don’t look at it with annoyance. Not like when I have to clean out the pens. I hate that shit. Getting the muck all over my boots and having to clean them.
We don’t waste shit here, and we don’t hoard more than we need. One pair of boots is more than enough, Papa says, so I have to be sure I keep them in good working order.
But taking care of Nicolette, teaching and guiding her, it’s not like walking around a pen full of pig shit. And tonight, it’s even better, because she’s been such a good girl for Papa.
Nicolette knocks softly on my doorframe. I left the door open, so she knew to check with me before going to her own room. Communication is important—clearly drawn boundaries so there’s no confusion of what’s expected.
“Mark?” she asks in her gentle voice. “I’m done downstairs.”
I turn around to face her. Her straight black hair hangs loose around her face, the ends barely brushing her shoulders. I miss the way she wore it before, down to her breasts. The tips tickled her nipples when she stood in front of me naked, making them pert and ready for me. But she didn’t tie her hair back while she cooked, and Papa had found a strand in his eggs. She’s lucky he didn’t shave her head and only cut it up to her ears. Thankfully, it’s starting to grow out.
“Good. Did you put the dishes away?” I move around my bed, making my way to the door.
“Yep. And I have the eggs and bacon set aside in the fridge for breakfast. There isn’t enough bacon to make the whole pound. Papa hasn’t said when he’s getting groceries, so I’m rationing until then,” she explains. I like this, when she’s at ease and casual. Sometimes when we talk, fear underlies her voice, but tonight, she’s relaxed. It’s good. She deserves it today.
“He’ll go when he’s ready,” I remind her. She can’t dictate when any of us do our chores—it’s not her place.
“I know. I’m just being careful with what we have,” she explains, folding her hands in front of her. There’s a wet spot on her dress. The white fabric has become transparent, and I can see the darkness of her nipple. I lick my lips.
“Good idea. You’ve been real good today,” I say, brushing my fingertips along her jaw. “Papa said I can reward you tonight. Come in.” I move aside so she can pass me.
Her gaze drops a fraction, but she doesn’t hesitate. I’ve had to teach her lessons before about thinking too much when I tell her to come to my bed. I’m happy she’s learned them well. I don’t like having to punish her. But I will whenever it’s needed. I won’t let chaos into our family, and a woman who doesn’t understand her place will bring turmoil.
I close my door quietly.
“I was thinking. My birthday is coming up in a few weeks. I thought maybe…do you think Papa would let me…” She wrings her hands while babbling.
I grab her hands in mine, holding them until she brings her gaze up to mine.
“What are you asking, Nicolette?” I ask with a smile. She’s cute when she’s unsure.
“I was hoping he’d let me have a few more books. I’ve read all the one’s we have here over and over,” she asks tentatively.
“I think that would be okay to ask for,” I assure her, letting her hands go. “Just don’t be bitchy if he says no,” I remind her. Sometimes, she gets pouty when she’s not allowed something. I know she tries to hide it, but Papa can always pick up on her attitude, and he won’t allow it from her.
He went through so much with his own mama growing up. She was always complaining and putting down Grandpa, trying to make him feel like less of a man to get what she wanted. He’s told us how hard it was for them to see Grandpa bow to her emotional tantrums. Thankfully, his uncle, Luke, showed up in Grandpa’s life and helped him sort grandma out.
Papa won’t let this house get like that, and he’s taught me well to keep it from happening once I take Nicolette as my full wife. That won’t happen until her belly swells, though.
“Okay. I’ll ask tomorrow at breakfast. But if he says no, I’m okay with that,” she hurries to assure me.
I chuckle. “You’re a good girl, Nicolette. I know you’ll be respectful to Papa.” My fingers