Page 6 of Stay, Baby
Some of them who have been hardened by life and are a little rougher around the edges are a work in progress. We're all here for a reason.
While I'm confident in my ability to kneel down, soothe the rough tone of my voice, and soften my eyes, I'm painfully aware that I'm a dominant man. A Daddy Dom, to be specific.
My people skills and ability to read a situation are very helpful for my kinky lifestyle, yet I still haven't found my Little. Cliché, I know, but it's true. Soon I'll focus on finding her.
At the age of thirty-six maybe I should be more concerned about my loneliness, but my attention has been on this life-saving project. I saylife-savingbecause that's the goal. I want to save lives. I've surrounded myself with people who want to help others and shelter the survivors of society.
So yes, I have plenty of experience when it comes to paling faces and retreating steps. I'm surrounding myself with people who have been battered, abused, thrown out onto the streets, never given a chance, and many more horrible things. Making people feel comfortable around us is in the job description.
I've just never encounteredthiskind of terror. Never has my name sent someone scrambling back onto their ass and hands. The girl hyperventilating on the wooden floorboards might as well rip my heart out and clutch it to her chest, because I'm pretty fucking sure it beats for her now.
MC president, she said. What the hell does she know about those clubs?
Sue gathers her Little close and shifts away slightly. I'm happy she stays close and within the girl's eyesight though.
Keeping my deep breath silent, I crouch down and curl my shoulders in a bit. I even take it a step further and plant my ass on the ground. There's only about five feet separating us, but it feels like too much, although I doubt she feels the same way.
Trying for calm nonchalance, I introduce myself. "My name is Preston, little one." Inwardly I groan, because I can't assume she is Little. Shushing my Daddy radar, orDaddar, as my friends' Littles call it, I study the trembling girl.
Her long brown hair is a thick tumble of waves around her shoulders. I can't tell how far it hangs due to her huddled position, but I want to run my hands through it. Maybe even clipa bow to hold some of it back so I can see more of those adorable freckles.
I keep calling her agirlbut she must be around twenty. Her wide brown eyes tell a story of painful experiences and hard lessons.
The longer I study her, the more she shakes. I need to say something but I'm stuck on the fact that the small clothes are fucking hanging off of her.When's the last time she ate?
"There are no MC members here. I swear. If you find one, I need you to tell me as soon as possible." That won't set her at ease, I just know it. I'm guessing she's been lied to many times in her life.
"My friends call me Pres for short," I continue, hoping to see a glimmer ofsomethingbeyond the fear in her gaze. "What's your name?"
Please tell me something, anything about you...
The tiniest shift of her body weight makes my breath hitch. Then she glances at Sue who smiles and nods. Cora looks worried but gives the girl a thumbs-up, then immediately pops her thumb in her mouth. Shit, Cora's anxious now too.
"Lulu."
My head almost flies off of my shoulders when I whip my attention back to the girl on the floor.Lulu. "That's a beautiful name. It's nice to meet you, Lulu."
Wiggling around again, I watch as she yanks a blanket out from underneath her and sits up on her knees.Hmm...She clutches the worn piece of pink fabric in her arms and blinks at me sweetly with a healthy dose of uncertainty still.
At least she's not fucking running. I don't move in hopes that she'll continue to relax. The submissive pose she's in is fucking stunning and does things to me I need to ignore. Poor girl is afraid. "I'm the founder and manager of Reclaiming Red. Are you here to interview for a job?"
Another glance at Sue, but she quickly turns her attention back to me. "Y-yes, please."
"How did you hear about us?" I prod gently when it's clear we're not going anywhere for a bit.
Lulu twists the blanket in her hands nervously. "Bash," she whispers and drops her gaze to the ground for the first time. "I—I can go."
I shove aside the jealousy that Bash met her first because there's no way in hell I'm letting her leave yet. "Why would you go?"
She shrugs.
"I would very much like you to stay so we can find a position that suits you if you're still interested."
Sue jumps in and squats beside Lulu. "I can come with you to interview if you would feel more comfortable, honey."
The offer is genuine and kind. I'm thankful for my friend's assistance even if I'd rather she not join us. I want Lulu to be comfortable with me more than I need my next breath, but if Sue needs to be her back-up support blanket then Lulu can have her. Whatever Lulu wants, I'll do my damndest to get for her.
For the first time in our entire interaction, Lulu's expression flickers to something other than fear. Desperation. But for what? And why?
