Page 77 of Marrying the Billionaire Single Dad

Clearly, the double orgasm I had wrenched from Flower yesterday is responsible for this burst of inspiration.

Which means I need to write down the lyrics fast… And that means… Yeah... "Fine, fine," I grumble at Riley, and reach for the remote.

"Yay." She dives down into the sofa, cuddles up against me. "I love you, Papa."

She only calls me that when she's very happy or very sad.

My throat closes as a ball of emotions crowds my chest. This little girl right here, I’ll do anything for her. Anything. Ask me to lay down my life for her and I’d not hesitate. If anyone dares hurt her, I’d… I’d… No, don’t think about it. She’s safe here with me. I wrap my arm around her, tug her close and she snuggles in. I switch over to Frozen and the characteristic tune of the opening credits flows over me. I begin to hum along to it under my breath.

"Daddy," she admonishes, "shh!"

"Okay." I chuckle. I may be a rock star, with fans clamoring to hear me and see me play on stage, but in my own home, I clearly come second to the characters on screen. Trust your family to always take you down a notch, huh?

I settle in to watch the movie. Half an hour later, I glance down to find her yawning. "You tired, sweetheart?"

She rubs her eyes, then sits up, "No, of course, not." She focuses on the screen and ten minutes later I find her fast asleep.

I carry her up to her bedroom, tuck her in. I kiss her forehead, inhale the baby shampoo, then head down to my studio. I check the baby-cam on my phone, to make sure I see her asleep, then pick up my guitar.

I still remember the outline of your lips,

the warmth of your touch,

the curve of your eyelashes as you raised them to glance at me…

And then you were gone;

I ache to caress your neck.

If I were to touch you between your thighs

Would you come again—?

I—

My phone vibrates with an incoming call.

Hell, I should have switched it off, except I don’t anymore. Not since my daughter arrived, and with her, that unfamiliar sense of vulnerability, the one that has me checking around corners, under the bed, around the house, to make sure that she is safe. The one that makes me want to carry a gun and guard her every moment of every day. For now, she is young and I can protect her. As long as she is under my roof, I can take care of her, ensure no harm comes to her. As long as I can keep her close, I will, which also means I don’t let anyone—except the most trusted of my inner circle—near her. Doesn’t mean I can’t take this call from another woman… The only other person who has penetrated the shield I’ve put up against the world, hmm?

"Hello," I bark into the phone.

Silence, then her voice comes over the phone line. "D… Damian?"

"Who else?"

"Oh… I didn’t expect you to answer the call."

"So why did you call?"

"I—" There’s the sound of footsteps, then female voices speaking. The noises recede. "Sorry about that," she mumbles.

"Where are you?" I frown.

"Outside."

"So late?"

"It’s… 9 p.m."