Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 81930 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 410(@200wpm)___ 328(@250wpm)___ 273(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81930 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 410(@200wpm)___ 328(@250wpm)___ 273(@300wpm)
“And if I don’t like that?” Isla asked.
“Then we stop.”
“Just like that? Because I don’t really know exactly what I’ll like. Including spankings.”
“Well, a spanking is meant to be a punishment. But how about this… we’ll treat the rest of your time here as a test. We’ll do some exploring. Find out who your Little is. What she likes and dislikes. Marcus will be with us. Keeping me on my toes and creating havoc wherever he goes.”
“Hey!” Marcus protested. “Actually, wait, that does sound like me.”
“I want Marcus to get what he needs too,” Isla said.
“Oh, don’t worry. I’ll give Marcus exactly what he needs.”
“Well, that doesn’t sound ominous or anything,” Marcus muttered.
Eliot pushed aside his own plate and drew hers closer. He forked up some sweet potatoes.
She gave him a shy look.
“Open up for the train,” he said with a grin.
She smiled and opened her lips as he grew closer. Satisfaction flooded him as he watched her eat.
He’d forgotten how good it felt to take care of a Little. To make sure they had whatever they needed.
“You’re supposed to go choo-choo as well,” Marcus said.
“Maybe I should do that for you.” He grabbed Marcus’ fork and speared a carrot. “Open up. Choo-choo.”
“I’m not a baby,” Marcus informed him. But his mouth opened and there was a flush of pleasure on his face.
“That’s my good babies. Here’s some more. Choo-choo.” First a forkful to Isla, then another to Marcus.
“What do you do for a living?” Isla asked.
“Ah, actually, I’m an author.”
“You are? What do you write?” she asked with a smile.
“Well, I haven’t written in a few years, but I used to write thrillers and mysteries. I’ve also written a few books for big Little boys and girls.”
“Really?” Marcus asked. “Can we see them?”
“I didn’t bring any with me. But there’s some here in the library that I donated.”
“Maybe you could read us one sometime,” Isla said shyly.
“Maybe or I could make you up a story. I was going to read the Littles here a book the other day but haven’t managed it yet. I could make up a story for the two of you tonight before bed. That’s if you’ll let me put you both to bed.”
“I-I think I’d like that. Marcus?”
Marcus nodded. “Yeah, you’re the Daddy. It’s your job to put us to bed.”
He fed them some more until Isla shook her head and Marcus pushed his plate away. “Half’s gone. Dino nuggets!”
“Is that the way you ask for something, young man?”
Marcus’ mouth dropped open. Eliot could tell that Marcus wasn’t used to someone pulling him up. He was sweet and funny and energetic. But he also needed someone to ground him.
“Sorry. Can I have my dino nuggets please?”
“That’s my good boy.”
Marcus squirmed with happiness. Liked that, did he? He lifted the cover off.
“Let me just check that they’re not too hot for little mouths.” They wouldn’t be. They’d been sitting for a while. But he still bit into one. “Just right.”
Both of them were watching him intently.
“Can I have one now? Please?” Marcus added hastily.
“You may. Little one?” He turned to Isla.
She shook her head. “I’m full.”
He didn’t see how she could be. But if she hadn’t eaten in a while, then her tummy might not be able to take much. And he didn’t want her getting a stomachache.
“Come here, you delicious dinosaurs.” Marcus picked up two nuggets. “You’ll need to fight to the death! Who is going in my tummy?”
He wanted to scold him for playing with his food. But it was funny. And hey, they were dinosaur nuggets.
Isla shifted around uncomfortably.
“Is your tummy sore, little one?” he asked worriedly. Perhaps he should get her checked by the doctor.
“Oh no, it’s fine.”
Marcus paused. “Your back?”
“It’s a little sore. Nothing to worry about, though. I might be better off moving around.”
“You have a sore back? I can give you a massage,” he offered.
“It’s not… muscular,” she whispered.
“Some asshole pushed her over,” Marcus told him.
“What? Who the hell pushed you over?” he roared.
Isla flinched, and he cursed himself. He didn’t get angry often. It took a lot for him to lose his temper.
But someone in his care being hurt? Yep, that was going to set him off every time.
“I’m sorry, little one. I didn’t mean to scare you. And I’m certainly not upset with you.”
“Oh, I, uh, I know. You just surprised me.”
“What happened? Who hurt you?” he asked in a calmer voice.
“A few days before we came here, some jerk broke into her apartment and pushed her over,” Marcus said.
“You were there? When they were in your apartment?” he asked, alarmed.
“Yes,” she replied. “I came home and startled him. He took off. I didn’t see his face, unfortunately.”
“Has he been caught?” he asked.
“No. And we don’t know how he got in, as the lock wasn’t tampered with. I bet it’s that slimy building manager,” Marcus said.