Page 12 of Winter Break

I scrunch up my nose. “It’s gross, and it’s what Vincent smells like.”

Daddy holds out a hand. “Why don’t you come out of the closet, Little doll. You must be starving. It’s way past lunch now.”

“I’m fine,” I tell him. “I don’t eat much.”

“That explains why you’re so skinny. We should get some meat on you.” His eyes twinkle.

I find myself smiling at him.

“Come, Little doll.” He takes one of my hands in his.

I twist around and let him lure me forward, still holding his hand. In seconds, I’m in his arms, and he’s lifting me off the floor. He carries me to the middle of the room, stands me on my feet, and grabs the long hem of his shirt up a few inches. “Hold this for me, Little doll.”

I do as he says, gripping the soft flannel, watching as he removes my worn shoes. When he reaches under the shirt for the front of my jeans, I hold my breath and say nothing. I’m mesmerized by his odd actions. I should push him away. But I can’t.

I’m drawn to this man in every way. I’m frozen while he pops the button on my ill-fitting jeans, unzips them, and lowers both them and my panties to the floor. Grabbing my hips, he lifts me up, letting both items fall off my ankles.

Madness. Why have I let him remove my clothes? The only thing covering me now is his flannel. It’s so soft against my skin, and I feel oddly free as though shedding my clothes releases me from my stupid life.

Daddy sets me on my feet, takes my hand, and guides me out of the room like nothing unusual just happened.

“He’ll come back,” I say.

“I suspect he will, Little doll.”

I tug on my hand, but he doesn’t let go. “Daddy…”

He’s smiling when he turns to face me, and I shouldn’t be surprised when he lifts me off the floor again to set me on the counter in the kitchen. He surrounds me, his hands landing next to my hips, pinning me in place. “You’re mine now, Cora. Let me worry about Vincent.”

I sigh. “Okay.”

“Good girl. Sylas found everything you asked for. I set the boxes in the bedroom.”

“Thank you.” My heart is racing. I can’t believe I’m here. It’s mindboggling. I’m struggling to accept it’s real. A few hours ago, I hadn’t even met this man whom I now call Daddy and find myself oddly trusting. Not only that but I want him to kiss me again.

“You smell much better without those smokey clothes on. I’ll give you a bath, after we eat, to wash your hair. I’ll take your old clothes out to the trash.”

I gasp. “No. Please. I mean…” I don’t want to be disagreeable, but…

Daddy’s brow furrows. “What’s wrong, Little doll? They don’t even fit you.”

“Can I please keep the cardigan? It was my mother’s. Maybe we could wash it?”

He leans in closer. “Of course, Cora. Can I toss the rest?”

“Yes.” I’m so relieved. I never know what to expect when I challenge him. I’m not used to being heard. I keep thinking he will slap me or reprimand me loud enough for the entire mountain to hear.

“You need to eat.”

I glance at the other end of the counter where sandwiches sit. He made them before he went out to confront Vincent. My stomach clenches. “I’m not hungry.”

“Little doll, that can’t be true.”

“Well, I’m too frazzled to eat. Please may I wait until later?”

He lifts his hands to my face. “I never want you to feel like you can’t talk to me, Cora. If you don’t like something, you may voice your opinion. That doesn’t mean I will always consent to your requests, but I won’t get angry.”

I nod slowly. I’m not sure what sorts of things he might not let me do. I don’t know him at all.