Page 24

Myles

I’m almost surprised when Hendrix shows up at the front door. I wasn’t positive he would actually come for dinner. By the end of our unintended morning, I had hope that Hendrix would come around, but I wasn’t sure how long it might take.

His brow is furrowed, and he’s rubbing the back of his neck. He’s not comfortable, but he’s here.

I step back. “Come in.”

Madison comes up behind me, tucking her head under my arm, her hands wrapping around me. “Dad. I’m glad you’re here.” She obviously has no interest in keeping some space between us in an attempt to soothe his sensibilities. And I’m good with that.

He sighs as he enters, his gaze lowering to the way I wrap my arm around her and keep her at my side. “Part of me hoped I imagined what happened earlier.”

“You didn’t, Dad. It’s not going away. Please try to understand.”

Hendrix draws in a deep breath.

“Can I get you a drink?” I ask.

Hendrix smirks. “Scotch would be nice. Double. No, make it a triple.”

I make no comment about his request as I release Madison to head for the bar. I pour myself a single and bring the bottle and a second glass to the coffee table. Hendrix can make his own choices.

Hendrix takes a seat on the couch, and I choose the armchair across from him. I don’t have to do more than hold out a hand for Madison to come to my side. She perches on the arm and leans into me.

Hendrix fills about half his glass and takes a long sip before sitting back. He looks at his daughter. “You’re not drinking? You’ve begged me to let you drink for the last few years. Now that you’re twenty-one, it’s lost its appeal?” His voice is slightly joking.

I squeeze her hip. “She had a glass of wine at dinner last night. Anything more would have been inappropriate before we went to Edge.”

Hendrix lifts a brow. “She’s so obedient that she’s completely abstaining tonight?”

“Dad… There’s no need to be so snarky.”

I meet my friend’s gaze. “We’re in a D/s relationship, Hendrix.

That shouldn’t surprise you. It’s the only kind of relationship I’ve ever been in.

Madison can make her own decisions, though.

We have open discussions about everything.

If she wants to drink, she may do so. She may even drink the entire bottle of scotch if she likes.

Hell, I’ll hold her hair while she pukes.

What I won’t do is dominate her when she’s in an altered state of mind. It’s her choice.”

Hendrix groans and takes another sip. I know what he’s thinking. He’s trying to find a hole in our relationship, something inappropriate or unsafe. Anything he can point to as evidence it’s a bad idea. He won’t find anything, though. I will never treat Madison as anything less than my queen.

I’m not kidding. I did discuss Madison’s options as far as drinking was concerned this afternoon. This meeting with her dad is stressful. I wouldn’t blame her if she’d wanted to do two shots before he arrived. I won’t stop her from drinking half a bottle of wine, either, if that’s what she decides.

What I did point out was that she will get a far more enjoyable and gratifying release after her father leaves if she waits for me to dominate her later than she’ll get from any amount of alcohol.

So far, she’s choosing the inevitable promise of my palm, flogger, and a pair of handcuffs.

They’re lying on the bed, waiting for her to enjoy.

We’re in new territory tonight. Madison and I have had the entire day to talk. We spent a lot of that time at the kitchen table, opposite ends of the couch, and two Adirondack chairs on the rooftop patio.

Hendrix’s arrival has changed our timeline. I hadn’t meant to rush her into saying she loved me. Nor had I meant to bring up the subject of marriage. Both of those topics were forced to the forefront this morning. We had no choice but to face them and discuss them.

As for our love, that’s a solid no-brainer. I’ll never go a day without telling her over and over how much I love her. Saying so lifts a weight from my chest while squeezing my heart at the same time. I love how she shivers when I whisper it in her ear, and I did so a dozen times today.

We were forced to talk about marriage, too.

I’ve warned Madison that I will be putting an engagement ring on her finger in the near future.

I want the world to see it and know she’s claimed.

That doesn’t mean we have to rush down the aisle.

I’d rather wait at least a year to give Madison time to be sure of her feelings.

I keep reminding myself how fucking young she is. And she keeps reminding me that she’s a mature adult. I can’t deny that. She’s mature beyond her years, but still… I won’t rush her on marriage. I will encourage her to take her time.

Hendrix sighs deeply. “You two are serious.”

“Yes, Dad,” Madison responds. “I love you, and I’m sorry this shocked you.

There was never going to be an easy way for you to find out.

But it’s what I want, and I hope you can come around and support me.

Love me no matter what. I also don’t like the idea of your friendship with Myles ending over something neither he nor I had any control over. ”

He glances at me and then back to her. “I’ll do my best. It’s going to take time. I love you, too, honey. I always will, no matter what.”

I feel the tension in Madison’s body ebb at her father’s words. Thank fuck.

Madison smiles. “I made your favorite dinner.”

“Swedish meatballs?” Hendrix asks.

“Yep.”

The man finally cracks a smile. “Trying to bribe me with food?”

“If it works.”

Hendrix shifts his gaze to me. “If you hurt my child…”

“You have my permission to hunt me down and kill me. I’ll hand you the gun,” I respond.