Page 61 of Daddy’s Hunted Bride

“Didn’t say you can’t. I said you don’t do sweet. It's never been your style. You’ve always liked things a bit… rougher than the rest of us.”

He’s not wrong, but that doesn’t ease the gnawing anxiety in my stomach. “There’s nothing wrong with enjoying rough sex.”

“No, there’s not.” Tilting his head to the side, he studies me with that unnerving way he has. “Does Nessie not like it rough?”

“She does. Maybe too much. I was trying to be gentle with her this morning to reward her for being so honest about last night, but she just begged me to fuck her harder.”

“So… what’s the problem?”

“If I knew, do you think I’d be in here talking to you?”

“Fair enough,” he agrees with a shrug. His expression turns thoughtful as he turns from one side to another in his office chair. “Do you think maybe you miss the chase?”

“Of course not. I want Nessie to stay.” But even as I say the words, I know he’s right. Not that I want my babygirl to leave, but it’s been over a week since I had a chance to chase her through the woods and the need for it is like an itch under my skin.

“But…” Colt prompts, and I roll my eyes.

“But, maybe I do miss the chase.”

“So set one up for her. You know she loves those slasher films, though god knows why. Go into town, buy yourself a mask, and let her loose in the woods.”

Colt is right. Nessie does love the kind of movies that feature some pretty girl running for her life from a masked serial killer. And the last time I fucked her in the woods after chasing her down, she was the wettest she’s ever been.

Pushing to my feet, I flash my brother a grin. “Looks like I’ve got some errands to run.”

CHAPTER 26

VANESSA

“Nessie, hurry! You’re gonna get stuck in the quicksand!”

Playing along with Lanie’s game, I scream and grab hold of the ladder that will guide me to the safety of the top of the playset. But halfway up, my foot “slips” and I let out another cry as I dangle precariously from a rung.

“Lanie, help! I’m gonna fall!”

Before Lanie can do more than poke her head over the side of the tower, a set of strong hands grip my diapered bottom and push me up toward safety.

“Careful, little one,” Uncle Axel lectures in all seriousness. “Your Daddy will have all our heads if you get hurt on my watch.”

“Daddy.” Drawing the word out into multiple syllables, Lanie rolls her eyes. “It’s just part of the game. Nobody was actually in danger.”

“Ah, my bad then.” Although I can tell he’s smiling beneath his bushy beard, he wags a finger at Lanie. “But if you roll your eyes at me again, little girl, your bottom is going to be in danger of a meeting with Daddy’s belt.”

Eyes widening, Lanie gulps loudly. “Sorry, Daddy.”

“Much better. You girls have about ten more minutes and then we’re going back inside for a nap.”

“Aw, but Daddy, we’re having so much fun!”

“And you can have plenty of fun after your nap, little runaway.”

“But—”

“Melanie.”

Her name is a warning, one she clearly hears judging by the way her bottom lip puffs out. “This house is a prison.”

Uncle Axel laughs, a loud, booming sound that has Lanie’s pout shifting to a grin. “I have a feeling you’re going to be feeling my belt on your bottom one way or another before bed tonight, brat.”