Titus wiped the moisture from her cheeks. The tearssurprised her. When had she started crying? Her frustration with how powerless she felt now mingled with anger at her brother’s actions.
“I’m sorry, Little mate.”
“Thank you, Daddy.”
“Let’s do something fun. Would you like to see your nursery?” he asked, tucking her hair behind her ears.
“I don’t have a nursery.”
“You do now. Let me show you.”
Titus carried her past the main staircase and the main bedroom. He stopped at the next doorway and opened the nondescript wooden door. A gasp of surprise burst from Alessia at the beautiful room. Titus closed the wooden barrier behind him and walked to the oversized, padded rocking chair. He sat down with her cradled on his lap.
“Titus….” Her voice trailed away.
“Daddy,” he reminded her softly. “I’ve noticed you prefer pink. Do you like the walls?”
She stared at the pale rose that glowed soft pink around her. The muted floral pattern was understated and lovely. Minute differences made her suspect the walls were hand-painted. Alessia inhaled, expecting to enjoy the blossoms’ scent as well. Instead, the air smelled like lemon furniture wax and maybe a hint of vanilla. Instantly at ease, Alessia relaxed, sensing this was home.
Alessia pushed her Daddy’s chest to sit up straighter. “Did you paint this?”
“Yes, Alessia. I created this room several years ago. The design took several days to finish. As I added the faint petals on each blossom, I imagined how much I would treasure my mate when I finally found her.”
“It’s decorated with love,” she whisperedin amazement as the sweet emotions he’d layered on with each stroke surrounded her.
“Yes,” he agreed.
“What if I hadn’t liked pink?” she whispered.
“I would have changed the color to something you enjoyed.”
His simple answer told her so much. The amount of effort he’d put into creating this gorgeousness wasn’t important. She was.
Alessia turned to meet his gaze. “Don’t change a brushstroke, Daddy.”
He smiled and nodded. “As you wish. This is your nursery.”
Scanning the room, Alessia noted a big, cushy chaise lounge that appeared perfect for two. Piled with pillows and a soft blanket draped over the back, the beautiful chair invited her to stretch out and read for hours in comfort. Above it, scattered books occupied several rows of shelves. Space remained beckoning her to fill those spots with her favorites.
“That’s the perfect spot to devour stories,” she said, pointing at the corner. “How did you predict I’d love to read?”
“I put a few finishing touches on the room when I found you. Had you loved painting, I would have set up an easel and some art supplies. Just in case you feel creative, I’ve put those in the closet along.”
She shook her head in disbelief before scanning the room again. She pointed at the beautifully draped piece of furniture. “What kind of bed is that?”
“One made for a princess,” he said with a smile. “I thought you might like to nap there now.”
“I’m too excited to sleep.”
“Would you stretch out for Daddy and see if the mattress is comfortable?”
The fluffy bedclothes beckoned to her. Alessia noddedeagerly, and Titus stood with the athletic grace that characterized all his movements. He carried her to the bed and set Alessia’s feet down on the floor. With a sweep of his hand, Titus tossed back the covers.
“Whoa, Little mate.” Titus stopped her from climbing onto the mattress. “Let’s get you comfortable.” In a flash, he stripped off her comfortable leggings, panties, and tunic he’d dressed her in that morning.
He patted her on the bottom, not in a sexual way, but in an encouraging one. “Now, jump in.”
“Those are kind of like pajamas, Daddy. I could have worn those,” she said over her shoulder as she scrambled onto the bed. “Besides, I’m just trying out the bed.”
