Page 31 of Monster Daddies

I should be over the moon right now.

The retreat is real.

The first guest list is full.

Not a spot of dust or dull surface can be found in the manor.

Every room is named, the dungeon has its own schedule, and the organizers are very excited to have our first ‘soft’ opening with a test run of guests.

I still can't believe I did this!

But underneath all the excitement, there's something else. Something hot and needy and just plain old restless.

I fluff a throw pillow and toss it onto the settee like it insulted me.

It's beenweekssince that night on the rooftop. Weeks since I showed Viraat my vulnerable side and opened up to him.

Sure, they've been sweet. Attentive. They've helped me plan, and get stuff set up for the retreat next week. They even had a full-on tea party last weekend where I made them wear little felt crowns I stitched myself.

But they haven't touched me. Not really. Not in the way I am in desperate need of.

They say sweet things. Even Viraat. Jodrick has taken to stroking my hair until I fall asleep and Viraat often growls and grunts when I'm being silly, but he has that indulgent smile on his face that he can't seem to get rid of around me.

But when I lean in, when I give them every signal I can possibly think of, they pull back. Change the subject. Redirect me like I’m a toddler trying to climb the furniture.

And maybe that's fair. I mean, I ended things with Drè not that long ago, even if it was always platonic. And yes, they're ancient beings bound to a manor that may or may not be slightly sentient and overly protective... but still.

I throw another pillow. It knocks over a ceramic bunny on the sideboard, and I wince.

"Sorry, Bunnifer," I mutter, setting her upright again. She's missing an ear now, but it should be easy enough to fix with some glue. Or I could just leave her as is, and she'll fit in with the vibe I've got going.

Annoyed at myself. And the two idiots still stuck on the roof, I throw myself back on the settee in a dramatic fake faint.

Looking at Bunnifer on the mantle, I opt to tell her the rest of my woes.

"You know, the worst part is, I know they want me. I'm no blushing virgin and I'm well aware what those bulges in their pants mean. But all they do is watch. Watch and watch and watch." I sigh, huffing out all my frustration. "What do you think they're waiting for, Bunnifer?"

She doesn't answer.

Of course she doesn't.

Just because the house is somewhat alive, doesn't mean the furniture and toys inside will suddenly come to life too.

Holy shit, would that freak me out.

Focus, Avalon!

"Do they think I'll break? Viraat keeps calling fragile and delicate. Is that it, do you think, Bunnifer?"

I sink deeper into the pillows, the late-afternoon light pouring through the windows, turning the dust motes into tiny whispers of glitter in the air.

"Hmmm. I wonder if I should try to seduce them. Even Little girls can seduce their Daddies, can't they?"

And I swear, honestlyswearit looks as if little ceramic bunny Bunnifer nods her head.

"Oh, Bunnifer. I'm so glad you agree." I tap her little ceramic nose, careful not to jostle her too much lest it worsen the broken ear. "If they won't make a move, I'll just have to."

It's not like I haven't fantasized about it. About climbing into Jodrick's lap with my softest nightgown on, or tugging Viraat down by the scruff of his beard and daring him to keep pretending he's not aching to devour me. The images have been swirling in my head for days, turning into full-blown, heat-drenched dreams that leave me flushed and whimpering into my pillow some mornings.