Page 43 of Cage

“Okay,” she whispers, her voice shaky.

She lowers her gaze from mine again. I don’t like it. I reach out and gently grasp her chin. “It’s not that I don’t want you, Ember, because I do. Fuck, I want you like I’ve never wanted anyone before. It’s a bad idea, though. Okay? It’s better to keep things platonic. You can still be Little, and I can still take care of you. As friends.”

Even as I say it, I know it’s a lie. We’re already past the point of friendship. I have feelings for her. Strong ones. And it scares the hell out of me.

When she nods, I release her and lower her from the counter so she doesn’t hurt herself by jumping down. As soon as she’s steady on her feet, I take one more deep inhale of her toxic scent, committing it to memory forever before I take a step back.

“Enjoy your bath, firefly,” I say as I shut off the water.

Then, like a damn coward, I leave the bathroom without looking back, closing the door to create a physical barrier between us so I can try to get a grip on myself. The only problem is that I hate myself a little more with each step I take away from her.

15

EMBER

You’re pathetic. Who plays with dolls at our age? What kind of sicko are you?

“Ember, baby, wake up.”

Why don’t you just kill yourself so we don’t have to look at your ugly face anymore?

“Firefly, wake up. You’re having a nightmare, baby.”

Hands grab at me, pulling my hair and scratching me. Letting out a cry, I fight back, clawing away from them.

“Ouch. Fuck. Baby, it’s Cage.”

“No. Leave me alone. I’m not a freak,” I sob. “I don’t want to kill myself. No.No!”

I keep fighting, thrashing as hard as I can to get away.

“Ember, stop.” His voice is harsh and firm. “Stop, baby. It’s me. It’s… Daddy.”

My eyes fly open, and I gasp, my heart pounding like a jackhammer. “Daddy,” I whisper.

Safe. I’m safe.

As soon as I meet his gaze, I whimper. Tears stream down my face, and suddenly, I’m being smothered. Cage is on top of me,hugging me with his entire body. I cling to him, his warm skin soothing me as I continue to tremble and gasp for air.

“Shh. I got you. I’m right here. Breathe with me. Touch me, baby. Feel me here with you.” His voice is deeper than usual.

“I’m sorry,” I rush out. “I’m sorry I woke you.”

“Don’t ever be sorry, baby. Never be sorry for needing me.” He strokes my hair and continues to hold me. It takes several minutes until I’m able to take a full, deep breath. When I do, he lets out a shaky one of his own. Is he upset?

“That’s my girl. I’ve got you.”

I continue to quiver underneath him, but the weight of his broad, muscular body is therapeutic, soothing me from the inside out.

“That’s my girl,” he whispers. “Daddy’s good girl. Slow breaths, firefly. Slow breaths.”

He keeps murmuring in my ear, his words distracting me from the nightmare I just endured.

I’m not sure how long we lay like this, but the air slowly shifts and begins to crackle. My core hums, and my breasts ache for his touch. I’ve never felt this way about a man. Not that I’ve been around a ton of guys. All through school, I was surrounded by girls. Mean, catty, spoiled girls. It wasn’t until I started college that I was around men on a daily basis. I was even asked out a few times. I’m sure glad I always turned them down because I never knew I could feel this way just from an innocent touch. Well, it may not be totally innocent. The long, thick shaft pressing against my thigh certainly isn’t.

Ever so gently, he presses a kiss to my neck just below my ear, and I moan. Butterflies flutter wildly low in my tummy.

“Cage.”

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