Page 34 of Daddy Devious

Auntie Cat just laughs, a loud, throaty sound that soothes some of my nerves. “Really, Maxwell. Are you trying to paint me as the mean old aunt already?”

“I just didn’t want her to be surprised if she decides to test you.”

“Look at that sweet face. I can’t imagine her being the least bit naughty.” Still crouched down to eye level with me, Auntie Cat holds out a hand. “Would you like to go see what kind of yummy treats they have up at the counter, sweet girl?”

The promise of baked goods draws me out from behind Daddy at last. “Yes, please.”

“See?” She shoots Daddy a glare. “There isn’t a naughty bone in her body, Maxwell. Come on, Tori, let’s go find something delicious and full of sugar to have with breakfast.”

“Tori?” Nobody’s called me Tori before, and I’m not sure how I feel about it.

Auntie Cat looks down at me, wrinkling her nose in an exaggerated show of disgust. “Victoriais so formal. And far too big a name for such a sweet little girl. Don’t you think?”

“I happen to like Victoria,” Daddy grumbles from behind us.

Despite what Auntie Cat thinks, there are plenty of naughty bones in my body. And knowing that Daddy prefers my full name is enough to have me smiling sweetly up at her. “I like it, Auntie Cat.”

“That’s settled, then. To the pastries!”

As she leads me over to a glass counter filled to the brim with what seems like every sweet treat imaginable, I can’t help but think that Auntie Cat might just be my favorite person in the whole wide world.

Chapter Thirteen

Maxwell

Victoria is on her best behavior all through breakfast. She doesn’t even protest being put in a highchair while her Auntie Cat feeds her, which I’m thankful for. While Cat is enjoying her “doting aunt” role for the time being, I wasn’t exaggerating when I told Victoria she’s just as strict as I am. If not more so. One little tantrum is all it would take to have Victoria out of that chair and over her Auntie Cat’s knees, getting her bottom paddled with a wooden hairbrush.

For now, however, the two are the best of friends. And it makes my chest ache, in the best way, to watch them together. Cat is in her element, smiling and laughing in ways I’ve never seen before as she feeds my Little girl her breakfast.

This is what I’ve always dreamed of. The whole reason we built the island. So we could live our lives freely, the five of us becoming the family we were always meant to be. Not hiding our lifestyles away in our mansions, terrified of what the world might say if they knew.

“Are you ready for your muffin, Tori?” Cat asks, breaking off a piece of chocolate chip muffin and holding it to Victoria’s lips.

Eyes bright with happiness, my Little girl accepts it, making little “yummy” sounds as she munches on her treat.

“Where are we headed after breakfast, Maxwell?” Glancing over at me, Cat breaks off another piece of muffin and feeds it to Victoria.

“The boutique, and then we have an appointment at the spa. You’re welcome to join us, if you’d like.”

“I’d love that. Has she had any milk this morning?”

“No.” I let my lips curve. “Doctor D wanted to do some fasting blood work, and I thought you might like the honor of her second bottle.”

“Oh, I would love that!” Turning back to Victoria, Cat beams and holds out another piece of muffin. “Last bite for now, and then you need to drink your milk, sweet girl.”

Pink slashes across Victoria’s cheeks and she shakes her head. “No milk.”

The corners of Cat’s mouth dip down, just a fraction. “Victoria. You’ve been such a good girl for me this morning. You don’t want to ruin our time together with a spanking, do you?”

I know damn well it wouldn’t ruin a single thing for Cat. In fact, if I know her, she’s secretly hoping Victoria will act out so she can have the pleasure of turning my Little girl’s bottom a nice bright red.

Wide-eyed now, Victoria gives her head an even more vigorous shake. “No, I don’t want a spankin’!”

“Then no more fussing. Come, let’s get you out of that highchair.”

Cat makes quick work of unbuckling Victoria from the chair and lifting her out, settling her onto her lap as a waiter brings a fresh bottle of milk to the table at my signal.

Victoria whines a bit when Cat brings the rubber nipple to her lips, but a quick swat to her hip from Auntie Cat settles her right down. I watch, transfixed, as she suckles the nipple, her eyes drifting closed as she drinks. One delicate hand grips Cat’s blouse, forming a perfect little fist, and it’s as though my heart has leapt right from my chest into my friend’s arms.

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