Page 7 of Controlling Natasha

I addedeverything.All the furniture is white—four-posted, queen-sized bed, dresser, nightstand, vanity, armoire, and desk.The bedding is a soft pink that matches her sweater.So are the valances over the windows.The windows have shutters, too.The floor is hardwood like the rest of the house, but I added a few pink area rugs.

“If pink is truly your color, I can have it painted a soft pink for you.I figured I’d wait on that until you got here.”

She slowly wanders into the huge space, saying nothing, which makes me nervous.I want to please her.If I haven’t, I’ll fix it.

Rambling, I point to the door across the room.“Your bathroom is attached.Edith put towels and washcloths in there as well as shampoo and soaps and things, but you should speak to her about what brands and scents you like.She’ll add them to the shopping list.”

Suddenly, Natasha chuckles before turning to look at me.“Mr.Hoffman, you went way over the top on this.You didn’t have to.I would have been fine with any room.I’ve been sleeping on an old mattress on the floor for…well, most of my life to be honest.I’ve never had matching anything.It isn’t necessary.”

My chest is tight.I hope she doesn’t think I’m trying to impress her.Maybe she’s one of those granola kids who don’t believe in anything frivolous.I frown.

She bites her lip in a way that makes my cock jump.Dammit.I hope she doesn’t notice.“Thank you,” she murmurs.“I don’t mean to sound ungrateful.I’m just surprised.I wouldn’t be able to tell Edith what brand or scent to get me of anything if I wanted to, sir.I’ve only ever used the cheapest, unscented bargain brand.This is very kind.Thank you.”

I should have thought about that.Camden told me she was raised in foster care.It didn’t occur to me she might not have ever had anything nice at all.“Please accept my hospitality, Little one.I realize it seems like a lot to you, but it’s nothing to me.Just things.”

She turns toward the bed and sets her purse on it before spotting the desk and wandering that way.

I hold my breath, hoping she doesn’t freak out over the items sitting on top.“Camden told me your computer and phone were old,” I say gently.“You need an up-to-date computer to do well in school, and a reliable phone is a matter of safety.”

She has her back to me as she fingers the edge of the two items.I think her breath hitches.I’m pretty sure she’s silently crying.Dammit.

I don’t move from where I’m standing, letting her pull herself together without me looming.

“This is far more than I expected, sir,” she whispers.“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”She’s probably going to freak out when I tell her the next part.I’m a bit uncomfortable right about now myself.I went overboard.Wayoverboard.I didn’t see it that way until now, but I hadn’t thought about how it would look through her eyes.“I also figured you could use some clothes, so I have a personal shopper coming tomorrow morning to get your measurements and assess what you might need.”

She gasps and spins around.“Sir, that’s totally unnecessary.”

I shrug like it’s no big deal.“It’s just clothes, Little one.Do you have a warm winter coat?”

She bites her lip.

“That’s what I figured.Dresses?”

She slowly shakes her head.

“Sometimes, I have people over for dinner.You’ll want to be able to dress a bit fancier than you’re probably used to.”I never have people for dinner, but I might start now.

She wipes her eyes.“Thank you.”

“I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable.I’m sorry if I’ve overstepped.”

She shakes her head.“It’s okay.I just wasn’t expecting…all of this.You didn’t have to do it.”

“I wanted to.Please let me spoil you a bit.I haven’t had anyone to spoil for a long time, and it would seem you could use some spoiling.”I smile, hoping to lighten the mood.

“Okay, sir.”

“How about if I let you get settled in.Can I have Albert bring your things up from your car?”

“Um, I guess.I don’t want to put him out.”

I chuckle.“He’s excited at the prospect of having someone to actually do something for.If you don’t let him and Edith dote on you a bit, you’ll hurt their feelings.It’s what they live for.”

Her cheeks are pink, but she manages to giggle, and the sound is delightful.With another swipe at her eyes, she wipes her tears away.“Good thing I’m not wearing mascara.”

“You don’t need mascara, Little one.You’re perfect just the way you are.”

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