Total pages in book: 61
Estimated words: 57726 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 289(@200wpm)___ 231(@250wpm)___ 192(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57726 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 289(@200wpm)___ 231(@250wpm)___ 192(@300wpm)
“Will you play with me, Daddy?”
“Of course. What would you like to do first?”
“How about dress-up? I found all this play jewelry and makeup,” she said, opening the case to show him.
“Little girl.” Scythe shook his head wryly. “You want to put makeup on Daddy, don’t you?”
“I bet I could make you pretty,” she cajoled, trying to hide her smile.
“Where should I sit?” he asked and winked at her.
“How about in that chair at the table? I can lay out my supplies. You know, if you grew your hair out a bit longer, I could braid it.”
“Not happening, Little girl,” he growled, moving over to the seat she indicated.
“Okay, Daddy. I’ll brush it until it shines. Did you bring my hairspray?”
“No hairspray,” he declared.
Winnie smiled. He had brought it. This was going to be so much fun. “Here, you hold Chippy.”
Chapter 13
Scythe had fun despite the extent of the beautification process his Little girl undertook. It was the first time since he’d met her that her face wasn’t drawn with grief and worry. He was confident she wasn’t thinking about her mother’s illness and death or work. Letting her have a blast was well worth the makeup she layered on him.
When a booming knock came at the door, Winnie looked at him with an “uh-oh” expression. “I can go answer it, Daddy.”
“Not happening, Chipmunk.” Scythe stood and walked toward the entrance with Winnie trailing him.
“I might have overdone it on the blush, Daddy. Let me wipe a bit off.”
“You did a wonderful job, Winnie. I’m prettier than ever.”
“Daddy, wait!”
Scythe turned the doorknob and threw open the door.
Wraith’s face contorted as he tried to control his expression. “Looking good,” he finally got out. The curvy woman next to him giggled.
“Who is it?” Winnie asked, sliding into the opening with Scythe. “Oh, hi!”
Winnie considered the other visitor. “Wait! Do I remember you from Inferno?” Winnie asked. “Wraith is always at the door, but you were there the last time I visited. I’m Winnie.”
“Hi! I’m Caroline. We did meet at the door. You wore a strappy dress and sky-high shoes.”
“My stepsister’s,” Winnie confessed. “Those shoes were toe-killers. I might have gotten a bit too enthusiastic with the makeup.”
“Your Daddy is gorgeous,” Caroline told her. “Maybe he needs more lipstick.”
“Does he? I thought that might be over-the-top,” Winnie said.
“There’s no way more lipstick is over-the-top.”
Winnie turned to consider Scythe’s appearance. “Maybe you’re right. I’ll go brighter next time.”
The two men exchanged a glance.
They make brighter? Scythe wondered before focusing on the women.
“Are you….”
“Am I Little? I would tell you if you wanted to be my friend,” Caroline answered.
“I’d love to be your friend. I’m new to this,” Winnie confessed.
“Then, we’ll be friends. I’m pretty new as well. I just found my Daddy,” Caroline confided.
Winnie rushed forward and hugged Caroline. When she stepped back, the duo held hands and bounced with excitement. Scythe met Wraith’s gaze, and they nodded at each other. Wraith’s idea to put the two together was brilliant.
“I’m so glad you’re here. Daddy said there could be other Littles living in the cottages. Do you have a nursery?” Caroline asked.
“I do. Want to see it?” Winnie said, welcoming Caroline inside.
“A half hour, Precious,” Wraith called as the two skipped down the hall.
“How’d you know she was here?” Scythe asked, waving Wraith inside. He walked to the kitchen and grabbed two beers from the fridge. After handing one to Wraith, he opened the top of his.
“This is definitely a new style for you,” Wraith commented.
“Think I can wash it off without Winnie being upset?”
“Definitely. Those two will be thick as thieves in there.”
“Thank God.” Scythe set down his beer and flipped on the water in the sink. Five minutes and almost a roll of paper towels later, his skin felt clean. “Did I get it all?”
“You’re good. That lipstick will take a while to fade,” Wraith told him.
“That sounds like you’re speaking from experience.”
“Vex suggested that kit for your toy box, didn’t he?” Wraith asked with a smirk.
“He did. Sounds like he needs a special project at Inferno when I’m back,” Scythe suggested.
“Grab me another beer and I’ll help you think one up,” Wraith offered.
“Help yourself. I’m going to check on the girls.”
Scythe didn’t wait for Wraith’s response. He headed through the house. As he entered the hall, Scythe could hear female voices. He peeked inside and found the women had emptied everything out of the toy box. They lay on their tummies, playing a board game as they chatted.
“Are you both okay?” he asked.
“We’re good, Daddy,” Winnie assured him.
“Perfect! Winnie’s letting me win,” Caroline shared.
“What an excellent hostess,” he praised. To his delight, Winnie’s shoulders moved back as if more confident. “Come get a snack and juice when you’re ready.”
“Yes, Daddy!”
“Okay, Scythe! Could you tell my Daddy I might need some extra time?” Caroline asked.