Daddies’ Little Assassin (Femme Fatale Freakshow)

8. The Bedtime Story

Chapter eight

The Bedtime Story

T he city lights blurred into streaks of gold and white as we left the penthouse behind. My thoughts were swirling, the adrenaline from the fight slowly fading and leaving behind a jittery unease. I had people who actually seemed to care about me now, but something still held me back. It all felt too good to be true.

Karel's hand brushed mine as we walked down the street, his warmth grounding me even as my mind spun.

"You're quiet, little fluff. I know we don't know you yet, but your silence seems... weighted," he whispered, his voice barely a rumble in the night air.

I bit my lip, not sure how to explain the fear coiling in my chest. It wasn't the fight or the danger—those I was used to. It was the idea of losing this, whatever this was before I even had a chance to truly experience it.

"Feels unreal," I admitted, my voice small. "Like I'm going to wake up, and you'll all be gone."

Lang, who walked on my other side, tugged on my hand. "Why would we be gone? We just got here, Little Bunny."

Henry moved forward and stopped in front of us, halting our progress. His intense gaze locked onto mine. "You will not lose us, Thora," he said, his voice resolute. The words had the ring of a solemn oath to them. "We've been waiting for you for too long to even think about giving you up."

The sincerity in his words tugged at something deep inside me, even so, the hesitation lingered. "But what if my bad luck continues and you're stuck having to clean up my messes all the time? Or even worse... what if my bad luck in love comes back and you realise I'm not really your mate?" I asked, wrapping my arms around myself, suddenly feeling vulnerable. "I can't risk... I don't want to mess things up."

Karel chuckled, the sound low and reassuring. "You don't have to worry about that, Little fluff. There is no way in heaven and earth that any of us will give you up now. Even if we have to baby-proof the whole damn world to ensure you remain safe and sound."

Lang nodded in agreement, his gaze softening. "We're not going anywhere."

My third... mate stepped closer, his presence steady and comforting. "I get this is a lot for you right now, and you might be feeling overwhelmed and find it hard to trust that this is real. But we'll give you the time and space you need to make you feel better about it. But for now, darling girl, do you think you could let one of us come home with you tonight? Just to make sure you're safe." Even though he was asking a question, his tone was firm, and no-nonsense. It made me feel special and cared for in a way I had never experienced before.

I hesitated, biting my lip. "I guess that would be okay."

"Good girl," Henry praised with a soft smile, his warm words sending a shiver up my spine. "I'll come with you, then."

Lang and Karel both gave me a tentative hug before they took Karel's car, while Henry and I caught an Uber. The ride back to my place was quiet, but not uncomfortable. Henry kept glancing at me as if checking to make sure I was okay. Every time our eyes met, his gaze softened, making my heart flutter in ways I wasn't quite ready to admit yet.

When we finally reached my tiny apartment, I unlocked the door, feeling a mix of nervousness and relief as we stepped inside. The familiar scent of lavender and vanilla greeted me, but the space felt different now. I wasn't sure if it was because Henry was with me, or because I had changed so much in the last few hours. I had never had anyone else in my space before, let alone someone as present as Henry.

Henry's eyes swept the room, taking in the eclectic mix of stuffed toys and books that filled the shelves. Because this was so much my space I've never needed to hide my Little side before, and I felt a surge of worry that he might not like what he sees. The nerves and worries built even bigger when his gaze moved to my bed, where a collection of stuffed animals, mostly bunnies, were neatly arranged against the pillows.

And then he smiled. A soft, warm, indulgent smile. The warmth in his expression made my cheeks heat with pleasure. "You've got quite the collection, darling girl," he said, his voice teasing but gentle.

I fidgeted with the hem of my shirt, feeling shy. "Yeah... they've kind of always been there for me when no one else was."

He stepped closer, his hand brushing a soft teddy that sat front and centre. It was ratty and looked like it'd been through the war. Other than Mr Big, he was my favourite because I've had him for as long as I can remember.

"That's Buster," I whisper.

"Have you ever had a Daddy before, darling?" His tone was casual, but there was a deeper meaning behind the question that made my stomach flip.

I swallowed, shaking my head. "No, never... But I've always wanted one." That sentence held so much meaning.

Yes, as an orphan, I've always wanted parents. But ever since I found out about Littles and Caregivers from one of my clients, I've sucked up any and all knowledge I could about the lifestyle. I stopped looking for potential partners and instead focused on finding a Daddy of my own. A man that would protect me, love me and be there no matter what.

At my admission, Henry's gaze softened further, and he reached out to gently cup my cheek. "You deserve one, Thora. Someone to take care of you, to make sure you're never alone again."

My heart pounded in my chest, my voice barely above a whisper. "Really?"

He nodded, his thumb brushing over my skin. "Really. And tonight, if you'll let me, I'd like to be your Daddy and take care of you in the way you deserve."

Before I could respond, my stomach let out a loud growl, breaking the tension in the room. I felt my face flush with embarrassment as Henry chuckled.

"Sounds like someone's hungry," he said, his lips twitching into a smile.

I laughed nervously. "I guess I am. I didn't realize how long it's been since I last ate."

Henry took my hand, leading me toward the kitchen. "How about a late-night snack? I make a mean PB&J."

I blinked up at him, a small smile forming on my lips. "That sounds... nice."

As he busied himself in the kitchen, I slipped into the bathroom for a quick shower, letting the hot water wash away the lingering tension from the night. When I emerged, wrapped in a soft towel, the scent of peanut butter and jelly filled the air, making my stomach rumble even louder.

Henry was waiting for me, a plate with a sandwich and a glass of milk on the counter. He smiled when he saw me, his eyes warm. "I saw a sippy cup in the cupboard, but I didn't want to presume that it is something you liked to use often."

I blushed before looking up at him through my lashes. "I do."

Before I could say anything else, Henry grabbed the glass of milk and ducked down to the cupboard where I kept my sippy cup. With quick, easy movements, he filled the cup before placing it down next to my snack. "All set."

I smiled, feeling oddly comforted by the simplicity. Sitting down, I took a bite of the sandwich and felt a sense of normalcy settle over me. It's been so long since I didn't feel the need to fight or run. It was freeing and relaxing.

After I finished, Henry took the plate and glass and then guided me toward the bed. "Time for bed, darling girl," he said softly, pulling back the covers for me.

I crawled under the blankets, feeling the soft toys surrounding me. Henry tucked me in, his touch gentle, and then he settled in beside me.

"How about a bedtime story?" he asked, his growly voice low and soothing.

I blinked at him, my heart swelling at the offer. It took a lot of effort for me to get the words out. "I'd like that."

And as Henry's voice wrapped around me, telling a story that lulled me into warmth and safety. I felt something shift inside me. This is what it felt like.

Being cared for.

And I really liked it.

That thought, more than anything else, made me feel like I could let go a bit and I finally drifted off to sleep.