“You’re six foot two and weigh two hundred pounds. She’s a foot shorter and half your weight.”
“Wow. That’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.”
“What?” Doc gave her a confused look.
She was five foot four and more like a hundred and thirty pounds. But she’d take it.
Then he frowned. “Imagine what the hell that electric shock could do to her if it put you on your ass.”
“It wasn’t that which put me on my ass,” Archer replied.
“Huh?” Doc asked. “Then what are you doing on the ground?”
“Oh, that’s because of the broom that was being used to prop the dryer door shut. The electric shock made me stumble, then I managed to get my feet caught up with the broom and that’s when I fell to the floor.”
“I’m so sorry, Archer,” she told him. “Are you injured anywhere?”
“No, I think I’m okay,” he grumbled unhappily. “I’ve never been taken down by a washing machine and a dryer.”
“To be fair, I think it was a washing machine and a broom,” she said.
And there was that look again. Like she was a crazy person.
“Don’t look at her like that,” Doc snarled.
“Like what?” Archer gave his brother a shocked look.
“Like you think she’s weird. She’s sensitive about it. And I won’t have you hurting her feelings.”
She felt a little sorry for Archer as his mouth dropped open then shut again then opened once more. He looked like he desperately wanted to say something, he just couldn’t work out what.
“I didn’t give her a look like she’s weird. It’s just…every appliance here is a menace.”
“I’m so sorry,” she said again. “I know I should replace them. I don’t do well with change. And I’m used to it and I don’t usually have anyone else here…”
“Archer,” Doc rumbled.
Archer ran his hand over his face. “No, I’m sorry. You’ve been kind enough to open up your house to us and I just insulted you. Forgive me?”
“Of course.” She stood and held out a hand to him. “Here, let me help you up.”
He gave her an incredulous look then turned to his brother. “You’re gonna have to do something about that.”
“I will,” Doc sighed.
“About what?”
“Hey, I’m not anywhere as big as you,” Archer said, reaching up for the hand his brother held down to him.
“It’s muscle, baby. All muscle,” Doc said to her, with a surprising wink. “And I’m big all over.”
Archer groaned and she gave him a concerned look. “That was bad, Issy. Real bad.”
“You’ve always been jealous. Poor Archie, he’s just never measured up.”
She finally got what they were talking about and she could feel her cheeks turning red. At the same time, a smile curved up her lips.
She wasn’t sure why Doc was flirting with her all of a sudden. Not after she’d told him to leave her alone.
And he’d agreed.
Why had she done that again? They wouldn’t be here forever. Another night or two. A one-night stand wasn’t the type of thing she’d ever done. Hell, she’d only slept with Dave. A short fling wasn’t denigrating Dave’s memory, right?
Doc didn’t live here. She never had to see him again. It was kind of perfect. Especially since they weren’t alone. Not that she thought he’d try anything weird. But if he did, Archer was here.
Yeah, maybe she’d been too hasty.
11
“Here’s some painkillers. Are you sure you’re, all right?”
The more Caley fussed over him, the better Archer felt. He didn’t know why. He’d had women fuss over him most of his life. But then, she wasn’t doing it because she wanted something from him. So why was she doing it? Because of his brother?
He caught them both giving the other one longing looks when they thought the other wasn’t looking. He wasn’t sure what he’d interrupted with his ungraceful accident, but he had a feeling things hadn’t been going well.
Despite Isaac’s terrible attempts at flirting.
Jealous of him. Ha! Archer wasn’t jealous of that ass’s dick. Or anything he could do in the bedroom.
Christ, listen to yourself, man. Next thing you know, you’ll be flopping it out and challenging him.
Seemed he would now have to add a washer-dryer to the list of things he was going to need to get for her. Along with a new microwave.
Except that was probably something Isaac would want to do. He knew that his brother was working on getting firewood for her. But if he was going to be her Dom, then it was his job to make certain she was taken care of.
Not Archer’s.
Ouch that hurt. Damn it. Why did he have to like her as well? He barely knew her. Although living together like this, it was difficult not to learn more about someone.
Archer definitely had a certain type he went for. Generally tall, willowy brunettes, maybe the occasional redhead. Someone with a high-powered job. Someone who didn’t worry if he missed returning a phone call or had to cancel a date due to work. Someone who liked to submit in the bedroom, where he could make them feel good. But the next morning, they would know the score. They’d leave without a fuss. Because all he was interested in was something casual.
Was that really all he wanted? Casual hook-ups that never meant anything? Women who he never let himself get attached to?
What was wrong with him?
That would never be Caley. She wasn’t casual. She wouldn’t fall into some box. And she was in desperate need of someone to watch out for her. Over her. She needed more than he was comfortable giving. She required someone like Isaac. Who had to be needed. Who had to be in charge. Who was happy making the decisions.
Being the boss.
Archer could give commands all night long but when the sun came up, he only wanted to be responsible for himself.
Right?
At least that’s what he’d always thought.
Damned if he knew what he wanted now. Or why he was so attracted to her.
It could never go anywhere. His brother wanted her. And he would never come between his brother and a woman again.
Maybe she could be between the two of you?
Holy crap. Where had that thought come from? His cock stirred at the idea of sharing her. Of playing with her breasts while his brother licked her pussy.
Shit. Not going to happen. He’d been part of a ménage once before. Years ago, just after college. It hadn’t worked out. It wouldn’t work now, either. He wanted something different than Caley and Issy.
And besides, he was certain that Issy would never share.
“I’m so sorry, Archer. If I knew you wanted the washer, I would have told you about its quirks.”
Quirks? That wasn’t a quirk. It was a fucking hazard.
“I’m fine, love. Stop stressing. No harm done. Why don’t you sit down? Have a rest.”
She gave him a look like he was crazy. But she seemed stressed. Frazzled. He didn’t like it. She should be relaxed. Happy. If she was his, he could keep her in the lap of luxury. She wouldn’t have to work. Wouldn’t have to stress. She wouldn’t be surrounded by appliances that were either on their last legs or dangerous. She wouldn’t be isolated and alone, she wouldn’t worry about where her next paycheck was coming from.
But she’s not yours.
And Isaac could do that for her.
“I…I…” She ran her hand through her blonde hair, sending tendrils off at different angles. It was caught back in a bun, which he hated. It should be flowing free. He should be able to run his fingers through it at any time, twist it around his hand so he could draw her head back to kiss her.
Stop, asshole.
Not yours.
“I’ll go do that laundry for you. Is it in the washer?” She headed towards the enclosed porch where the ancient washer and dryer were.
“Stop,” he barked, surprised at hims
elf.
She whirled, her eyes wide, clearly as shocked he was.
“You’re not going near that washing machine. Where did Isaac go?”
“I’m here.” Isaac walked out of the porch. He looked at them both. “What’s wrong?”
“Caley was going to go do the laundry.”
Isaac narrowed his gaze. “You’re not going near that machine.”
She threw her hands into the air, clearly exasperated. “What am I meant to do when I need to wash clothes?”
“Far as I can see you generally just chuck them on the floor,” Isaac replied.
She glared at him, her hands on her hips as she tapped her foot.
“Isaac,” he groaned.
“What?”
“I wash my clothes. I’m not a complete slob. It’s the putting them away part I have trouble with.”
“You’re not using that washer,” he growled.
Isaac sent him a surprised look. He was obviously channeling his grouchier brother today.
“The washing machine is perfectly safe. I’m going to be using it once you guys are gone. What difference does it make if I use it now?”
“I had a look at it,” Isaac told her. “But I don’t know enough to tell what’s wrong. We need to order you a new one.”
She chewed her lip, looking worried. Christ, she probably didn’t have the money for a new one. His brother was an idiot sometimes, he should have just ordered one without telling her. Like Archer had done with the microwave.
“I’m sure I don’t need a new one.”
“You’re getting a new one,” Isaac decreed.
She sighed. “I guess it is a bit of a hazard. But it will take a while to get a new one up here. And you need your clothes washed.”
Isaac sighed. “Tell me what to do and I’ll do it.”
She gave him a skeptical look.
“Just go with it, love. He’s stubborn. He’s not going to budge.”
She gave him a pointed look. “Yeah, well, I can see he’s not the only stubborn one.”
He shrugged. What could he say? When it came to her, it seemed he was stubborn. Stubborn and protective.
So long as he didn’t get possessive. Because she wasn’t going to belong to him.
“Excuse me, I’ve got work to do.”
Isaac watched as Caley fled back into her office.
“Do you think she works so much because she’s short on money?” Archer asked.
His brother looked around the cabin. “Yeah, I’ve had that thought myself.”
It was obvious she didn’t have much. Everything in the cabin was old or broken. She didn’t have an adequate supply of firewood. She worked long hours.
He guessed she didn’t sell a lot of books.
Isaac sat, leaning his elbows on his thighs. “I messed up.”
“What did you do?”
He sighed. “I insulted her previous Dom.”
“Ahh, I’m guessing that didn’t go down well with her?”
“No. He was also her daddy.”
“So where is he now?”
“He died.”
“Aww, Christ. Poor darling.” And she’d been left here on her own. Struggling to pick up the pieces. It was obvious she wasn’t used to asking for or accepting help.
“Yeah, it sounded like they had some trouble in the town where she lived, people found out she was a Little and were cruel to her. So he brought her here.”
The cabin was cozy, but it wasn’t really safe for a woman alone to be living here. There was a lot of work that needed doing. Archer didn’t know much about construction work, but there were patches where the floor was soft and when he’d had a chance to look outside earlier, he’d thought the roof looked like it needed replacing.
No, not a place he’d ever allow a woman under his protection to live.
“What are you going to do?”
Isaac sighed. “Maybe she’s not ready for someone else. It’s not like pushing for this to go anywhere is a smart move. She lives hours away from me.”
“Three hours, Issy. That’s not insurmountable.”
Isaac narrowed his gaze at him. “Maybe I’m not ready.”
“Wait…let me go check if pigs are flying right now.” He pretended to stand.
“Oh, shut up, you smart ass,” his brother muttered.
“She’s exactly your type, Issy.”
His brother raised an eyebrow. “She’s nothing like Evelyn.”
“No, thank God,” Archer muttered.
“She was more your type.”
Now Archer’s temper stirred. “So my type is a back-stabbing bitch? That’s kind of you, brother.” He sighed. “Seriously, Issy, she’s perfect for you. She’s sweet and submissive, but she’d got some bite to her, so she won’t let you get away with Issy-shit.”
“Issy-shit?”
“Yeah, like being a grumpy, moody bastard.” Another clap of thunder sounded in the distance before Issy could reply.
“Shit. The weather’s packing in again.” Isaac stood and walked to the door. “I’ll get some more wood in.”
“She hasn’t got much,” Archer worried.
“I’ve got a supply coming as soon as the road clears.”
More thunder. Much closer this time. The wind started to rip through the trees as Isaac disappeared out the front door.
Archer moved over to the kitchen; he was going to make a fresh pot of coffee. He wondered if Caley had a generator. If she did, it probably didn’t work properly.
It was growing dark. He looked over at the time. He’d make dinner as well. He heated up some canned soup on the stove and Isaac worked on bringing in some firewood. By the time he was pouring soup into bowls, it was fully dark, and the thunder was growing closer.
The wind slammed against the house.
“Here we go,” Isaac muttered.
Suddenly, the office door slammed open. Caley stood there, eyes wide, staring at them. Her entire body shook. Small trembles that had Archer tensing.
Isaac got to her first, drawing her in against his body. “What is it, baby? What’s wrong?”
“T-thunder,” she stuttered out.
“You don’t like thunder?”
“N-no. Or the w-wind.”
She buried her face into his chest as the wind howled. Isaac picked her up in his arms, carrying her over towards the sofa. He sat with her on his lap.
“Easy, baby doll, easy,” Isaac crooned to her. “You’re safe. You’re safe.”
Tiny whimpers came from her. She curled her arms around his brother’s neck and a stab of jealousy hit him.
Archer took a deep breath, then let it out slowly. He walked closer and noticed that on the bottom of her fluffy, yellow socks were the words:
If you can read this bring me candy.
She really wasn’t his type. No woman he’d dated would be caught dead in those socks. And all he could think about was how adorable she was.
“Baby doll, calm down.” Isaac looked up at him worriedly.
Archer sat beside them. He heard Caley’s teeth chattering and frowned slightly. This seemed a rather extreme reaction to thunder and some wind. Surely, she’d been through a number of storms, living here.
And how many had she suffered through alone since her husband died?
“Caley, is there something we can get for you? Something to make you feel safer?” he asked calmly. His hands itched to reach out and rub her back, much as Isaac was doing right now.
“I. . .I. . .”
“It’s all right, baby doll,” Isaac told her. “Nobody is going to judge you here. Remember, I’m a Daddy Dom and Archer is a Dom as well.”
She had her hand twisted in Isaac’s shirt as she raised her face to give him a hesitant look.
Poor darling. He got that a lot of people didn’t understand their lifestyle, especially when it came to age play. But it hurt that she’d had to experience people’s ignorance and cruelty.
He gave her a reassuring smile. “Sho
uld I go have a look in your room?”
She looked from Isaac to him, as though searching for any hint of disgust or condemnation. What she found obviously reassured her because her shoulders relaxed. Then another clap of thunder hit, and she buried her face into Isaac’s neck.
“Easy, baby doll. Let Archer get you what you need. What is it? A stuffy?”
“My bumblebee and my snuggly. In my bed.”
Archer stood immediately, moving to her bedroom before she could change her mind. He stepped in and wasn’t surprised to find there was stuff strewn everywhere. Did the woman ever put clothes in her drawers or closet?
He walked over to the bed, which was a mess of sheets. He’d make it for her later. Right now, she needed comforting. He looked over her bed. Seemed she had a thing for dachshunds. There was a huge body pillow on one side of the bed. Did she sleep with that surrounding her? For comfort? He lifted the bedcovers and found a bit of material that appeared to have been cut from a man’s shirt and a bumblebee
He picked them both up, along with a fluffy blanket that lay along the bottom of her bed. She seemed to like fluffy things. He carried them back to the living room, where Isaac still held her on his lap, talking to her in a quiet, reassuring voice.
Archer crouched in front of them and held out her toy and snuggly. She reached out and took them, holding them close.
“What do you say to Archer?” Isaac asked her quietly.
Archer shot him a sharp look. His voice was quiet but held a definite firmness. Now might not be the time to go all Daddy Dom on her. But she didn’t take offense; instead she shocked him by turning to him, her thumb already in her mouth as she rubbed her snuggly against her nose.
“Thank you, Archie.” Her voice had a childlike note and he had to grin at her use of his nickname. He didn’t mind. She could pretty much call him whatever she liked, and he’d take it.
Right. And you don’t have feelings for her?
“Thumb out of your mouth when you speak, please,” Isaac told her.
Archer shot him another look. Isaac just gave him a calm stare in reply. All right, so his brother knew what he was doing. Archer was used to play at the club, to negotiated scenes, where limits and safe words were carefully discussed first.
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