Page 244 of Double Daddies
Littles had a pretty sweet deal, in his opinion. Reliving the best part of being a kid without the stress and subtle traumas picked up from the real thing. They had the ability to be free in a way the general population would never understand, and manyhad the love and support of a Mommy or Daddy to keep them on the straight and narrow.
“This is not the residential cabin for employees, Clay.” The voice was low, soft, and so fucking lyrical with its Louisiana accent.
“But it isacabin,” he replied easily, giving Violet the side eye. “Has it been an hour already?”
“Almost.” A smile fluttered around her mouth as she studied Avery. “She seems like she’s well suited for our unorthodox family. Callie and Sierra will be pleased to have another Little around if she stays.”
“She will. Now her Little has come out to play, she’ll struggle to get her back in the box.” Clay felt his heart melt when Avery stroked her hand down the horse’s smooth neck, then leaned forward to rest her cheek against the wood; he’d done that more than once himself, only his steed hadn’t been painted and polished, but dirty, scratched, and exhausted.
Head tilted, warm brown eyes assessing him now, Violet’s mouth curved. “Do you have an itch to be a Daddy, Clay?”
“Oddly enough, it never crossed my mind. My role here is to be whatever the guests need.”
Her smile widened. “Yes, but you’ve got your eye on her, and she is not a guest.”
“There’s no rule against employees scening with other employees,” he pointed out without hesitation. “Besides, isn’t it the aim of this place to encourage and guide members of the community? Avery has needs she doesn’t understand, and her confidence really needs a boost.”
“Wallflowers don’t stay on the sidelines for long around here. If this is where she’s meant to be, she’ll flourish.” She gripped his wrist, tilting his watch toward her. “I hate to be the one breaking up playtime, Clay, but I’ve got an appointment. If Avery needs a ride home, we have to go.”
He really wanted to dig his heels in and refuse to let her go, but now wasn’t the time. She might change her mind about working here; releasing her Little might scare her away from the one place where she was welcome as both halves of herself if she wasn’t ready to embrace them both, but that was ultimately her choice, not his.
He just had to believe she was strong enough,curiousenough, to come back. Hopefully, she would recognize she belonged here. If not… well, he might have to hone his wooing skills and spend his spare time driving into the city to put them to good use.
“Let me see if I can pry her off the horse.” It might take a crowbar, he thought. “Avery.”
Her dark head lifted, those eyes locking on his. Whatever she saw on his face brought a mulish expression to hers—yes, a crowbar and brute strength might be necessary. “No.”
“Playtime’s over, sweetling.”
That lush mouth formed a pout. It didn’t take much imagination to visualize biting those full lips, nipping them in admonishment. “Don’t wanna go home.”
“I know. Unfortunately, your ride has a time limit, Avery.” He walked over and set his hand on her thigh, relishing the quiver of the muscle. Would she tremble this way wherever he touched? “The pony will still be here when you come back.”
The pout deepened. “Bramble.”
“Bramble will still be here,” he corrected easily. “Now, come on down. Don’t want to keep Mistress Violet waiting, do we?”
Dark eyes slid sulkily toward the Domme. “Not supposed to takes rides with strangers.”
Laughing, Clay plucked her off the saddle before she thought to attach herself to the rocking horse using its mane as an anchor point. “When you find your stride, you’re gonna be the princess of brats. God help us all.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Princess?”
“Gonna have to give the reigning queen a run for her title if you want it,” he said, setting her on her feet, then bending to retrieve her reindeer. “It’s only a couple weeks, Avery. They’ll fly by.”
Her sigh was quiet, wistful. Completely adult. She took the stuffie, cradling it to her chest. “Sorry.”
“Nothing to apologize for; you’re entitled to some fun.” Setting his hand on her lower back, he walked her over to their companion. “Avery, let me introduce you to Mistress Violet. Violet, meet Avery.”
“A pleasure.” The Mistress smiled.
“I…” Avery nodded slowly. “Nice to meet you.”
“I’m taking you home. I’m afraid I’m not familiar with that part of the city, so you may need to direct me.” The smile didn’t waver, but Violet’s eyes—similar to Avery’s—brightened with interest. “It’s been a while since I’ve had girl talk with a fresh face.”
“Why don’t you get your shoes and paperwork from the locker?” Clay suggested. “Violet and I will be right behind you.”
Avery sent him a grateful look before hurrying across the room. He made a mental note of what caught her attention, slowing her pace, as she passed different activities.
