Chapter 10
ten
Cheri
Something’s not right. The bed is soft, comfy, but definitely not mine. What the…? My heart jolts as everything that happened yesterday plays through my mind like a movie. Cazzo. But did that happen? Or was I just in some kind of fever dream from not getting enough rest on this deadline?
Afraid to open my eyes, I lie against these soft sheets and inhale Aaron’s bourbon-and-citrus scent. Hmm. It would be difficult to create that in my mind; it’s not a combo I’ve written before, but I love it.
Oh God. The mountain, Aaron, my brothers…
Snapping my eyes open, I sit straight up in bed as the beginnings of a panic attack hit me.
I shiver in the cool air. Merda. I’m naked.
Leaning over the side of the bed, I find my nightgown—shredded by my mountain man, apparently.
Who knew he would go all dark and dirty on me?
But damn if I’m not here for it. It’s the rest of everything that makes me wince.
His side of the bed is cool, so he’s been up for a while. I don’t know the time because there’s no clock. My phone isn’t on the nightstand, either, but thankfully someone, probably Aaron, put Maxy there for me. Thank God.
“C’mere, baby, I need cuddles,” I whisper into his fur as I clutch the stuffy to my chest. Burying my face into his fuzziness, I breathe in. He still smells like home with a hint of Aaron—a perfect combination—and it helps calm the freak-out I was about to have. Whew.
“Good morning, princess.” Aaron pushes open the bedroom door, carrying a steaming mug of coffee. I’d recognize that smell anywhere.
Still clutching Maxy, I give him a tentative smile. “Hi, Aaron…” Sure, I’ve seen the bruises all over my chest where the sheet has slipped, and I remember everything we did last night, but did he really mean what he said? It could have been the lust talking. God only knows that’s typical.
His frown makes me squirm, and I squeeze Maxy harder. “We talked about this, baby. Did you forget? You’re to call me Daddy.”
Merda. I hadn’t forgotten. How could I? But in the light of day, everything seems so much harder to believe.
“I remember… Daddy,” I answer hesitantly.
There’s so much I want to say, to ask, but I don’t know where to start.
Last night was the most magical experience of my life, but what if he didn’t mean any of it?
“Hey, Little princess, what’s wrong? You look like the weight of the world is on your shoulders.” Aaron sits on the edge of the bed and holds the steaming mug of coffee out to me. Once I take it, he kisses me on the forehead, and damn, my girly parts come to life inhaling his delicious scent.
“Mmm, this smells amazing.” I’m sure he won’t let me ignore his question for long, but I’m not above stalling while I try to get my thoughts together.
“I’m glad. Jaclyn told me how you like it.” His smile is everything, dimple and all, and some of my worry eases. Maybe it is real? Wait, did he say Jaclyn? I perk up instantly. If she’s here, she’ll be able to help me get out of whatever mess I’m in.
“Jac’s here?” I can’t keep the excitement out of my voice.
“Yes, I thought you’d like that. But we need to talk first. I don’t like that you ignored my question, either.
If we had time, you’d be punished for that.
Since we haven’t discussed rules or limits yet, you’re safe for now.
It won’t be permitted going forward. Now, what’s going on?
Why do you look like you want to run away? ”
After taking a sip from the mug, I let the caffeine goodness slide down my throat before lifting my gaze to him. “I’m worried about today. What will happen with my brothers? They’re going to kill me if they see these bruises. Cavolo! They’ll kill you, too—”
“Hold on, let me stop you there. Do you remember me telling you last night that I’d handle everything and that you were safe?” He takes the cup from my hand and places it on the nightstand. Then he slides closer on the bed, pulling me into his lap while keeping the covers over me.
His arms wrap around my waist, and he pulls me against his chest. Relaxing into him is instinctual, and a contented sigh escapes unbidden when I lean my head on his shoulder.
“Better, baby?”
I nod, then remember he likes to hear my words. “Yes, Daddy. I do remember. I remember every word you said last night, but were they true? Did you change your mind? Now that you got the milk for free, why buy the cow?”
“What the fuck? I don’t think I’ve heard that expression before. But I can tell you right now, if you ever call yourself a cow again, you won’t sit for a week. Your bottom will be so red they’ll see it from the International Space Station.”
“What? Wait, I wasn’t calling myself a cow, not really.
It’s just something my mother used to say.
I know she meant I needed to stay a virgin and not have sex before marriage.
But that ship sailed about six years ago, not that anyone in my family knows—they all think I’m still a virgin for their precious Arturo. Cazzo. Arturo. Ugh.”
I close my eyes and scrunch up my face. I can’t stand that jerk-face. He thinks he’s hot shit on a silver platter, but he’s really cold piss in a paper cup. Not that I can say that to my parents.
“Damn, princess. Just stop thinking for a minute and listen to me. As much as I’d love to stay here all day, we can’t.
We have to get ready to go to the courthouse because, yes, we’re getting married, and yes, I’m keeping you forever.
That’s the reason Jaclyn is here. She’s going to help you get ready for the ceremony. ”
I pop up so fast I just miss smacking my head into his chin. Merda. “Wait, we’re getting married today?”
“Not just today, baby. We’re getting married in an hour, and you know how much I hate waiting, so you need to get moving. Jaclyn has a dress she said will work.”
“An hour? You’re insane, or maybe it’s me. We can’t do this in an hour, let alone ever. What about my family? My brothers… They won’t let this happen.”
“Don’t worry about your family. I’ve got it handled. You need to give me more credit than that. You’re mine, baby girl, and I’m never letting you go. Forever, remember?”
I shake my head from left to right, then up and down. What is even happening right now? A zillion thoughts run through my head, but the only one that sticks is marrying him—Aaron—my Daddy. Do I want that? Hell yes. But it’s crazy.
“Cheri?” His voice pulls me out of my head.
“Daddy?” I blink up at him.
“Can I send Jaclyn in to help you, or do you need to talk about this some more? Either way, we’re getting married in a little over an hour. I don’t care whether you’re naked as long as you say the words and it’s legal.”
I snort. Seriously? But searching his face, it’s obvious in his expression. “Send her in. I’m just scared; worried they’ll hurt you, Daddy. I just found you,” I say as I cup his jaw, then slide my fingers through his short beard. I love how it feels against my skin.
“Baby, no one is taking you from me, and nothing will happen. I promise. Now, finish your coffee and jump in the shower. Jaclyn will be right in. The only thing you need to think about is being your beautiful self and remembering I love you.”
My breath hitches when he says the words, and my pulse races. It’s daylight. No more darkness to hide behind, and he still wants me—how did I get so lucky?
“I love you too, Daddy. I might be crazy—we both probably are—but at least we’ll be crazy together.”
His chuckle makes me giggle. Shaking his head, he leans close and rubs his lips against mine. I want more, but he rises and moves to the edge of the bed.
“Come on, you need to get moving.” He smacks my naked butt once I’m standing, then follows me into the bathroom with my coffee. “I won’t see you until the courthouse. But I promise you, I know what I feel, and I’m not changing my mind. You get me?”
“Yes, Daddy, I get you,” I answer while rapidly nodding.
“Good. See you soon, Little princess. Then I’ll make you mine forever in the eyes of the law, and no one will say jack shit about it.”
I don’t even hear the door close; I just hurry to pee, brush my teeth, and jump into the shower. Maybe later, I can soak in that tub with Daddy. Oh God. I have a Daddy, a real one and not just a book boyfriend I’ve written.
It’s the quickest shower I’ve ever had, and I’m drying off when I hear a knock. This time I’m expecting it, and I already know it’s not Aaron. After wrapping the towel around my body, I pull open the door and hug my bestie.
“Shit, girl, and you said I moved fast,” Jac says, as she grins and squeezes me tight. “You ready to get married?”
“Umm, no, maybe, yes. I mean, I want to marry him, but there’s just so much other stuff.”
“Have you not met the Gallants? You saw them in action yesterday; your brothers have met their match. Now hurry, we don’t have much time. We can chat while we get you ready.”
I lean back while still holding Jac’s shoulders. “You don’t think I’ve lost my mind?”
“No, not at all. If I did, I’d be just as committable as you are.
Surprised? Hell yes. Shit. I couldn’t believe it when Andrew told me you were here to check on me.
I’m really sorry I didn’t call before the wedding or video chat with you.
It just happened so fast. Just like this, kind of.
Except we didn’t have to sneak around like we are now.
” Jac comments from the bedroom while I finish drying off and combing my hair.
“What do you mean sneak?” I ask as I start applying my makeup. There’s not a lot here, but if Aaron—err, Daddy—thought I was beautiful with raccoon eyes, I doubt he’ll care that I won’t look like a model when we get married.
“Yeah, hmm, I guess Aaron didn’t tell you? Oh my God. We’re going to be actual sisters now, well, as close as we can get. Besties married to brothers! How fan-fucking-tastic is that?”
“Jac? The sneaking?” I yell from the bathroom, grinning into the mirror. She’s right, we’ll be sisters-in-law soon. Woo-hoo.