Chapter 16
Chapter Sixteen
Matteo received the reaction he’d been hoping for.
Annika was clearly impressed. After gasping, she stepped deeper into the store and stopped, turning a slow circle as she took it all in.
The smile on her face was radiant. He wanted nothing more than to scoop her into his arms right there and shower her with a million kisses.
But it was best to wait.
She’d already had a huge day. He was acutely aware that just a day ago she’d been living in an alley and scrounging for food. Today, she went in high-end shops in Beverely Hills and Hollywood, stocking up on clothes.
He didn’t want to overwhelm her.
Who knew how long he could hold out, though? Sooner or later, he’d show his cutie exactly how he felt about her.
“This is a Little store!” she exclaimed in the cutest voice Matteo had ever heard.
“That’s right. It’s just for sweetpeas like you. And you can pick out anything you want. As much as you want.”
She giggled and appeared as if she was going to take off in excitement, but stopped before actually running deeper into the store.
“Is something wrong?” he asked.
She turned back to look at him. “No. I really appreciate you taking me here. And all the places we’ve gone today.”
He nodded. Inside, though, he still had the impression that something was eating at her.
Perhaps she’d tell in time. Annika would learn that she could tell Daddy anything.
Now wasn’t the time to press it. So, he said, “Ready to do a little bit more shopping?”
“I’m ready!”
He took her hand. “Come on, honey. Let’s pick out some things.”
Thirty minutes later, the shopping cart Matteo pushed was full.
There were stuffies, outfits, and a few accessories like bows and jewelry. But something was missing—or possibly missing—and he figured it was as good a time as any to bring it up.
“Sweetie, we need to talk about just how Little you are.” He jerked his head toward the last few aisles in the store they hadn’t been down.
He’d seen her looking that way several times.
But she never actually walked toward them.
“There are a whole lot of diapers and pull-ups and other things sweeties might need. I’d hate for you to miss out on them. ”
A look of unease shaded Annika’s face. He hated that she felt embarrassed around him.
There was no need to. She could be her complete self around Daddy. In time, she’d learn that.
Her eyes darted back toward those rows. She finally looked at him and said quietly, “I need some of that stuff. But…” She just hung her head in what he assumed was shame.
Now he couldn’t resist. He had his arms wrapped around her before he even realized it himself.
Swaying her gently, he said, “Honey, you don’t have to be embarrassed about that. You’re in a store for people just like you. Look at those cuties over there.”
She lifted her head out of his chest and turned it a little to see a group of three people—two women and one man—wearing very Little outfits.
The man had on pants, but it was obvious, thanks to the pouf beneath them, that he also wore a diaper.
It was even more obvious for the ladies. Their short babydoll dresses did little to conceal their thick, bulky nappies. And if that wasn’t enough, the crinkle that accompanied their movements could be heard even from where Matteo and Annika stood.
After watching the group in clear admiration, she turned back to him after a few moments and said, “I need some diapers.”
That’s what he liked to hear.
“Well,” he told her, “you’re in luck because there are a bunch of them right over there. Are you familiar with the Mountainville Supreme?”
She shook her head.
“Supposedly they are the best on the market. Thick and can soak up whatever cute Littles like you give them.”
Annika looked adorable as she put her tongue between her teeth, threw her head back, and laughed.
For a moment, Matteo stayed behind so he could watch his sweet girl skip happily toward the diapers. Damn. She was too cute for her own good. He needed her in his arms again.
He needed more than that, as well. He needed to teach his little cutie how Daddies showed love to their special little girls.
Something was still on his mind, though.
Why had she hesitated a moment ago? Was it just the newness of it all? He could see how being plucked out of her old life—no matter how hard it was—and into something completely new and different would be difficult.
Or was it something else?
That wasn’t the only burning question searing his brain, either.
He still didn’t know what to make of those hacking abilities she’d showed yesterday.
It was obvious she knew her stuff. How did a young lady with such skill end up jobless and on the streets?
And any time the topic of work came up, she seemed hesitant to pursue it—like when Lana had mentioned working for a studio.
It didn’t seem like she was lazy or unwilling to work. But more as if there was something keeping her from working.
Or was it someone?
Matteo needed to know the answers to these questions. He would stop at nothing until his babygirl was completely safe. She deserved to live the exact kind of life she wanted to.
But there would be time for all that later.
Right now, he was just helping her feel at ease in her new life.
And helping her shop, of course.
Lots and lots of shopping.