Page 280 of Tempted By her Daddies

He jumped slightly, turning to see her standing in the doorway. She had her hair up in a messy bun and there were smudges of dirt on her face and hands.

He frowned. “What have you been doing?”

“Oh, uh, cleaning out the basement.”

The basement? What . . . why . . . nope.

“You have not been,” he said sternly.

She blinked, most likely shocked at his tone. But he wasn’t having that.

“Um, yes, I have been. What are you doing? How come you’re holding those?”

She pointed at the bloomers he still had in his hand. He could feel himself growing red.

Was a Daddy Dom allowed to blush?

Urgh. He couldn’t believe he’d just had that thought. Why couldn’t he blush or do whatever he wanted? As long as he did what was important.

Took care of her, nurtured and supported her, cherished and guarded her. Protected her.

Are you doing all of that, though?

Somehow, he didn’t think he was doing the best job. By holding back out of fear was he making her feel less?

God, he hated the idea of that.

Although he thought she was more concerned with looking after him than worried about herself.

Was he denying them both what they needed?

Screw it.

He was tired of letting his family hold him back and push him down.

“I thought these were cute.” He held up the bloomers.

“They are. I haven’t worn them yet, though.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t . . . I don’t really know. I guess because Salem and Alexei haven’t chosen to dress me in it. Is that silly?”

“Not at all,” he countered. “And I’m glad they haven’t.” He walked toward her.

Her eyes grew wide and she watched him with a hint of concern. Yes, he knew he was acting out of character.

Or perhaps for the first time he was being who he really was. Who he actually wanted to be.

“Why?” she asked.

“Because it means that I get to be the first to dress you in these.”

“You?” Her mouth dropped open comically.

“Me. But first we have to get you clean.” He brushed at a cobweb in her hair. “What were you thinking, going into the basement on your own?”

He couldn’t believe she’d done that. Anything could have happened to her down there and he’d have had no idea.

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