Total pages in book: 215
Estimated words: 217988 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1090(@200wpm)___ 872(@250wpm)___ 727(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 217988 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1090(@200wpm)___ 872(@250wpm)___ 727(@300wpm)
She bit her lip as Brody returned.
“I need both of you to tell me if I miss something you need.”
“I’m not very good at asking for stuff, but I can try,” she said.
“Your Little doesn’t have a problem demanding stuff,” Brody teased her.
“My Little can be demanding,” she whispered.
“I know. It’s cute.” The Fox poured out some liquid painkiller into the measuring cup. “Here you are. Now, if you’re not going to eat anymore, you’ll need a protein drink. Brody, can you get one out of the fridge?” He drew his plate over and quickly ate. He’d learned early on in life not to waste food.
“Here, Tutu. I got you a chocolate one.”
“Oh no,” she cried. “It has one of those naughty little straws. I can never get the stick in the hole.”
She stabbed at the hole with the straw.
Amusement filled him. He took it from her. After pushing the straw in, he held it to her mouth. She gave him a shy look, but sipped on the drink. He held onto the drink until it was all gone.
“Thanks, Daddy.”
“You’re welcome, baby girl. Now, we need to have a talk.”
She glanced down at the plates. “I’ll just clean up first.”
“The dishes will wait. I’ll get to them soon.” He set her on his hip so she didn’t have a choice and carried her from the kitchen.
“I can do them,” Brody offered.
“Nope. You’re coming with us.”
He took them to the living room and set Autumn down. Then he pointed beside her. “Sit, Pup.”
They both gave him worried looks, but sat down.
“Time we talked about rules.”
Brody eyed him. “We’ve already had a talk about rules.”
“Yes, but now you have extra ones.” He started pacing back and forth, his hands behind his back.
“Does it feel like you’re about to get told off by the principal?” Brody mock-whispered.
“Uh-huh. He just needs a desk and a ruler, and this could be a naughty fantasy.”
Hmm. He hadn’t thought of that.
“I’d probably rather play predator to your prey,” he mused. “But I could also get behind that roleplay too. If that’s what you’re after. I’m sure I’ve got a wooden ruler around here somewhere.”
Both of them stared at him with wide eyes.
“Not me, Daddy.” Autumn pointed at Brody. “He’s the one that called you a mean old principal.”
“Hey! I didn’t call him mean or old. Although, if the shoe fits . . .”
They both started giggling. The sound startled him. They sounded so happy.
“Um, Daddy? You okay?” Autumn asked him.
“Of course.” He was just having a strange moment.
“Back to the rules. This isn’t a laughing matter. It’s very serious.”
“Sorry, Daddy. We’re paying attention. Right, Brody-bear?”
“I don’t think I need any more rules, though,” Brody said. “I’m a good boy.”
“You did get coal for Christmas,” the Fox told him.
“You gave me the coal!” Brody pointed out.
“Yeah, that was really mean, Daddy.”
Why did he feel like he was losing control of this conversation? Did he ever have control?
“I feel like I might need to go find that ruler,” he mused.
“We’re being quiet, Daddy,” Autumn said hastily.
Brody nodded.
“Bunny, let’s start with you.”
“Do I need to take notes, Daddy?”
“Hmm, that’s a good idea.”
“It is?”
“I’ll take notes on my phone,” Brody offered.
“Good thinking, Brody-bear,” she replied. “You’re so smart.”
“Aww, thanks, Tutu. You’re clever too, asking if we need to take notes.”
“Right. Back to what I was saying,” the Fox said. Although it was adorable the way they kept complimenting each other. “Autumn, you know that you’re to eat three meals a day. If you can’t eat much, there are plenty of protein shakes. You can top yourself up with one of them.”
“Okay, Daddy.”
“As agreed, two coffees a day.”
She sighed. “Fine. But you’re killing me here, Daddy.” She thumped at her chest with her first. “Like right here. I can feel it.”
“Could be indigestion,” Brody suggested.
“Oh yeah. Maybe. Could be from Daddy’s breakfast.”
“My breakfast did not give you indigestion,” he said with a huff. “And you barely ate any.”
She just grinned at him.
They were definitely running rings around him. And he was letting them. Because he liked seeing them like this.
“If you need something, you’re to tell us. Especially if it’s for your health or safety.”
She chewed her lip, looking pensive. “I’ll try.”
“Brody, you’ve got most of your rules. But you’re not to spend all of your time gaming or on the computer.”
Brody sighed. “I’ll try.”
“And you need to pick up after yourself. Autumn, no tidying up his mess.” He gave them both a stern look.
“Yes, Sir.”
“Yes, Daddy.”
“You both know the other rules. Don’t try to leave here without me. That’s for your own safety. Break any of the rules, and you’ll be punished. Usually a spanking. But sometimes, I might put you in the corner, make you write lines, or take something away from you.”
“Not Freddy Fox!” Autumn drew her toy from her pocket.