Page 83 of Hush, Little Baby

Maybe it shouldn’t matter so much—maybe I should be above needing approval from a boy I stole and coddled and want to keep forever—but fuck, I’d burn the whole world down just to hear it again.

I press a kiss to the crown of his head and say, “You’re welcome, baby. Want to nap more, or do you want to sit with me awhile?”

He considers, then murmurs, “Sit. With you.”

I help him upright, supporting him until he’s steady, then let him lean against my chest. The footie pajamas are so soft his hands can’t stop fidgeting with the sleeves, and when I look down, I see he’s tracing the clouds like they’re a secret only he knows about.

15

Charlie

The next day, I wake up sometime after my afternoon nap to the sound of distant voices and the smell of something sweet.

It takes me a second before I remember why I’m staring up at a mobile of clouds and moons and stars. I curl my toes and pull Duckie to my face, breathing him in.

After exploring the nursery some more the day before, I’d discovered that Duckie is far from the only stuffie in here. And yet… he’s my favorite. He was the first new friend Niko gave me, so while I do like all the others, Duckie’s special.

I sit up gingerly, my bottom admittedly feeling a bit achy from Niko’s seemingly mandatory morning cum sessions. Honestly, it almost gave me a heart attack yesterday, but since I knew it was probably coming this morning, I… um… well, I woke up feeling just a little needy.

And I didn’t really protest when he started touching me, and kissing me, and telling me what a good boy I am…

Instead of fucking my thighs like before, though, he rubbed that special spot behind my balls until I was squirming and whining, then pushed a thick finger into my butt and rubbed that spot from the inside too. Then once I finished, he stroked himself off while staring down at me, splattering warm cum all over my tummy before carrying me into the bathroom to clean me up.

I hug Duckie to my chest as I think about it, then hear faint laughter echoing from somewhere beyond the door.

My stomach gives an interested little growl at the scent wafting in from under the door, and my curiosity at the sounds grows.

For a moment, I debate staying where I am.

The nursery has become a sort of sanctuary. Everything inside it feels safe and predictable. The thought of venturing into the rest of the penthouse still makes my nerves flutter, even though Nikolaus has told me that I’m welcome to explore on my own.

But eventually my curiosity and stomach win, and I slide the rail of the crib down to climb out. I consider bringing Duckie, but ultimately decide to leave him in my room before wandering out into the empty hallway.

The penthouse seems impossibly large when Nikolaus isn’t right beside me. Every room opens into another room. Every corridor leads somewhere unfamiliar. The entire place feels less like an apartment and more like a small kingdom suspended above Manhattan.

I drift downstairs slowly, one hand trailing along the banister.

The smell grows stronger—vanilla, sugar, and butter. I lick my lips at the scent.

By the time I reach the kitchen, I find Elise standing at the island with a mixing bowl while Marta pulls trays from the oven.

The heat from the oven hits me first, then the realization that they’re baking.

I freeze in the doorway, unnoticed by both women.

Elise is focused on stirring something while Marta mutters under her breath about people who can’t follow written instructions.

I should leave.

They’re working, and I’d only be interrupting.

Nobody invited me.

My feet remain rooted to the floor anyway, and eventually Elise glances up.

“Oh!” Her face brightens immediately. “Hi, Charlie.” The genuine warmth in her voice catches me off guard.

Marta looks over her shoulder briefly before returning her focus to her task. “I’m surprised to see you down here all by yourself. Can I get you anything?”