For a long moment, Nat couldn’t find any words.
Because that? That was exactly the sort of person he wanted to be Wanda’s Papa.
But Duke didn’t have space in his life for much else right now.
Just because he wants to protect me doesn’t mean he’ll fall in love with me,Nat told himself sternly. It was hard not to feel disappointed, though.
“You’re a really great dad,” he said weakly.
Duke cracked a smile. “I’m glad you think so. You’re an amazing dad too, Nat.”
His gaze darkened. Nat ducked his head to hide his blush. “What, um. What are those trophies for?”
Duke’s smile fell immediately. He looked awkward. “That’s something no one needs to know about.”
“But they’re on your wall!”
“Because I haven’t invited anyone into my bed in a very long time,” Duke said dryly. “Until you.”
Nat blushed. “Okay, I won’t ask.”
“He’s embarrassed by them,” Hubrie sang faintly.
“Shut up, Hubrie,” Duke muttered. But his ears turned a darker red.
“Are you blushing?” Nat couldn’t help asking.
“No,” Duke said.
“He’s lying,” Hubrie yelled helpfully. “His pulse skipped!”
“Fuck off,” Duke growled at the door.
“Wa!” Wanda said.
Nat froze. Duke turned to stare at her, then at Nat.
“I hope she wasn’t trying to copy me,” Duke said slowly.
“Me too,” Nat said. “That... That would be bad, wouldn’t it? If a swear word was her first word.”
“Wa!” Wanda said again, looking utterly proud of herself.
Nat buried his face in his hands. “Oh, gods.”
“That was just a sound.” Duke said it like he was trying to convince himself. He looked guilty, too.
Nat snorted. Then he began giggling, and he couldn’t stop. Even Duke cracked a smile.
“We’re getting out of bed,” Duke decided. “And having breakfast, since I don’t think we’re getting any more sleep.”
* * *
Teddy and Malliewatched owlishly when they walked into the kitchen together.
Teddy giggled. Mallie elbowed him and frowned.
“What is it?” Duke asked.
