don’t stop.”
We jostled around as Daddy reached for something on the end table. My mouth fell open when
Daddy revealed a bright blue binkie. He dragged the nipple over my bottom lip. I gasped for breath,
reminding myself Daddy wouldn’t do anything to hurt me. I was safe. He’d make sure no one saw me
like this. “You need to be quiet while I’m giving you rubs. Now, let’s watch the show.”
I scowled at him. I didn’t care about the stupid trucks. I wanted him to keep rubbing. He quirked
an eyebrow, as if to silently ask if I had an issue with his plans. My shoulders sagged as I relaxed
against Daddy’s chest. He kept massaging my hip, his hand occasionally drifting back to my butt.
It felt weird suckling the pacifier, but I liked it. My eyelids grew heavy with the soothing action
and Daddy’s hand rubbing up and down my leg. I still wanted my rubs, but I could just as easily go to
sleep. At some point, I must have given in to my exhaustion. I bounced around, and Daddy groaned as
he stood.
“You can put me down,” I suggested but Daddy didn’t seem to like that plan. I held on tighter,
knowing I wouldn’t win any battle with Daddy when he wanted to take care of me.
Both of us were quiet as he snuck into the bedroom. He pulled back the sheets and laid me down.
I was so wiped out, I hadn’t even realized I still had the binkie in my mouth until he took it away.
Before I had a chance to freak out, Daddy bent down and kissed my head. “Don’t worry, baby, your
secret is still safe. Get some sleep.”
“I hate you sleeping out there,” I complained. I knew it was necessary, but I didn’t like it. I
wanted him holding me tight against his body so I could stay in this floaty space.
“I know you do, but this is how it has to be,” he reminded me. “Not forever, just for now.”
“For now,” I repeated, holding his hand tightly. “Thank you for helping me.”
“Always.”
EPILOGUE
WILLIAM
“I THINK THIS IS THE LAST OF IT,” I CALLED OUT AS I HEFTED—WHAT I PRAYED TO EVERY DEITY I
could think of—was the last stack of boxes from Corey’s apartment.
It had been an interesting juggling act for us to go from a new couple navigating our way to a
patchwork family. We spent most of our time at Corey’s, which no one liked, because it was where
we had space for Willow, and it was closer to her school. But now, she was getting ready to start
