Chapter 14
AXEL’S POV:
Before the door opened, Ryan moved with practiced precision, shrugging off his suit jacket and draping it over Brady’s lifeless body to hide the blood. Without needing instruction, the four guards standing nearby followed suit, layering their jackets to cover the crimson–stained mess. The room now looked less like a crime scene and more like a chaotic office momentarily interrupted.
The sharp tapping of little feet echoed on the wooden floor, a cheerful rhythm that clashed with the tension in the room.
“Uncle Ryan!” Sea’s bright voice called out as she rushed in, her small frame being enveloped by Ryan’s massive body.
Sea looked darling in her white gown, which featured a flowing, floor–length skirt that twirled around her legs every move. A sweet bow tie belt cinched at her waist, adding a touch of playfulness to her overall look. Her host, a beautiful, skin–toned hue, complemented her complexion perfectly. On her feet, she wore comfortable flat shoes. Finally, a black jacket topped off her appearance.
A Barbie doll was tucked under one arm, its hair tangled and wild, and with her free hand, she pushed loose strands of her own hair away from her face, her fingers clumsily swiping at her eyes.
Ryan’s expression softened instantly, his composed demeanor dissolving as he crouched to meet her. “Hi, baby girl,” he greeted warmly, tugging gently at her rosy cheeks. “Did you grow overnight?”
Sea giggled, the sound as pure as sunlight breaking through storm clouds. “No,” she replied shyly, the corners of her mouth turning up in a smile.
Ryan chuckled and leaned in to kiss her forehead. “Hmm, are you sure? You look taller to me.”
She laughed again, and at that moment, I saw the transformation in Ryan. Sea had a way of reaching into the depths of his guarded soul, pulling him into a light he rarely let himself feel. She had the same effect on me, but for Ryan, it was like she brought out a version of him no one else could.
Ryan was her godfather, her second father, and I trusted him implicitly when it came to her. I trusted him to protect her, to shield her from everything that could ever harm her–including the darkness I carried. She had changed me, yes, but she had changed him too. When Sea was around, the hardness in Ryan melted away, his eyes filling with a vibrancy that I never saw.otherwise.
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V
“Uncle Ryan, come play with me!” she demanded, tugging at his hand.
Ryan glanced at me, and I signaled him silently. He nodded in understanding and turned his full attention back to Sea, keeping her focus entirely on him. “Of course, princess,” he said, taking her little hand in his. “What game are we playing today?”
She started chattering excitedly about tea parties, and Ryan guided her back toward the door, skillfully keeping her eyes away from the covered body on the floor. His calm, steady voice kept her distracted, his tone playful and reassuring.
Once they were out of sight, I stepped out of the office and joined them in the hall. Sea turned her bright gaze on me, her face lighting up. “Daddy!” she squealed, her small arms reaching out
She was completely absorbed in Ryan, unaware of my existence.
I scooped her up effortlessly, holding her close as her tiny hands clung to my shirt.
As I hugged my angel, I was enveloped in the warm, comforting scent of coconut oil. It was a smell that reminded me of lazy summer days, playing in the backyard and snuggling up with her on the couch. She smelled like a combination of her favourite hair products and the tropical sunscreens we used on our family vacations.
As we pulled back from the hug, Sea’s big charcoal gray eyes sparkled up at me, and I couldn’t help but smile. She was a tiny ball of energy, always on the go, but in moments like these, she was just my baby, sweet and innocent.
“Missed me, Sea?” my voice dropped to a soothing murmur as I brushed my lips against her temple.
She nodded vigorously. “Always!”
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Chapter 14
As I walked away with her cradled in my arms, my men moved quickly behind me, lifting Brady’s body with care and carrying him out of the room. The rug would be cleaned, the mess erased.
“Good morning, Angel,” I said, my voice soft as I peppered her face with kisses, earning a burst of giggles that filled the room. She squirmed in my arms, kicking her little feet and laughing until her breath came in short, happy bursts.
“Good morning, Daddy!” she finally managed, her sweet voice like music to my ears–ears that had grown too accustomed to shouts and screams.
“How did you sleep, my princess?” I asked, brushing her perfect hair away from her face.
“Good,” she answered with a broad grin, then tilted her head curiously. “How was your night, Daddy?”
“It was amazing, darling,” I replied warmly, my tone softening in a way it never did for anyone else. “And you? Did you dream about fairies again?”
Her eyes lit up as she nodded enthusiastically. “As a matter of fact, I did, Daddy. I had an amazing night!”
“That’s wonderful,” I said, smiling. “I’m so happy to hear that.”
My phone vibrated in my pocket, but I ignored it without hesitation. There was nothing in this world more important than those moments with Sea. Let the rest of the world wait.
She started looking around the room, her bright eyes darting curiously. Then she focused on me again, a question clear on her little face.
“Looking for something, darling?” I asked, brushing her nose lightly with my finger.
“Yes, Daddy,” she said matter–of–factly. “Where’s she?”
“She?” I frowned slightly. “Who are you talking about, Angel?”
“Avery,” she said with cheerful certainty. “I liked the story she told me last night. I want her to tell me another one. She has the best storytelling voice, all dramatic and exciting!” Sea’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, and I could tell she wasn’t going to let up.
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