“Let’s get your hair completely dried, then we’ll tuck you in for bed,” Nash says.
I’m led to a vanity where there’s a small hair dryer mounted nearby on the wall, similar to the one in my apartment back in Emerald. I stand in front of it and turn slowly, at Axel’s direction, as it blows hot air through my long damp locks. Nash stands by, watching as his brother helps me.
Finally, once my hair is dry and my teeth are brushed, they guide me into a small enclosure that only contains a toilet. I sigh inwardly, knowing they likely won’t give me any privacy. And they don’t, but at least I can be faster about my business when I’m not squatting in the woods. I recall how shocked I was the first time Nash watched me pee in the bushes and how positively mortifying it was when he wiped my privates afterward. I flush at the remembrance, and I flush hotter still when Axel wipes me this time, not allowing me to do it because he’s the daddy and he insists on taking care of his little girl—his explanation.
Once I’m finished in the bathroom, they guide me to the bed and pull back the covers. I crawl inside while repressing another yawn. Despite my nap in the truck, I’m utterly exhausted. Nash draws the covers over me and then he and Axel sit on opposite sides of me, both stroking my hair and staring into my eyes. I get the sense that they won’t be sticking their cocks in me tonight. They look like they mean for me to get some sleep and I will happily comply. My eyelids grow heavier by the moment and I can’t stop yawning.
“Sweet dreams, little girl,” Axel says, leaning down to kiss my forehead.
“We’ll join you after we get ready for bed ourselves,” Nash says, “but we expect you to be a good girl and close your eyes and try to get some sleep.” He kisses my cheek and gives me an affectionate look that makes my throat burn for some strange reason.
This, I realize,thisis what I needed so many years ago when I was all alone in the middle of the night, scared and worried about the shadows and the noises in the dark, only to be sternly told to go to sleep by a Minder who had fifty other children under her charge. I close my eyes just as they start burning, not wanting either brother to think I’m about to cry. I’m not about to break down sobbing, but I can’t help getting a bit emotional over their tender, caring treatment. I’ve been longing for this sort of attention my whole life and didn’t know it until I met Nash and Axel.
Now I can’t imagine returning to my old life. Not ever.
But can I really find happiness out here in the wildlands?
Only time will tell, I think, as I quickly succumb to sleep.
Chapter Nine
The next five dayspass in a blur as we travel through the wildlands, still headed for Nash and Axel’s village. We’re able to stop at an inn all but one of the nights, though none are as nice as the first one and only two of them have running water. We set out each morning about two hours after sunrise, as that’s how long it takes the solar energy cells on the truck to recharge in the brightness of day.
Though Axel and Nash kiss me frequently and delight in giving me a long, intimate bath almost every night, they don’t actually have sex with me yet. In fact, I haven’t seen either of them unclothed yet, though I can feel their hardness pressing against me through our clothing every now and then. I’m not sure what they’re waiting for, but I’m also grateful they haven’t claimed me yet.
I’m not ready.
I don’t think I’ll ever be ready.
“We’ll reach the village before nightfall,” Nash announces on our last day of travel as he guides the truck up a steep mountain pass.
Axel is seated next to me, his hand on my thigh. I steal a glance at him, admiring his strong masculine profile. The more time I spend around the brothers, the more frequently I catch myself gazing upon them with appreciation. They really are handsome, in a rugged warrior sort of way. Even the tallest men from Emerald, like the Rangers and the Diplomats, can’t compare to Axel and Nash.
When Axel catches me staring at him, I flush and immediately look away. He grasps my hand and gives it an affectionate squeeze that makes my heart flutter.
“Are you hungry, little girl?” he asks.