Page 86 of Daddy Issues

And now, I had Puck.

Instead of clearing dishes like I normally did after dinner, I went upstairs with Eli to wash up.

“Thank you,” he said as he stepped down from the makeshift stool at the sink. Of course, the clubhouse wasn’t toddler approved, so he stood on a large wooden crate.

“You’re welcome, dude.”

He turned to me, wrapped me in a fierce hug, and squeezed so tightly. “I love you. I love it when you’re with me.”

I swiped at the tears that threatened. “I love you, too, and love being with you.”

“Good.” Having apparently gotten the reaction he wanted, he stepped back and started toward the stairs.

The sound of rushing boots and engines firing left a sharp pitch of anxiety in my stomach. I grabbed Eli, hefted him onto my hip, and walked fast to the top of the stairs. Puck was halfway up them.

“AP’s house is on fire.” He kissed me. “Can you stay with Eli? I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

There was genuine concern on his face for AP more than anything. But he was still a dad. His first responsibility was clinging to my shoulder, quiet because of the chaos. Eli knew something was wrong.

“Absolutely.” I could give Puck that. I couldn’t help with AP’s house, but I could take care of Eli.

He grabbed Eli’s face, kissed his forehead, then grabbed mine in both his big hands. “I…” He took a breath, closed his eyes, and kissed me.

Was he about to say that thing? The lingering, painful thing that he could never take back? Because if he did, I would fall apart. I’d never wanted something so much but been so afraid of it.

“I’ll be back as soon as I can. Thank you,” he said softly as he pulled away. Then over his shoulder to Eli as he jogged down the stairs. “Be good for Kenna.”

“I will,” Eli whispered and then nuzzled me.

I stood there for a long time, until the engine sounds faded and only a few of the guys remained, including Romeo and Roxy. I hadn’t been the only woman in the place since that night with the Desert Kings. But I walked through the clubhouse without an ounce of fear.

Because he’d called me his.

I belonged to Puck. None of them would touch me.