Page 56 of Tempted By her Daddies

Now she would understand what she had done wrong and apologize accordingly.

Instead, she made a scoffing noise. “I know what a gunshot sounds like. That wasn’t a gunshot.”

“And how do you know what a gunshot sounds like?” he murmured.

“I’ve been to a shooting range before,” she replied.

“And that makes you an expert?” He walked forward and grabbed her chin, tilting her head back. She was so tiny compared to him that it was nearly ridiculous.

“What if it had been someone trying to break into the place?”

“But it wasn’t! It was a bird! Not a raging squirrel or a gunshot or a thief! A silly bird that is currently still in the house and likely pooping on antiques worth more than the GDP of some small countries.”

He smirked at that. Although part of him did wonder if she was right.

“All right, let’s take care of the bird. Then you’re going to promise to not go outside when you hear strange noises. Instead, you’re going to come find me.”

“The bird could have died by then.”

“Clearly not, since it’s currently pooping on a vase worth more than you and me combined.”

“What?” she squealed as she turned.

The bird flew off . . . toward the walls rather than the door.

“You! You need to leave! I brought you in here thinking you were injured! It’s not nice to fake being dead! You DCB!”

“DCB?” Alexei asked.

“Dumb Cute Bird.”

Hmm, he was still wondering what MGB stood for.

He was smiling until he realized that she was limping. What the hell?

“What did you do!” he demanded.

She spun and winced, wobbling.

Rushing to her, he picked her up in arms. Fuck, she was light. She should be eating more. Why wasn’t Salem demanding that she eat more?

After this weekend, Alexei would certainly be making sure she ate better. What would happen if she grew ill? There was nothing to sustain her.

“Um, Alexei, what are you doing?” she asked.

“How did you injure yourself?”

“Oh, that, it’s nothing. Could you set me down? I have to get that bird out before he poops on something else.”

“I will get the damn bird. You will sit down.” He set her on the sofa.

Where she promptly tried to get back up.

This girl definitely needed some discipline.

Salem wouldn’t discipline her until all the T’s were crossed and I’s were dotted.

Alexei didn’t restrain himself with such worries.

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