Another of those low, throaty laughs. “Whatever you want, baby. And we need to wash your hair today.”
“No, thank you.”
Despite the pleasantries, Mommy cocks a brow in my direction as she turns the water on, testing the temperature with her arm before plugging the tub so it can fill with steamy water. “That wasn’t a suggestion, Alexis Paige.”
“But it’s such a pain in the—” I catch myself before the word “ass” slips past my lips, my cheeks heating again as Mommy stares me down. “It’s a lot of work.”
“I know. I’ve watched the videos you’ve posted.”
Nothing she could have said would have shocked me more. Though if I really stop to think about it, I shouldn’t be surprised. Shedidknow the basics for refreshing my curls yesterday, I was just too distracted by everything else happening around me to really think about it.
Still, it’s a surprise to realize she took such an interest in me, even before she brought me to the island. “You have?”
“Of course. How can I know the best ways to properly care for my Little girl without knowing you inside and out?”
“That’s…” Creepy. Stalkerish. Downright fucked-up. “Kind of sweet, I guess.”
Mommy’s brow raises again, but with amusement rather than sternness. “Sweet is not a word I’ve ever had associated with me.”
“But youaresweet. When you’re not busy spanking me and making me pee in a diaper or taking me to evil doctors.”
Her laughter fills the room, not the soft chuckles I’m used to, but loud and ringing with pure delight. The sound fills me up, warming every inch of my insides.
“Considering that’s how we’ve spent a good portion of our time together, it would seem I haven’t been very sweet at all, little one.”
“Yeah but you know all my favorite foods. And my favorite color. And that I like the more retro styles. And you bought me a new stuffie friend.” I hold up the panda I haven’t let go of since I woke up.
Why I feel the need to defend a woman who basically kidnapped me and has put me through the most humiliating and painful experiences of my life, I’m not sure. But even with all that, she’s been nicer to me than pretty much anyone I’ve ever known, including my own mother, and I don’t like hearing her downplay that.
Affection fills her eyes, turning the usually hard onyx to warm pools. “You are so precious, my little imp. Come, let’s get you in the tub and you can help walk Mommy through all the steps for taking care of your pretty hair.”
“Can Ruby come?”
Logical me knows that’s not possible. But I haven’t let go of my new friend for even one second since we rescued her from the store, and the other part of me, the part thatfeelsvery much like a Little girl, doesn’t want to let her go.
Mommy’s smile turns sympathetic. “I don’t think that would be a good idea, baby. But she can sit on the sink and watch. And she’ll be right there waiting for you when you get out.”
It’s not the answer I really wanted, but it’s a decent compromise, so I nod and let Mommy carry Ruby over to the sink. She sits and watches as mommy pulls my nightgown up over my head and helps me into the tub. Purple bubbles surround me as I sink into the blissful heat with a sigh.
Kneeling beside the oversized tub, Mommy reaches for a bottle of shampoo, and my breath catches in my chest. It’s a brand I’ve only ever dreamed of using thanks to how expensive it is, but it’s supposed to be amazing for curly hair.
Apparently, I’m not hiding my surprise very well because Mommy catches my eye and winks as she dumps shampoo into her hand. “Only the best for my Little girl.”
“Thank you, Mommy.”
“You’re welcome, baby. Tilt your head back and close your eyes.”
Doing as I’m told, I close my eyes as I float in the water, my head resting against the pillow built into the end of the tub while Mommy’s fingers go to work on my scalp, rubbing away the dirt and build-up along with every bit of stress in my body.
“Can Mommy ask you a question, little one?”
Right now, she could ask me anything she wants. “Uh-huh.”
“Yesterday, you seemed so sad after Uncle Jasper spanked Juliet. Why?”
My heart constricts in my chest. Okay, maybe notanything. “I dunno.”
“Alexis.” She says my name so sternly and yet so lovingly, fresh tears well behind my eyelids. “Mommy can’t make it better if you aren’t honest about the things that upset you.”
