This lodge is beautiful. They made everything inside look rustic, but it still feels elegant and comfortable.
“Which room is ours?” I pause, uncertain which way to go when we reach the second floor.
Despite his arms being full of luggage, he holds out a finger for me to take hold of to follow him to our room.
This man, who parts crowds as he walks through them because of how intimidating he is, who has done violent and horrific things to those who deserve it, has never once losthis patience with me. Even when he’s overwhelmed with our luggage.
“That one, baby.” He follows me into the uniquely decorated room and closes the door behind us. As soon as I hear the click of the lock, I sag in relief.
“I know, sweet girl. You did great today.”
Tears fill my eyes, and I sniffle. “I’m the worst person ever. I love all of them so much. I don’t want them to think I don’t. Why can’t I be normal?”
Angel drops everything and comes over to me, his nearly black eyes burning into me. “Excuse me?” he asks quietly.
My husband isn’t the man who needs to yell to get your attention. No, he’s the total opposite. The quieter he is, the more dangerous he is, and right now, I’m sensing imminent danger.
“Daddy, you know what I mean.”
Shaking his head, Angel raises his eyebrows, the air between us thick. “No, baby. I don’t know what you mean. Do you think you’re the only one in this family who is going to take breaks this next week? I’m sure Brynn and Maddox will probably be in their room for the next several hours because they’ll need some time alone.”
“They won’t think I’m rude if I have to take breaks?”
Angel tilts his head, studying me like I’m the most fascinating thing he’s ever seen. “You still don’t know just how much this family loves you, do you?”
Of course, I know they love me.
I think.
Honestly, even though I see our family all the time, it’s been difficult to come out of my shell. Especially around Angel’s brothers. They’re always kind to me, but men are still a bit intimidating to me. Sometimes, I feel like I’m waiting for Angel to change, even though he hasn’t wavered once in our relationship for the past two years.
“I know they do,” I murmur.
“Yeah, they do. A lot. And we all have shit that we deal with. So, this is your one and only warning that if I hear you say, or even hint at, something derogatory about yourself, I will put you over my knee every night for a week.”
My head whips up as I meet his gaze, heat spreading over my bottom. “You wouldn’t.”
Reaching out, Angel cups my chin and lowers his forehead to mine. “I would. And if I need to do that to remind you of how special and loved you are, I will. Are we clear?”
Biting my bottom lip, I try not to shift nervously as my entire body trembles slightly. “Yes, Daddy.”
“Good girl. Now, let’s get your diaper changed, and then we’re going to spend the rest of the evening in here, snuggling and watching Christmas movies.”
Relief floods me as he helps me onto the bed and starts peeling off my leggings. He’s taking the choice away from me tonight, so I don’t have to worry about whether I’m being rude by needing to regroup after being in a car for six solid hours.
“Thank you, Daddy,” I whisper as he pulls the tabs open.
Brushing one of his enormous hands over my outer thigh, Angel smiles at me. “Welcome, baby. Now, it’s time to stop thinking and be Little.”
By the time he has me changed into a pair of pajamas, I’m so deep in my headspace that the only thing I care about is the Christmas cartoon movie playing on the TV and my bottle of juice and being Daddy’s good girl.
Angel
One of these days,my wife is going to know how much everyone loves her. How special she is to this entire family. It’s taken her longer to get to know everyone, and she still struggles to be around my brothers at times, which I know hurts their feelings, but they understand why. Otherwise, she has fit in with us so well.
These days, it’s rare that Nora’s insecurities pop up, but when they do, it’s usually because she’s tired or overwhelmed. Today, she’s both. As excited as she’s been for this trip, I knew the long drive would drain her. Hell, I think it drained everyone.
Only Kylie and Addie are in the lodge’s great room, all sprawled on the couch in their pajamas, watching a movie, while Ash and Knox snore on either side of them.
