His face fell. “I don’t like the sound of that. Guys, can you go back to the couch please? Daddy needs to talk to Ardy.”
“Awwh,” Rocket grumbled.
“I’ll be with you in a few minutes, little man.”
“Alright.” He huffed and released his hold, tuning on his heel and all but stomping back to the couch.
“You too, little lady.”
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“Awwh,” Harley muttered, mimicking her older brother as she stuck out her bottom lip and trudged to the couch.
“My Da is here,” Ardy whispered.
“What?”
“He thinks we’re fake. That you’re still holding the debt over me, or you’ve brainwashed me. Maybe a combo of both.” Ardy shook her head and sighed.
“Did you set him straight?”
“I tried. I asked him to stay a few days with us.”
“Ardy, hell no. I don’t want someone in our space who doesn’t like me.”
“Please, I don’t want to completely lose my family and be at odds.”
He sighed. “The shit I do for you woman.”
She stood on her tiptoes and kissed his lips. “Thank you.”
“Yeah, I’m going to take my payment out on that ass.” He patted her rear end.
She giggled. “Dinner will be ready in about ten minutes okay?”
“Alright, I’ll stay in here with the kids.”
“Thank you.”
Demon glared at the cock-blocking bastard who’d turned his life upside down. Seeing Ardy with her father had been a revelation. She doted on the old man, trying to make him as comfortable as possible, while maintaining her standards of care for Demon and his family. It pissed him off. He’d been here for two days and he’d long worn out his welcome. “I think it’s time we talk,” Demon said pushing his chair away from the table after breakfast.
Ardy glanced up.
“I think you’re right,” Paddy agreed.
“Let’s take it to the back porch.” Demon nodded his head at the backdoor.
“I’m right behind you,” Paddy said.
They stepped out into the early morning sunshine and Demon leaned against the railing while crossing his arms. “Look, I know I’m not the man you’d want for your daughter. I can understand that. But the fact of the matter is, she’s here because she wants to be. I love the fuck out of her. I won’t let anything happen to her and I’ll always provide. But she’s not going anywhere, unless it’s for a brief visit.”
“Mighty possessive, aren’t you?” Paddy’s brow furrowed.
“Have you seen your daughter? I was shocked she wasn’t already taken.”
“She’s not an object!” Paddy snapped.
“No, but she’s mine all the same and I intend on having her stay that way. I promised her I’d try to be nice. I get you wanting to make sure your daughter is okay. But the imbalance in your relationship pisses me off. She’s not supposed to take care of you. You took her for granted for far too long and now you want your worker back. Not going to happen.” Demon shook his head.