For one long, suspended breath, neither man spoke. Then Roland let out something between a laugh and a choked sigh, and stood up to pull her into a crushing hug.
“You’re amazing, little bird,” he said against her hair. “You know that?”
Sydney blinked hard. “Not really. But I’m working on it, Daddy.”
Levi stepped closer, lifting a hand to her chin and tilting it up gently. His eyes searched hers, the heat in them unmistakable.
“You’re sure?” he asked.
She nodded. She’d never been more sure of anything in her life. She might have told them that she wasn’t sure about staying permanently, but she was. Levi and Roland made her feel things she’d never felt before in her life. Her affections and feelings toward Greg were a mere shadow to the things happening inside her for these two amazing Daddies.
And then Levi kissed her.
It wasn’t soft or hesitant like she might’ve expected. It was deep, warm, consuming—everything Levi had held back until now. His hand slid to the back of her neck, anchoring her asshe swayed, as if the floor had dropped out beneath her and all that held her together was him. She whimpered softly against his mouth, her fingers bunching in the fabric of his shirt to keep herself grounded. As it was with these men and the kisses they gave her, all it took were a few careful swipes of their lips against hers to get her aching and needy for them.
When he finally pulled back, breath rough against her lips, Roland was there. One arm slid around her waist, the other bracing lightly on Levi’s shoulder, drawing the three of them into a tight, perfect circle. He leaned down, his mouth brushing the soft skin just beneath her ear.
“Now let’s get you out of these cold, wet things so we can go warm you up,” he murmured.
Sydney laughed, breathless, overwhelmed, glowing. “That sounds like the perfect way to start the day.”
Both men chuckled with her as Levi took her hand and led her to the bathroom.
Sydney’s heartbeat was loud in her ears, and her breath came in short gasps as Levi pulled her against him in the tiled room. He pulled her arms up so they were in the air, and then slowly peeled the hoodie over her head, while Roland slowly rolled her pajama bottoms down her legs. When he worked her panties down next, she was slightly embarrassed at how damp they were, but from the small growl that escaped Roland, she didn’t need to be ashamed.
Her Daddy was very pleased at how much she wanted them.
Strong, calloused hands lifted her sleep shirt over her head next as Roland stepped away to the bath where he set about filling the tub with the sweetest smelling bubbles and warm, steamy water.
“Now, little miss,” Levi whispered against Sydney’s lips as he wrapped his arms around her waist, pushing his naked chest against hers and drawing a sharp intake of breath from her,“You’re going to bend over that bathtub, hands holding on to the edges, and then you’re going to count out as Daddy spanks this delicious butt of yours for running through the snow without proper winter gear. Are we understood?”
Well, hell. That wasn’t the kind of warming up Sydney had in mindat all.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Sydney
Sydney’s breath caught, heat blossoming low in her belly. Levi’s voice in her ear, his body pressed to hers, the promise in his words—it sent her whole system fluttering. She was nervous, sure, but far more than that, she feltready. Safe. Brave. Even a little bit wicked.
“Yes, Daddy,” she whispered in answer to her Daddy’s question.
The praise in Levi’s eyes was electric. He stepped back just enough to give her room to move, and Sydney turned to face the bath. It was nearly full now, bubbles foaming at the top, steam curling into the air. She placed her palms on the cool edge of the tub, bent forward slightly, and waited.
Her heart thudded like a drum in her chest. She strained her ears to listen to them move around behind her. Levi’s bare feet padded on the tile, and Roland hummed softly as he turned off the taps. And then Levi’s hand landed, firm and sure, on the curve of her hip. He gave her a reassuring squeeze, calming the bubbles of nerves building inside her tummy.
“You’re not being punished because we’re mad,” he said gently, his voice low and steady. “You scared us, baby. You didn’ttake care of yourself. And if you’re going to be staying here, with us, then you need to remember that is one of our biggest jobs. Keeping our pretty girl safe is one of the most important responsibilities we will have as your Daddies. And we will take it very seriously. And punishing you for not helping us do that will remind you that you matter to us. You’re ours and we intend to keep you safe.”
That did something to her chest. Warmed it. Softened it. Brought tears to her eyes even as anticipation curled tighter inside her.
“You ready, little miss?” Levi asked, his words whispered right next to her ear.
“Yes, Daddy.”
The first swat came down, sharp and clean against her bare bottom.
She gasped—more from the shock than the sting—and Levi rubbed over the spot with a soothing hand before delivering the next. This felt way different than the spanking he’d given her over her jeans. Levi had her keep count as his hand came down on her butt, slow and rhythmic. Each time it landed on a new spot, and soon her entire backside was on fire. Roland stepped in at some point, murmuring encouragement, his hands stroking down her back, her thighs, grounding her with affection while Levi handled the discipline.
By the time Levi was finished, she was flushed, trembling, soaked in more ways than one. Her skin stung deliciously, her body buzzing, and the affection in the room was as thick as the steam curling around them.
