* * *
“That’s a nice bracelet!”Dad beamed, pointing at the dainty jewelry James had gifted me. My smile was tight when I touched the cool diamonds placed over the silver. It was beautiful and made a soft ringing sound when I moved my hand, and I loved it. But James hadn’t said a word about it. He was being distant and acting cold towards me.
Only smiling and talking to Clyde as if I didn’t exist. I couldn’t believe he was making me feel worse about myself on my birthday.
“Thanks. James gifted it to me.”
Dad looked better than before, but he still couldn’t walk. I chewed on my lip, wondering when he’d be able to come home and have dinner with us or exchange silly gifts.
I blinked back the burning tears when I hugged him at the time of leaving. Visiting hours were over. “I miss you.” His arms squeezed me before he pulled away, his eyes glittering.
“I miss you too, Pumpkin.” He smiled and glanced over my shoulder at James. I looked away and walked out of the room, clutching the gift box in my hand. I knew what it was because I had seen him carving it. A small wooden elephant that had a big smile. I clutched it to my chest.
“Let’s go.”
I didn’t reply and followed him to the parking lot. Each of our steps echoed in the night’s silence. My heart felt heavy at the distance between us. He’d be joking and holding me close by now, like he did after every visit to the hospital.
“James.”
His eyes were dark and piercing when they landed on my face. “Sit.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat and obeyed, sitting down on the passenger seat. Somehow, he seemed large and intense when he drove us to the house, but he was calm when we entered the house, turning on the dim lights in the living room.
“Come here.”
I jumped hearing his rough tone and looked at James. He was sitting on the couch with his long legs spread out, the veins on his forearms tensing as he slowly unbuttoned the few buttons on his shirt, sliding his large palm on his thighs. His face was covered in shadows, his ocean blue eyes were so dark they seemed onyx. He looked like a beast who hadn’t eaten in days.
“No, thanks.” I moved towards the stairs, ready to spring upstairs—
“I wasn’t asking, Mia,” he said gently, making me freeze. “Come. Here.”
I didn’t move, my fingers twisting on the bracelet he gifted me.What’s the worst thing that can happen?He could tease me for a few hours and not make me cum. But I had a toy that I could use—
“Five.”
I sputtered, turning around, “You can’t do that!”
He ignored me, titling his head. “Four.”
My heart beat increased and I could feel the nerves in my body bubbling up and anxiety settling in.What is he going to do?
“Three.”
My lips fell apart. “James…”
“Two.”
“What are you going to do, Daddy?” I stayed rooted. “Fuck me?”
Yes, I was serving my ass to him on a silver platter, but it felt good—powerful—to see a flicker of emotion in his cold eyes.
“One.” He stood up, and I backed away. “Yes, my little bratty slut, I’m going to fuck you.”
With a small smile spreading on my lips, I ran. My breathing was harsh, my feet padding on the floor when I climbed up the stairs, fear and something raw and scary and hot rolling through me when I heard him follow me, his pace quicker.Of course, he is quicker than me. He had the advantage of longer legs and stronger muscles from years of working out in the gym for four days a week.
“Got you.”
I squealed when his hand wrapped around my wrist, pushing me to the wall and trapping me against it. Panting, I tried to squirm and wriggle away, but whenever I tried to move, he was there, inching up and closing over me until all I could breathe washim. Pine and male scent.