Page 79 of The More the Merrier

Today proved he wasn’t a lost cause yet. The fire in his eyes seeing Claire over his lap, her almost naked ass wearing his marks had almost thrown his bestie into a rage. Atticus chuckled at the memory of Gregor’s expression upon discovering them, but also the last thing he’d seen before they turned and left. The challenge hidden in those depths told Atticus that it was game on. Tonight, they would be vying for Claire’s attention. Not that they needed to as the winner at the end of this scrimmage would be both.

No, this was more of an opportunity to show Claire exactly what she could expect from the two men who planned on claiming her. Dark torrid passion and loving support, just what every Little girl needed. She’d become confused by the attention paid to her and would need a confidant, that would be him. He’d make right all the wrongs and Gregor would rip apart anyone who dared mess with their family.

That’s if they got that far. His phone pinged. A series of photos from Claire, getting her dress refit for her so it was just perfect. The last two photos were of her getting her hair done. He’d sent over a friend who owned the only salon in town, and Chevon was busy making her hair look amazing.

Don’t wear underwear, he texted back.

He received a photo of her with pouty lips. Followed by,How come… DADDY?

Atticus laughed. Then texted back.If you disobey Daddy, you will earn yourself a punishment in front of everyone. If that is what you are after, then you do you, and I’ll just sit back and watch you bury yourself further.

A moment later another photo was received this time with Claire doing wide shocked eyes but in those beautiful depths lay a hint of mirth. The little minx was already being naughty and enjoying it. He couldn’t help but chuckle again at her antics.

I’m looking forward to a highly enjoyable evening, Marian. Make sure Chevy adds the tiara I sent over.

A picture of a tiara in her lovely soft hands with newly painted nails showed up.

That’s the one. I’ll see you in an hour. Try and behave yourself until then. No running out into the snow in your glass slippers.

Ugh, really, first I’m Marian, and now Cinderella? You have a fairytale fetish, Daddy?

If only she knew how badly he needed a happily ever after just like in the fairy tales. Not that their life wasn’t amazing, it was, but to have their woman would complete them.

I guess you’ll know the answer to that when I read you a bedtime story.

He tossed that out to see what she would do with it. There would be many tests in the next few days to ensure the men wouldn’t be wasting their time.

No answer. Hmm, he waited a moment longer and tossed his phone on the bed, time for him to get ready for tonight’s festivities.

His phone pinged and he scrambled for it, hitting his knee on the bed post and falling to the floor, his old football injury rearing its ugly head. Atticus groaned and was holding his leg when a knock was heard on his door.

“Are you okay in there?”

“No, I’m not fucking okay, my knee!”

Gregor entered the room dressed as a mighty Elizabethan King. Lifting the lighter man without effort, Gregor set him on the bed.

“Let me see.”

Atticus released his knee and then slammed his upper body back onto the mattress gripping the covers in his fists.

“You’ve dislocated the kneecap. I’ll put it back but you’re going to have to stay off it and ice it, and—” His words were cut off by loud grunting from Atticus as Gregor shifted his knee back into place.

Gregor grabbed his friend’s phone before he could and scrolled through the messages and pictures. Then he tossed it to him with a warning to not move and came back ten minutes later with anti-inflammatories, water, and an ice pack. He arranged Atticus on the bed like he was a kid until he seemed satisfied.

“Done fussing, Dad?”

Gregor gave him a piercing glance. “You know you need to look after this and get the damn surgery done.”

“I know that, bossman, but when have I had time? I’m swamped in the good weather with tourists and this winter, things haven’t slowed down.”

Gregor crossed his arms. “This from the man who recently told me he had too much time on his hands. Make the time, Atticus, or I will make it for you.”

“Go fuck yourself. I’ll do it when I bloody well am ready to do it.”

“Suit yourself, but you won’t be going anywhere tonight. I guess I will be picking up the fair maiden and taking her to the ball.”

Gregor turned and was almost out the bedroom door when he said. “I’ll text pictures of me entertaining your date.” He shut the door, missing the two raised middle fingers response from Atticus.

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