She shook her head, her cheeks reddening. It could be a hard thing to accept in the beginning, a daddy’s need to take care of his girl in all ways. But he wanted nothing between them.
“No. I went earlier.”
He scowled at the reminder that she’d gotten up without his help.
“I really don’t think I can sleep.” He studied her, wondering how far he could take things. He didn’t want to move too fast, but he was also dying to touch her. “I can think of one way to help you relax. Would you let me touch you? Give you pleasure?”
Her breathing grew faster. “You…you want to do that for me?”
“Yes.”
“And I’ll do the same for you?”
“No. All you need to do is lie there and let me pleasure you. They say an orgasm is good for headaches as well.”
She snorted, but smiled up at him shyly. “I think I’d like that. If you’re sure.”
It was all the permission he needed. He leaned down and kissed her. Hard. Hot. His heart raced. He kissed his way down her neck, her chest then he cupped one breast, sucking her nipple into his mouth. She cried out, arched up against him.
“How long has it been, little one?” He took her other nipple into his mouth, and suckled on it.
“What?” she asked breathlessly.
“How long since you’ve had an orgasm?”
“I-I don’t know.”
“Do you masturbate?”
Her breath was ragged. There was no reply. He glanced up at her. “Tell me.”
“I…no. Not since I’ve been living in my car. And Brian, well, he couldn’t…he never really…”
He understood what she was trying to say and he couldn’t help the surge of satisfaction. “That won’t be a problem between us.”
“No, I can tell.”
He kissed down her stomach. He could count every one of her ribs and her hip bones were too prominent. It wasn’t that he cared about her weight so much as her health. He’d need to keep a close eye on her food intake.
Grabbing hold of her panties, he pulled them down her legs. Her breath caught but she didn’t try to push him away. Good girl.
“Spread your legs nice and wide. I want you to stay very still, understand?”
“Yes.”
“Yes, what?” he asked her.
“Yes, Daddy.”
“Very nice. You please me very much, Charlotte.”
She smiled shyly. So beautiful. He knew she wasn’t aware of how precious and special she was. It would be his job to show her.
He reached up and lightly tugged at her pubic hair. “This is going to have to go. We’ll do that later.” Moving, he settled himself between her legs on his stomach. He drew the lips of her pussy apart, revealing her pink, wet folds. “What a pretty sight this is. Plump, pink.”
Leaning in, he took a long, leisurely lick. “And more delicious than I could have imagined.”
“Oh God,” she cried out as he circled her clit with the tip of his tongue then flicked the tight nub. Her legs rose slightly but she managed to hold her place. He teased her with light, soft taps of his tongue. He wanted to build her up slowly. He moved his tongue lower, flattening it to run it over the entrance to her passage. Over and over again, he licked at her. Then he slid one thick finger deep inside her.
So hot. Warm. His cock throbbed. Seemed like a cold shower was in his future. But all that mattered right now was his girl. Her pleasure. He tapped at her clit with his tongue and thrust his finger deep.
Harder. Faster.
Her cries became more urgent. Her body was tense, her thighs trembling.
“Please. Oh, please.”
“You are only ever to find your pleasure with my permission understand me?” he growled at her. He needed that control. Craved it.
“Yes, Daddy. Yes!”
“My good girl. Such a pretty, sweet girl. I want you to come for me now. Now.”
He returned his tongue to her clit, adding another finger into her passage, driving her higher and higher. Her whole body trembled beneath him. It was so easy to see how on edge she was. How much she needed this.
She screamed as she fell over the edge, her pussy pulsing around his finger, her body shuddering with wave after wave of pleasure. He drew his finger free. Then he placed a kiss on the top of her pussy. “Good girl. So beautiful.”
He lay next to her, pulling her into his arms until her breathing slowed. Then he rose and moved into the attached bathroom. He washed his hands and grabbing a clean cloth, wet it.
He returned to find her trying to sit. “Lie back down, baby. Your only job at the moment is to relax and let me look after you.”
“Not sure I know how.”
“To relax? Or let me take care of you?”
“Both.”
“I’ll teach you,” he promised.
She lay on her back and satisfaction filled him.
“Spread your legs again,” he demanded.
She widened her legs, staring at him in confusion until he started to wipe her with the cloth.
“I can do that.” She tried to reach for the cloth.
“You will not. Put that hand down.” He waited until she’d obeyed him before he ran the washcloth over her folds, enjoying the way her breath caught as he rubbed it against her clit. Damn, she was perfect.
Her eyes were closed and she barely stirred as he put one of his t-shirts on her. He brushed his lips over her forehead.
“Sleep, little darling.”
12
“Eat some more soup, baby.” Clint held the spoon up to her lips. She’d tried to insist that she could feed herself, however he wouldn’t have a bar of that.
“I’m full. I can’t fit in anymore.”
“You didn’t even eat half.”
“I don’t usually eat much.”
“Well you should be eating more than this,” he grumbled.
“We’re not all six-foot-five with huge appetites,” she teased him. “I haven’t done anything all day, of course I’m not going to feel like eating.” He’d waited on her hand and foot, insisting that she rest. And she had to admit that after the nap he’d made her take earlier that she was feeling much better.
He gave her a thoughtful look. He seemed to be about to say something then shook his head. What was that about?
“All right, I’m going to let you get away with eating this pitiful amount, but tomorrow, you’d best do better than this,” he warned. “If you get any thinner, you’d blow away in a wind.”
She rolled her eyes at that exaggeration. “Who made the soup? Allan?” What would Clint say if she told him about the way Allan had been treating her? He was being so sweet to her. She didn’t want to ruin that. And she wasn’t ready to find out whether he’d believe her. Or how he’d react once he discovered her secret.
His face tightened. Darkened. Again, she felt like she should remember something. Allan wasn’t her favorite person and she definitely wasn’t his, but she knew he was completely loyal to Clint. “No. The last thing the men want after a hard day’s work is chicken soup. This is out of a can, I’m afraid. I just nuked it for you.”
“Thank you.” She smiled at him. “That was really thoughtful of you.”
He just gave her a nod as though he didn’t know how to respond to her praise. Perhaps he didn’t. “I’m going to clear this up, have a shower then come to bed, okay?”
“All right,” she said shyly. “Are you sure you don’t want me to take the dishes downstairs while you shower?”
“No, I do not,” he replied firmly. “You stay right where you are.”
So bossy. But she couldn’t help but smile as he left, because it felt so nice to have someone care for her. Even though she felt guilty that she wasn’t working, it was nice to have a break from Allan. She turned the TV onto the news. Clint frowned when he returned and changed the channel to a cartoon.
“Hey, I was watching that.”
“Little girls don’t need to watch the
news.”
“Big Little girls do though,” she said firmly. “I still want to know what’s going on in the world, Clint.”
He gave her a look then nodded. “All right, you can watch it. But only when I’m around to make sure it’s not something that will give you nightmares.”
Well, she already had enough of those, she didn’t really want more. So, she nodded and settled in to watch cartoons while he showered. Eventually, he opened the bathroom door and stepped out, just dressed in his boxers.
Yum. He was so gorgeous it took her breath away. She switched off the TV and set the remote down on the bedside table.
“Would you like me to leave the bathroom light on?” Clint asked her as he walked out of the bathroom.
She tensed slightly. Was he making fun of her? Would he be annoyed if she said yes?
“Baby girl, when Daddy asks a question, he expects you to answer him,” he warned.
“Will it annoy you if it’s on?”
He raised his eyebrows. “No, it won’t. Even if it would, then I’d find a way to cope. Because my job is to give you what you need.”
Her insides melted at his words.
“Yes, please, Daddy,” she said in a quiet voice, hugging Inky tight.
He didn’t say anything more, just left the door partially open. It was late, but she wasn’t sure how she was going to sleep when she’d napped half the day away. Although even as she thought that, she found herself yawning.
“My baby is still tired,” he said in a low rumble.
He pulled back the covers on his side and climbed into bed. He’d insisted on helping her to the bathroom earlier even though she was perfectly capable of going by herself. It had been embarrassing and yet it was very sweet the way he worried over her.
As though she was precious. Special.
When the reality was, she was anything but.
She rolled over and pulling open a bedside drawer, stuffed Inky in.
“What are you doing?” he asked in a calm voice.
“Putting Inky away.” Wasn’t that obvious?
“Why?”
Why? She wasn’t sure exactly what to say to that. “I didn’t think you’d want…I mean, Brian used to hate when I had Inky in bed with me.”
“Well, I’m not Brian. And I’m not that interested in his opinions.”
“You mean, you don’t mind that I sleep with Inky?” she asked.
“I insist on it. Besides, I’d be a hypocrite if I did, considering I’ve got my own cuddly toy.”
“What?” No way.
He leaned over her, pulled Inky out and gave it to her. Then he settled on his back and drew her close, wrapping his big arm around her so she lay on her side with her head resting on his warm chest. She could hear the beat of his heart. Oh. So, he’d meant that she was his cuddly toy. Fine by her. Sometimes she felt so starved for touch it was an ache. His warmth infused into her and she almost groaned in delight. She moved her feet closer. He hissed.
“Jesus, your feet are like blocks of ice.”
“Sorry.” She shoved them back. Crap. She’d just had to go and ruin the moment. Idiot.
She felt tears well as he slid his arm out from under her and climbed out of bed. Was he going?
“I won’t do it again,” she told him. “Please don’t leave.”
He whirled around, frowning down at her. “Leave? I’m not leaving. I’m getting something for those icicles.”
Oh.
He grabbed some socks from a drawer and moved back to her. Shoving back the covers, he pulled the socks over her feet. They were huge and probably looked ridiculous, but they felt so good she let out a happy sigh.
“Gonna have to work on getting you to ask for what you need. I’m pretty observant but I’m no mind reader. And I’m not going anywhere. You’ll learn that in time I suppose.” He pulled her close once more, making sure the covers were tucked tight around her. “Cold-blooded little thing, aren’t you? We’re going to have to take you shopping. Get some of those pajamas with the feet attached and a butt flap for easy access.”
Hmm. She wasn’t sure that was a good idea.
“I don’t think they make those in my size, Daddy.”
“Oh, they definitely do.” He gave her ass a light smack. “I know someone who makes special orders for all sorts of outfits for little girls.”
Well, of course he did. She yawned again and went to sleep with his lightly patting her bottom.
* * *
“You’re a thief!”
No. No. She shied back as Allan yelled at her, looming over her. Suddenly it wasn’t Allan standing over her, it was Brian.
“You’re messed up! Why can’t you be normal! I can’t take it anymore!” Brian screamed, his face mottled and red.
Brian’s face morphed into her aunt’s. “You should be grateful, you little brat! Grateful I took you in! Yet all you do is cry and beg. You should be dead! You should have been the one to die!”
“Charlotte! Charlotte, wake up!”
No. No. She was sorry. She hadn’t meant to. Please!
“Charlotte, wake up. Now!”
She gasped, opened her eyes and stared up into Clint’s concerned face. Where was she? What was she doing here? She tried to scoot backwards, her hand throbbing as she moved it. She remembered now. She remembered it all. She’d been prepping for dinner when Allan had accused her of being a thief. He’d gone through her backpack and found the can of peaches. Then he’d screamed at her and when she’d moved towards him, he’d pushed her back. She’d fallen. That must have been when she’d cut her hand. The rest was a blur.
But, oh God, if Allan knew she’d been stealing then she was guessing Clint knew too.
She sat up, pressed herself against the headboard and curled her legs in against her chest, wrapping her arms around them.
“Charlotte.” Clint reached for her and she flinched back with a whimper.
He stared at her in shock. “Baby girl, it’s me. I’m not going to hurt you. You’re safe.”
She trembled. If he knew, why hadn’t he said anything? Why hadn’t he kicked her off the ranch? Why had he said all those things about wanting to be with her? To be her daddy?
She let out a sob.
“Little darling,” he soothed. “Please don’t cry. Let me hold you. Tell me what the nightmare was about so I can help make it go away.”
“You can’t make it go away; they never go away.” She’d had nightmares for years. They’d changed over time, but they never went away.
“Daddies are very good at making nightmares go away. At keeping the monsters at bay. Let me hold you and I’ll show you.”
She shook her head and tightened her hold on her legs. He studied her for a moment, appearing worried.
“Baby—”
“Why am I still here?” she whispered.
“What do you mean? In my bed? You went to sleep here, don’t you remember?” He frowned. “Do you need Doc? I’ll go call him.” He moved his legs off the side of the bed.
“No! Don’t go! Please don’t go.” She knew she was acting crazy. She didn’t want him to touch her. But she also didn’t want him to leave.
“Okay, baby girl,” he soothed as he sat back down so he faced her. “I’m not going anywhere. Why don’t you tell me about the nightmare?”
She swallowed heavily, her mouth dry, her body trembling with nerves and lingering fear. “I didn’t mean why am I still in your bed. Although, I suppose I do mean that in a way. Why am I still on the ranch? Why haven’t you kicked me off? He told you, didn’t he? He had to have told you what I did.”
Realization filled his face and he scooted closer.
“No! Don’t touch me.” She could hear the note of hysteria in her voice and had to work hard not to break into tears. Her heart was pounding so hard she felt ill.
“All right, sweetheart. I promise I won’t touch you until you give me permission. But you’re going to have to calm down for me, okay?” His voice was soft
and low but she could see the concern in his eyes. “You’re going to make yourself ill if you keep on like this and I won’t have that, understand? If you can’t calm down on your own then I’m going to have to take over. I promise you that whatever you’re thinking right now, it isn’t true.”
“Allan didn’t tell you about what I did?” she whispered.
“Why don’t you tell me.”
She realized it wasn’t an actual answer to her question and she wasn’t sure if she could tell him. If she could stand to see the concern on his face morph into anger. Her shaking increased.
“Okay, enough,” he said in a gruff voice. “I’m going to call Doc.”
“No, I can do this. I’m just…I’m scared.”
His eyes widened. “Of me? You think I’ll hurt you?”
“N-not physically. But I’m scared you won’t want me anymore.” God, that was so hard for her to say, but if he was going to kick her out of his life in a few minutes what did she have to lose?
“Nothing you do or say will make me not want you anymore. Not unless you decide you don’t want me.”
“You can’t say that,” she whispered.
“I can,” he said firmly. “I told you that once you’re mine, you’re mine forever. I don’t take this shit lightly. But I can tell you don’t believe me yet, so why don’t you tell me what you have to say and then I can get busy comforting you.”
Did he really not know? “I-I stole f-from you, Clint.”
“No, you didn’t,” he replied promptly.
She frowned. That wasn’t quite the response she’d been expecting. “Yes, I did.”
“No, you didn’t. Because you’re mine, which means everything I own is yours.”
She shook her head. “You don’t understand. You don’t know what I did.”
“Baby girl, you’re worrying about nothing. I know about the hoarding. Ellie and Bear found the food in your cabin.”
She sobbed in a breath. Ellie and Bear knew? Who else knew?
“It’s okay, sweetheart. Only me, Ellie, Bear, and Zeke know,” he soothed. “Nobody is going to say anything.”
“A-allan.” Her breath was coming rapidly, she couldn’t say anything else.
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