Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 45605 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 228(@200wpm)___ 182(@250wpm)___ 152(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 45605 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 228(@200wpm)___ 182(@250wpm)___ 152(@300wpm)
I stare at him, holding my breath, not blinking.
He grins and kisses my unmoving lips. “You’ll never be able to hide anything from me, Little doll. Now let’s get you in the tub. I want the smoke out of your hair and the scent of your stepfather’s house off of your skin.”
“It’s not his house,” I retort.
He flinches. “What?”
“I mean it was my mother’s house. He moved in when he married her. I guess it’s his now, but I grew up there. I hate him. He ruined my haven. My safe place. He made it uglier every day while he stole another piece of my soul.”
I’m stunned by my outburst. It’s not like me. I haven’t raised my voice or expressed anger for so long that it feels odd and leaves me shaking. If I’d shouted like that at Vincent, he would have backhanded me and probably slammed me into the wall and given me a concussion.
Orion looks horrified. “Is it possible he doesn’t even own the house, Cora?”
“I have no idea. I was sixteen when my mother died. He told me I was an orphan and that I had to do what he said, or he would put me out on the streets. I was scared and lonely. I didn’t feel like I had options. I never thought about whether or not he really owned the house.”
Daddy stares at me, brow furrowed. “I’m going to dig into this situation and find out, Little doll. And, for the record, you have every right to be angry. If you want to scream, go right ahead. I won’t stop you. But let me make a suggestion for your consideration.”
I swallow. A suggestion? For my consideration? When has anyone given me choices? Not Vincent. That’s for sure. “Okay.”
“You’re shaking with well-founded anger. Why don’t you let me spank you after your bath. Give it a try. It might chase away the icky feelings and help you relax.”
My mouth falls open. I want to tell him he’s crazy, but he’s not laughing. His expression is tight. He’s dead serious. “That makes no sense,” I finally say.
“It will, Little doll. You’ll see. If you’re ready. Think about it.”
Again with the choices. He’s not ordering me over his knees. He’s not mad. He’s offering me a very strange way to relieve my stress. It seems ridiculous, but maybe I should give him the benefit of the doubt. He knows better than me.
“Arms up, Little doll.”
I’m so deep in my head that I automatically obey him without thinking, and seconds later, I’m naked. I should have expected this to happen. He specifically said he was going to give me a bath, not that he was going to leave me in the bathroom to bathe myself.
I awkwardly cross my arms over my chest, shivering more from nerves than cold.
Daddy says nothing as he lifts me by the hips and sets me in the tub. “On your bottom, Little doll,” he orders.
I quickly bend my legs and let him lower me to the floor of the tub, keeping my arms crossed.
The water is still running. It feels so nice. Warm.
Daddy’s brow is furrowed as he takes my right hand and guides it away from my chest. He examines my arm carefully, flipping it over a few times. When he prods my wrist, he asks, “Is the pain better, sweetness?”
There’s that endearment again. I like Little doll a lot. It makes me all warm and fuzzy. Sweetness gives me tingles. “Yes, Daddy. It only hurts a little.”
“Good. I want you to baby it for a few days until we’re sure, but if it’s not hurting badly, and since I don’t see any swelling, I don’t believe it’s broken. Just sprained.”
“Will you have to bite me every time I get an injury?”
He looks me in the eyes. “No, Little doll. Just the once. My essence runs through your veins now. You’ll always heal faster than the average human.”
That’s a relief.
“Let Daddy see your other arm,” he orders gently, holding his hand out.
I’m using it to cover both my nipples. My forearm is over one, and my hand over the other. I’m going to feel even more exposed if I release my breasts. I tip my head back. “Daddy…”
He strokes my cheek with one finger. “Soon I will know every inch of your body, Little doll. Inside and out. You won’t have any secrets from me. You’re my mate. I will see you naked every day.” He bends forward and kisses me.
I whimper as I lean in to accept his lips, wanting more.
“Give Daddy your hand, Cora. Be brave for me.”
Trembling, I release my chest and extend my arm.
“That’s a good girl,” he praises. “I’m so proud of you. Every inch of you is perfection. There’s no reason to be embarrassed, but what you’re feeling is a common human reaction. Mates of lion shifters do not ordinarily live the sort of modest existence you’re used to.”