Page 32 of Monster Daddies

They want me. I know I'm not imagining that. So maybe it's time I stopped being the good little girl waiting for her Daddies to notice and started being a brave little brat instead.

I bounce up off the settee, suddenly filled with a wild, reckless kind of energy. The kind that usually ends in glitter explosions or late-night baking marathons.

This time, though? It's going to end with one, or hopefully two, very flustered, needy gargoyles.

"Operation Seduction," I declare, spinning in a dramatic twirl that makes my skirt puff out like a cupcake.

First step. Outfit.

They like me soft and sweet. And honestly, I love the contrast of all my soft and sweet compared to their rugged and hard. But I've also paid attention the last few weeks. Viraat has a fondnessfor my pigtails, and peach lip gloss, and Jodrick has a particular weakness for any of my outfits that contain lace.

I head upstairs, flinging open the wardrobe with a flair that would make a Disney princess proud.

Satin and lace in the form of a pastel pink babydoll with Strawberry Shortcake buttons. Some sweet knee-high socks.

As I start laying things out, I pause for a moment and glance out the window toward the roof. The sun is starting its slow descent, the sky beginning to blush pink and gold.

I'll have my Daddies back soon.

My pulse kicks up, equal parts nerves and anticipation.

I smooth my palms down my thighs, suddenly feeling shy.

What if they see all this and still pull back?What ifI go all in and offer myself up on a platter and they reject me? No amount of rainbows and fluffy bunnies can save me from the sting of that.

I look at myself in the mirror, large, scared eyes, cheeks red with excitement and apprehension.

It's time to be brave.

I light candles as the sky outside shifts to dusky dark lavender. One by one, flames flicker to life, casting light and warmth across the room. The babydoll clings to me, the satin whispering along my skin as I smooth it into place. I tuck my legs beneath me on the bed, bouncing slightly as I fluff the pillows behind my back.

Bunnifer has been given a place of honor on the nightstand. She helped me make this monumental decision after all.

"Now we wait," I whisper to her.

Did she just wink at me?

It must be the shadows from the candlelight.

Or my dizziness from lack of oxygen because I can't bloody breathe, I'm so nervous.

The first low rumble of shifting stone sends a thrill down my spine. They're waking up. I press a hand to my chest, feeling my heart thud wildly against my palm.

A few more minutes pass, and then...

Footsteps. Heavy. Familiar.

I shift on the bed, tugging my nightgown down just a little more... and then I tug it slightly up instead.

The door creaks open.

Jodrick steps in first, eyes glowing like a storm light in the dim candle glow. He freezes the moment he sees me. Behind him, Viraat growls low in his throat, though the sound lacks any real menace. It's more like restraint cracking at the edges.

Neither of them speaks.

I give them my sweetest, most innocent smile. "Hi, Daddies."

Chapter Fourteen