hadn’t exited the lecture hall along with her other classmates, and his stare was too intent to be simple admiration.
My feet were closing the distance between us before I could think. My fingers flexed, preparing to close around his neck and make sure he could never breathe the same air as her ever again.
“Marco!” Ashlyn called my name in a jubilant exhalation. Before I could get past her to reach the bastard, her slight body barreled into mine for our customary, enthusiastic hug.
I grasped her tightly to my chest and spun, putting my bulk between her and the man following her. Instinct urged me to release her immediately and remove the threat. But her soft, floral scent ensnared my focus, helping mitigate the brutal impulse enough that I was able to think like a rational man.
I can’t kill a boy in broad daylight. Not on her college campus.
Not at all, I added the harsh internal addendum, my arms drawing her impossibly closer. That violent part of my life was over, the dark deeds firmly in my past. I would always protect Ashlyn, but I had to be better for her. She would never see me with blood on my hands. Never.
“Are you okay?” she asked, twining her arms around my shoulders to return my fierce hug, offering me support.
Fuck. I never wanted her to be scared again, and she would definitely be frightened if I told her someone was following her.
But I couldn’t let the fucker slip away. Not without at least questioning him. No one from our former life should’ve followed us here. Maybe the guy was just some creep who was into Ashlyn.
Too bad for him, I wouldn’t tolerate that shit, either.
I took a deep breath, inhaling her sweet scent to ground myself. There were other ways to handle this that didn’t involve making a scene on campus. Ways that didn’t involve scaring Ashlyn.
“I’m just happy to see you, babygirl,” I hedged, brushing a kiss over her hair before releasing her from my too-tight embrace. I tucked a stray, silky lock behind her ear, and she leaned into my touch. Her sapphire eyes were so wide and trusting that my heart throbbed with a painful beat. My princess fully believed that I would take care of her. She felt completely safe with me, and I never wanted that to change.
“I’m taking you to the café.” I trailed my thumb over her cheek, which was slightly chilled from the crisp breeze. “You need a pumpkin spice latte and a cinnamon scone.”
She giggled, and the sound of her lighthearted joy rippled through my body in a warm, soothing wave. “How did you know?”
“It’s my job to know.” I pressed a quick kiss against her forehead before easing back. I shifted so that she was tucked by my side, my arm bracing her as close to my protective bulk as possible. With my free hand, I plucked the laptop bag from her shoulder and slung it onto mine.
“You don’t have to carry that,” she protested, eyeing the decidedly feminine, gold floral pattern embossed on the white leather.
“Yes, I do. That’s my job, too.” I rubbed my hand up and down her arm, warming her through her thick layers of clothing. “Come on, princess. Let’s get you that hot latte.”
I would get Ashlyn safely into the café, and then Joseph could protect her while I checked up on her stalker. The prickle on the back of my neck told me that the fucker was still nearby, watching us.
I was dimly aware of her sing-song goodbye to Jayme, and I managed a polite nod before whisking her away. As I ushered her off-campus, I tapped out a text to Joseph.
Date with our girl. Silver Spoon Café. Now.
As far as my best friend was concerned, he was about to join us on a spontaneous date; no need to upset him with the reality of the situation. He’d been so happy since we moved to Boston and left our violent lifestyle behind. I could handle this stalker on my own. I just needed Joseph to watch over our girl while I took care of the threat.
I could protect both of them. I could do all the dark, evil things necessary to keep them safe. As long as my family was happy, I could endure anything for them.
Thank you for reading THE DADDY AND THE DOM! Joseph, Ashlyn, and Marco’s story continues in THEIRS TO PROTECT.
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We’re supposed to be free: Joseph,