Ruled by her Daddies (Harem of Daddies)

“Sorry, jelly bean,” Caleb told her, crouching and helping her sit back into the bean bag. “We’re used to operating like this.”

“I’m not a mission to discuss.”

Caleb nodded. “You’re right. You’re not. You’re infinitely more important.”

She huffed out a breath, but her insides danced with pleasure.

“Do you always discuss stuff like this with each other? Like everything?”

“Sometimes we share too much,” Aleki told her with a grin. “Like when Wolfe got food poisoning—”

“Aleki,” Caleb warned, interrupting. “We want Vivi to like us, not scare her off.”

“I already like you all,” she said shyly. “You know how I feel.”

“It’s nice to hear it, though,” Caleb told her gently. “We’re not mind readers. You need to tell us if we’re messing up. Or if you need something. If you’re scared or lonely or stressed. Don’t let any of us railroad you.”

“Especially Wolfe,” Aleki mock-whispered. “He needs the most help.”

She expected Wolfe to snap back at Aleki, but he just nodded. “I do need you to tell me things.

“We’re all learning as we go,” Caleb said.

“We need to schedule a meeting to discuss rules,” Wolfe said.

“Sorry,” she whispered. “I really didn’t mean to worry you. I was just lying there thinking about stuff. It was making me feel ill.”

“I’m sorry, jelly bean. Next time, talk to us. We really didn’t mean to cr

eate more stress trying to eliminate stress,” Caleb told her.

She stared at them all in shock. It surprised her that they were so upset by this. Her father never cared about hurting her.

“I’m all right. Really,” she told them. Now she felt like she’d made a fuss about nothing. All they’d been trying to do was keep her from stressing. She felt silly.

Caleb shook his head. “No. We need to do better.”

“But—”

Caleb ran a finger over her cheek. “You’re precious to us. We want this to work. We’re gonna make mistakes, so will you. But mistakes are a chance to learn.”

She wasn’t allowed to make mistakes these past few years. This was going to take some getting used to.

“I’ll schedule that meeting,” Wolfe said.

“Why don’t we do it in an hour,” Caleb suggested.

“After her nap,” Wolfe narrowed his eyes at her.

“Or maybe she’d like some playtime instead?” Caleb suggested.

All three men stared down at her.

She gulped, feeling the intensity of their gazes. “I’d like to finish my picture.”

Each of their expressions eased.

“I’ll bring in a snack,” Aleki said. “Shit! My pies.” He raced off.