19. Ember

19

EMBER

W hen Cage brought me to the main house and left me with Jasper and Theo, I had to work really hard to keep from begging to go with him. It’s not that I don’t like his brothers. I do. And I love Rowie. But there’s just something about my Daddy leaving that makes me want to cry.

Which is a huge problem. One day soon, he’s going to send me away, and I’m never going to see him again. Yet I’m sad that he’s going to be gone for only a few hours. I was the one who asked him to be my temporary Daddy. It seems like, instead, I’ve set myself up for heartbreak.

I don’t want to focus on that now, though. Otherwise, I’ll be a blubbering mess in front of Rowie, Theo, and Jasper, and that would be horrifying. I’m already worried about what Theo and Jasper must think of me, coming into their lives and turning their brother into my Daddy. Rowie, on the other hand, has made her feelings about it quite clear. Not only did she jump up and down, clapping her hands when she found out, but she started making plans for us for things to do in the future as best friends. The thought of leaving her, too, makes my heart ache even more.

“Do you want to go outside and play on the playground?” Rowie asks as we color at the art table.

Jasper and Theo have mostly left us alone other than occasionally peeking in to check on us. For the most part, Rowie seems to do whatever she wants throughout the day, and the men just keep tabs on her while also making her take an afternoon nap. From what I’ve gathered, the guys all rotate who stays in the main house to look after her. It’s sweet how they are all so involved in her life. It’s like every time she sees one of them, she lights up, and so do they. It’s the same way Cage lights up when I enter the room. It’s an addictive feeling to be the center of someone’s attention.

“Oh, that sounds so fun. I’ve been wanting to go on the swings.”

She tosses her crayons into a container and closes her coloring book. “The slide is my favorite. We have to ask Theo or Jasper. I’m not allowed to go on the playground without someone supervising.”

I follow her through the house until we find Jasper, who is rubbing his eyebrows as he stares at a computer screen. He looks tired.

“Will you come outside with us so we can go on the playground?”

Jasper looks up, his jaw immediately relaxing as though he’s happy for the break. “What’s the magic word?”

Rowie grins. “Pretty please with cherries and pink sprinkles on top?”

I giggle, and Jasper turns his attention to me. “And what’s your magic word?”

My eyes widen like a deer in the headlights. “Um, please, with whipped cream and chocolate on top?”

He snorts and winks at me. “Perfect. Just the right amount of sugar from two sweet girls. Go potty and wash your hands first, then we can go outside.”

Heat spreads over me. These men say things like that so nonchalantly, yet my cheeks burn up over being told to go potty. It’s wild how those words and the way he says it makes me feel so Little.

Rowie lets me go potty first. As I pull down my leggings and cotton panties, which go up to my belly button and have tiny dragons on them, I wonder what it would be like to live like this all the time. It’s wishful thinking. I know that. But what if I never had to leave this perfect ranch? Or see a stupid big city again? Or my father?

That last thought doesn’t make me as sad as I would have thought. He said things would be different when I return home, but will they really? Will he sit down for meals with me, celebrate holidays like most people do, or teach me something that a dad knows how to do? Cage would do all of that for me. I’m not so sure about my father, though. He hasn’t exactly given me many reasons to have much faith in him over the years.

I touch the cool metal of the necklace he gave me and sigh. Another problem to deal with at another time. For now, I get to go play with my new best friend.

When I come out, Rowie goes in as Jasper approaches. “Did you wash your hands?”

I nod. “Yes.”

“With soap?”

Of course I did. And I’m sure he knows it. But that follow-up question in the Daddyish tone he’s using has me feeling so dang small.

“Uh-huh. Wanna smell?” I hold my hand up for him, and without hesitating, Jasper grabs it and sniffs.

“Good girl. I’m so proud of you.”

And just like that, I’m goo for Jasper. The man is scary-looking. And most people probably tremble when he even glances in their direction. Most people are idiots. I can see the man underneath the terrifying exterior. At least, I think I can. There’s kindness in those tired eyes of his.

As soon as Rowie exits and sticks her hands in Jasper’s face for him to sniff as well, we all go outside. Rowie and I skip happily toward the playground while Jasper follows.

“Be careful!” he calls. “No running.”

I giggle because I’m starting to believe Cage when he says his brothers are just as overprotective as he is.

“Don’t worry. We won’t have any fun,” I reply sassily.

Jasper blinks several times. I think I’ve stunned him. Heck, I’ve sort of surprised myself. It’s one thing to be sassy with Cage, but I don’t know his brothers well yet. I don’t want to piss them off.

Then, the slightest smile spreads on his lips as he narrows his gaze. “Watch it, brat. I have a text from Cage saying I can punish you if you’re naughty. I’d hate to start taking away Good Girl Points.”

My mouth drops open. I turn around to face him, planting my hands on my hips. I’m not sure what’s gotten into me, but it’s a lot of fun.

“That is so mean.” I huff. “I can’t believe you would do that. I’ve been so nice to you.”

He chuckles and shakes his head. “Better believe it, Little girl. Now, go have fun.”

I grin and stick my tongue out at him, then join Rowie on the play structure, where she’s already about to take her first ride down the slide.

The warm breeze is perfect for this today. All around us is nothing but brilliant green trees that line the mountain and make it the beautiful forest it is. What would it be like to be here in the winter? I bet it snows a lot. The pretty kind of snow. Not the kind in DC that immediately turns to gray slush and soaks my feet.

Rowie and I take turns going down the slide, giggling the entire time. I can’t remember going to a park when I was growing up. Yet these guys built one for her right in her backyard. I guess it’s true when they say if they wanted to, they would. I guess that even goes for parents. And obviously, my father didn’t want to. Or he just doesn’t care.

Shaking my head, I push those thoughts aside. Nope. Not letting him ruin this time for me. This is my time to be me. To be Little. I clap for Rowie when she does a flip on one of the bars, at the same time, Jasper yells for her to be careful. Sheesh. A little overprotective. It’s sweet, though.

After we’ve climbed and slid for nearly an hour, I eye the swings. As though Rowie already knows, she grabs my hand, and together, like best friends, we both climb onto one and start kicking our feet. Jasper is close by talking to another one of Cage’s brothers. Creed, I think. There’s just so many of them. I don’t know if I’ll ever get all their names straight.

“I need to get something to drink,” Rowie announces as she jumps from the swing. “Be right back. I’ll bring you some juice, too.”

Wrapping my fingers around the chain on either side of me, I glide through the air with my braids, which Cage did this morning for me, swinging along with me. If my smile gets any bigger, it might split my face in half, but I don’t care. I feel so free. So happy.

Almost as soon as that thought comes, it leaves as something pinches me.

“Ouch!” I cry out, jumping from the swing.

It happens again, the stinging pain radiating through me. Jasper is on his feet and in front of me almost immediately.

“Owwie,” I whimper as a big fat tear rolls down my cheek. “I think I got stung on my ankle.”

Before I know what’s happening, Jasper swoops me in his arms and carries me effortlessly into the house. Tears continue to fall, and I’m not sure if it’s because it hurts or if it’s because I want my Daddy. Maybe a little of both.

He sets me on the counter and leans down to inspect my ankle, where two red welts are already appearing.

“Have you been stung before?” he asks as he starts moving through the kitchen while tapping his phone with one hand.

I sniffle and shake my head. “No. It’s burning.”

The skin around the spots has turned blotchy red, and it’s getting harder to breathe. Jasper puts a cold, wet cloth on my ankle just as his phone rings.

“She’s okay. I just need to know if she’s been tested for allergies. She says she’s never been stung before.” He listens to Cage, who even I can hear as he yells at his brother.

Is he blaming Jasper? It’s not his fault. My heart races and my breaths continue to come out shaky.

“She’s breathing hard,” Jasper says. “I need to get her to a hospital.”

More tears fall, and I start shaking my head. The only thing I need is my Daddy right now. “I’m okay. I just… I need to catch my breath.”

Jasper listens to something that Cage says and then looks at me. “Are you panicking, baby? Is that why you’re having a hard time breathing?”

As soon as I nod, Jasper is in front of me. He sets his phone on the counter and hits the speaker function, then grabs my hands.

“Count my stars, Ember,” he says, holding up his forearm.

Sure enough, small stars are tattooed all over his skin in between more intricate art.

“Listen to him, firefly. Count them. With each one, take a breath, baby girl. Slow and steady,” Cage croons through the phone.

As my eyes travel over his arm, counting as I go along, my heartbeat steadies, and my breathing evens. The bee stings are throbbing, though.

“Take me off speaker and give her the phone,” Cage says.

“I’m okay,” I tell Cage in a small, shaky voice.

“That’s a good girl,” Jasper murmurs. “Keep breathing.”

Rowie comes barreling in with Theo right behind her.

“What happened?” she demands. “Oh my God, are you okay?”

“Creed said she got stung. He’s grabbing the first aid kit,” Theo says.

Within seconds, five men are surrounding me while Rowie stands to the side, watching in horror as if I’m dying. The only thing I can focus on, though, is Cage whispering soft, reassuring words to me that only I can hear.

Theo, Creed, Cassian, Jasper, and—I think—Elias all dig into the first aid kit, pulling out various items from princess bandages to something that could wrap around my entire ankle. It’s actually kind of comical watching these big, hulking men trying to figure out what to do to help me. It also sends a wave of emotions through my tummy. Every single one of them stopped what they were doing to fuss over me. To care for me. And they barely know me. My father never would have taken the time to comfort me over a bee sting.

“Thank you,” I whisper, though I’m not sure if anyone hears me.

Cassian meets my gaze and gives me a kind smile. “You’re part of us now, Little one. We got you.”

That’s all it takes for me to burst out sobbing. Cassian’s eyes go big for a brief second before he springs into action, grabbing tissues and wiping my face.

“Shh. It’s okay. Blow,” he says, holding a tissue to my nose.

I scrunch my face. “Eww. No.”

“Listen to him, Little girl,” Cage says warningly in that stern, don’t-disobey-me voice that makes my panties damp. “Let them take care of you.”

Cassian raises a stern eyebrow and waits with the tissue held up to my nose. He doesn’t flinch when I blow, and then he quickly wipes my face with a clean one. “Good girl.”

“I’m so fucking sorry I left you.” Cage’s voice is rough, and I hate how upset he sounds. Is he blaming himself?

“I’m okay, Daddy,” I reply quietly. “It’s just bee stings. It barely even hurts.”

“Do you really think lying to Daddy is a good idea, firefly?”

I smile. How is it that he’s not here, and yet he knows I’m fibbing?

“Probably not,” I murmur.

“Yeah, probably not, baby. You don’t want to also have a stinging bottom, do you?”

My core clenches at the threat as heat spreads over my body. Cage’s brothers continue to hover while I squirm on the counter. What the heck is wrong with me? Is it normal to get turned on by being scolded? Maybe I should talk to Rowie about this.

“No, Daddy. Sorry.”

Calling him Daddy comes out so naturally. Every time I say it, a calmness washes over me. Cage has become my safe place. My home. My love.

The realization stuns me. I love him. I’m in love with him. I think I fell for him the first time he talked me down from a panic attack. Heck, maybe it happened before then.

“I’ll be home in an hour. Let my brothers take care of you. Understand?”

I glance around the kitchen and let out a breath. My Daddy may not be here, but I know I’m just as safe around these men. “Okay, Daddy.”

A fter the men decided I wasn’t going to die from being stung, Jasper made me and Rowie snuggle up on the couch to watch a movie while he iced my ankle on and off. Who knew a big, scary, tattooed guy could be such a worrier? He hasn’t left my side either, so I can’t have the conversation I want to have with Rowie.

We’re halfway through Despicable Me when Cage walks in. I leap up from the couch and run to him. As soon as I jump into his arms, he catches me. I have a feeling he always will.

“My baby,” he murmurs in my ear. “You okay?”

I nod. “Yes. I missed you.”

He lets out a long breath. “I missed you too, firefly.”

When he sets me on my feet, I cling to him, nuzzling my face into his ribcage. I’m not sure why I’m so needy for him right now. It’s an unusual feeling. My father’s lack of care and attention over the years taught me never to need anyone. It seems like, in the short amount of time I’ve been here, Cage has turned that around completely. I almost feel as though I couldn’t take a full breath today while he was gone. It’s good to be able to breathe again.

“I’m so fucking sorry, Cage.” Jasper comes up to us. When I tilt my head back to look at Cage, he’s glaring at his brother.

“Daddy, it’s not his fault.” I tug on Cage’s shirt until he lowers his gaze to mine.

He glances back at his brother and nods. “I know. Thanks for taking care of her.”

Jasper offers me a smile and then runs a hand over his face. “I think it took about ten years off my life. Fuck, I hate seeing Little girls get hurt.”

I giggle and slowly step away from Cage to wrap my arms around Jasper’s middle. He seems like he needs a good hug. I must be right because he hugs me back so tightly I can barely breathe.

“I’m taking her home. I need to spend some alone time with my Little girl,” Cage announces as he gently pulls me toward him, tucking me under his arm possessively.

A shiver works its way down my spine at that. I’m not sure why, but something in his words feels like a promise. What it is he’s promising, I don’t know. I can’t wait to find out, though.

“ I missed you so fucking much, firefly.”

As soon as we get to Cage’s house, he sweeps me off my feet and carries me to the kitchen, where he sets me on the counter and kisses me like his next breath depends on it.

We press our foreheads together, our hands roaming over each other.

“When Jasper texted me, I was so fucking scared. I don’t ever want to leave you again.”

His words make me still. “I don’t want you to leave me either.”

Ever .

I’m not brave enough to say that part out loud. Cage deserves so much more than me. He deserves someone strong. Not me. Not the scared mouse who has no idea what I’m doing in life. After being here and feeling so alive, I’m starting to realize I’ve just been in survival mode all these years.

Cage nips at the sensitive skin on my neck. I moan and spread my knees wider, letting him get as close as the counter will allow. He doesn’t want to take my virginity, but I might actually die if he stops touching me.

The ridge of his cock brushes against the inside of my thigh. At least he’s having the same reaction.

“Daddy,” I murmur. “Please.”

I’m not sure what I’m asking for. Anything. Everything . Whatever he’s willing to give me. I just need him.

“Fuck,” he mutters.

When he meets my gaze, his dark eyes are practically black, and his jaw is tight as though he’s clenching it to restrain himself.

“Please, Daddy. I know what I want, and I want this. Please don’t make me beg.” Because I will. I will get down on my hands and knees and crawl to this man, begging him to make me feel good.

He groans and slides his hand over one of my breasts, giving a gentle stroke to my nipple before he continues to trail up until his fingers are wrapped around my throat. When he squeezes the sides of my neck, I nearly come apart.

“You’re going to be the death of me, you know that?” he growls.

The corners of my mouth twitch as I fight a grin. I love that he feels so out of control around me. “Will it be worth it?”

In an instant, he has me laid back on the cool counter, his free hand cupping the back of my head as he does. His nostrils flare, and his grip on my throat tightens a little more, putting pressure on that perfect spot that has my pussy soaked.

“Yeah, firefly. It will be so fucking worth it. Put your palms flat on either side of you, and don’t move. Understand?”

I bob my head, then yelp as he gives me a light swat between my legs.

Holy fuck.

“When I ask you a question, I want a verbal answer. Unless my cock is stuffed down your throat or you’re deep in non-verbal Little Space, I want words.”

Then he reaches between my thighs and rubs the spot he just smacked, right over my clit. Even my leggings and panties aren’t enough barrier to block the electricity his fingers send through me.

Cage leans over the counter, hovering over me. “I asked if you understand, firefly. Would you rather I spank you for not answering me, or do you want me to make you scream?”

I slam my hands to the counter. “I understand, Daddy.”

He chuckles and winks at me, then takes a step back and pulls my leggings and panties down, being careful not to brush them against my beestings as he removes them.

My skin heats as I start to tremble. I have no idea what I’m doing. Am I supposed to touch him?

No. He said to keep my hands flat. Okay, I can do this. I just need to listen to him. Daddy won’t let me fail.

Knowing that gives me the comfort I need to calm myself. Daddy’s got me.

“Such a pretty pussy,” he croons as he bends my legs and sets my feet on the edge of the counter. “So pink and swollen for me. Do you need something to take the edge off, baby?”

I nod, then remember his warning. “Yes, Daddy.”

There’s something so sexy about being exposed to him while he still has on all his clothes.

When he pushes my knees apart, I whimper as the cool air touches my wet lips. He brushes the pad of his thumb over my clit, and I jolt in surprise, one of my hands flying up to my mouth to quiet my moan.

Almost as soon as I realize it, he has my ankles up in the air while he peppers my bottom with six hard swats.

“Owwie!”

Once he’s done, he puts me back in position and stands over me. “Next time you move your hands, I’m grabbing a wooden spoon and using that on your ass.”

My eyes widen. That isn’t a threat. That is Cage making a promise. One I don’t think I want to experience. My bottom already burns from his hand.

With my palms facing down, I slide my fingers under my lower back, hoping my weight will keep me from accidentally disobeying.

Cage sees me do it and chuckles. “Good girl. You’re my good baby, aren’t you? Always making Daddy so fucking proud.”

Both my clit and my heart ache for him. God, how could this man go from being a total annoyance in my life to the best thing that’s ever happened to me?

Without warning, he leans down and licks along my center from ass to clit, groaning as he does.

“You taste even better than I imagined, baby. You know why?”

I shake my head. “No. Why?”

He pins me with his stern gaze. “Because now you taste like mine .”

Oh God.

Wrapping his arms around the underside of my thighs, he dips his head again and latches onto my clit, sucking hard and fast. I scream and fight to keep my hands under me as every nerve in my body lights up with the need to explode.

“Daddy,” I cry out, breathless already.

He hums but doesn’t lift his head as he continues to pleasure me with that talented tongue of his. Who knew oral sex was so hot?

Every so often, my body starts to tense, but each time it does, he slows down until I’m a ball of frustration.

“Please.”

“What, baby girl? Please, do you need to come?”

I let out a pathetic whine, but I don’t care. I’m desperate, and from the way Cage’s eyes just darkened, he likes it when I’m a mess like this. “Yes! I need to, oh God, come, yes!”

His mouth works magic. I’m pretty sure he’s putting me under some kind of spell because I don’t feel like I’m in my own body. I’m floating, with nothing but rainbows and big fluffy clouds surrounding me.

Slowly, Cage presses the tip of his finger to my opening and gently thrusts. The entire time, he continues to tease my clit with his filthy mouth. Gosh, I don’t know where or how he learned female anatomy, but he’s passing with flying colors right now.

“You’re going to come for me, firefly. Then I’m going to make you do it again.” He pins me with his stare. I’m not sure I believe him, but I nod anyway. I’ve never climaxed twice in a row. I didn’t even think it was possible.

Using his free arm, he presses it low over my stomach, giving just the right amount of pressure. My ass sticks to the counter as sweat coats my body.

“I want to touch you,” I cry out, jerking as he rubs circles around my clit.

“No, baby. That’s not happening today.”

I peer down at him and stick my bottom lip out. He doesn’t fall for it. Instead, he raises his eyebrows. “If you want to keep pouting, I can stop what I’m doing and give you a red bottom.”

My heart leaps in my chest as I shake my head enthusiastically. “I’ll be good. Please don’t stop. I’ll die.”

He smirks, his lips shining with my arousal. “Well, I can’t have my baby dying on me.”

Then he lowers his head once more. He sucks my clit while fingering me at the same time until my legs are shaking so hard that I accidentally kick him in the shoulder while my entire body spasms.

“Oh, fuck! Sorry! Oh, oh, yes, right there!”

Noises I’ve never made come out of me, and I’m sure I sound like a dying goat, but holy fucking balls. Are orgasms usually like that? I’ve certainly never given myself pleasure to that degree. I think I might have died for about thirty seconds and went to heaven, then became half-conscious again. Scratch that, I’m still in freaking heaven.

When I quiet, he eases up slightly but doesn’t stop touching me with his skilled hands. He stands, his thumb on my clit and his fingers inside me, and lazily watches me.

“You’re such a good girl. Jesus Christ, that was hot,” he mutters.

I can barely keep my eyes open, so I grin at him. “Thank you.”

He chuckles and leans down again. “Oh, you’re welcome, firefly. We’re not done, though. Not even close.”

“ O pen.”

When I lift my heavy eyelids, Cage is holding something up to show me.

A bottle? No, the spout isn’t like a bottle.

“Is that a sippy cup?”

He leans against the counter next to me and brings it to my lips. “Yeah, baby. Drink some water.”

Wrinkling my nose, I shake my head. “I don’t like water.”

“Too bad for you, you’re going to drink it. We’re adding water to your daily rules. You’re going to have at least three of these a day.”

My mouth drops open as I stare at the large bottle. “I’ll be peeing constantly.”

Cage grins. “Which is a good thing. If running to the bathroom so much bothers you, Daddy can always put you in a diaper.”

I quickly shake my head, and he chuckles. “We’ll table that for when the time comes, then,” he says.

Pulling my bottom lip between my teeth, I consider that. What would a diaper feel like? I’ve wondered but never considered wearing one. Seems like I might not get the choice with Cage as my Daddy.

He nudges the spout into my mouth and holds it there while we stare at each other. This feels intimate; I suppose it is. He’s taking care of me, and I’m letting him.

“While I was out today, I got you some stuff.”

That catches my attention, and I turn my head away from the sippy cup. “Why did you get me stuff?”

As if the question confuses him, his eyebrows pinch together. “Why not? You’re my baby girl. I’m always going to get you stuff.”

I want to ask if he means only while I’m here or if he’s indicating something different, but I can’t work up the nerve. If he doesn’t feel the same way about me as I do him, I’m not ready to face that reality.

When I don’t answer, his confusion turns into a frown and then a scowl. “Your father is a bastard who is going to answer to me very fucking soon.”

Cage’s tone is dark and deadly. He wouldn’t hurt my father, would he? Would I care if he did? I’m not so sure. I’ve tried to get my father to love me for so long and it’s never worked. Why do I keep trying?

“Can I see what you got?” A change of subject is good. The last thing I want to think about is going back to the man who has all but abandoned me these past twenty years. Besides, whatever Cage got me, the Little girl inside me can’t wait another second to see it.

Thankfully, he lets me get away with it and grabs my discarded panties from the kitchen floor. I scoot to the edge to get down, blushing over the fact that we just did some filthy stuff. I should probably sanitize the granite.

“Uh-uh, stay up there. You stay where Daddy puts you. If I want you down, I’ll get you down.”

I pause and meet his stern gaze while he slides my panties up my legs. When he can’t go any farther, he picks me up by my armpits and sets me on my feet. Once he’s done, he holds out his hand.

“I need my pants.” I look around for them, inwardly giggling when I spot them hanging over the toaster.

“You don’t need your pants. Little girls can walk around in their panties at home.”

My clit starts to tingle again. How is that possible? Cage just had me spread out on the kitchen counter, screaming his name with how hard he made me come. I shouldn’t be getting aroused already. Then again, it seems like all he has to do is be close for me to get turned on.

He leads me into his office. I’ve only been in here a couple of times. Most of the time, he works in the main house. The entire room is so Cage. Clean and orderly. A pristine, minimalist desk is the focal point of the room, with a wall of bookshelves behind it. I wouldn’t have taken Cage as a reader, but the one time I looked in here, I found a collection of famous novels that are way beyond the level I like to read.

We barely walk three steps into the room before we have to stop because there are piles and piles of shopping bags with all kinds of colorful things sticking out. It looks like there are clothes and toys.

“Daddy,” I murmur as I look over it all. “This isn’t just some stuff. This is an entire shopping mall.”

He nudges me and points to the overly-stuffed leather chair situated near the bookcases. “Go sit. I’ll bring you bags to open.”

I turn to look at him, blinking several times. Is he for real? When he gives my bottom a firm swat, I get moving and let out a hiss as my thighs touch the cold leather. Note to self: put a blanket down next time.

One by one, he sets the bags by my feet. “Open the pink bags first.”

As I pull out the first dress, I gasp. “This is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

Gliding my fingers over the soft yellow fabric, a flutter starts low in my belly. This isn’t a dress he would have found at a regular store. I’m not sure where he went, this must have come from a specialty shop of some kind. It’s sized for an adult, but it screams Little. Frills and ribbon with buttons on the back and a big bow. When I hold it up, I’m certain it won’t cover my bottom when I wear it. I guess it’s a good thing there’s a pair of matching bloomers in the bag next.

There are half a dozen more dresses just like that, along with a bunch of leggings and oversized pastel sweaters. After those, I start pulling out panties, similar to the ones I’m wearing. Some of them have cartoon characters on them, while others have hearts or stars or polka dots on them. When I pull out another pair that feel different, I hold them up. There’s padding in the crotch area, and my cheeks immediately catch fire.

“Those are training panties. There may be times I make you wear them. I also got disposable pull-ups and diapers. They’re cute as hell. All sorts of designs. I bought six different kinds.” He holds up a large package in one hand. Through the clear plastic material, a bear design is showing. They are pretty cute.

“I’ve only ever worn cute panties in Little Space,” I tell him for no reason in particular.

He smirks. “I gathered because your cheeks turn red every single time I mention taking care of you so intimately. Don’t worry, baby, we’ll change that soon.”

Then, he distracts me by pulling a baby doll from a bag. She has black hair, green eyes, and freckles. Just like Betsy. It only takes one look at her for me to burst into blubbering tears.