Page 18 of Daddy’s Oath (The Daddy Guard #2)

Chapter Eighteen

Lana watched as the other Littles had fun.

Actually, it looked as if what they were experiencing was beyond fun. They were having a blast! How could they not? With the playground, swings, slides, and inflatables, the place was a Little’s dream come true.

In a perfect world, she’d be right there in the mix, playing with other Littles like she’d always dreamed of doing.

Right now, though, it was all she could do to keep the tears from flowing.

Was Ace okay? Had he run into trouble? And were there still men out there looking for her, wanting to kill her?

There would be answers soon. She trusted Ace and the Daddy Guard.

Then trust him to stay safe too, Lana. He’s fine. Don’t worry about him.

That was easier said than done. Thinking of Ace getting hurt was enough to make her a bundle of nervous, frantic energy. She could barely sit still. Maybe she should go play, she told herself. At least she’d be moving rather than just sitting at that table by herself, stewing over everything.

But she doubted she’d be able to actually relax enough to have fun. Not until she laid eyes on Ace and saw that he was alive and well.

“Now, why are you sitting here when all the fun is over there?”

The question startled her from her thoughts. She looked up to see the gorgeous, sexy man she’d been worried about standing over her.

“Ace!”

Leaping up from the table, she tripped as her foot caught on the chair and tumbled forward.

Right into Ace’s awaiting arms.

“Careful, honey. I don’t want you to get hurt.”

She sighed as he held her close.

Mmm. It felt like she was in Daddy’s arms.

That feeling grew as she realized he wasn’t letting go. It seemed like more than just a little hug between friends.

“You’re okay!”

“Of course. Did you expect anything else?”

She giggled. “I was… worried.”

“I’m sorry, Lana. But there was no reason to be. I’ve done this sort of thing lots of times. Besides, the guys were backing me up, waiting in the van. If I ran into any trouble, they would have been right there.”

“Did you run into any trouble?”

He released her and shook his head. “Nah. Just a routine job of setting up the surveillance equipment.” His expression grew serious. “Someone else beat us to it, though. Two people, we think. The US Marshals and then an unknown party.”

A chill made Lana shiver. The idea of people in her apartment when she wasn’t there, setting up equipment to spy on her, gave her the creeps. Could she ever feel safe there again, even when this was all over?

She liked the place, but if she had to move, it would be fine.

What she cared about most was her job. She just prayed it could be salvaged. The apartment, though… well, she could make do somewhere else.

After considering the ramifications of what Ace had just told her, she said, “So they are after me!”

“Looks like it,” Ace confirmed. “But I’m glad we found those cameras. It’s going to lead us to who it is. And the sooner we find them, the sooner you can get back to your life.” He cleared his throat. “With, hopefully, a new addition or two.”

What did he mean by that? she wondered. The wry smile that accompanied his statement gave her a pretty good idea.

Mmm.

She made a mental note to follow up with that and explore more later.

“I have a plan. And I think it’ll work. But I can’t really do anything with it until later,” Ace went on. “So, right now, why don’t we enjoy ourselves? I hear a whole bunch of Littles behind me and it sounds like they’re having loads of fun. You should join them.”

Lana leaned to the side so she could see past Ace. It did look and sound like the Littles were having the time of their lives. And she wanted to join them. She just wasn’t sure if she had it in her.

“I’d love to,” she admitted. “But…” Not sure what to add, her words just trailed off as her shoulders slumped.

“But you’re too stressed and used to hiding,” he offered.

“Yeah. That’s it, actually. How did you know?”

“Daddies have an intuition. So do Mommies.”

She wondered if that was a reference to Auntie Athena. Had the two talked about her? If so, Ace didn’t offer any details.

Instead, he said, “Have you met the owner of this place?”

Lana nodded. “Hal, right? He and his husband seem nice.”

“They’re great. And I happen to know they keep a room stocked with Little gear for all the cuties who visit here. Come on. We need to get you properly outfitted.”

Lana looked down at her jeans and t-shirt. She didn’t really fit in with the other Littles. No one would judge her if she stayed in that attire. But she actually wanted to get deeper into Little Space. So, an outfit change sounded really nice.

All those reservations were still with her, though. She couldn’t hide reluctance in her voice when she said, “Sure.”

“Only if you want to,” he added.

She smiled. “I know. And I do want to. I’m just struggling to… break free. Know what I mean?”

“Sure,” he said. “I’ve got an idea. You, little girl, just sit back and let me take the reins. I think right now you need a Daddy’s guidance. In fact, I don’t want you worry about a thing. Do you understand?”

Lana tried not to show how excited she was, but there wasn’t anything she could do about the giant grin that split her lips.

“Yes, Sir!”

“Good,” Ace said. “We’re starting now.” He took her hand and led her toward a door on the other side of the space.

“Follow me, little girl.”