"Give me an update," I say into my watch as I step out of the living room and into the hallway of the main building. I keep the door cracked so I can watch the couch. When I see Sloan come out and lie down on it, I feel better knowing I can keep my eyes on her. She looks like she might go to sleep, and I check the time.

"We’ve searched the grounds and can’t find any sign of him. He somehow vanished."

"That’s not the update I’m looking for," I say as frustration takes hold.

What I want to do is go out there my damn self and find him. Then figure out what the fuck he thinks he’s doing by giving us the slip and then playing hide and go seek.

"It’s the best I can give you right now. We’ve got another team coming in to stand guard. We’ve got everyone we have on this. Do you need someone to come relieve you for the night?"

"No!" I shout, but then catch myself. "No, I’m good. I’ll protect Buttercup. I’ll keep my communications on so you can update me every hour. You guys know what to do."

"Yes, sir," Mike says.

I stand there until the patrol guards come by and I get the same story from them. They’re walking the halls and checking the cameras, but whatever this kid did to get in here, he’s managed to evade all our security. But this wing of the White House is the most heavily protected, so while I don’t like Chad running free on the property, this is the best place for Sloan to be.

I check the time again and curse. I keep telling myself I’ve waited all this time for her, and I should wait until the danger has passed to take what’s mine. But then as the minute draws near, I talk myself out of waiting. There will always be danger surrounding Sloan. That’s why she needs me. Not only will I protect her, but I’ll make sure our family is protected, too. I’m the only one capable of doing it and I won’t trust anyone else. Not that I’d let another man close enough to try.

At eleven thirty I call for a security team to come stand outside Sloan’s wing. I want them guarding the entrance while I’m ten inches deep so that I know I won’t be interrupted.

Once I’m inside that tight cherry she’s got between her milky thighs I won’t want to come up for air until I’ve had my fill.

"I want three of you on this door at all times. No one enters. Do you understand?" I ask the guards, who all nod at me.

I push the door open and step through, bolting it behind me. The sound causes Sloan to open her eyes and she sits up on the couch, looking at me. Her wide-eyed expression tells me she knows it’s time, and I nod at her to confirm.

"Stand up," I order, and she does as I ask.

I walk over slowly, peeling off my shirt and letting it drop to the floor as I do. Next I unclasp my belt and pull it off, tossing it on the floor, too. I unbutton and unzip my black pants.

When I’m standing in front of her, I can see her breathing pick up as she slowly takes a step back. For every step she retreats I follow until she’s backed against the wall.

Leaning close, I plant my palms on either side of her against the wall. I move in close to where my lips are against her ear, but I’m not touching her.

"I’m an only child, Sloan. I’m used to getting what I want. And I don’t share what’s mine," I say, and her breath hitches. "The day I laid eyes on you I made my claim. Do you know how hard it is to keep a toy in a box for three years?"

I run my nose against the shell of her ear, and she shivers.

"Take that fucking shirt off," I growl, offended at the material that’s covering up what belongs to me.

She reaches down and grabs the edge of the shirt, pulling it slowly up and off her body. I lean back only slightly, not giving her any extra room to remove it. I stare into her eyes as I take one hand away from the wall and place it gently against her throat. I can feel just how hard her heart is beating, and the power of what I’m doing to her makes me impossibly harder.

"Are you scared?" I ask, and I don’t take my eyes off of hers.

"No," she whispers, and I know she’s telling me the truth.

"I don’t deserve your body, but no man is worthy of it." Slowly I trail my hand down her neck and between her tits. I place the palm over her heart and lean in close to her. "I’m a bastard for wanting you when you were too young to have. But I’ve bided my time and now the sweet treasure you’ve got tight between your legs is my prize."

My watch beeps, and I know the smile on my face must be one the devil wears when he’s about to have his fun. I lean in close, our lips a breath away from touching.

"I’ll never be sorry," I say right before I press my lips to hers.