Page 31 of Daddy’s Protection (The Daddy Guard #3)

Theda sat down in the den of the house and smiled at Marion Davies who was in the chair across from her.

Marion brushed a strand of her golden hair back and returned the grin. “I’m glad you came tonight, friend.”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Theda said.

Marion raised an eyebrow. “Wouldn’t miss the party? Or being back in this house?”

Theda thought about it for a moment. “Both.” She took a drink of her martini and then said, “Bill Fields is outside already sloshed.”

Marion threw her head back and gave that full-throated laugh she so often did. “When is he not?”

“When is who not what?” The question was posed by a handsome, trim man who moved with a natural athletic grace. He had a slight Italian accent.

“Rudy!” Marion said, standing.

They hugged.

Theda hugged him next. “The Latin Lover graces us with his presence.”

The man chuckled as they all sat down, with him taking a third chair and positioning it to where it formed a triangle with the others so they could all see one another as they conversed.

“You came home,” he said, looking at Theda.

“Why is everyone talking about me and this house?” she asked after another sip of her drink.

“Because we all know you love it,” he stated.

She looked around and then smiled with a nod. “I do. I love it.”

“So do I. But it felt warmer when you lived here,” Marion said.

“You don’t like Roscoe?” Theda asked.

“Oh, he’s fine. A tad arrogant. But… well, this feels like your home. And I think it always will be.”

“It is her home,” the man said. “Even if she doesn’t live here, it will always belong to her.”

“I’ll drink to that,” Mario said.

A wry smile creased Theda’s lips. “Then a toast. To this house. May it forever be mine.” She couldn’t explain it, but at that moment, she had a slight premonition that one day, perhaps, she’d need to protect this house and its occupants.

“I’ll always defend it. No matter what. Consider me the guardian of this mansion. ”

Her friends raised their glasses.

“Hear, hear,” Marion said.

“I’ll help you,” the man said. “We’re forming a pact. Right here and now. We toast our new role as guardians and drink to many, many more Halloweens in this very space.”

They clinked their glasses together and downed their drinks.

The End

Matteo’s story is up next! Check out Daddy’s Devotion!