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“They did what they could. Some of the men responsible went to jail, others slipped through the cracks.” He shrugs, but the nonchalant gesture doesn't match the furious glow in his eyes. “Even the ones in prison still have contacts and ways of getting the information they want. Which is why it’s very important for this to remain just between us.”

“I understand, Daddy. I won’t tell anyone, I promise.”

Everything about him seems to soften. “I know, kitten. To answer your original question, the woman in the photo is one of the girls I helped to relocate. She’s married now, with a son, the one you saw in the photo.

Somehow she tracked me down and sent me that picture a few years ago with a note that just said ‘Thank you’.

I keep it in my desk as a reminder that there are things in this life worth fighting for. ”

“You’re a good man, Evander Hawthorne,” I murmur, running the tips of my fingers over the scar on his cheek.

“I’m not. But even I have my limits.”

“A good man.” Rising up on my knees, I turn to face him, straddling his thighs as I wrap my arms around his neck, pressing my forehead to his. “I love you.”

“I love you too, kitten. Let’s get you washed up so we can see what Mikhail’s making for lunch.” He grins, quick and wolfish and my heart stutters in my chest. “I seem to have worked up an appetite.”

We hurry through the rest of our bath, and he wraps us in matching robes before carrying me out to the sitting area just off his bedroom.

Sitting on a chair with me on his lap, his hands slide beneath the robe to where I’m bare and open to him.

And before lunch is even delivered, we work up an appetite all over again.

Natalie

A week after my mega-punishment, I’m curled up in the library with a book, waiting for Daddy to get done working.

It’s been raining for a solid two days, so Papa won’t let me outside to play no matter how much I beg and plead and promise to wear my raincoat and boots, and Daddy’s been cooped up in his office for hours every day since he got home from his trip.

Leaving me alone to my own devices, which is far more boring than it should be when I have so many books and toys at my disposal.

Setting the book aside, I sigh and stare out the window at the rain pounding against the glass. I don’t even really want to go outside, I just want to do something other than sit around all day.

“That was an awfully big sigh for such a Little girl.”

Turning, I pout up at Papa. “I’m bored . I wanna go outside.”

“I know, little one. But your Daddy will have my head on a platter if I let you go outside in the rain and you get sick.” Bending down, he plucks me off the window seat and settles me on his hip, mischief sparkling in his eyes. “Besides, if you go outside now, you won’t get to see your surprise.”

“Surprise?” I immediately perk up at this news. “What surprise?”

“You’ll have to see.”

No matter how many questions I pepper him with, he remains tight-lipped as he carries me from the library down the hall to Daddy’s office. Stopping in front of the door, he knocks, and I’m more confused than ever.

“My surprise is in Daddy’s office?”

The door swings open, revealing my Daddy on the other side, grinning as he holds his arms out for Papa to hand me off to him. “No, kitten. Your surprise is in our office.”

For a moment, all I can do is stare at the completely redesigned space.

Half of the office is still the same, but half has been transformed into my dream office.

Dark bookshelves are stacked against walls painted a deep purple, and there’s a matching desk in front of the shelves.

On top of the desk is a brand-new computer, and I wiggle out of Daddy’s arms with a happy squeal.

“Oh! Oh, it’s perfect!” Sighing, I run my hands over the gleaming wood. “I love it so much. But… what do I need an office for?”

“For this.” Opening the top drawer of the desk, he pulls out a leather-bound journal and flips it open to the first page.

The Island, a novel by Natalie Hawthorne

My mouth falls open as I read the words written at the top of the page in his careful script. “I don’t understand.”

“I talked to our family. There will be rules, and all the names will need to be changed, of course. Some of the details as well.” Cupping my chin, he forces my head up to meet his dark gaze.

“But I know how important your work is to you, kitten. It might not win you the Pulitzer, but at least you’ll be able to tell your stories. ”

“Really? I can write about the island?” Excitement bubbles in my veins at the prospect.

“With some caveats, as discussed. But yes, baby, you can write about the island.”

With another happy squeal, I throw myself into his arms. “Thank you, Daddy, thank you, thank you, thank you!”

“You’re welcome, kitten. I want you to be happy here, and this was the best way I knew how.”

“What about my name? Why does it say Hawthorne? We're not married.”

“Not yet. But our lumberjack friends will be here soon, and as it happens, Elias is an ordained minister. It won’t be a big wedding, but?—”

“I don’t care. I don’t need a big fancy thing with a big cupcake dress. I just need you, Daddy.”

“Good. Because you’re mine, kitten. Always and forever.”

Grinning up at him, I start to edge toward the office door. His eyes narrow as he watches me and a familiar thrill races up my spine.

“Yours, huh?” I ask, putting a taunting note into my voice that has his eyes narrowing even further.

“Yes, Little girl. Mine .”

“Gotta catch me first.”

Spinning on my heel, I take off down the hall, my squeals of laughter echoing off the walls as I lead him on a chase through every room of the house.

Until, at last, he corners me in our office again and bends me over my brand-new desk.

Where he reminds me exactly what it means to be his naughty little kitten.