Page 5 of Daddy’s Pursuit (The Daddy Guard #1)
Chapter Five
Iris couldn’t believe her eyes.
She wasn’t sure if the nursery qualified as a mansion, but it seemed big! Compared to her tiny, boxy, garage apartment, it was humongous.
“When was this place built?” she asked, unable to hide her astonishment as she turned a slow circle and swept her eyes around the entryway.
They’d just finished the grand tour, ending up where they’d started.
“1926,” Auntie Athena answered. “They say it was built by some movie star who hit it big in the Silent Era but faded into obscurity when talkies took over. So, they aren’t exactly a household name.”
“Mostly forgotten now,” Trevon chimed in. He was standing at the foot of the grand staircase. “A lot of those old silent stars couldn’t hack it when they had to actually use their voices. Just couldn’t make the transition.”
Athena chuckled. “Trevon is our resident film buff.”
The man shrugged. “We’re in Hollywood. We need at least one.”
“We’re in West Hollywood,” Athena corrected.
“You’re always quick to throw that out there,” he stated.
She smirked. “We have more fun on this side of town.” A wink followed the statement.
Iris giggled. She was still nervous, but it was receding a bit, thanks to the warm welcome she’d received.
Something was bothering her, though. It was embarrassing to admit, but she needed to tell Auntie Athena where she stood.
“Ma’am, I appreciate the tour and you letting me in today. But I, uh, don’t really have any money to join the club and?—”
The matronly woman held up a hand, cutting the statement off.
While Iris awaited her response, she noted just how pretty Auntie was.
She was tall, with long, raven black hair and somewhat pale skin. There was a certain vampish quality to her appearance. In fact, it was an odd mixture of sultry and matronly.
Somehow, on the beautiful older woman, it worked.
“No money is necessary. We’re simply glad you’ve graced us with your presence.”
“But this is a club,” Iris argued. “I know you’re running a business.”
“Come here, honey.” Athena grabbed Iris by the hand and led her down the hallway, to a room they’d been in earlier during the tour.
“Do you see that big crib against the wall?”
“Of course. It’s so pretty.”
“I commissioned that twelve years ago. Do you know why that’s significant?”
Iris pondered the question for a moment and shook her head. “No, ma’am.”
The older woman smiled. “Because this nursery is only seven years old, dear. That means I had that crib for quite a while before I went into business. Because I wanted to offer Littles a fun and safe place to sleep. Same with this changing table.” She patted the large, adult-sized changing station that rested to her left, the rings on her fingers clanging atop the wooden railing.
“I had it several years before I even thought of opening the nursery. Because I had sweet Littles coming through my house. You see, I only charge because it allows me to keep the lights on and have the money that life requires. It also allows me to care for cuties full time. But even if I wasn’t paid, I would still be doing it, just after I worked my day job. Does that make sense, sweetie?”
Iris looked sheepishly at the ground. “Yes, Auntie. It makes sense. I just feel like I’m… taking advantage of you.”
She could feel the mounting pressure of tears starting to swell behind her eyes, but that subsided as Auntie’s caring arms slid around her and reeled her in for a tight embrace.
Gosh, it felt wonderful! Iris couldn’t remember the last time someone had hugged her!
They lingered in the embrace. She couldn’t swear to it, but she got the sense that Auntie Athena knew she needed this.
That was probably true, she decided. Bigs just had a way of knowing stuff like that when it came to Littles.
“You aren’t taking advantage of me. We’re all just glad you’re here.” She continued to hug her.
Mmm. It felt wonderful and Iris was swept away in the comforting bliss.
“I’m sure you’re excited to play with Elena and the other cuties. But would you like some protection, honey?” the matronly woman asked as she finally pulled away.
Iris blushed hard. But with the way her eyes instantly darted to the nearby floor-to-ceiling shelf that held all sorts of diapers, there was no denying that protection was exactly what she would like.
Auntie Athena didn’t even wait for an answer. Instead, she said, “Go pick out what you want. And if you’re comfortable with it, I’ll put it on you. If not, I’ll give you some privacy so you can get… properly outfitted .”
Iris giggled as she obeyed Auntie. She selected a thick disposable diaper that had cutesy anthropomorphic dogs—smiling and wearing diapers and t-shirts—and a plastic backing.
“That’ll do just fine. It’s cute. Offers plenty of protection. And will fit you well,” Auntie said.
Iris thought for another moment and then finally pointed at Auntie.
At that moment, she couldn’t find her words.
But Athena got the message because she grinned, took the nappy, and said, “Come on, cutie. Up you go onto the changing table. Let’s get you padded so you can get busy playing with Elena and the other Littles. ”
Iris willed her body to relax and just enjoy the experience.
It was heavenly.