Page 52 of Siccitas

I get the butter out and spread it on the buns.

“Daddy doesn’t like it when we spread the butter so thick,” he says nonchalantly.

I scrape the butter off. “Our secret then.”

He looks up at me and nods slowly.

He helps me carry the buns to the dining room table and I sit beside Pater.

“Thank you, Mommy and Richter.”

“Thank you, Daddy, for the delicious food,” I say.

He looks at me curiously and takes my hand, squeezing it. “I hope you enjoy it.”

I bow my head submissively.

He seems satisfied, so he starts to dish up the burgers.

We eat quietly. Not a word is said between us, and when we’re done, Richter and Skyler take the dishes to wash up.

Luke looks at me. “Are you feeling better?”

“Yes, Daddy, I know you only do what’s best for me.”

“I do, don’t I?” he chuckles. “You can rest tonight. I feel like having a good night’s sleep myself.”

“Thank you, Daddy,” I say quietly. “Can I take my leave?”

“Go ahead.” He sits back.

I leave and go to the bedroom. The plan is already forming in my mind.

Another night or two just to work out the details and I will put it into action.

I will suffer until then.

For Skylar.

For Darby.

For every Greene woman bred and fucked in this house, trapped in this broken cycle.

I hear footsteps and I quickly get under the covers, curling up on my side, my back to his side.

I hear him get naked. He climbs into bed and then I feel the weight of his arm over me as he holds me.

Ever the fucking loving father?

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