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CHAPTER TWELVE

T he vacation house was equipped with everything Johnny would need for a relaxing day paddling downriver. A note pinned to the door of the storage closet explained to the guests thatthe canoe was moored to the property’s wooden dock by the river’s edge. Inside the closet, he found oars, fishing rods, and a tackle box, in addition to waders, rain boots, floppy hats, a selection of sunscreens, and bottles of insect-repellent.

He took the oars out and went to the kitchen, where Isolde was finishing her cereal.

“I’m taking the oars to the canoe. It’s supposed to be tied to the dock. Take your time eating. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

Isolde put her spoon down. “Okay, Daddy. Do you have any fun ideas for today?”

“It’s sunny but not very hot. We could spend a few hours exploring the river. See where it takes us. How does that sound?”

“Love it.” She smiled.

“Great. I’ll be back soon. ”

Johnny made his way to the bottom of the slope, where he found the deck and the tied canoe, both in good condition. The wooden platform extended about ten feet into the water. Visoring his eyes, he squinted out to study the river’s condition. Though the surface appeared placid, the brisk passing of fallen leaves, twigs, and other floating debris revealed a lively current existed at the center of the stream—the deepest part. He wouldn’t have to row very hard, and Isolde would enjoy a lazy trip downriver. He placed the oars in the canoe, and, satisfied with how things looked, he headed back to the house.

Halfway up the hill, his phone dinged with a text from Barron. He stopped to read.

Quick update. Deacon’s riding to Garden City with an escort.

Johnny laughed. The Dalton prez was so full of himself.

WTF. Escort? Dude’s a bit much. Why?

Barron came back right away.

Backup. He’s afraid of an ambush on the road. He wants to discuss Isolde and you with our prez.

But our prez isn’t involved.

Blade told him. I think Deacon doesn’t believe him. He’s riding anyway.

What about the Wolves? Are they standing down?

No idea.

Find out whatever you can. I’m blind and deaf down here. I depend on you for info.

Count on me. You guys okay?

Yup. Good place.

Cool. TTYS

Johnny dropped the phone into his shirt pocket. Now deep in thought, he resumed his climb. Deacon heading to the mother house with a few Dalton guys in tow was a surprise development, but it shouldn’t affect his and Isolde’s situation. Until Johnny got confirmation thatthe Wolves had given up on their plans to hurt Isolde, he was keeping his and her heads down.

For the time being, they were safely hidden, thanks to Barron’s genius idea to come this far south. Not even Viper or Stew would suspect Johnny had taken Isolde to Florida. Most likely, both men surmised he’d chosen from the list one of the safehouses in Tennessee or northern Georgia.

He wanted them to keep thinking that way and made every effort to cover his and Isolde’s tracks. This included calling Sydney with a burner phone, giving her a hint of their location and nothing more. The poor woman had a lot of questions, but he’d advised Isolde to hold her answers to a minimum and promise future communications.

Since his girl understood the gravity of their situation, this conversation, however short, had been enough to pacify her. She’d stopped giving him anxious looks and asking, “When can I talk to Sydney?”

When he reached the steps to the house and glanced up at the porch, Isolde was waiting for him.

“Done with breakfast?” he asked, climbing the steps.

“Uh-huh. Washed the dish and spoon. You don’t mind, do you?”

He tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “’S’okay. I didn’t tell you not to do it. Let’s go inside.” He kissed the tip of her nose, then put his arm around her shoulders. “Before we go in the canoe, I’m covering you head to toe with sunscreen. There’s no canopy. I want your legs covered, so change to jeans. I found a hat you can wear. At least it’s not too hot, but we can’t take chances with the sun down here. It’ll burn anyone to a crisp. The river water around us makes it worse.”

“Really?”

“Yup. Acts like a mirror.”

“How do you know?”

“I’ve visited the Florida Keys through the years, and you learn a thing or two. A bad sunburn isn’t fun. It’s not a good look on anyone, plus it hurts like hell. Your skin is so silky and delicate, I’ll bet you turn lobster red in minutes.”

Isolde flipped her head away, but she wasn’t fast enough. Johnny still caught the tense line of her lips and a slight gathering and release of her eyebrows.

“Don’t do that,” he growled.

“Do what, Daddy?” She smiled sweetly.

Oh, she was good, and her responses were fast. All her years with Deacon had trained her in the art of hiding her true emotions behind a pretense of innocent shyness. But he was onto her.

“I’m not buying this cutesy act.” Grasping her shoulder, he held her firmly in place as he bent forward and got so close, he peered into the stunning emerald variations in her eyes.

She blinked. “What?”

“You know exactly what I’m talking about.”

Isolde lowered her long, dark eyelashes. God, she was so beautiful and perfect for him. His mouth tingled with the urge to kiss her eyes and silky cheeks, taste her full lips as his tongue invaded and savored her warm depths… She enchanted him to the edge of sanity and control, but this time, he kept his head .

“Stop that. I want your eyes on me. Now. I mentioned the Keys, and your expression changed. Come clean. All of it. Don’t even try to lie to me or hold anything back. You won’t like the consequences.”

“I can’t help it, all right?” Isolde spat out. Folding her arms, she pursed her lovely mouth. “You mentioned the Keys, and I thought of all the women in your life before me. Beautiful women. Experienced women. And there’s me over here, totally inadequate. How can I compete against their memory?”

“Compete?” He held her shoulders, and she glanced up. “Will you listen to me?” He waited for a response, but she only stared. He insisted, “I need you to hear me out and remember what I say. Can you do that?”

“Ye—yes, Daddy.”

“I’m not going to give you any bullshit. I’m a man and much older than you. When you were five, I was seventeen and already enjoying sex. I like women. Always have. I even thought I was in love a couple of times.” He shook his head. “Then I met you. The old Johnny Wells was erased and a new one started from scratch. You’ve changed everything: my mind, my heart, my soul. Nothing exists in me but you. Women are still beautiful, but there’s no room in my heart for anyone because you’re in there, solid and firm, and it makes me happy. Do you understand?”

“I…do,” she whispered.

“Good. Forget the jealousy. It’s a bad emotion, and there’s no reason for it. Jealousy poisons the soul. Please, remember this. You’re my little girl. There’s no one else for me. Rule three: stop questioning what I tell you. If you keep doubting my words, I’ll have to use more thorough methods to help you accept and remember.”

“I’ll keep it in mind.” She winced. “Promise.”

Johnny chuckled. “You say that now, but you could be tempted.” He turned around, and, remembering her rear end was still sore, he gave the side of her butt a playful slap. “Now go get changed. I don’t want to waste the morning.”

Giggling, she ran into her bedroom, and he sighed. Starting tonight, she’d be sharing his bed. He wanted her sweet butt cuddled up against his cock.

By Johnny’s guess, since he’d left his watch behind, they’d been out for two hours, maybe a little longer. Except for the occasional scurrying of a denizen along the tall reeds bordering the river, not a soul was around. The tourist season in these parts was over. The water was tranquil. The current did most of the work for him. He didn’t have to struggle to stay close to the southern bank, where tree branches reached down to touch the surface and sheltered them in shadow. He preferred it this way. Less sun and less heat. Once in a while, Isolde playfully dipped her fingers in the river and flicked water on his face.

“Stop that.” Laughing, he wiped drops of water from his eyes. “I need to see what I’m doing. Don’t forget, there are creatures around. One might take a nip at your cute fingers.”

“What!” She startled, pulling her hand to her chest. The movement shifted the canoe.

“Hmm… Easy there, we don’t want to tip over. Who knows what’s swimming under us?”

“No, we don’t.” Eyes wide, she glanced suspiciously from one side of the canoe to the other. He held back a chuckle; she was so cute in her concern. Although, she had nothing to worry about. From the moment they’d climbed in and paddled downriver, he’d been keeping a close watch for any unwanted activity around them .

“Relax, everything’s fine. You know I won’t let anything hurt you.”

“You’d throw yourself into the water clutching a knife in your teeth.” She grinned with a mischievous air. “Fight a wild creature to save me.”

“Why doubt me? What have I done up to now?”

Her grin faded. “Stand between me and danger. I don’t deserve it.”

“Yes, you do. I never want to hear you say you don’t. You deserve everything good in life, and I want you to have it.”

“Is that why you left your peaceful life in Garden City? To deal with the danger in Dalton?”

“Don’t tease. I can kid around and take a joke like anyone else, but not when it comes to you and your safety.”

“I’m sorry, Daddy.”

“You have to know I tried.” Johnny swallowed as a succession of lonely months flashed in his mind. Aching moments when her remembered face tugged at his soul. “For your sake, I kept my distance so you could meet a younger man. Start your life with someone fresh and new, closer to your age. The moment Blade told us about the threat, though, I had to ride up. I don’t give a shit about Deacon’s opinion of me. You’re my baby girl now. Mine. My own. No one will love and protect you like I will.”

“I know,” she whispered.

“Okay, then. That’s settled.” He smiled. “Now, let’s talk about you. Do you have plans for college? Your whole life is ahead of you.”

She frowned. “No one’s asked me. You’re the first.”

“Well. Is there anything that attracts you?”

“Since you mention it… Radiology is a field I find interesting. Becoming a technician might be fun.”

“Excellent. As soon as this mess is over, you’re enrolling in school. Savannah has great schools. ”

“But I don’t have?—”

He stopped paddling. “Don’t go there. I know what you’re going to say. Get this through your head. You’re no longer Deacon’s responsibility. You’re my baby girl. I’m dead serious when I say I’ll take care of your every need and desire. I’ve plenty of money to fund your studies. And as soon as we return, we’re making us official and getting married. How does that sound?”

“Oh.” Her face flushed red.

“Oh? Yikes. There goes my ego.” He pointed at the water. “It’s swimming to the shore.”

“No, silly. I’m ecstatic.” Giggling, she leaned toward him with arms extended. The canoe wobbled.

“Nooo.” He held up a hand. “Stay where you are. Save your enthusiasm for when we’re on land.”

“All right.” She sat back. “I’ll be good. But you won’t stop me when we get back.”

Waggling his eyebrows, he resumed his easy paddling. “I’m counting on it.”

“Tell me about yourself?”

“What about me?”

“College, career. The MC.”

“I did a little intelligence work in the army. That’s why Blade hired me for the Johnston Agency. Before I left the service, I switched to a different specialty. I thought being an electrician would be more profitable in the civilian world. I didn’t finish. With you in my life, I will.”

“Is it dangerous?”

“You mean the agency?”

“Uh-huh.”

He shrugged one shoulder. “So far no, but I guess it could be. Depends on what’s involved. We’re working with the Garden City chief of police. And I’m not saying more about it. Some details are confidential. It’s safer than a biker’ s life.”

“Is it really?”

“Yep. The MC changed after Blade took over. The Spawn weren’t angels. They handled illicit deals.”

“My father?”

“Him too. But after Warden’s death, we started asking ourselves if our one percenter outlaw lifestyle was worth it. Enter Blade Johnston. He took us in a different direction.”

“I see.”

“The Spawn ceased all smuggling activities, opened a bike and auto repair shop in Garden City and one in the Florida Keys, and now the agency.”

“I don’t understand. If the MC went legit, why the war with the Steel Wolves?”

“Unfortunately, the responsibility for that falls on your father. He’s not quite on board with the new program. He was holding on to past grudges. He betrayed Killer, a member of the Wolves, to the feds, and now the Wolves want payback.”

“My father’s a stubborn man.”

“Yes, well, we’re going to have to come up with some way to end this feud between him and Rover. On a brighter note, I’ve decided to resume my training and get my certificate. With some extra certification, I can work anywhere.”

A sudden gust of wind got his attention, and he glanced up to the west where dark clouds were gathering.

“It’s time to go back. He dipped the paddle into the water to slow the canoe, then slowly reversed his direction.

“So soon? What happened?”

“Nothing yet, but a storm is coming our way.” He pointed over his shoulder. “Those clouds usually move quickly, and I’d rather have you inside the house, nice and dry.”

“Worried about my health?”

“Always,” he replied. Dropping the second oar into its housing, he rowed faster. “You’re my only concern in life. ”

“Nice sentiment, but a little rain won’t hurt me.”

“That’s not a summer shower coming. If your clothes get soaked, you could catch a cold. I’m not risking it.”

“Geez.” She folded her arms. “I was enjoying our conversation. Do you have to be so bossy?”

He stopped moving. “Did I hear a challenge?”

She sat up. “No. Never.”

“I don’t know.”

Johnny resumed rowing, but he was going against the current, and that required more effort. Since he couldn’t see the dock yet, he dug in and rowed with purpose.

“Sounded like a challenge to me. Puts you very close to the danger zone.”

Isolde clung to both sides of the canoe. “We’re going so much faster now.”

“I have to. I smell the rain closer to us.”

“Oh.” Isolde looked up. “You’re not kidding. The sky got so dark and so quickly.”

No sooner did she say quickly than a heavy raindrop hit his head, then another, and another.

Isolde squealed. “Daddy!”

“We’re almost there. I see the dock. Hold on.”

The laden gray clouds released their load on them without pity. Rain came down on him, so hard and thick, his scalp and shoulders protested.

“Hurts,” Isolde whimpered.

Now he could barely see, but he ignored the discomfort as he rowed faster toward the dark mass extending out to the river. The dock wasn’t far. A break in the rain gave him an opportunity to line up the canoe and secure it. As soon as he stepped onto the dock and pulled Isolde out, the downpour returned even harder. A quivering flash of lightning illuminated the darkness. Deafening thunder crashed close to them .

“Shit. It’s on top of us. Gotta hurry.” He tossed her belly down over his shoulder, ran up the hill, and climbed up the steps to the porch. Johnny slammed the door open, his wet shoes caused him to stumble on the entrance mat, and they both rolled onto the floor, laughing and soaked to the bone.

He caged her with his elbows to stop their movement.

“Got to get these wet clothes off. You need a warm shower now,” he said, staring into her beautiful face as she looked up at him.

She nodded. “Yes, Daddy. You too.”

“Right.” He jumped to his feet, then helped her stand. “But you first.”

They stood facing each other. The air sizzled between them. Neither could move away, the need was so strong. Isolde’s body heat transferred to Johnny as their gazes flamed with unspoken knowledge and urgent words. Unwittingly, Isolde broke the enchantment when her fingertips tried to unbutton his shirt. The lingering chill from the rain left him. Her touch singed with a delicious burn that spread throughout him and focused on his cock. Instantly, he hardened.

He grasped her hand.

“What are you doing?” Johnny didn’t recognize his voice, it was so deep and gravelly.

“Hel—helping…you undress.”

Leaning close to her face, he engulfed her neck with his hand, his grip wide and possessive. Her silky, alluring skin was a magnet impossible to resist. Taking his time, he slid his thumb along the line of her jaw in a slow caress.

Isolde dropped her head back, offering her throat to him. Slowly, she parted her lips, breathing hard. “Yes, Daddy,” she gasped. “Do me. Show me everything. I want it all.”

Johnny’s low laughter rumbled in his chest. “Greedy little thing. Jump up, put your legs around my waist.” She did as he directed. He put his arm under her buttocks and, holding her tight, he walked to the bathroom. Quickly, he turned on the shower.

While he waited for the water to warm up, he buried his mouth into her neck, suckling her flesh hard, as if he could inhale her soul through her skin.

“I want you so badly,” he crooned between tiny bites.

“So do I, Daddy.” Isolde deepened her torso’s arch while raking her fingernails down his biceps. Ignoring the sting, he walked into the stall. As he jammed her shoulders against the tile, he ensured the rush of warm water pelted her all over.

“Feel good?”

“Ye—yes.”

“Don’t let go of my waist.” As Johnny tightened his supporting arm under her butt, he ripped her top apart with his free hand, displaying her delicate bra barely covering her soft breasts. The vision heightened his frenzy, and like a wild beast, he tore at the lacy cup with his teeth, releasing a breast for his pleasure.

“Yes! Beautiful.” He clamped down on her nipple as if all the sustenance he’d ever need was concentrated in that sweet pebble. Entwining her fingers in his hair, Isolde steadied his head in silent encouragement, and he proceeded to nibble and pull until the turgid tip grew larger.

“Hurts so good,” she gasped. “I want more, Daddy. I feel… I feel…”

“What, baby? Tell me.” Releasing her nipple, Johnny captured her lips. His tongue invaded her mouth, searching within her depths for her essence and not getting nearly enough. Madness reached its peak in him, the space around him tilted, spun…

Abruptly, he stopped. Releasing her lips, he pulled back from her and took a deep breath to calm his spirit.

Isolde didn’t deserve an uncontrolled, desperate man mauling her to submission. There would be another time for unrestrained passion. In this moment, she deserved tenderness, affection, and a slow, thorough arousal to the point where the pain of first possession was welcomed.

Carefully, he put her down.

“What’s wrong, Daddy?”

“Nothing’s wrong, baby. Just wait. Daddy’s going to love you nice and slow.”