Page 36 of Silver Fox Grump

I wait patiently as Maisie says she’s not a little girl anymore, and Wes grouches that she’s always his little girl. Eventually, Maisie draws back.

“Come on.” I pull her to my side. “Leave your dad to get over the shock he’s going to be a grandfather sooner rather than later.”

Wes growls.

It’s just the truth. “There’s something I want to show you.”

13

SEV

“Where are we going?” Maisie asks as I reach over and drag the seat belt over her. Keeping her safe wasn’t just words to me. She’s pink-eyed and rumpled, and has never looked so perfect in her life.

“I thought you’d like to go to my place,” I say as I turn the car onto the road. “To take a look.”

“What do you mean?” She looks me up and down, a little suspicious.

“It’s only fair.” I shrug. It’s a confession, of sorts.

She laughs then, and nods, and it’s like the tension of the scene with her dad washes away. “An invitation into the lair of the beast. Who could resist?”

I drive more carefully than I did on the way to her apartment. I’m fine with risking my life, but not hers. Then she’s walking in the door of my penthouse, and nerves I’ve never known I had are buzzing like flies.

I put my hands in my pockets and watch her with an uneasy sensation in my stomach. It’s stark and plain, a world away from her chaotic style. I bite my lip to avoid saying she could change that painting for another when she pauses by a Rothko, or get a different sofa when she tests the cushions for bounciness. She examines my space almost in silence, just casting me looks over her shoulder when she discovers something of interest.

She snoops through my fridge and examines the vegetables quizzically.

“I like to cook,” I admit, and she shakes her head and laughs.

In one of the cupboards, she finds my cupcake stash.

“Raspberry,” she notes, a little surprised.

“I’ve got a bit of a taste for them,” I say, and she smiles that infinite smile.

It takes a while before she gets to my bedroom. It’s very plain, and I almost apologise for it. The white sheets. The empty walls. It’s not like hers with its multi-coloured throws and soft cushions. But Maisie doesn’t seem to mind.

“So, where shall I set up the cameras?” She bounces on the bed, bright eyes looking up at me.

She’s mine. She’s really, honestly mine. I don’t think it sinks in until that moment, with her question stripping away all pretence between us.

“Here,” I say, and offer her my hand. She takes it, trusting me, and that’s a special gift. I pull her to her feet and guide her to the dressing room that the interior designer said was absolutely necessary, and I’ve never found a use for. Until now.

I open the door, and she glances in then back in surprise.

It’s a room entirely covered in mirrors, floor to ceiling. Her gaze steady on me in the reflection, she steps into the mirrored room, and I smile at the way there’s Maisie surrounding me. Perfect.

As I shut us in, her eyes widen.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you smile before,” she says wonderingly.

“You’ll get used to it.” I step right up to her. “Time for honesty, sweetheart.” I slide my hand around her neck and up her jaw with my thumb.

“Yes.” It’s a cross between a whimper and a sigh.

“You like me watching you, don’t you?” This is throwing all my chips on the table in one reckless bet.

I stroke my palm down her throat as she pauses, and my cock throbs. I want to own her, body and soul, and it’s so close I can almost taste it. “And you teased me, didn’t you? Once you found out that I was watching.”