Page 46 of Tattoos and Tiaras
“I can guess why you're stuck in your head.” His arms tightened around me, and I sank against him, breathing in deeply, feeling more grounded than I had all day.
“Yeah, them. Rhys asked me why I was still going after all the shit they'd pulled in my life.”
Daddy reached up and stroked his fingers through my hair. “And what do you think, Princess?”
“I think Rhys is right. I don't owe them a damn thing. This paternal guilt they use to make Anne and I do as they bid has got to stop or they will just keep doing it until the day they die. They don't care about how Anne or I actually feel, and they sure as hell feel no remorse for what they did to me.” I looked out at the tumbling waves, and my decision was made. “Fuck it. Daddy, I want to stay home and cuddle on the couch and watch Netflix and eat an unhealthy amount of chocolate.”
“Well, apart from the unhealthy amount of chocolate, I think that sounds like an amazing plan, and I want you to know I'm incredibly proud of you.” Perry pulled me against him and kissed me softly. The wind started to pick up but neither of us noticed because we were so wrapped up in each other.
“Let's go home and make toasties, and you can put on those cute Miss Piggy pyjamas, and we'll find something to watch.” Daddy suggested.
I swooned in his arms. “You know how to seduce a man, Daddy. Would you carry me back up the hill?” I really wasn't looking forward to the walk back home.
Daddy threw his head back and laughed. I couldn't be mad because he looked so happy. “Hell no, I may adore you like mad, but I will not carry you up that damn hill. But I will drive you home. I parked just up from Viking Ink.”
“Oh, thank fuck.” Looking in Daddy’s blue eyes, I was struck with how hard I had fallen for him. In the space of a week, he'd gone from my nemesis to my daddy and the owner of my heart.
Fucking hell I was falling inlove.
“Daddy.” I had found my pyjamas, but I couldn't find where Leo had gone, and Ten was no help. She was more focused on rubbing her body all over the pillow Daddy slept on. He might be more than a touch jealous of Daddy, but at least he hadn't tried tripping Daddy over again.
“Downstairs, sweetheart, use your inside voice please.” Ugh, inside voice. This was a life-or-death emergency. Where was Leo?
“I can hear you stomping up here.” Daddy stuck his head into my room looking concerned.
“I've lost Leo,” I grumbled, stomping my foot down. This was not good. I needed my Leo tonight. After calling and cancelling tonight, then having to deal with my father’s yelling, I was feeling more than a little fragile. I needed my Leo, and I needed Daddy to help me find him.
“Okay, Princess, take a deep breath for me.”
“I'm trying, Daddy, but I need Leo.” I clutched my hands together, ignoring Tennyson who wound around my legs mewling softly.
“Cullen, baby, we're going to find Leo, I promise. I need you to sit on your bed for me, okay,” Daddy said.
“But I—”
Daddy shook his head and pointed to the bed. “No buts, Cullen. Go sit your cute little butt down and let me look for Leo. You had him upstairs when we got home, right?” A small smile crept over my face. Daddy called my place home. I mean, it could mean nothing, but right now, I latched onto that thought.
Daddy was on his hands and knees looking under my bed. To be fair, most things did have a habit of ending up there.
“Daddy?” I poked his shoulder with my toes from where I sat on the bed.
“Yes, Princess.”
“You said this was home.” Tennyson crawled into my lap, and I hugged him tightly as I waited for Daddy to respond.
I didn't have to wait long. Daddy's head popped up, and, in his hands, he held Leo. “Yes, I did. Being here really feels more like home than my small place, and I think part of that is down to you.” Daddy held out Leo for me but before I could grab him, Daddy kissed me firmly.
“You make this home Cullen.”
Ah, I had to say it. Daddy couldn't say such amazing things to me without me telling him how I felt. But what if it was too soon? What if he didn't feel the same?
“Cullen, what's wrong?” Daddy looked scared. Oh shit, he thought he said the wrong thing. I patted his arm reassuringly.
“Daddy, I have to tell you something, and you are not allowed to freak out, but first I'm going to need Leo.” I held my hand out and Daddy passed him to me.
I patted the bed next to me, and Daddy got the hint and climbed up next to me. Once he was sitting comfortably, I clambered onto his lap, bringing our faces close together.
“I've got a secret.” I said in a whisper.
