Page 30 of Daddy Protector (Night Ops Daddies #1)

Richie

“Wahooo!” I call out, smiling and full of pure Little joy.

“Be careful,” Daddy calls back, a note of caution in his voice as he watches me crawl along the top of the climbing frame in the club’s playroom. “Daddy’s always watching!”

I giggle and get back to having fun.

It’s crazy to think that this is now part of my new normal…

Cole and I have settled into our new chapter, our love no longer hidden but celebrated, our special Daddy and Little life woven into the fabric of our days. Our mornings start with a shared Little routine—rules and rewards that make my heart sing.

Cole sets tasks, like tidying my books or eating breakfast, and rewards me with star stickers on a chart, each one earning cuddles, a new stuffie, or a bedtime story.

His stern voice, softened by his love, guides me, whether it’s a gentle reminder to drink water or a playful scolding when I sneak extra cookies.

At night, he tucks me into bed with Fizz, reading from a story book, his deep voice a lullaby, our bond a perfect blend of care, trust, and passion.

We’re home, not just in the city but in each other’s company, and tonight, we’re celebrating at the Baby Balloons Club, a Little haven where our world shines.

“Daddy, watch this!” I holler, swinging down from the climbing frame and landing my soft, romper-covered butt on the plush crash mats beneath. “Again! Again!”

“Good boy!” Cole calls back, pride in his eyes as he sips on a whisky.

The club is a burst of color and joy, tucked in a renovated warehouse in the city’s arts district, its neon sign glowing pink and blue, balloons painted on the brick facade.

Inside, the space is a wonderland, fairy lights twinkling from exposed beams, pastel walls adorned with murals of clouds and stars.

Along with the huge climbing frame, beanbags and plush rugs create cozy play areas, a ball pit glows in one corner, and a craft station brims with glitter and crayons.

A dance floor pulses with pop music, Littles twirling in sparkly dresses and colorful romper suits, Daddies watching with proud smiles and drinks in their hands.

The air smells of cotton candy and popcorn, a snack bar offering juice boxes and cupcakes, and laughter fills the space, a symphony of carefree delight.

I’m in my favorite romper, blue with pink spots all over it, Fizz clutched in one hand, Cole nearby, his jeans and black shirt casual but his presence commanding, my Daddy in every glance.

But it’s not just us two. We’ve got company.

The Night Ops Guard Daddies are here, their victory over Xavier a shared triumph, their camaraderie filling the club with warmth and good spirits. Henry leans against a wall, his grizzled face softened by the lights, his eyes scanning the Littles with a quiet longing that tugs at my heart.

Henry is a mountain of a man, fierce in battle, but tonight, I see a softness, a hope for a Little to call his own, and I nudge Cole, whispering, “Henry needs a boy.”

Cole chuckles, nodding, his hand squeezing mine, a silent promise we’ll help our friend find his match.

Kash’s on the dance floor, spinning a giggling Little, his grin wide, while Loader and Breeze play a board game with a gaggle of Littles, the club a safe space for bonds new and established to shine and grow.

And that’s not all…

Pop’s here too, his presence making me feel like he truly understands who I am, his gray-streaked hair catching the lights as he chats with a Daddy near the snack bar. Pop’s relaxed, the weight of Xavier’s threat gone, his pride in me and Cole evident in every smile.

I catch his eye, and he joins us, his voice warm, a hint of mischief in it.

“Richie, Cole, I’ve been thinking,” Pop says, his hands in his pockets. “You two deserve a place of your own, somewhere to build your life. I want to gift you an apartment in the city. A nice one, with a view, space for Fizz and all your stuffies.”

His grin widens, and my jaw drops, tears prickling my eyes.

“Pop, really?” I say, my voice trembling with gratitude, and I hug him, Fizz squished between us. “Thank you, thank you!”

“That’s incredibly generous, Hunter,” Cole says, dignified but clearly moved by his best friend’s gesture.

Cole shakes his hand, his voice thick with appreciation, and I see the bond between them, mentor and friend, stronger for their acceptance of our love.

“It’s the least I can do,” Pop says, his eyes twinkling. “After what you pulled off with Xavier, you’ve earned it. Plus, I want my son happy. And Cole, you’re the man for that job.”

Pop shakes Cole’s hand, and I beam, my heart full, the apartment a symbol of our new beginning.

“And now it’s time for me to head out,” Pop says, having done his bit and shown his support in more ways than one. “You two have a good night. And when I see you again in a few days, Richie… I’ve got some news. Some very exciting news.”

I arch my eyebrow. I don’t know exactly what Pop is referring to, but something tells me I’m going to like it. But that can wait. The surprise will be fun. Now it’s time to let loose and enjoy the party.

The party swirls around us, Littles chasing balloons, Daddies joining a playful game of tag, and Cole pulls me to a quiet corner, a velvet couch tucked under a canopy of fairy lights.

Cole hands me a juice box, his Daddy smile soft and warm, and we sit, my head resting on his shoulder, Fizz in my lap.

The club’s energy is infectious, but this moment is ours, a pause to reflect on our journey—from the safe house’s terror to the mill’s victory, from secrets to truth, from a tentative romance to a love that defines us.

I look up at him, his dark eyes reflecting the lights, and feel the depth of our bond, Daddy and Little, partners in every way.

“Cole,” I say, my voice soft, “I want to toast to us, to our future.”

I raise my juice box, and he grabs a bottle of sparkling water from a nearby table, his grin playful but his eyes serious, full of love.

“To us, baby boy,” Cole says, clinking his bottle against my juice box, his voice warm, steady. “To our love, our life, every rule and reward, every moment we fight for. I love you, Richie, my Little, my everything .”

“I love you too, Daddy,” I say, my voice trembling with joy, tears spilling as I lean into him, our toast sealing our promise. “You’re my perfect Daddy, and I’ll love you forever .”

We sip, the club’s laughter fading into the background, our love a beacon brighter than the city’s glow. Hooray for us, for this life, for the future we’ll build in our new apartment, together… and unstoppable.

The party continues, Henry joining a game with a shy smile, Kash and the other Night Ops Guards a family celebrating their triumph.

Cole pulls me to my feet, spinning me into a dance, my romper hugging my body tight, my giggles echoing, and I know this is just the beginning, our love a story that’s only started, with balloons, stuffies, and a stern, strong, loving Daddy who’s mine for the rest of time.