Page 8

CHAPTER 7

PIERCE

I didn’t think Charlee would fall into a routine easily, but she did. We spent the next week together while I reminded her to rest and elevate her wrist often. I became her right hand, literally, whenever something taxing came her way. Knocking on her office door, I waited patiently for her to answer.

“Office hours are posted on the door,” she mumbled.

Ignoring her less than warm greeting, I opened the door and stepped inside. Holding out a large to-go cup with her favorite hot chocolate, I stopped moving when I saw her frantically typing on her laptop. With both hands.

“Charlee,” I said, shaking my head. “Where’s your splint?”

“Listen, I was supposed to be off but another professor had an emergency so I took her classes today. I have to get this assignment typed and distribute it to her class.”

“That isn’t an answer to the question I asked you, starlet.”

She huffed and dropped her hands onto the desk. With an exaggerated eye roll, she plucked said splint from her bag and affixed it around her hand. “On my wrist, Daddy.”

“Don’t get smart, babygirl. Why was your splint in the bag instead of where it belonged?”

“One of the professors had an emergency,” she patiently explained. “I covered the class today and will likely have to assist the next few days. I can’t type with one hand.”

“No, you can’t. Which is why you have me. You said you weren’t teaching at all until after the production. If something came up, you should have let me know.” I pinched the bridge of my nose, pushing away my concerns and brought her the cocoa.

“I didn’t lie.”

“Lying is intentional, and I know that, but I asked you this afternoon what your schedule entailed since you and I didn’t talk about it.”

She sipped the hot chocolate. “Mmmm. This is so good. Yes, you’re right. I should have called you but I was caught up in rushing to class. Then straight to rehearsal and office hours in case anyone had questions.” Charlee blew out a breath. “I’m sorry, Daddy.”

“You’re forgiven, starlet. Let’s address your punishment so that this doesn’t happen again.” I strode across the small space and sank into the sofa cushions.

Setting down her cup, Charlee stood and met my feet. She pouted sweetly as she folded herself over my thighs.

“I will remember to talk to you about schedule changes, Daddy.”

“Yes, I hope after we’re done here you will.” I rubbed either side of her ass before striking the fullest curves. She jerked.

“Ow. I forgot how much your hand stings, Daddy.” Charlee whimpered.

“It’s going to sting a whole lot more in a minute,” I said growling as I lowered her pants to her thighs. Landing several harsh smacks to her upper thighs caused Charlee to squirm. Undeterred, I scissored a leg over hers to keep her in place. “Stay still. We aren’t done yet.”

“Yes, Daddy. I’ll try,” she said sincerely.

Tugging her panties down to join her pants, I ran my palm over her pinkened skin. Admiring my marks on her gorgeous bottom, I spanked her again watching with satisfaction as her skin glowed. She attempted to bridge but I was stronger. “I take your well-being seriously, starlet. That splint must be on at all times. Unless you’re icing your wrist or taking a break with your hand elevated.”

“Yes, Daddy!”

Spanking her for a few more minutes, I heard sniffles escalate into sobs. Giving Charlee a few more solid smacks I paused and kneaded my fingers into either side of her rosy bottom. “That’s a good girl taking your reminder so well. No more schedule changes without running them by Daddy.”

“I’m so sorry, Daddy. I won’t do it again,” she agreed.

Fixing Charlee’s panties and pants, I unhooked my leg and turned her around. Pulling my sweet girl into my chest, I kissed the crown of her head. “I know, starlet. I’d rather give you treats and spend time making you laugh. But I won’t let breaking our rules slide. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Daddy. I understand. Thank you for reminding me how important it is to communicate with you even if other things get in the way.”

Charlee snuggled into my chest and kissed my chin. To her credit, I hadn’t punished her very often since she’d started following my rules. It was important for her to lean on me instead of handling everything herself as she was accustomed to doing.

“Good girl. Do you have more pages you need to type up for the class you taught today?” I reached into my pocket for a handkerchief and wiped her tears away.

“Yes, there are about three more pages. Then it has to be compiled into a pdf document and emailed out to the class. It doesn’t need different colors or anything fancy.”

“All right, starlet. Show Daddy what he needs to do. After we send off the email together, I have a surprise for you. Would you like to go to Colt and Haven’s tonight for dinner? You can see her special princess room.” I gave her thigh a gentle pinch.

“I don’t know. What if Haven thinks I’m pretending to be like her or thinks I’m playing a role?”

“Well, babygirl. You are great at acting, but I doubt she’d think you were doing anything other than having fun. I’d love to see you wear the sparkly purple skirt and your pink ballet slippers.” I hoped having Charlee wear a pretty outfit might bring out her inner Little. She often showed me glimpses of her younger headspace when we were alone.

“I do love spending time with Haven. Yes, I’d love to go to dinner. I’m good company sometimes,” she said smiling as her tears dried.

“I’m so happy to hear that, starlet. Come show Daddy what he needs to do for the agenda.” I helped her off my lap, hugging her tightly for a minute.

“I’m really starting to fall for you, Daddy.”

“As you’ve already seen, I’ll do my absolute best to always catch you. I might fumble, babygirl but I’ll keep trying.” I kissed her lips. “Deal?”

“Deal.” She rose up on her tiptoes and planted a sloppy kiss on my lips.

“My silly, starlet.” I walked us to her desk and dragged a chair over to sit next to me. Though Charlee told me more than once that I’d been breaking down the walls around her heart, she was breaking down mine. That thought filled me with trepidation as much as it sent a wave of warmth through my body. I loved my girl more than anything and our bond was developing into something better than I’d ever imagined.