Page 178 of Daddy's Wild Girl

“I’m so happy to be out of my house,” Ellie claimed as she sat on the sofa. “I’ve been stuck inside for the last week with a bad head cold. This is the first time that Bear has let me out. He wouldn’t even let me come see you.”

“Oh, is that why you were so wrapped up?” Bebe asked, looking at the pile of clothes on the floor.

“Hmm? Oh no. That’s what he makes me wear every time I go out during the colder months. Crazy, right? Takes half an hour just to get dressed to go anywhere. These Daddies are nuts.”

“Oh, Bear is your Daddy?” Bebe asked as she sat. “Wait, that’s probably rude to ask, right?”

“Not rude. I said it. And yep, he is. Here at Sanctuary, there are lots of Daddies. And people won’t really get offended or shocked at questions like that. Do you like it here?”

The question felt like it came out of nowhere, but Bebe found herself nodding. “I . . . really do. Everyone has been so welcoming, which is surprising.”

Ellie’s blue eyes widened. “Why is that surprising?”

She shrugged, wishing she’d never said anything. “Well, you know, because of who I am. People often make . . . assumptions before they meet me.”

“Well, that’s just rude!” Ellie said, sounding upset. “Why would they do that? So dumb. Anyone can tell that you’re lovely as soon as they meet you. And I don’t believe what I see on TV. Especially on reality shows. I don’t like to judge people without meeting them first.”

Bebe stared at her in wonder, then she gave her a big smile. “You’re a special person, Ellie.”

“Thanks. So are you. Now, do you have any hot chocolate?”

“I do. Someone very special helped pack me a welcome pack with some in.”

Ellie giggled.

Bebe did wellthe first day that Corbin left her at the cabin, especially with Ellie visiting her. And the second day didn’t go too badly. But on the third day, she lost all that calm.

Holding her phone, she scrolled through the images. She knew better than to go on social media.

Nothing good ever came from it.

And there they were . . . images of her parents. Acting all cozy and together.

So much for her father’s promises that he was done with Barb. That he was leaving her.

Would he be hugging her in a public space if he was as upset with her as he claimed? Or kissing her on the cheek.

She could feel her emotions boiling up.

Anger. Betrayal. Disappointment.

You’re just notgood enough.

Why would you think I’d want to stay with you forever?

I found someone better.

No,no, no.

She didn’t want his voice in her head. Grabbing her phone, she accidentally fumbled and dropped it onto the floor. Picking it up, she grumbled as she saw the broken screen. Shit. She couldn’t make out anything on it. Why wasn’t it turning on?

It was old and decrepit.

Maybe it had finally given out. Which meant that she couldn’t call Corbin.

She really needed Corbin.

Setting the phone down, she ran to put her boots on. She didn’t bother with a jacket. She needed to get to Corbin. But as she raced out of the cabin, she remembered that he had a meeting right then.

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