Chapter 13
Chapter Thirteen
Avalon
I should be over the moon right now.
The retreat is real.
The first guest list is full.
Not a spot of dust or dull surface can be found in the manor.
Every room is named, the dungeon has its own schedule, and the organizers are very excited to have our first ‘soft’ opening with a test run of guests.
I still can't believe I did this!
But underneath all the excitement, there's something else. Something hot and needy and just plain old restless.
I fluff a throw pillow and toss it onto the settee like it insulted me.
It's been weeks since that night on the rooftop. Weeks since I showed Viraat my vulnerable side and opened up to him.
Sure, they've been sweet. Attentive. They've helped me plan, and get stuff set up for the retreat next week. They even had a full-on tea party last weekend where I made them wear little felt crowns I stitched myself.
But they haven't touched me. Not really. Not in the way I am in desperate need of.
They say sweet things. Even Viraat. Jodrick has taken to stroking my hair until I fall asleep and Viraat often growls and grunts when I'm being silly, but he has that indulgent smile on his face that he can't seem to get rid of around me.
But when I lean in, when I give them every signal I can possibly think of, they pull back. Change the subject. Redirect me like I’m a toddler trying to climb the furniture.
And maybe that's fair. I mean, I ended things with Drè not that long ago, even if it was always platonic. And yes, they're ancient beings bound to a manor that may or may not be slightly sentient and overly protective... but still.
I throw another pillow. It knocks over a ceramic bunny on the sideboard, and I wince.
"Sorry, Bunnifer," I mutter, setting her upright again. She's missing an ear now, but it should be easy enough to fix with some glue. Or I could just leave her as is, and she'll fit in with the vibe I've got going.
Annoyed at myself. And the two idiots still stuck on the roof, I throw myself back on the settee in a dramatic fake faint.
Looking at Bunnifer on the mantle, I opt to tell her the rest of my woes.
"You know, the worst part is, I know they want me. I'm no blushing virgin and I'm well aware what those bulges in their pants mean. But all they do is watch. Watch and watch and watch." I sigh, huffing out all my frustration. "What do you think they're waiting for, Bunnifer?"
She doesn't answer.
Of course she doesn't.
Just because the house is somewhat alive, doesn't mean the furniture and toys inside will suddenly come to life too.
Holy shit, would that freak me out.
Focus, Avalon!
"Do they think I'll break? Viraat keeps calling fragile and delicate. Is that it, do you think, Bunnifer?"
I sink deeper into the pillows, the late-afternoon light pouring through the windows, turning the dust motes into tiny whispers of glitter in the air.
"Hmmm. I wonder if I should try to seduce them. Even Little girls can seduce their Daddies, can't they?"
And I swear, honestly swear it looks as if little ceramic bunny Bunnifer nods her head.
"Oh, Bunnifer. I'm so glad you agree." I tap her little ceramic nose, careful not to jostle her too much lest it worsen the broken ear. "If they won't make a move, I'll just have to."
It's not like I haven't fantasized about it.
About climbing into Jodrick's lap with my softest nightgown on, or tugging Viraat down by the scruff of his beard and daring him to keep pretending he's not aching to devour me.
The images have been swirling in my head for days, turning into full-blown, heat-drenched dreams that leave me flushed and whimpering into my pillow some mornings.
They want me. I know I'm not imagining that. So maybe it's time I stopped being the good little girl waiting for her Daddies to notice and started being a brave little brat instead.
I bounce up off the settee, suddenly filled with a wild, reckless kind of energy. The kind that usually ends in glitter explosions or late-night baking marathons.
This time, though? It's going to end with one, or hopefully two, very flustered, needy gargoyles.
"Operation Seduction," I declare, spinning in a dramatic twirl that makes my skirt puff out like a cupcake.
First step. Outfit.
They like me soft and sweet. And honestly, I love the contrast of all my soft and sweet compared to their rugged and hard.
But I've also paid attention the last few weeks.
Viraat has a fondness for my pigtails, and peach lip gloss, and Jodrick has a particular weakness for any of my outfits that contain lace.
I head upstairs, flinging open the wardrobe with a flair that would make a Disney princess proud.
Satin and lace in the form of a pastel pink babydoll with Strawberry Shortcake buttons. Some sweet knee-high socks.
As I start laying things out, I pause for a moment and glance out the window toward the roof. The sun is starting its slow descent, the sky beginning to blush pink and gold.
I'll have my Daddies back soon.
My pulse kicks up, equal parts nerves and anticipation.
I smooth my palms down my thighs, suddenly feeling shy.
What if they see all this and still pull back? What if I go all in and offer myself up on a platter and they reject me? No amount of rainbows and fluffy bunnies can save me from the sting of that.
I look at myself in the mirror, large, scared eyes, cheeks red with excitement and apprehension.
It's time to be brave.
I light candles as the sky outside shifts to dusky dark lavender.
One by one, flames flicker to life, casting light and warmth across the room.
The babydoll clings to me, the satin whispering along my skin as I smooth it into place.
I tuck my legs beneath me on the bed, bouncing slightly as I fluff the pillows behind my back.
Bunnifer has been given a place of honor on the nightstand. She helped me make this monumental decision after all.
"Now we wait," I whisper to her.
Did she just wink at me?
It must be the shadows from the candlelight.
Or my dizziness from lack of oxygen because I can't bloody breathe, I'm so nervous.
The first low rumble of shifting stone sends a thrill down my spine. They're waking up. I press a hand to my chest, feeling my heart thud wildly against my palm.
A few more minutes pass, and then...
Footsteps. Heavy. Familiar.
I shift on the bed, tugging my nightgown down just a little more... and then I tug it slightly up instead.
The door creaks open.
Jodrick steps in first, eyes glowing like a storm light in the dim candle glow. He freezes the moment he sees me. Behind him, Viraat growls low in his throat, though the sound lacks any real menace. It's more like restraint cracking at the edges.
Neither of them speaks.
I give them my sweetest, most innocent smile. "Hi, Daddies."