A/N This is short, but I hope to have another chapter up very soon.

Evil Fanwank # 3 Alexis can SING

Chapter 12 Indulgence

Alexis used her left foot to nudge open the door to Sage's room. It was one of many extravagant guest rooms in the house, but it was now filled with toys, dolls and even a dollhouse that the child must have brought with her. Alexis stepped carefully around the blocks and books scattered about the floor. She laid the child on the bed and backed away. Sage's hold tightened.

"No, Mama, don't leave me." Sage pleaded. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry."

"I won't leave you Sage, but I need you to let go so I can fix your blankets." The girl held fast for a moment then slowly loosened her grip. She caressed Alexis' cheek. "I hurt you."

"I'm fine Sage." Alexis said as she pulled down the duvet and helped the girl slide beneath it.

Tears filled Sage's red eyes again. "I'm sorry."

"I know." Alexis lay down beside her and gathered her in her arms again. "Rest now, we'll talk about it later."

"Sing to me? Frere Jacques?"

Alexis sang softly, as Sage's eyelids drooped and finally the child slept. Alexis watched the girl as her thumb drifted to her mouth. Alexis hugged her gently and dropped a kiss on her curls, before slipping out of the bed.

"You'll have to excuse Sage, Miss Davidovich." Mr. Alcazar said as Alexis stood. The blood on her cheek had dried and the beginnings of a bruise appeared under her left eye.

"No Mr. Alcazar, I do not have to excuse Sage." She hissed. Alexis turned to check on her then ushered the father through the doorway. "I will excuse her, because she is young and doesn't know any better. But you, I will not excuse."

"What crime have I committed this time? I left her under your sterling example, and she had her worst tantrum yet." Lorenzo retorted. "What did you do to provoke her?"

"I said 'No' Mr. Alcazar. A word with the same meaning in Spanish, English, and French, yet Sage seems completely unfamiliar with it. Children need discipline just as much as they need affection."

"I may be guilty of over-indulging Sage, but there are worse things one can do to a child. Denying them the most basic of needs, love, is a far more heinous act. I fully intend to punish Sage for her behavior Miss Davidovich, but it seems to me maybe you should spend less time worrying about my daughter and pay a little more attention to y…"

Horror crept onto Alexis' battered face. "Samantha!"