Page 26 of Double Daddies (Dirty Daddies Anthologies #8)
Chapter Thirteen
Double D Acquisition private hangar, Owen Roberts International Airport, George Town, Cayman Islands
Elle
The Caribbean sun bathed the tarmac with intricate streaks as Elle descended the stairs between her two protectors.
Palm trees swayed against the clearest blue sky she had ever seen.
The air carried hints of salt and tropical flowers.
Her heart raced with pure joy as she took in the vista before her.
The crystalline waters stretched as far as she could see, with white sand beaches visible in the distance.
“I can’t believe I’m in the Cayman Islands.” Elle’s eyes were wide with wonder. “It’s the one place I always wanted to visit.”
“Then we’ll be sure to make regular trips here. I believe it’s the Pirate Festival next month.”
She gasped at Drake’s comment. Maybe her dream would come true after all these years.
“Maybe we could stay over for a couple of days and join the festivities,” Damien said as he watched her excited smile.
“So, we’re not staying here?” Disappointment colored her voice.
The islands had been her dream destination since childhood.
She could still hear her father’s animated voice describing thousands of tiny turtles making their way to the sea.
His eyes always glowed bright with enthusiasm as he promised to take her there for her birthday one day.
She blinked back the tears forming at the memory.
“Coming to the festival for the turtle release would’ve been my special fifteenth birthday gift,” she said softly as the old grief rose in her throat. “But my parents died a month before... I guess that’s why I never could make myself come here... it would’ve been too sad.”
“No more sadness, babygirl,” Damian murmured, wrapping his arms around her from behind. His solid presence anchored her to the present. “Besides, you’re not alone anymore. You’ve got us, and I’m sure if you ask Daddy Drake very nicely, he will definitely bring you here for the festival.”
Elle’s breath caught as she looked at Drake.
The usual stern lines of his face had softened, transformed by a smile that managed to reach his eyes.
It changed his entire demeanor from the intimidating billionaire to a man who was warm and approachable.
Her heart skipped a beat as her clit began to throb—she was sure an alien phenomenon had invaded her body since the little nub seemed to suddenly have a life of its own.
Fucking hell, he’s only smiling, so stop acting like a hussy! she berated the randy little nub, but it was to no avail. The crinkles around his eyes made him appear more human than ever before. Her pulse quickened as he stepped closer.
When his lips met hers, the world tilted on its axis. The kiss was gentle but thorough as his mouth moved against hers with demanding purpose. Caught between Drake’s tender exploration and Damian’s steady embrace, Elle melted. Her arms wound around Drake’s neck as she responded with growing fervor.
“Hmm, it seems our little one is very eager to watch the hatchlings.” He chuckled as he pulled back, leaving her dazed despite Damian’s continued support.
Drake tapped her nose playfully. “But Daddy Damian is correct, babygirl. You’re no longer alone. Always remember that. We are here for each other as much as we’re here to care for and protect you. And yes, if you behave, we’ll come to the festival.”
“Ooh! I’ll behave, I promise. Thanks, Daddy!”
Pure delight bubbled through Elle as she spun in Damian’s arms to hug him tight.
The ease with which she now called them Daddy passed unnoticed.
All she could focus on was the promise of finally experiencing the festival that had lived so long in her dreams. Although her parents weren’t there, somehow the thought was more magical that she would share it with these two men who held the next three months of her life firmly in their hands.
“So, if we’re not staying here, where are we going?” she asked as the two men flanked her and guided her toward a smaller version of the black Double D helicopter she had vandalized.
“As we said, we own a private island. It’s about fifty miles south of here,” Damian said, helping her into the back seat and securing her harness with practiced ease.
“We christened it Dreamer’s Cove,” Drake added as he slid into the pilot’s seat, with Damian taking his place beside him.
Elle watched Drake’s confident movements at the controls. Of course, they could fly helicopters. These men seemed to excel at everything they touched.
Drake caught her gaze as he glanced at her. “Like you, we also had dreams of the Caymans growing up.”
Ice flooded Elle’s veins as the engines hummed to life.
The reality of her situation crashed over her.
She was about to fly to a remote island with two virtual strangers.
Her breath caught in her throat as her mind raced through headlines of missing persons cases.
Her fingers gripped the seat until her knuckles whitened.
No one knew where she was. Not her staff, not her friends, not a single soul could help her if. ..
God! How stupid am I? What if they never let me go? What if…
“I can hear the panic swirling in your mind, babygirl.” Drake’s voice dipped low but carried a waft of warmth.
“Our only intent is to take care of you. The situation may be unfamiliar, but we hope you’ll have some fun with us during these three months.
When the time is up, we’ll all return home.
We have a business to run, and we won’t jeopardize that by becoming criminals and keeping you against your will. ”
“So, you’ll let me walk away after three months? No strings, no expectations?” Elle glanced between them.
“Other than the business contract at the Texas Tower,” Damian said smoothly, “anything more will be because you desire it to be so.”
She might not know them, but the vice grip around her chest loosened at their assurances.
She had read countless articles about their business dealings.
They always honored their word and, apparently, didn’t always outright acquire companies.
There had been many instances where they had saved failing companies while ensuring every employee kept their job.
Their reputation for integrity preceded them.
The knowledge that Elle’s Delicacies was safe anchored her since that, above everything else, mattered the most.
All she had to do was to survive pretending to be a Little for three months.
How hard can that be, right? Her fingers unclenched as the helicopter lifted smoothly into the air.
It was a question that would return to mock her later.