10. Brook

TEN

brOOK

W ell, shoot.

Now she’d gone and ruined the moment. And Storm looked pissed.

How was she supposed to tell him that he shouldn’t go down on her because she didn’t taste good? The last thing she wanted was for him to do it and discover how bad it was and then decide he didn’t want to be her Daddy. At least she was doing the polite thing and warning him. He should thank her for it instead of being so cranky.

“Sunshine, look at me,” he snapped sharply, pulling her out of her spiraling thoughts.

When she obeyed, she pulled her bottom lip between her teeth, suddenly regretting asking for him to take her to her bedroom. Why did she have to be such a needy, sex-starved woman?

“Did someone say something mean about your pussy?”

She wasn’t sure that she liked how intuitive he seemed to be about her. Was she that obvious?

“My ex, um, he said that girls my size shouldn’t expect oral because no man would want to have his head between jiggly thighs.”

The hand he had resting on her hip tightened so much that she winced, but he didn’t seem to notice. Instead, he stared at her, and she could swear storm clouds came together over his head with loud thunder and strikes of lightning getting ready to explode. He looked so intense that Brook thought her knees may give way.

“It’s really okay,” she said hurriedly. “I don’t need oral. We can have sex, or I could suck you off.” She made her voice light at the end of the sentence.

Storm slid a hand from her breast to her neck, wrapping his large hand around it and squeezing firmly on the sides of her throat. The sensation sent a rush of arousal through her. Huh. That was new.

“Your ex was a fucking loser, sunshine. The only kind of fucking thighs I want my head between are the jiggly kind. The kind that are full and thick and have imperfections. The kind that brings me to my fucking knees because of how beautiful and delicious they are. And baby, I plan on having my face between yours a whole fucking lot because I like it. And your thighs, they’re quickly becoming my fucking favorite.”

Every ounce of air rushed from her lungs as she stared up at him, unsure how to respond. She wasn’t sure she could even speak if she wanted to.

“You’re going to learn very fucking quickly how obsessed I am with your body, Brook. I’ve stroked my cock multiple times a day since I met you while thinking about all the nasty fucked-up things I want to do to you. So whatever thoughts that asshole put into your head, I need you to forget about them right fucking now. You’re perfect. Beautiful. Thick. Delicious. Sweet. All the fucking things I don’t deserve, but I’m too selfish to walk away from.”

And then, without waiting for her response, he moved down her body, yanking her panties off so forcefully she heard the sure sound of fabric ripping. Her legs hit the side of the bed, and Storm pushed her gently. As soon as she lay down, his mouth was on her clit instantly. Without giving her time to think, he started sucking on the delicate nub, she nearly catapulted off the bed.

Whoa. She’d never experienced that sort of sensation before. Her vision blurred, and the words came out as mumbling that couldn’t be made out, but Storm didn’t seem to care. He was too busy licking and sucking on her pussy like it was his last meal, and it felt too dang good to question if she tasted good or if he was enjoying it. His enthusiasm alone told her he was.

“Daddy!” she cried as her body tightened and her legs started to shake.

“Come on my face, sunshine. Give me all your cream,” he commanded while playing with her.

When he slid a finger into her and curled it, she screamed and thrashed. She fisted the frilly bedding and tilted her head back, crying out over and over, her pussy pulsing as he continued to eat her out through her orgasm.

As soon as Storm pulled away, he stood with purpose, his hands moving to unbuckle his belt. The clink of the metal echoed in the quiet room, a sound that sent a shiver down Brook’s spine. What was it about the sound of a man’s belt that was so damn hot? Her heart thudded as he shifted to the button of his jeans, popping it open with ease. Every movement was unhurried, confident, and utterly mesmerizing.

When he kicked off his boots and stepped out of his pants, her breath hitched. Her gaze roamed over him, drinking in the sight of his muscular, tattooed figure. His body was a canvas, the intricate ink adding to his rugged allure. But it was the outline of his cock, enormous and rigid against his briefs, that made her pulse race. Her mind swirled with anticipation and just a hint of nervousness. How was that going to fit inside her?

“Still want to keep going, sunshine?” he asked, low and rough, a rumble that sent a thrill straight through her core.

She met his gaze, her wide eyes locking onto his.

“Yes, Daddy.” Brook was trembling with need, which made her whisper quiver.

Oh, yes, she wanted this. She wanted him . She wasn’t exaggerating when she’d said she might die if they didn’t do this. They hadn’t known each other for long, but every moment with him was natural and undeniable. From the first time they’d met, the connection had been obvious. She wasn’t sure she was good at relationships, but for Storm, she was willing to try.

Storm pulled a condom from his wallet, the deliberate movement making her body buzz with anticipation. After tossing the wallet onto the pile of their discarded clothes, he ripped the wrapper open, the crinkle of foil loud in the stillness. The only other sound in the room was their shared, shallow, rapid breathing.

“After this, we’re going to talk about your rules and where this is going, sunshine,” he said, his tone firm yet full of tenderness. His index finger moved between them, emphasizing his point. “Because once I’ve had my cock in your pussy, I’m not ‘seeing where this goes.’ You’re mine, and I’m yours. That’s final. Do you have a problem with that?”

She shook her head quickly, her throat tight with emotion and desire.

“Words, Brook. Use your words for Daddy.”

Her heart flipped at the title.

“No, Daddy,” she words were soft but clear, “I don’t have a problem with that.”

Satisfied, Storm rolled the condom on with practiced ease, then knelt on the mattress between her legs. His broad shoulders and stern presence made her feel small and safe. He bracketed her head with his forearms, his body hovering over her like a shield. The head of his cock brushed against her clit, sparking a jolt of pleasure that had her hips bucking instinctively.

“So needy, baby,” he murmured with a low chuckle, his voice tinged with admiration. “I fucking love that, but I don’t want to go too fast and hurt you.”

Her hands slid around his neck, her fingers tangling in his hair as she gazed up at him. His dark eyes, usually so intense and guarded, were more tender now. He kept showing her sides of himself that she hadn’t expected—gentleness, patience, a quiet vulnerability that made her fall for him a little more each second.

Was it too soon to call it love? That four-letter word she’d never thought she’d feel with a man? Maybe. But right then and there, it didn’t matter to Brook.

“You won’t hurt me,” she whispered, sounding sure of herself despite the whirl of emotions swirling inside.

His gaze never wavered, piercing hers with a depth that left her breathless. “Never, baby. I’ll always protect you.”

And Brook believed him. Storm was many things—gruff, commanding, sometimes a little too intense—but above all else, he was a protector. That much she knew without a shadow of a doubt.

Slowly, Storm shifted his hips forward, his movements careful and deliberate. The warmth of his skin against her thighs was intoxicating. As the head of his cock slid between her slick folds, a soft, unmistakable sound filled the air—her arousal.

Oh, God. That was mortifying .

“Fuck,” he groaned with clear approval. “That’s a beautiful sound. Love that you’re so turned on for me, sunshine.”

Her blush deepened, but her body answered on its own, arching toward him in a silent plea for more. In that moment, there was nothing else—just them, just this, and the fire building between them.

Okay, maybe she didn’t need to be embarrassed. Obviously, he liked it.

Brook didn’t have time to ponder it because she was suddenly stretched almost to the point of pain. He was so thick, and it had been a long time since she’d been with anyone.

“Sorry, sweet girl. Fuck, I don’t like that pain in your eyes,” he gritted out as he stilled.

“I’m okay. I just need a second to adjust,” she replied breathlessly.

Storm was the kind of man who would blame himself for her discomfort and that wasn’t what she wanted. After all, the man couldn’t help that he had a huge cock.

He didn’t move for a long few seconds until she started wiggling against him, desperate for more.

“Keep going, Daddy.”

That made his lips twitch. “Are you trying to boss me around? That’s not how this works, Little one.”

She giggled, loving this light, playful side of him. There was no doubt that he would call the shots and be strict with her, but she liked that he wasn’t serious all the time. She also liked that it was a side he didn’t show to everyone.

“Yes, Daddy. I’m the boss. Now, fuck me.”

His eyebrows shot up, and before she knew what was happening, he pulled out of her, flipped her onto her stomach, and started peppering her bottom with spanks.

They were sharp and fast but not really painful. Instead, with each one, her pussy grew wetter and her body hotter.

“Ouchie!” she cried out without any real force.

“Want to share with me again who the boss is, sunshine?” he asked, pausing the spanking.

She twisted her head so she could peek back at him, his hard cock bobbing against his muscular stomach as he hovered over her.

“It’s me, Daddy. I’m the boss. And if you don’t fuck me soon, I might have to take matters into my own hands.”

He froze, his surprise obvious as he stared down at her. “Jesus, when did you get so sassy? And here, I thought you were a good Little girl, but I show you my dick one time and you get mouthy.”

She burst out laughing as he started spanking her again. They were being silly, and laughing during sex was probably weird, but it felt perfect with Storm.

“Okay, I’ll be good,” she moaned when he slid his fingers between her thighs. “I’m sorry. Please don’t stop.”

“Oh, now you’re sorry,” he teased. “Who’s the boss, sunshine?”

She whimpered as he grabbed her hips and pulled her up, her hot ass meeting his hips, his cock rubbing against her clit.

“You are.” She tried to grind against him, and thankfully, he let her get away with it for a second before he slipped the head of his cock into her tight opening.

“Yeah, baby, I’m the boss,” he muttered. “And you’re the fucking queen, so don’t ever forget that.”

Her heart pounded, and she pushed back on him again, biting her lip to keep from wincing. He took it slow, and it felt as though it took forever before he was fully seated inside her.

“You okay, baby?”

“Yes, Daddy,” she whispered, her pussy clenching around him.

He held onto her, his hands gripping her hips as he slowly slid out and then back in. It didn’t take long before she was moving along with him and groaning into the mattress.

“I’m not going to last long. You’re so goddamn tight,” he ground out.

The fact he was struggling to keep his composure was so damn hot. It made her feel powerful and sexy, knowing he was as turned on as she was because she definitely wasn’t going to last very long, either.

Storm slid one of his hands up her back and buried his fingers in her hair, fisting her tresses firmly and tugging as he fucked her harder and faster. Both of them moaned and cried out their pleasure as their orgasms built.

When he let go of one of her hips and reached around to rub her clit, she screamed, every muscle in her body tensing. The room turned blurry as his thrusts became erratic and wild. He was close, but she was closer.

“Daddy!” she keened.

“Yeah, baby, come for me. Come all over my dick.”

His command was met with obedience as she exploded around him, her body trembling violently while her pussy clamped down on him like a vise.

“Ugh, fuck!” he shouted, his cock throbbing inside her as he came at the same time.

They stayed like that for a minute or two until she couldn’t hold herself up any longer and collapsed onto the soft bedding. He chuckled softly and rubbed her back, then he got up from the bed and walked his perfect, naked ass to the bathroom.

She’d heard that sex could be life changing, but she’d never actually believed it until now because she was definitely a new woman.

“How old is your Little?” Storm asked, his voice low and warm, the deep timbre rumbling through his chest like distant thunder.

Brook nuzzled closer, her cheek pressed against his solid, warm chest, enjoying the rhythmic rise and fall of his breathing. Her body still hummed from the euphoria he’d pulled her into, leaving her blissfully relaxed yet unguarded. Vulnerable, even. She hesitated for a beat, her fingers tracing absent patterns on his tattooed skin, before answering in a voice soft and slightly muffled against him.

“I think I fall around two or three,” she admitted, her cheeks heating as the words slipped out. It felt strange saying it out loud, even though she’d thought about it plenty of times. This was the first time she’d said it with such certainty. The only reason she managed it now was the comfort of knowing that Carlee and some of the other Littles fell into the same range. Surely, Storm was used to it. Right?

“That’s a good age, sunshine,” he murmured, his large hand lazily stroking her back in long, soothing motions. “Just sweet enough to have me wrapped around your cute little finger but old enough to still be a brat and earn spankings.”

Her lips quirked into a smile she couldn’t manage to hide. Thank God they were snuggled so close, she thought. At least he couldn’t see her face. Somehow, whenever Storm talked about spanking her, it sent a thrill racing through her that she didn’t entirely know what to do with. Her cheeks flushed hotter, her skin tingling with an excitement that made her toes curl and her stomach flip.

“Have you ever been spanked, Brook?” His tone turned teasing, though his curiosity seemed genuine. “You get squirmy whenever I bring it up.”

Crap . How could he read her so easily, even when he wasn’t looking at her? His ability to see right through her was both thrilling and unnerving.

“Um, not really,” she stammered, her voice wobbling slightly. “I mean, not like how Carlee gets spanked. During sex, I have.” Her heart raced as the confession spilled from her, and she bit her lip to keep from babbling.

Storm chuckled softly, the sound vibrating through his chest and into her. It wasn’t mocking, but rather a warm, low rumble that made her comforted and a little flustered. His thumb continued to brush over her bare arm in lazy circles, the simple touch grounding her in the moment. Being tucked into him like this gave her a sense of security she hadn’t even realized she’d been missing.

“Well,” he drawled, his voice dropping slightly, darker now, “I can promise you this, baby. The spanking you got while we were fucking is nothing compared to the spanking you’ll get for being naughty.”

Her breath hitched, but not from fear. Storm didn’t scare her. On the contrary, she’d never felt safer in her life. The way he spoke, the way he touched her—it wasn’t just physical. He gave her a sense of being cherished. Protected. He might play with her and push her limits, but there wasn’t a single part of her that doubted he’d take care of her, even at her most vulnerable.

“Tell me about your asshole ex,” he said after a pause, softening his words slightly, but they still held that commanding edge. “Was he your Daddy?”

Brook blinked, surprised by the shift in tone. Storm wasn’t one for long conversations, but tonight felt different—like he wanted to understand her on a deeper level. Despite the turn toward an uncomfortable topic, she found herself wanting to answer. Wanting to let him in. Let him know who she was.

“He was. Sort of,” she admitted hesitantly. Her fingers fidgeted with the edge of the blanket draped over them both. “It was more of a play thing for him.”

Storm’s arm tightened around her, his grip firm but not harsh, like he was anchoring her to him. He didn’t reply immediately, and the silence stretched just long enough for her to glance up at him.

His dark eyes locked onto hers, unwavering and intense. “I need you to understand something, sunshine,” he said with each word steady and weighted with meaning. “Nothing about this will be a ‘play thing’ for me. This is serious. We are serious. Our dynamic will be real—not something casual you can dip into when it’s convenient.”

Her heart thudded in her chest at the conviction apparent in his tone. She could see the sincerity in his eyes, the way he held her gaze like he needed her to truly hear him. And she did. Every word settled over her like a promise, steadfast and unyielding.

Her lips parted slightly, her breath catching at the weight of his words.

“You’ll have rules, boundaries, and consequences,” he continued, his voice firm but not unkind. “I’ll take care of you, discipline you when you need it, spoil you, and treat you like the princess you are. But if you’re expecting this to be some casual, on-and-off thing, you’re wrong. I don’t do casual, and I sure as fuck don’t play when it comes to being a Daddy.”

Brook’s chest tightened, her emotions swirling in a mix of awe, excitement, and a hint of fear—not of him, but of the enormity of what he was offering. He wasn’t just offering to be her Daddy; he was offering to be her everything.

“I understand,” she whispered with a slight tremble but steady with certainty. “I want that. I want you .”

The flicker of relief in his expression was subtle yet unmistakable. A vulnerable side to him she hadn’t seen. He leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. “Good,” he said simply, pulling her close again. “Because you’re mine now, sunshine. And I don’t half-ass anything when it comes to the people I care about.”

She melted into him, her heart thudding as his words settled deep into her soul. For the first time in a long time, she was exactly where she was meant to be.

His words settled in her chest like a weighted blanket, wrapping her in a sincere, reassuring warmth she hadn’t realized she craved so deeply.

“When was the last time you had a Little?” Brook asked softly, her voice hesitant as she traced the tip of her finger over one of his muscular pecs.

Storm swallowed, his dark eyes fixed on her with an intensity that made her heart skip. For a fleeting moment, something unspoken flickered in his gaze that told her she wasn’t going to like the answer. Before he got the chance to speak, her phone rang, interrupting the intimate moment.

She startled, rolling to grab her bag from the floor next to the bed. Normally, she would’ve ignored it, but she’d talked to her mom earlier in the day and found out she had the flu. Brook had made her mom promise to call if she needed anything. Without checking the screen, she swiped to answer.

“Hello?” she said, pressing the phone to her ear.

Silence greeted her on the other end of the line.

“Hello?” she repeated, her brows furrowing. Pulling the phone away, she glanced at the screen.

Unknown number.

“Hello?” she tried once more.

The call abruptly ended with a sharp beep . She sighed, her shoulders sagging as she tossed the phone onto the end of the bed.

“Who was that?” Storm’s deep voice cut through the room, his tone sharper now as he sat up, his brows pinched with a scowl.

She shook her head, brushing off the unease settling in her gut. “I’m not sure. Probably a wrong number.”

But the truth lingered at the edges of her mind, nagging. It was the second time today she’d received a call like that.

Storm rose from the bed, pulling on his boxer briefs, then his jeans and T-shirt. Brook suddenly felt acutely aware of her nakedness, her cheeks heating as she wrapped a soft throw blanket around her. Moving to her light pink dresser, she started rifling through it for something to wear.

“What do you think you’re doing, sunshine?” Storm’s growl stopped her in her tracks, and she turned toward him, biting back a smile. His grouchy demeanor didn’t faze her anymore; she’d come to realize his bark was much worse than his bite.

“I’m putting on some clothes,” she replied, trying to sound matter-of-fact.

“No, baby.” His voice dropped, a commanding edge slipping into it. “It’s my job to pick your clothes and dress you now. You can choose what you wear to work, but when we’re at home, that’s all on me. Do you have special clothes for your Little, or should I just pick something I like?”

A rush of butterflies erupted in her stomach, her heart fluttering as she pointed toward the closet. “The left side of the closet and this dresser… that’s my Little wardrobe.”

Without hesitation, Storm began sifting through her clothes. When he pulled out a pair of high-waisted cotton panties with scalloped edges and tiny pink hearts, her cheeks burned hotter.

This is really happening.

Her ex had barely scratched the surface of what being a Daddy meant, but Storm? Storm was already showing her what care and attention truly looked like.

“In our dynamic, our relationship,” he said, calm but firm as he continued sorting through her wardrobe, “your safeword will always bered. It isn’t just for when we’re having sex—it’s for anything. Any time, in any situation.”

Brook blinked at him, the gravity of his words sinking in.

“You wouldn’t get mad?” she asked hesitantly.

Storm froze, turning to look at her with a scowl that would’ve sent lesser men running. “Did your ex get mad if you used your safeword?” he asked, his tone sharp with disbelief.

She shrugged, lowering her gaze. “He didn’t like the idea of safewords. He said I shouldn’t need one if I trusted him…” She trailed off.

“Jesus Christ, sunshine.” His voice was a deep growl as he stalked over to her, his towering presence both protective and imposing. “Who was this fucker?”

Brook shrank slightly, the intensity of his reaction catching her off guard. But when he cupped her chin and tilted her head to meet his gaze, she saw nothing but genuine concern etched into his face.

“I don’t care if you trust me with your life,” he said deliberately. “A safeword should always be there. It’s not about trust—it’s about safety. I would never be upset if you used it. It’s there for a reason—to protect you, to keep you safe and healthy. I’m human, baby, and I’m not perfect. Things that feel fine one day might not feel like that the next, which is normal. Do you understand?”

A lump formed in her throat as she nodded. “Yes,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

“Good,” he said softly, brushing a thumb over her cheek. “Because in this dynamic, your safety and happiness come first. Always.”

Her chest tightened with emotion, and as he pulled her into his arms, the last remnants of doubt dissolved. For the first time in her life, she felt truly seen, valued, and cherished. And more now than ever before, she believed this wasn’t something fleeting—it was the beginning of something lasting, something real.

How was it possible for her to feel so emotional over a man she barely knew? The thought twisted inside her, confusing and exhilarating at the same time. Maybe it was because every time she turned around, Storm did something unexpected. He wasn’t just the gruff, brooding man he appeared to be. There was so much more to him—a complexity that intrigued and unsettled her. It made her chest ache to think of all the people who might have judged Storm without taking the time to see the man beneath the tough exterior.

“Red is the universal safeword in the club, too,” Storm said. “So, if at any time, one of my brothers says or does something you don’t like, you say red, and they’ll stop immediately. We all kind of look out for each other’s Littles without realizing it sometimes, but I know some of the girls don’t feel comfortable with anyone but their Daddy. We’ll talk more about that later.”

As he spoke, he held up a light-pink sweater in front of her, the delicate fabric contrasting with his rugged hands. “Arms up.”

“I need a bra,” she replied barely above a whisper.

His eyebrows pinched slightly as he glanced between the sweater and her. “Why? We’re not going anywhere tonight.”

Heat flared across her skin, and she motioned toward her chest awkwardly. “My breasts are too big to just… hang free.”

A slow, wicked smile spread across his face, making her knees feel like jelly. “No, baby. They’re just fucking perfect, and it’s not healthy to have them strapped up in a bra all the time. When we’re alone, you won’t wear a bra. I’ll allow one when we’re around other people or when you’re at work. Now, arms up, don’t make me repeat myself.”

Her heart pounded as she slowly lifted her arms, letting the blanket she’d wrapped around herself slip to the floor. The moment she remembered she was completely naked, she instinctively moved to cover as much of her body as she could, but Storm was faster. His strong hands gently but firmly catching her wrists.

“Rule number one,” he said, firm but not unkind, “no hiding from Daddy. When you’re undressed, you don’t try to cover yourself. I want to see my sunshine. Understand?”

She bit her bottom lip, her cheeks flaming as she nodded. His hands guided her arms upward again, and he dropped the sweater over her head. The soft fabric slid down her skin, covering her just enough to feel modest but still leaving her vulnerable under his intense gaze.

It was going to take time to adjust to his demands. Since she’d been her own caretaker for so long, her rules had been minimal, and there had been no one to enforce them. But now, with Storm, things were going to be very different.

“We’re going to talk more about your rules and limits over dinner,” he said slightly softer this time. “For now, I want to get you dressed, and I want you to spend some time in Little Space.”

Storm knelt in front of her, holding out the pair of high-waisted cotton panties he’d gotten out of her dresser. The sight of them made her blush, but she stepped into them without hesitation. As he pulled them up her legs and settled them on her hips, she let out a deep breath. The snug, comfortable fit, tiny pink hearts, and scalloped edges seemed to invite her Little side forward, like it was being coaxed out gently.

“Come on, baby,” Storm said, holding out his hand.

She hesitated, glancing around for a pair of bottoms. “I need pants.”

“No, you don’t,” he replied, his voice firm but warm. “You’re going to spend a lot of time like this when we’re alone. Little girls don’t need a bunch of clothes on when they’re home and comfy.”

Her cheeks burned, but the way his large hand wrapped around hers made her feel safe, like she could let go of the reins for once, something she was desperate for. He led her into the living room with a quiet confidence that made it seem like he’d been in her apartment a hundred times before. His natural ease was something she admired, and it helped her relax. It felt like she could truly let her guard down with him.

“Do you have any toys?” he asked casually.

The question caught her off guard, and her cheeks flamed even brighter.“Yes. I have some.”

There was no point in being bashful or hiding this side of herself. Storm was around the other Littles regularly, so she suspected nothing would surprise him.

“Show me.”

Swallowing thickly, Brook led him to the eight-cubby shelf she also used as a TV stand and pulled open one of the drawers then moved to the next. Each cube had different kinds of toys.

“You like Barbies, I see,” he said as he ran his hand over the small of her back.

A shiver ran through her, and she was overly aware that while he was fully dressed, she was in not very much clothing. It was another thing that made her feel Little.

Brook glanced up at him, her eyes searching his face for any sign of judgment, but there was none. Instead, Storm’s lips curved into a soft, knowing smile, the kind that made her stomach flutter.

“Barbies were my favorite growing up,” she admitted quietly. “I guess I never really let them go.”

Storm crouched slightly to get a better look at the neatly arranged dolls in their miniature outfits and plastic heels. “You’ve got quite the collection. Do you play with them often?”

Her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her sweater that barely grazed her thighs. “Yeah. When I need to decompress, they are my go-to other than coloring. Oh, and reading, of course.”

He straightened, his towering frame effortlessly commanding the space without a trace of intimidation. “That’s good,” he said simply, like it was the most natural thing in the world. “We all need an outlet.”

The ease in his tone made her cheeks cool slightly, the embarrassment fading into something more gentle. She glanced at him again, watching as his eyes scanned the rest of her cubbies. There was something about the way he looked—curious but never intrusive—that made her want to open up to him more.

“You want to see my favorite?” she asked, surprising herself.

He gave her a nod. “Only if you want to show me.”

Brook turned back to the cubby, reaching into one of the drawers to pull out a doll with long, flowing auburn hair and a sparkling purple dress. The paint on the doll’s face was slightly faded, and the edges of her dress were fraying, but it was the one she’d had the longest.

“This is Lily,” Brook said, holding the doll delicately. “I’ve had her since I was a kid. We’ve been through a lot together.”

Storm took a step closer, his gaze softening as he looked at the doll. “Lily’s seen some adventures, huh?”

Brook nodded and giggled softly. “Oh, yeah.”

Storm’s smile widened, and for a moment, it felt like he wasn’t just looking at the doll—he was looking at her, really seeing her. “Why don’t you play with Lily and the other dolls while I order dinner? Does Italian sound okay? Anything you don’t like or are allergic to?”

“No vegetables.”

That made him laugh, and when he wrapped his hand around her hair and tugged her head back to kiss her, she went breathless. “Nice try, sunshine. You’re having vegetables with dinner.”

Well, that just sucked.

“Baby, put your toys away and come eat.”

Brook glanced up from where she was lying tummy down on the floor with her feet swaying in the air. Storm had mostly left her alone for the past hour, only interrupting her playtime to set a sippy cup of water near her and to pat her bottom a few times. It was as if he knew she needed some time to herself but also wanted her to know he was there for her.

He'd made himself comfortable on the couch and turned on a football game, watching it in his own comfortable silence. Some people might have found it strange that they were both doing their own thing in the same room, but it felt totally normal to her.

Frowning, she sat up on her knees and gathered her dolls. “Can I play with them again after we eat?”

Without hesitating, he shook his head. “Not tonight, baby. After dinner, I’m giving you a bath, and then we’re going to talk for a while before I put you to bed.”

Letting out a dramatic sigh, she stood and dropped her Barbies in their allotted cube.

“Keep sighing like that, and you can eat dinner with a hot bottom, sunshine. Giving me attitude isn’t going to work in your favor.”

Sheesh .

Her bottom clenched, and she quickly wiped the glare off her face before she moved to the small dining table where he’d set out their plates.

“I wasn’t having an attitude, Daddy.”

She was totally having an attitude, but she’d keep that to herself. She wasn’t sure she was ready to go over her Daddy’s knee quite yet.