Page 24 of Necessary Cruelty

“No, that one.”

I put down the book in my hand and pick up the one that looks like a jar of pink glitter exploded on the cover and read the title out loud. “Little Princess Unicorn? This is meant for toddlers.”

Emma shrugs, but I catch the glare she levels at the purple comforter. “It’s what Mom picked.”

“Jesus.” I rein in my temper with an effort, because I don’t want Emma to see me angry. I glance at the bookshelf in the corner, but it’s more of the same. There isn’t even a copy of Harry Potter in here. “You know what, it’s so late that maybe we should save story time for tomorrow night.”

She pouts. “That’s not fair. Mom promised me a story.”

“Yeah, well. I got something better.” I rifle in the pocket of my jacket for my phone and wave it in her face. “I’ll let you listen to my newest playlist until you fall asleep. But you have to go to bed right now.”

“Deal.” Emma reaches for the phone with eager hands. “You always find the best stuff.”

The smooth vocals of AlunaGeorge play from the tinny speaker. “Turn it down to low, and I’m coming back to get it in an hour, whether you’re asleep or not.”

“In an hour, you might be asleep.”

“Not a chance,” I reply with a grim smile, but she’s already twisted onto her side and doesn’t see it. I’ll absolutely be awake, because I almost never sleep. It’s a good night if I get an hour before waking up again. “Eyes closed, or I’m taking it back.”

She positions the phone on the pillow next to her and then dutifully closes her eyes. “Night.”

I lean forward to kiss her gently on the forehead. “Night, munchkin.”

“Don’t call me that,” she grouses, voice already heavy with sleep. “I’m not a little kid anymore.”

“You are as long as I have something to say about it.”

Eventually, I’ll break Emma just like I have everything else good that has been in my life.

But I’ll put off the inevitable for as long as I possibly can.

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