Page 17 of Daddy’s Oath (The Daddy Guard #2)

Chapter Seventeen

Ace arrived at the field trip location excited to see Little Lana.

He hadn’t gotten any alerts on the way over, and he suspected it would be a quiet afternoon. It just didn’t make any sense to him that those thugs would show back up if they had cameras in place.

Perhaps his plan would work, though. He was eager to talk to Stryker about it. With that not possible until tonight, he was free to have some fun in the meantime.

Fun with Lana.

When he found her, he couldn’t help but frown. It didn’t look like she was enjoying herself. She was sitting by herself at one of the tables that was on the perimeter of the large, cavernous warehouse.

The center of the giant room was what held the real fun.

A massive indoor playground, several huge inflatables, and even a deep foam pit to swing out into.

This place was Littles’ paradise.

The owner, a local movie producer named Hal Folger, intercepted Ace before he could reach Lana.

“Hey, you.”

“Hey, Hal. Thanks for having everyone here today.”

“My pleasure. My boy is always eager to play with friends.”

Hal’s husband and Little, Micah, wasn’t around, and Ace assumed he was off playing with the other laughing, screaming Littles who were tearing through the warehouse.

“Are you working anything right now?” Hal asked.

Word had spread throughout the Ageplay community about the Daddy Guard. It was huge news.

“Yeah.”

“Anything exciting?”

Ace grinned. He assumed Hal was looking for ideas for a movie. He was a great guy, and as generous as they come, but he was always looking for the next great story.

Typical Hollywood producer.

“Can’t really talk about it,” Ace told him. “Maybe when it’s all said and done.”

Hal raised his perfectly manicured hand, bringing his index finger to his lips. “Mum’s the word.”

“That’s right,” Ace replied. “Thanks again for having us today.”

“Make yourself at home. Juice and snacks over there for the Littles and an open bar set up that way for the Bigs.” He jerked his head toward the back corner that had several people standing around, holding cocktails.

One was Athena.

“Thanks again.”

Ace moved along, but before he could reach the lonely-looking Lana, he was intercepted again, this time by Athena.

“Rum punch,” she said, toasting him with her red drink.

“Looks great. Might have one myself. After I talk to Lana.”

“I won’t keep you.” Athena took a sip. “I was going to offer a bit of insight. You probably already to know what I’m about to say. But?—”

“Lay it on me,” Ace said. Athena was wise and he wasn’t going to pass up a chance to glean something new from her.

“She’s scared, obviously. But it’s more than that.

” Athena looked in Lana’s direction as she spoke before turning her attention back to Ace.

“She’s spent so much time hiding that she’s grown accustomed to being alone.

Retreating into herself. Hoping no one will notice her.

I suppose I would, too, if my life depended on it.

But… now that she’s with other Littles, she doesn’t know how to let loose and have fun. Know what I mean?”

Ace nodded. It all made sense to him.

“I think she needs someone to take charge and guide her. She wants to regress. To let go. She just needs permission. And a nudge,” Athena added.

Ace grinned. “Ah. She needs a Daddy’s guidance.”

“You get the picture,” Athena said.

“Well, she’s in luck,” he replied. “Because there’s a Daddy right here who wants her to enjoy herself.”

“Go get her, tiger.”

Ace laughed. “I’m on it.”

With that, he walked toward the Little.

He was going to make sure cute Little Lana had the time of her life that afternoon.