Owning Her Innocence (Innocence #1)(14)

“I never touched her until after her 18th birthday. Yesterday, to be exact.”

“But you wanted to touch her before then.”

It wasn’t a question. He was stating something we both knew, but he needed to hear me say it.

“Roger, I’ve loved Haley from the first moment I saw her as a baby. When Susan passed away I knew I would always be there for you both. You’re a brother to me. I would never take advantage of your trust, or take advantage of her. Come on, man, you know me better than that.”

“I thought I knew you. I walk into…into… I don’t know what the f*ck this is! But I’m blindsided. Imagine being in my position. I love you like my own family, but that’s my daughter. She’s a child!”

I take another deep breath because I need him to accept this.

“I know this is all hard to take, but you know me. You know the life I live. I’m not some predator looking for a child bride. I love Haley. The feelings I’ve had for her have changed as we’ve both grown. You of all people should know I don’t take love lightly. I don’t do relationships. Think about it, when was the last time you saw me with a woman? When was the last time you even heard me talk about a woman? I’ve waited my whole life for her. Even if this is the end of our friendshipdpg I want you to know that it won’t be the end of Haley and me. I will always love and protect her. She will always be my priority. I want you in our lives, and I want us to be okay.”

He stared at me as if he were trying to make a decision.

“Roger, you want her to grow up and be an adult, but I know she’ll always be your daughter. She’s young, and she’s naive, but I would never take advantage of her. I want for her what you want for her. Only, I want to be the one she depends on for the rest of her life. I think we both know Haley well enough to know that she’s wanted this far longer than I have.”

He gives me another glare across the table.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he huffs.

“You know exactly what I mean. She’s made it perfectly clear to anyone who would listen how she felt about me. For years.”

“It was a joke.”

“Roger. Search your heart. You know her. You know me. This isn’t changing. I just want your blessing. I want to know that when she’s ready and I ask her to marry me that you won’t step in. I’m bound to her in my heart for the rest of my life, and I want you to be a part of our lives. “

He continued to glare at me, but slowly started to nod his head. I could see the moment when he accepted what he heard as the truth. He may not have liked the way things were, but he seemed to make a decision.

“This will take time to get used to. But I trust you, and I trust Haley.”

I nodded my head in agreement and he moved to go to the kitchen. Just before he walked out of the room he turned and looked back at me. For some unknown reason his eyes were full of sadness.

“Susan always loved you like a brother. I can’t help but think if she were still alive she would be honored to have you take care of our daughter.”

With those words he headed to the kitchen. From where I stood, I could see him hugging Haley goodbye. They embraced for a few moments and I could see he was speaking in her ear. When they stepped back Haley was wiping her eyes and Roger gave me a curt nod on his way out the door.

Haley came running to me and wrapped her arms around my waist. I understood what she needed and held her to me. She sniffled a few times as I made shushing noises and rubbed circles on her back. I didn’t ask her what her father said because it was for her ears only. I could imagine she must have been emotionally overwhelmed from this morning.

“You okay, little one?”

I put my hands on either side of her face and tilted her head back to see her watery eyes.

“Yes, Daddy. I’m just so happy.”

That brought a smile to my face. Sweet, innocent Haley.

“I’m so happy too. What you said before you left the room made me so happy. I will guide you, and I will always be here for you. There’s no one else for me. You’re more precious to me than anything in the world.”

She smiled so brightly at me. The look on her face at that moment was one I intended to keep there.

“Did you finish eating, little one?”

She nodded her head yes and I kissed her sweet, tear-swollen lips.

“That’s good, sweet Haley. Because it’s time to go to bed.”

“But I’m not tired, Daddy,” she said as she leaned her plump body into mine.

“That’s not why, baby. I’m ready to make you mine completely. It’s time for my cock to get in your kitty. Daddy wants your cherry, little one.”

A red blush bloomed across her neck and cheeks. It made my dick pulse with need, seeing the innocence branded on her skin.

I looked behind Haley for a second and saw Maria’s retreating back heading out the front door with her bag on her shoulder. I wasn’t sure what she heard, but I was f*cking glad she’d be gone while this happened. I took Haley’s hand to lead her back to the bedroom and I felt her fingers tremble. I wanted her to be a little on edge. The adrenaline it gave my inner animal was strong. I was ready to claim her body as well as her heart.

Once we entered the bedroom I could see Maria already made quick work of changing the sheets and making the bed. I kicked the door shut behind us and Haley jumped a little, turning to look at me with huge eyes. I was breathing heavy and my nostrils flared thinking about how I was about to f*ck her. I had never, ever been this turned on, and there’s no way I would be able to be gentle.