Page 9 of Daddy’s Protection (The Daddy Guard #3)

On the patio Isaiah sat down on a comfortable wicker chair and positioned Little Cami on his lap.

“Am I getting a spanking, Sir?” she asked with a sniffle.

“No, honey. I told you I wouldn’t this time and I won’t break my word.” He looked at her very matter-of-factly and added, “But next time… well, you won’t be sitting on my knee. You’ll be across it. Getting that bottom reddened. Do you understand?”

She sniffled again. “Yes, Sir.” Her head went into his chest and he hugged her tighter.

“What I wanted to talk to you about is our… dynamic… while you’re staying here.”

He knew this was a big moment. Sort of a make-or-break moment, if you will. There was the risk that he’d push her too far, too fast. But if she was going to be under his care, then he needed to be honest with her. It was important they have clear, established expectations.

“Yes, Sir?”

“You are under my care. While that’s the case, I want you to know that you’re expected to follow the rules. They’re for your own good, after all. To fully keep you safe, I need you to obey. Does that make sense, honey?”

He searched her big, innocent eyes and was happy when they lit up. A smile tugged her lips upward, too.

“Yes, Sir!”

Isaiah chuckled. “Good girl. And if you disobey, well… just keep that paddle in mind. Or my belt. Or hand. Is that clear?”

“Yes, Sir,” she said demurely.

He hugged her tighter. Mmm. It felt good to have a babygirl in his arms. The moment felt so right. As if that was the way life was supposed to be.

Apparently, she felt that way, too. He hadn’t even realized it until that moment, but he’d been inching his lips closer to hers. She was moving forward, too, ready to meet in the middle, it seemed.

“Are you ready to make Halloween decorations yet?” Iris yelled.

Cami jumped. Isaiah laughed.

They both looked at the sliding patio doors where Iris and Lana stood.

“Iris! They were about to kiss!” Lana whispered loudly, putting her hand on her friend’s arm.

Cami quickly covered her face, stifled giggles still coming through.

She was the cutest thing Isaiah had ever laid eyes on. He fully intended to tell her as much later on. He would hold her again, as well. Right now wasn’t the time, though.

“Go run along. Play with your friends.”

Cami hugged him again. The embrace lingered and Isaiah found himself wanting to dip his hand lower to pat her padded bum. He barely managed to restrain himself.

Watching her scamper off with the other girls, he smiled.

His gut was right about ninety percent of the time. And right now, it was saying that he’d found his forever cutie.

Finally.