Suddenly Trixie wasn’t very hungry for the remaining bites of pancakes on her plate. She gripped the table and waited for the wave of nausea to pass.
She could only imagine how pale—or perhaps green—her face was. John clearly noticed, too, because he asked, “Are you okay?”
It took a few moments before she could respond. “Did I put Auntie Athena or Trevon in danger?”
John shook his head.
But it was Cami who spoke up. “No one puts Trevon in danger.”
Everyone laughed.
“Yeah,” Iris agreed. “Pretty sure if the bad guys came, he could just throw a car or house at them or something.”
Trixie was laughing a little too now, and she appreciated the moment of levity. But she was still literally worried sick over this. She crossed her arms across her stomach, hoping to alleviate some of that feeling.
“Don’t worry, Trixie,” John reassured her. “Athena, Trevon, and all the Littles who visit the Nursery will be just fine. These people only want you. I know that is scary. But it means they’ll leave everyone else alone.” He stepped closer and took a sip from the steaming coffee mug he held before adding, “Remember, they don’t want to draw attention to themselves. A bunch of heat is the last thing they need. They’ll try to be discreet. Especially after last night. They know that we’re on to them.”
She nodded. The information made her feel a bit better. But she prayed Auntie and Trevon were truly all right and out of harm’s way.
“So we’re spending the day somewhere the bad guys don’t know about?” she asked.
Iris gave the answer. “Yes! At the warehouse. Or that’s what we call it. Auntie Athena recently purchased it. You’re going to love it!”
“Yeah,” Samantha chimed in. “I’ve only been there once. But it’s awesome! There are slides, ball pits, a foam pit, and lots of cool things!”
“Don’t forget the giant inflatable obstacle course,” Annika added. “It’s my favorite!”
All of that sounded like fun to Trixie. But she wished she could stay with John. She aimed her eyes at him. “You’re going to help the Daddy Guard?”
“Yes.”
“But you’re not part of them officially, right?” She knew it was a longshot. The idea of being apart from him just didn’t sit well. Hopefully he didn’t take her comment the wrong way, though.
Thankfully, he smiled, indicating he wasn’t offended. “Think of me as an honorary member right now. Until we can get all this straightened out.” His posture hardened a bit, his voice taking on a more serious tone. “You know, it’s a Daddy’s job to protect his Little. I’m not just going to sit by on the sidelines while you’re in danger.”
Trixie wasn’t surprised. Helping people was what John did. He was a rescuer. She’d learned that much about him the first time she’d met him after getting stuck on the mountainside.
Some people just had helping in their blood. John Bartlett was clearly one of those people.
“While I’m away, I expect you to follow the rules. Do whatever Auntie and Trevon tell you. You’ll be safe there,” John stated.
“Yes, Sir. I’ll be good. I promise.”
The other women at the table didn’t seem to bat an eye at the display of dominance and submission. Trixie knew such was simply life around the mansion.
It was the way they all wanted it. They were living life as their most authentic selves. And now, she was, too.
The reality of it all hadn’t quite set in yet. Those past several days had been a whirlwind and everything was moving so fast. Yet she still somehow felt at peace.
That must beDaddy’spresence, she decided.
When all this was over and things calmed down, she knew she’d get to explore things with John and see where their budding relationship went.
She couldn’t wait.
But first, she had to let John and the Daddy Guard do what they did best.
Her job was to simply wait. And obey.
