Page 51 of Controlling Natasha

“Doing my job again, I see, sir,” he jokes.“You’re going to get me fired one of these days.”

I laugh.

He takes the coat from me and gives Simone a kind smile and nod.“You must be Simone.I know Natasha is looking forward to your study date.”

As Albert shuffles off, I gesture toward the hallway.“I told Natasha I would show you to the library.”

“You have a library, sir?”

“I do.Natasha finds it quite impressive, but maybe she’s been blowing hot air up my ass.”

Simone giggles.“I don’t think Natasha is capable of telling a fib, not even to make someone feel better about themselves.”

“You have a point.”We reach the library, and I wave Simone in before me.Just like the first time Natasha saw it, Simone’s eyes are wide with wonder as she spins around in a slow circle, taking it all in.

She may have a naughty side, but underneath, I’m confident she’s just a Little girl in need of a Daddy.Too bad Camden can’t even entertain the idea without breaking several ethical codes of conduct because I’m sure he’d enjoy a naughty Little girl like Simone very much.

Natasha rushes into the room before I have a chance to say anything else to Simone.She’s breathless.

“Were you running in the house, Little one?”

She shakes her head.“Nope, I was speed walking.I’ve heard it’s safer.”

I chuckle.So this is how things are going to go down?Natasha has brought her sassy side to the party.Interesting.

Simone faces her.“Oh, I love that dress.It’s so pretty.”

Bless Simone for breaking the ice and putting Natasha at ease about the clothes I chose for her.The dress is pretty.It’s lavender and has delicate lace along the hem and puffy sleeves.It’s barely long enough to hide her panties, which I set out, so I know they are yellow.I’ve done that on purpose so there would be no mistaking them if she flashes a hint, and she knows it.

She’s got matching frilly lavender socks on and the white flats she often wears.Somehow, in the very short time she was gone, she even managed to put her hair in pigtails, but she’s carrying the lavender ribbons.

“Thank you.”She turns to face me and holds out the ribbons.“Will you put these in my hair, Sir?”

“I’d love to.”I take them from her and tie pretty bows in each pigtail.“There.I told Edith you two would be working at the kitchen table.That way, you can spread out and have plenty of space.She’s prepared some snacks, and, Simone, you’re welcome to stay for dinner.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t want to impose.”

“It’s no imposition at all.Edith loves to feed people.”

Natasha steps toward the door.“Come on.You’re going to love the kitchen.It always smells so good in there.Edith makes the most delicious food.”

“Be good,” I say.“I’ll check on you two in a while.”

I watch as Natasha nearly skips out of the room.I’m grinning like a loon because she’s pleased and in a good mood.I won’t do too many things to embarrass her this afternoon.I want her to feel like she can have Simone over without me constantly hovering.

Forcing myself to leave the girls alone, I head for my office and check my emails for an hour before I can’t stand it another moment and wander toward the kitchen.

As soon as I step into the bright room, the scene takes my breath away.Simone and Natasha are both sitting on the wall side of the table, facing the room.They have their laptops open, several notebooks, flashcards, and a pile of books.

They’re giggling, but it looks like they’re studying, too.There’s a fresh plate of oatmeal cookies between them and—bless Edith—two sippy cups of milk.I ordered the sippy cups and added them to the Little section of the kitchen cabinets, but I haven’t introduced one to Natasha’s routine yet.

Edith is chopping vegetables at the island, probably for dinner.She looks up and smiles.“Hey, Jameson.”

The Littles look at me next.

“How’s the studying going?”I ask as I approach the other side of the table.

“Good,” Natasha says.

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