Total pages in book: 153
Estimated words: 155903 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 780(@200wpm)___ 624(@250wpm)___ 520(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 155903 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 780(@200wpm)___ 624(@250wpm)___ 520(@300wpm)
“I won’t, Daddy.”
“Good girl. I ‘m trying not to bulldoze you into giving me everything I want. All I want is for you to be safe and happy.”
“Because you’re my hero.” She moved her hands to his shoulders to massage the tight muscles.
He shook his head. “You’ll be disappointed if you cast me in that role.”
“I could never be disappointed in you, Daddy.”
Reuben groaned. “You’re just too fucking precious. So sweet and naive. You could be taken advantage of.”
“But you won’t let that happen.”
“No. Not unless it’s me taking advantage of you.” He ran a finger under her right eye. “You didn’t sleep for long.”
“No. I was having a bad dream.”
“Baby, what was it about?”
“Losing you. In my dream . . . I lost you. I couldn’t find you. I called for you, but you didn’t answer.”
“That’s never going to happen.” He drew her in close, holding her tight. “You will never lose me.”
Faith nodded, although she wasn’t sure she believed it yet. Sometimes, it felt like she’d lost everything good in her life. She knew her family would always be there for her. But she felt like she’d lost their respect when she’d failed.
“I wouldn’t allow it to happen.”
“I know you wouldn’t, Daddy.”
“Good girl.” He kissed her again, then tapped her nose. “Now, it’s time for your snack. My Little girl will be getting hungry.”
She could tell he was trying to lighten the mood and she appreciated it.
“I can’ts have a snack, Daddy! I have to feed Petal. You know, I don’t think they fed her in that store. She’s skin and bones.”
“Poor Petal. That’s terrible. Well, how about you feed your baby, while I feed mine.”
“All right, Daddy. But we have to have the exactly same food. That’s just the rules.”
“Hmm, I’ve never heard that rule before.”
“That’s okay, Daddy.” Reaching over, she patted his hand. “If you have any questions about taking care of a Little, you can just ask me. I’m an expert.”
“Well, it’s good that you’re an expert. So what is it that you’re going to feed Petal?”
“I was thinking chocolate cake and cream.”
“Well, unfortunately, all I’ve got is carrot sticks, sliced apples, and peanut butter.”
“Hmm. I guess I could substitute with cookies and milk.”
“How about a compromise?” he suggested. “You have the carrot and apple first, then you get cookies and milk.”
Faith picked up Petal and whispered to her. “What do you think Petal?” With a nod, she set Petal down. “Petal is agreeable as long as the cookies are chocolate chunk or snickerdoodles.”
“I think I can manage that.”
“Very well.”
Reuben grabbed the plate of snacks and settled back down next to her. She pretended to feed Petal as he picked up a piece of carrot and held it to her lips.
Faith chewed. “Petal isn’t fond of carrots. She prefers apples. Or chocolate.”
“It’s a tough life being a doll. But carrots are good for you . . . I mean for Petal. And being a good baby girl parent means getting your vitamins.”
“You know, Daddy,” she said after swallowing some apple with peanut butter on it. “You can get your vitamins other ways.”
“Other ways?” he asked before feeding her some more apple, followed by some water.
“Yep. They make them in yummy gummy form now. I’ll buy you some, Daddy. I think you could use them.”
“And what vitamins do I need?”
“Well, maybe not vitamins. It’s just, I’m not sure if you’re aware, but you’re a bit uptight. I was thinking of something to keep you more regular.”
“Regular!”
“Yeah, to relax the sphincter.”
“Relax the sphincter? You brat!”
He lunged for her and she rolled back then jumped onto her feet, holding up Petal between them. “Daddy, no! You wouldn’t hurt someone carrying a baby!”
“Of course I wouldn’t. But that’s not a real baby.”
She sucked in a horrified breath. “Daddy! How could you say such a thing! Petal is real. It’s okay, Petal.” She rocked her back and forth, then she put the doll against her chest, patting her back. “Hush, hush. I’m sorry Daddy is so cruel.”
“I’m sorry, Petal,” Reuben told the doll. “Of course you’re real. What can I do to make things up to you?”
“Hmm, let me ask her.” She whispered to Petal. “She said three cookies.”
“Two cookies. Final offer.”
“Daddy, she’s very hurt!”
“I could make it one,” he warned.
“Two is good! Two is fine!”
Reaching over, he drew her against his chest. “Nice try, baby.” Then he slapped her ass twice before walking out of the room.
Huh. Rude.
But Faith wasn’t going to complain. She was getting two cookies.
“Now, Petal. I think we need to put a diaper on you and your pajamas.” She moved over to the accessories that they’d bought for the doll.
She was attempting to tighten the diaper up when Reuben returned with the cookies and milk. “Daddy, this diaper won’t go on properly. It’s not very sticky.”