Chapter 28
Chapter Twenty-Eight
ANDREI
Isnorted and shook my head as I read Lottie's text, my lips curving into an amused smile. Of course she was surprised. Our little girl was so innocent sometimes.
Me: I already knew, kroshka. Almost everyone at WAM is in the lifestyle. We cultivate a safe workspace.
Kaleb and Colby's responses pinged in rapid succession:
Kaleb: Baby girl, we know about Ashlei and Jace. They're Scarlet Rose members in good standing.
Colby: Sweet girl, did you think it was a coincidence that so many of your colleagues are accepting? Kaleb and Andrei have been very... selective in their hiring practices over the years.
I tucked my phone into my pocket, still shaking my head as I pushed away from my desk. Lottie never ceased to amaze me with her perspective on the world. She'd been right under our noses for years, working in the company we'd built as a sanctuary for those in the lifestyle, and she'd had no idea.
The walk to her office wasn't long, but I took my time. The corridors were mostly empty at this hour. Most employees had sensible working hours, unlike my stubborn little girl who still worked late despite our repeated warnings.
When I reached her office, I paused in the doorway, content to watch her for a moment.
She hadn't noticed me yet—her brow furrowed in concentration as she stared at her computer screen, absently twirling a strand of honey-brown hair around her finger.
The soft glow from her desk lamp highlighted the curves of her face, casting shadows beneath her lashes.
Beautiful. My chest tightened with the familiar surge of possessive love that never failed to take my breath away.
I cleared my throat, and she jumped, a startled squeak escaping her lips as her chair rolled back and she half-rose from her seat.
"Andrei! You scared me," she gasped, hand pressed to her chest.
"I can see that, kroshka," I replied, unable to keep the amusement from my voice. "Do you know what time it is?"
She glanced at her computer screen, wincing slightly. "Eight-thirty?"
"Indeed." I crossed my arms, leaning against the doorframe. "And what was our rule about working past eight?"
Lottie's lips pursed into a pout that made me want to bite them. "That I'm not supposed to?"
"That's right." I pushed away from the doorframe, crossing to her side of the desk. "And yet here you are, still working."
"I lost track of time," she protested, but her eyes gleamed with that hint of mischief that told me she was testing me. Always testing, my little bratty girl.
"Hmm." I reached past her to save her work, then shut down her computer. "I think we'll be discussing your tendency to 'lose track of time' later tonight."
Her breath hitched, and a delicate flush spread across her cheeks. "Yes, Daddy A."
"Good girl." I grabbed her coat from the rack in the corner and held it out. "Now let's get you home where you belong."
Lottie stood, sliding her arms into the sleeves as I held her coat. I settled it onto her shoulders, using the opportunity to press my lips to the sensitive spot behind her ear.
"I need to bring my laptop," she said, already reaching for her bag.
"No, you don't." I caught her wrist gently but firmly. "It's almost nine o'clock on a Wednesday night. Whatever work you think you need to do can wait until tomorrow."
"But the Henderson file—"
"Charlotte." My voice dropped an octave, the warning clear.
She stilled immediately, her eyes widening. "Yes, Daddy A."
"Better." I gathered her purse and guided her toward the door with my hand on the small of her back. "Oscar is waiting downstairs."
We walked in comfortable silence to the elevator, my hand never leaving her back. The possessive gesture wasn't lost on the night security guard who nodded respectfully as we passed, his lips curling into a knowing smile. Everyone in the building knew who she belonged to now. Who would protect her.
As the elevator doors closed, Lottie turned to look up at me. "I really did lose track of time, you know. Ashlei and I were talking about Friday, and then I got caught up in some reports..."
"I know, kroshka." I brushed a strand of hair from her face. "But rules are rules, and they exist for a reason. You need rest, especially after everything that's happened."
She nodded, her expression softening. "I know."
"Good."
The elevator dinged, announcing our arrival at the parking garage. As the doors opened, I guided her forward, scanning the area out of habit. Old instincts never truly died, especially not after Patrice's threats.
"Where's my car?" Lottie asked, looking around in confusion.
"Oscar drove it home this afternoon. We're taking the Audi."
"But—"
I turned, scooping her up and tossing her over my shoulder in one fluid motion. Her surprised squeal echoed through the parking garage.
"Andrei! Put me down!" She smacked my back lightly, her legs kicking uselessly in the air.
"No." I adjusted my hold, one arm wrapped securely around her thighs. "You've been disobedient, kroshka. Consider this the beginning of your punishment."
"I need my laptop!" she protested, though I could hear the laughter she was trying to suppress.
"What you need is a firm reminder about following rules." I delivered a light swat to her ass, delighting in her indignant gasp.
Oscar stood by the car, his expression carefully neutral as we approached—though I didn't miss the slight twitch of his lips. He opened the back door without comment, stepping aside as I maneuvered Lottie into the seat.
"Thank you, Oscar," I said, sliding in beside her.
"Of course, sir." He closed the door, moving around to the driver's side.
Lottie crossed her arms over her chest, attempting to look stern despite the flush on her cheeks. "That was completely unnecessary."
"Was it?" I raised an eyebrow. "You seemed determined to argue with me."
"I wasn't arguing, I was explaining."
"Semantics, little girl." I pulled her closer, my arm wrapping possessively around her shoulders. "The result is the same. You were trying to avoid following a rule we established for your well-being."
She sighed, leaning into me despite her feigned annoyance. "Fine. Maybe I was."
"There's no maybe about it." I kissed the top of her head. "And now you'll face the consequences."
"Which are?" She looked up at me through her lashes, a hint of anticipation in her voice.
"You'll find out when we get home." I held her gaze, letting her see the heat in my eyes. "But I can promise you this—by the time I'm done, you won't forget our rules again anytime soon."
Her breath hitched, pupils dilating as she processed my words. "Yes, Daddy A."
"Good girl." I pulled her closer, savoring her warmth against me. My phone buzzed, and I checked it to find a message from Kaleb.
Kaleb: Everything okay? You've been gone a while.
Me: Found our girl still working. Bringing her home now.
Kaleb: Again? She's asking for it.
Me: Don't worry. She'll get exactly what she's asking for.
I tucked the phone away, feeling Lottie's curious gaze. "Kaleb and Colby are waiting for us," I explained. "They were concerned when I didn't return quickly."
"Are they upset with me too?" she asked, a hint of genuine worry creeping into her voice.
"Not upset, kroshka." I cupped her cheek. "Just concerned. We all want what's best for you."
She nodded, settling against me again as Oscar navigated through the evening traffic. Her body relaxed incrementally, the tension of the workday gradually seeping from her shoulders.
This was all I wanted—her safe in my arms, heading home to our family. After years of darkness, of isolation, of believing I didn't deserve happiness, Lottie had brought light back into my world. Into all our worlds.
And I would do anything—anything—to protect that light.
Including reminding my stubborn little girl about the importance of following rules designed to keep her healthy and rested.
But that reminder would have to wait until we got home. For now, I was content to hold her close, watching the city lights pass by as we made our way back to where we belonged.
Together.