Page 46 of Rule

“Papa!” Bella shouted.

The door opened and Bran said, “Bella, whereare you?”

“In the bath, Papa!” Bella shouted again.“Come here!”

I clamped my arms across my breasts and shouted,“No, don’t come in! I’m in the bathtub too.”

When Bran spoke, his voice was just outsidethe partially opened bathroom door. “You are bathing with Bella?”

“I was already in the tub and she climbed inwith me before I could stop her,” I said. “I’m sorry.”

“Bella, you must not bother the human whenshe is in her room,” Bran said. “Get out of the tub and come to me, please.”

“No,” Bella said and grinned at me.

“Bella, out of the tub,” Bran repeated.

“I bathing with Evie-girl, Papa.” Her tailsplashed the water. “You bathe with us too!”

“Meena, do as I say.” Bran’s voice wasstern, and Bella’s face fell. Her lower lip pouted out and her look turnedpleading.

“Bella stay with girl. Okay, girl?Please?”

Oh my God, no one could resist that sweet face.

“I’m almost finished,” I said. “I don’tmind if she stays with me a little longer.”

There was silence and then Bran said, “I donot expect you to be her nanny while you are here, hum – Evelyn.”

“I know,” I said. “But I really don’t mind,I swear.”

“Girl no mind, Papa!” Bella shouted.

I laughed and Bella grinned at me. “Bellastay with girl, Papa.”

Bran sighed. “All right, meena. But be agood girl.”

“I be good,” Bella said before sliding offmy lap to the other end of the tub.

I waited until I heard Bran’s footsteps fadeaway and the bedroom door close, before unclamping my arms from my breasts. “Comeon, honey. Let’s finish bathing and get out of the tub.”

“Sure, Evie girl.”

* * *

When Bran knocked the second time, I wassitting on my bed, my fingers twined through Bella’s hair as she sat in frontof me. I wasn’t wearing a bra, but I had my thick sweater on to hide that fact,and my bare legs were tucked under the quilt.

“Come in,” Bella shouted.

I laughed and Bella grinned as Bran opened thedoor a crack and said, “Human, may I come in?”

“Yes,” I said.

Bran walked into the room. Apparently, he’dhad his own bath or shower because his dark hair was wet, and his shirt wasclinging damply to his chest. I concentrated on finishing braiding Bella’shair and not staring at his body, as Bella yawned hugely.

“Evie girl braiding my hair, Papa.”

“I see that, meena.” He stoodself-consciously at the foot of the bed. “Thank you, Evelyn.”

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