinced I’d let her go, but at least I’m trying to be a decent man.

Her fingers move over my ribcage. I can feel the magnetic buzz between us, even through my shirt. “I’ve never had anyone in my life who gave me rules and boundaries. It wasn’t my parents’ fault. If my dad hadn’t gotten sick, I would have grown up with two loving and traditional parents, but when he was diagnosed, I had to become an adult.” Her silky tone soothes my rough edges. “I think I might like you being so involved.”

She sits up, her pussy pressed right against my cock. I lower my gaze to take in the sight, wishing she didn’t have those damn cute pajama shorts on. Why the hell did I take sex off the table tonight? When did I become a man with good intentions? Maybe she’s already rubbing off on me. What I’d really fucking like right now, though, is for her to be rubbing me off.

“I’ve never had this kind of relationship before,” she says, then nibbles on her lip. “I’ve never had any relationship before. I mean, I’ve gone out with guys and stuff, but I’ve never actually had a boyfriend.”

“Are you a virgin?” I blurt out. Because if she is, I need to get my dick under control real quick.

Her lips curl up into a smile as she laughs. “No. But I’ve only had sex twice. Well, with another person anyway.”

My dick throbs. “You’re saying you play with your pretty little pussy by yourself?”

Her cheeks turn bright red as she ducks her head and giggles nervously. “Um, I plead the fifth?”

Smirking, I lift my hips slightly, so she feels the full length of my erection. “New rule. No pleasuring yourself without my permission.”

The gasp she makes is so dramatic that I laugh. You’d think I’d told her she couldn’t eat chocolate ever again.

“That’s so mean. I don’t think I like that rule.”

“Yeah, well, you’re going to obey that rule or you’re going to be punished. Besides, I never claimed to be nice.”

We stare at each other, her nipples pebbling under my gaze. Fuck. I need to put her to bed. If I don’t stop this, I’m going to end up fucking her all night. My girl needs sleep first.

“Time for bed, baby.”

She pops her bottom lip out and sighs. “Fine. But…you’re staying, right?”

“Yes, baby. I’m staying.”

Relief flashes in her gaze. The feeling is mutual. I don’t care if I have to sit across the room and stare at her all night, as long as I’m near her. Not being able to get her ready for bed and watch her sleep this past week has been torture. I almost asked Cage to install cameras in her bedroom, but that might be crossing a line.

“Go potty and brush your teeth.” I get to my feet and hold out my hand for her. Once she’s in the bathroom, I undo my belt and remove my shirt and socks. Should I take off my pants? I have underwear on, but it might be better to have a couple of layers between us. No, fuck it. I want to be as close to her as possible, even if I’m only stripping away one more piece of clothing. Just as I set my slacks to the side, she appears in the doorway, her eyes wide as she looks me up and down.

Her tongue dips out to wet her lips, and I stifle a groan. There’s no hiding my hard-on, so I don’t try. It’s going to be a long night, but it’s also going to be so fucking worth the torture.

“Wow. You have a lot of tattoos,” she murmurs.

“Aye, lass. What about you? Do you have any?”

She bites her lip. “Maybe.”

Now that’s surprising. My Little girl has ink on her body.

“Let Daddy see.”

I wait for her to come to me. When she does, I hold my breath as she peels down the waistband of her shorts to expose her right hip. A small heart outline adorns her milky skin, and fuck me, I want my name tattooed inside of it.

“That’s cute, baby. No others?”

“No. I got this when my mom was doing better. I just wanted to do something kind of naughty, so I got this.”

“Well, that was definitely naughty. My naughty girl.”

She giggles.

“You’re also my good girl.”

Her laughter turns into a wide grin. Taking her hand, I nudge her toward the bed.

“It’s time to sleep.”

As soon as I get under the covers with her, she snuggles up to me and sighs. “Grady.”

“I prefer Daddy.”

She’s silent for a second. “Daddy,” she whispers.

My heart pounds faster. “Yeah, baby girl?”

“I’m really glad I met you. Even if you were stalking me.”

I press a kiss to her forehead, her scent lingering between us. “I’m glad I met you too, baby. And I don’t know what you’re talking about. Now, go to sleep.”

Letting out a sigh, she fingers the silver chain I have on. “Night, Daddy,” she finally says.

“Night, Little one.”

It’s still dark when I wake, but I can’t remember the last time I felt so rested. Did I sleep all night?

Katie is sprawled over me, practically star-fished on the bed. Her weight on me is comforting. Maybe that’s why I slept so well. She’s also snoring, and it’s adorable. I think she must have slept well, too, if she’s this comfortable. That’s what I was hoping for. My girl needs her rest. Especially once we have sex. I plan on wearing her out as often as possible. I’m not sure I’ve ever wanted to fuck someone so badly.

I lie in the dim light as the sun slowly starts to rise. This week has been a whirlwind. It feels like she’s been in my life for so much longer. There’s still so much I need to learn about her, but I know the most important stuff. She’s strong, but she needs someone stronger to take the lead. And she needs someone to coddle and care for her because she never experienced that growing up. She also has a kind and giving heart, which has the potential to get her into trouble if she’s not careful. That’s why I’ll have strict rules set to keep her safe.

An arm flails through the air and whacks me in the forehead as she readjusts her position. I muffle a laugh.

“What are you laughing at?” she says sleepily.

“You doing yoga in your sleep.”

Her lips twitch. “I am not.”

I roll onto my side to face her and gently tuck her messy hair behind her ear. “Okay, baby. Whatever you say.”

She slides her fingers down my chest, teasing one of my nipples before she continues down my abs. My cock jumps from her touch. When she stops over one of my fresher scars, her gaze flits down to it.

“It’s a bullet wound from a few months ago.”

Her hand stills, and she looks up at me, suddenly pale. “You got shot?”

Cupping her hip in my palm, I squeeze it, loving the soft flesh. “Aye, baby. I’ve been shot a few times.”

We lie in silence for a long beat before she takes a deep breath. “So, is this what it will be like being with you? Always worrying about you getting shot? Or killed?”

It’s a valid concern. One I hate that she’ll have, but I can’t change my life. I need her to understand and accept the risks.

“My job is dangerous, baby. Just like being a police officer or firefighter. There are things that could happen. We do everything we can to eliminate danger, which is why I take your safety so seriously. There are no guarantees in life, but I promise that while we’re here on this earth, I’ll give you the best life you could ever dream of. And if anything were to ever happen to me, you’d be taken care of.”

“Money doesn’t mean anything to me,” she says.

“I know. It’s one of the reasons I adore you so much. Despite that, though, you’ll have everything you could ever want or need.”

Her hand starts moving again, lower and lower. I’m practically sweating by the time she reaches the waistband of my underwear. I don’t know if I can resist her again. I want her more than I want my next breath.

“Katie,” I growl quietly, gritting my teeth so hard it’s painful. “You need to know that once we have sex, there’s no turning back. I won’t give you any more outs. I’ll claim you and own your beautiful body. You’ll be mine. Permanently. I need you to understand that.”

She lingers for only a beat before she slides her hand over my fabric-covered cock. “You’re right. There are no guarantees in life, and I don’t want to spend mine regretting not giving you and this a chance. I want you to be my boyfriend and my Daddy.”

When she squeezes my shaft, I groan. Something inside me snaps. Fuck it. She wants this, I want this, and it doesn’t matter how long we’ve known each other.

“Let’s get one thing straight, baby girl,” I say as I move to hover over her with my forearms on either side of her head. “You won’t be my girlfriend, and I won’t be your boyfriend.”

“Oh,” she whispers, her eyebrows pinched.

“What we’ll be is more than just boyfriend and girlfriend. You’ll be mine. And I’ll be yours. You won’t see other men because you’ll belong to me. I won’t see other women because I’ll belong to you. Understand what I’m saying, sweetheart?” I finish the sentence by flexing my hips so my cock presses against her core.

She whimpers and nods, her eyes glazed over. “Yes.”

“That’s my good girl,” I praise before I lower my mouth to hers, capturing her lips with mine.

Our kiss starts off gentle and slow. She opens for me when I nudge her lips with my tongue. I’ve never felt so connected with someone, mind, body, soul.

When I pull back to look at her, my world is perfect. Unable to keep up the gentleness, I kiss her again, only this time, it’s hard and demanding. She claws at me and wraps her legs around my waist like she needs me closer. The only way for me to get there is with my dick inside her, but we’re not there yet.

“Who do you belong to, Katie-baby?” I study her face, waiting to hear it. She doesn’t hesitate.

“You, Daddy. I belong to you.”

Dropping my lips to her neck, I nip at the tender skin. “And I belong to you, Little girl.”

She moans and throws her head back, giving me more access to her collarbone. I take my time, kissing, licking, and biting. When I reach the lace on her tank top, I tug it down, freeing her big tits. They bounce in front of me, teasing me with her dark, pebbled nipples, practically begging for my mouth. I latch onto one of them and suck, groaning as she moves her hand between us to stroke my erection.

It’s intimate and desperate, and fuck, I think I’m in love with this woman.