Billionaire Daddy's Naughty Nanny

(Evie's POV) There’s something delicious about walking into a room and knowing every single person is looking at you. The men, because they want you and the women because they want to be you. I step into the luxury Hotel ballroom, holding the arm of Charles Ford, my date for the night. His hand rests awkwardly on my lower back like he's stopping me from running away. "Smile, darling," Charles murmurs through his teeth. I put on the fakest smile ever. Tonight, I'm wearing a strapless red dress, with the neckline low enough to tease without showing much. My blonde hair is flowing freely in loose waves and my accessories are modest. As a professional escort, My job is simple: look exquisite, laugh at the right moments, and make Charles feel important. One hour into the event and I'm already dying of boredom “You’ve been a perfect date tonight, Evie,” Charles says with a smug smile. “Maybe we could… extend the evening? I have a penthouse just a few blocks from here.” I turn my head, still smiling sweetly. “My work is to escort you to the party, Charles. Not entertain you in bed. That wasn’t in our agreement.” His smile tightens, but he doesn’t push. Sleeping with my clients like a line I never cross. It’s going to be a long night. Charles laughter is too loud, his cologne too strong and his conversation empty. What a man! I swirl my champagne flute and let my eyes wander. And then I feel it. Eyes on me. Not the usual hungry stares I get. This one is… heavier. Oh damn! Tall with broad shoulders that strain his suit jacket, his dark, stormy eyes are fixed on me like he already owns me. This man is dangerously good-looking. He's not my type. He looks like the kind of man who controls everything and everyone around him. But when his gaze drags slowly down my body and back to my face, my pulse stops for a moment. I let my eyes linger on his. Then, with a small tilt of my chin, I smirk. And just for fun, I cross my legs, slowly. I know exactly where his eyes will go, down to my legs and back to my face. His expression doesn’t change, but I know I’ve got his attention. There’s a shift in his posture, like he’s decided something about me. By the time the speeches begin, I'm not hearing a word. I'm wondering if Mr. Hot stranger bites when he kisses... SCREEEEECH. The microphone lets out a blast of feedback. I flinch, but across the room, I see the little girl sitting beside him, clutching a doll. Her whole body stiffens before she scrambles under the table. His daughter? Charles says something in my ear, but I barely hear him. The room moves on like nothing happened. Hot stranger leans down, murmuring something I can’t hear. But the girl doesn't budge. She stays under the table. The speeches end, but she doesn’t come out. He tries again, trying to be patient but obviously frustrated. Before I can second guess myself, I touch Charles’s arm. “Excuse me a moment” His eyes narrow. “Where are you...” But I’m already walking. ******* (Damien's POV) Twenty minutes. That's how long I have spent cajoling my daughter to come out from under this damn table. Jenny doesn’t like loud noises. The feedback startled her, and now she’s clinging to her doll in silence. The longer she hides, the more the room notices. And I hate the pity glances. “Sweetheart, it’s over now,” I murmur, keeping my voice calm. “Please come out for Daddy.” Nothing. Then I hear heels clicking. The woman from across the room. The one in the red dress that has been tormenting my focus all evening. The one whose smirk had my blood rushing into my groin. She walks toward me, swaying her curvy hips. And then she ignores me completely, just crouches, lifts the tablecloth, and sits beside my daughter. “Hey there,” her voice is soothing. “You’re hiding from dragons? Or is this your secret princess tent?” she asks sweetly. Jenny sniffles. “It’s loud. I don’t like it.” she murmurs. “Yeah, that noise was pretty rude, wasn’t it?” Jenny nods. The lady takes a silver hairpin from hair and holds it out. “Wanna see something magical?” Jenny blinks, captivated. “This isn't just a hairpin, it’s a wand. Whenever I get scared, I hold it tight, and it makes a shield around me so no bad sounds can get in. Wanna try?” Tiny fingers curl around the pin. Jenny squeezes her eyes shut, clutching it like it’s real. Then softly, she whispers, “I think it worked.” The lady gasps, “Of course it worked! But we can’t stay under here too long…” She lowers her voice. “They might think we’ve turned into table goblins. And goblins only eat vegetables.” Jenny giggles. Actually giggles. “What’s your name, sweetie” “Jenny.” “Hi, Jenny. I’m Evie.” Evie. Finally, I know her name. Jenny studies her like she’s just met a fairy godmother. Then, with sudden bravery, she crawls out still holding Evie’s hand like it’s the most natural thing in the world. And for the first time in months, my daughter smiles at a stranger. Evie's eyes find mine briefly, and I feel heat, the kind of heat I haven't felt for a long time. “Thank you,” I say sincerely. She smiles politely, but her eyes tell me she's aware of the effect she's having on me. “You are welcome.” Our hands brush as I take Jenny from her, and the contact jolts straight through me like electricity. For a second, I forget we’re in a crowded ballroom. Forget everything but the way my body reacts to her touch. She turns, walking back towards a man who looks both irritated and suspicious. Jenny waves at her shyly. She glances at me over her shoulder, giving me one last smile before leaving. In the car, Jenny plays with the hairpin. “Daddy, I like the pretty lady.” She breaks the silence. I glance at her. “You do?” “Yeah, she's very nice.” I don’t answer. Instead, I pull out my phone and text my head of security who witnessed everything. “Find out everything about her. I want a file on my desk by morning.”