Page 65 of Three Stepbrothers Save Christmas

“I know you called Christian. I don’t know what you said, but I know you did it to help me, and it couldn’t have been an easy call to make. So, thank you.”

Travis watches me for a moment before he looks deep into my eyes.

“It wasn’t a question of it being a hard call to make, not when I knew it would benefit you. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you, Sweetheart.”

“I’m starting to believe that,” I whisper honestly. If he was willing to call Christian to help me, then that just goes to show that I must mean more to him than I was willing to believe.

“Good, and I will keep showing you how much you mean to me until you never doubt it again.” He leans in and kisses my lips.

“What did you call him about?” I ask, wondering if he will tell me the truth. I can see he’s thinking about whether to or not, but when he sighs and runs his knuckles down my cheek again, I know he will.

“Jason had told me the night before about Christian's relationship with Jasmine and how he is her main daddy. That he’s the one she turns to when she is scared and needs protection. That’s what I want to be for you, but when I saw you lying on that bed, not moving or talking, and Ryan told me how broken you were, I was scared I was going to make you worse, so I called Christian for advice.” Travis looks at me for a moment before continuing. “It was a short conversation; he asked me what my gut instinct was, and when I told him, he agreed it was the right thing to do. He said that I was already thinking like a daddy for you and to follow my gut, so I did.”

“I’m glad you did because it was what I needed,” I admit as I lean my cheek against his chest. “You got through to me in a way I don’t think anyone else could have.”

“I’m glad I could help you when you needed me the most. Whatever the future brings, Sweetheart, I am and always will be here for you. Like I said, if you want me as your daddy, I am completely here for that, as it feels so natural to be in that role for you.” He kisses the top of my head as his arms tighten around me. “I love you, sweetheart; never forget that. I will always love you.”

Those three words are there on the tip of my tongue, but I can’t quite bring myself to say them. Whenever I tell people I love them, they leave, and I never want the guys to leave me. I know Travis notices the silence, but I also know he won’t expect me to say it, not yet.

“Why don’t you go and get into bed? I’m sure Ryan is up there waiting for you,” Travis whispers into my hair. I lean out of his arms, smiling.

“Were you listening to us?”

Travis smiles as he shrugs.

“You weren’t exactly being quiet,” he winks as he helps me off his lap. “Go to bed. I have a meeting in the morning, but I will see you when I get back.”

“We have our last dress fitting in the morning for our bridesmaid dresses. But I will be home for about one,” I answer. Travis smiles up at me and nods.

“Then I will see you when you get back. Good night, Sweetheart. If you need me, you know where I am.”

I lean over and press one last kiss to his lips.

“Good night, Daddy. Thank you for everything,” I whisper before rushing up the stairs to where I know Ryan is waiting for me.

35

Verity

I pull up outside the house and notice that Travis’s car is the only one here. After a lovely morning with Jasmine and Danielle, I'm in a great mood. We all had our last fitting for our dresses for the wedding. Jasmine is going to be the most beautiful bride ever. I’m so happy for her, getting the happily ever after she deserves. No matter how bad I think I’ve had it, it has never been as bad as what she dealt with from her mother.

I move the rear-view mirror to check my make-up before heading inside. Even though Ryan gave me three of the most amazing orgasms last night, I’ve had to listen to Jasmine going on about how she spent the night. Apparently, she decided to go on full brat mode with Maximus and had the most amazing sex. So, of course, after hearing all about it, I am now horny as sin and hoping Travis will help ease some of the tension between my legs.

I climb out of the car and head towards the house, swinging my handbag in my hand, trying to think of a way I can get Travis to give me what I need.

Since speaking to Jasmine and Travis last night, I feel less worried about my relationship with the guys. I hope I’m not letting my old insecurities take over by falling hard for anyone who shows me a bit of affection. I’m sure I’m past that now. But the worry that they will eventually leave is still there. I’m just trying to stop it from holding me back.

Entering the house, I’m met with silence. I’m about to call out when I hear Travis’s raised voice from my dad’s office.

“Don’t give me that bullshit!”

Pushing open the door a little, I see Travis sitting at my father’s desk with his mobile to his ear and pinching the bridge of his nose with the other. He lifts his head and looks in my direction. He beckons me in further with his finger before pushing the chair back and holding out an arm, signalling for me to go to him. I rush forward nervously; standing by his side, he wraps an arm around my waist and pulls me onto his lap.

“You pay me to keep track of your money; if you don’t like it when I point out you are spending more than you are bringing in, then go find another accountant. You need me a lot more than I need you,” he snaps as his hand lands on my thigh and starts moving up my skirt.

“I’ll tell you what then. Go find yourself another fucker who will bend over backwards for you 'cause I’m done with your shit.” He ends the call and slams the phone onto the desk. He doesn’t give me any warning before he stands, lifting me with him and placing me on my feet.

“Lose the knickers, Sweetheart. Daddy needs that sweet pussy to take the stress away,” he demands as he starts unbuckling his belt. I quickly pull my underwear down, leaving my skirt in place.

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