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CHAPTER ELEVEN

I solde didn’t speak on the ride home from the food market. Johnny’s silence was an impenetrable shell around him, and she was a mass of nerves. He parked the truck before the steps to the house, but she didn’t move. Remembering his instructions, she waited in her seat until he helped her down.

“I could carry a couple of bags,” she suggested quietly.

He glanced at her as if evaluating her offer, and then, after a long pause, he nodded. “Okay, but only the light ones.” He held up two, and she quickly took one in each hand before he changed his mind. Feeling hopeful that his anger had waned a little, she climbed up the steps at his side. Once he unlocked the door, she followed him to the kitchen.

Johnny put his bags on the counter. “Why don’t you unload the groceries, and I’ll go get the rest from the truck?”

“Yes, Johnny.” Her lips trembled, but she continued to pull items out of the bag. She’d used his name, hoping against hope he’d tell her all was forgiven and to call him Daddy again. But Johnny left without saying a word.

He returned with the remaining bags dangling from both hands. Maintaining her casual behavior, she took a couple from him to lighten his load. He didn’t protest, which was a good sign. But she wasn’t singing victory just yet. A heavy conversation with an uncertain outcome loomed ahead.

They continued to put things away in a tense silence. Johnny chose where he wanted to store things and she went along with him. Once the bags were emptied, he took a bottle of club soda and a beer from the fridge. He gave her the water and kept the beer.

“Thanks for your help. I can handle the rest.”

The floor under her feet softened like quicksand. It was pulling her under, and she couldn’t do anything to stop herself. The change in mood she’d perceived, his softening, had been a mirage, a product of her deluded mind. His hard, angry stance remained. Civility didn’t mean forgiveness.

“Is that it?”

He gave her a quizzical look. “Yes. Did you have something else in mind?”

“Um, no. Nothing. I thought…” Lord, her eyes burned, and her lungs struggled for air as the house continued to suck her down.

“Nope. You’re done here. I’ll catch up with you later.” Turning his back to her, he switched his attention to the items inside the pantry. The message was clear: leave. What little was left of her sense of self-worth bristled. Why stand here, a begging fool waiting for him to throw her a morsel of his attention?

Clutching her soda water, she walked to her bedroom. Putting the bottle on the nightstand, she held Mr. Bubbles to her chest and dropped her forehead between his soft, furry ears. Isolde didn’t want to cry, but she was at her wits’ end. The distance between them had stretched to miles. They were further apart now than before her ill-conceived act with the jukebox. And Johnny wasn’t mellowing one bit.

Would he take her back to Dalton ?

A hitched sob escaped her chest, and a burning tear rolled down her cheek. She slapped it away before it splotched her stuffie.

“Are you hurt?” he asked from the doorway.

She held her breath. Instead of answering, she shook her head.

“Let’s get this over with,” he said. “And bring your stuffie.”

She stood. “Why?”

“Stuffies are good for reassurance.”

How the hell does he know about stuffies? With that thought, a scalding wave of jealousy rose within her as a faceless woman formed in her mind.

“What are you thinking about?” His gaze went deep. She wanted to avoid his probing, but couldn’t. Johnny’s eyes wouldn’t release her.

Isolde rolled the lie around in her mouth and considered her options. In the end, she decided to deal with the embarrassment and tell him the truth.

“I wondered how you knew so much about stuffies, and I got jealous.”

He cocked an eyebrow. “Because?”

“A Little other than me told you about them.”

“I see. What’s its name?”

“Huh?”

“Your stuffie’s name.”

“Mr. Bubbles.”

“Bring Mr. Bubbles to the living room.”

She watched Johnny leave her doorway without following him. He hadn’t said anything about her jealousy remark, and she’d expected, at a minimum, a correction from him.

“Wish me luck, Mr. Bubbles. I’m going to need it,” she whispered to the friendly face she’d known for a long time, then shuffled down the hallway, prepared to meet her doom.

He sat at the edge of a sofa, rubbing his forehead. Johnny had tossed his long hair over his shoulder, and nothing hid his troubled, handsome face. He snapped out of his thoughts when he heard her footsteps, locked his gaze with hers, and tried to smile, but it didn’t work. In her bones, she felt the deep sadness reflected in his eyes.

“I’m so sorry,” she blurted, unable to stop herself. “What I did was silly and childish. I didn’t want that guy’s attention. I misbehaved to get a reaction from you. I didn’t think of the consequences. You were so angry, it scared me.”

“A reaction.” He lifted his eyebrows. “Why?”

Squeezing Mr. Bubbles for courage, she moved closer. “Because.” She lifted a shoulder. “Da… Johnny, you were different when we got here. Something changed after we left Dalton. I felt rejected, pushed away. Like you’d lost interest or didn’t want me anymore. You wouldn’t let me help you and barely spoke to me. And I…”

He took a deep breath. “Went on the offensive, the only way you knew how.”

Isolde stopped before him. “I did. And I’m so, so sorry. But I was also desperate to get your attention.”

“I know what happened.” He raised his open hand to her in a peace offering. Relieved, she clasped his strong fingers.

“Sit on the floor, between my legs.”

Where? Isolde hesitated. His challenging gaze didn’t deviate from hers. This was her test. Did she obey or resist? Taking a deep breath, she leaned on his knees and carefully sat. His muscular legs flanked her on both sides. As confusing emotions tugged at her, she felt both sheltered and nervous.

“You’ve heard the saying about good intentions?” he asked.

“Yes.” She sighed. “Most times, good intentions make a mess.”

“Got that right.” He clasped the back of her neck. Slowly, his fingertips slipped under her hairline and massaged her scalp. “We spoke about this before. Even though you grew up in an MC clubhouse, your father raised you and Opal in a restricted environment. He didn’t want his girls to grow up and become sexually aware women.”

“You’re right.”

“I realized this escape into the real world would be a drastic change for you. I know you’re Little, but I wanted to give you the freedom you never had. Allow you to breathe at your pace. Explore your personality without pressure, and live it when you were ready. I didn’t want you to feel rushed because you knew I’m a Daddy Dominant. In my effort to give you space, I went overboard, I guess.”

“Is that why you wouldn’t let me do anything? You get so serious sometimes.”

“Not quite. Being a Daddy means I take care of my Little’s every need. She’s my adored baby, and my job is to do everything for her. There’s only one requirement: devotion requires obedience. My orders are law. I expect my little girl to obey me without an argument or pushback. I am serious because I’m older, and sometimes I’m a grouchy, know-it-all bastard.”

“Isn’t that a lot to do?”

“When you love someone the way I love you, giving your all is a pleasure, not a burden. A Daddy/Little is a unique dynamic. It’s much more intense and involved than a regular relationship. If both partners are in sync, it’s extremely rewarding. As time goes on, you’ll see. Now, talk to me.” He wrapped a strand of her hair around his fingers. “I thought we’d straightened this out in Dalton, but after the incident with Buddy, I need to ask again. Is this the kind of relationship you want? Don’t rush to answer. If you need time to think, say so. There’s no right or wrong answer. Only the truth and your happiness are important.”

Isolde pressed Mr. Bubbles to her chest. Strange how Johnny had known, better than she did, that her stuffie would anchor her in this moment. This gentle wisdom he gave unconditionally and his respect for her decision soothed her soul. A more powerful declaration of love didn’t exist.

She gazed into his clear blue eyes. The lingering sadness in the fathomless depths broke her heart. He didn’t realize she’d fallen in love the instant she met him, and, if given a choice, she wanted to be with him for the rest of her life. But his question forced her to envision two possible futures, one with him and…one without?

Hell, no . Her blood turned cold, and she shivered. Life without Johnny made no sense. He was her Daddy and soon would be her lover. She wanted him with all his quirky habits, his dominance and temper, his every strength and flaw she’d yet to learn.

“I belong to you. The day we met, you took my heart, Johnny.”

“Daddy.” Smiling, he corrected her.

Happiness surged, and she giggled. “Am I allowed again?”

“If you’re sure and committed to us, yes.” He nodded. “First things first, we have to work on our communication. I hope you’ll forgive me for my sin of silence, and you can’t hide your concerns from me. I have to know what worries you. Not knowing is how we get into trouble.”

“I was afraid of telling you. You seemed so unreachable.”

“It seemed that way, princess. But it was mostly a good act. I wouldn’t lose track of you. No matter what we do, where we go, or if we have to separate, remember this: you’ll never be alone, my soul is next to yours, day and night.”

“You say such pretty things.”

He laughed. “I’m hardly a poet. I rarely speak about my emotions. But today we went through a dangerous moment, and you needed to hear the truth. On that note…”

The way Johnny left the sentence hanging, her instincts sounded the alarm.

“Uh-oh. I’m not sure I going to like what you’re about to say.”

“Smart, girl.” He kissed her head. “You can’t escape it.”

“But…” She glanced up at him. “I told you what was on my mi nd, and we agreed to be honest with each other. This miscommunication won’t happen again.”

“Nice try. You should study law. There’s a litigator streak in you. Your argument is irrelevant to the infraction and the punishment you owe.”

Shit, she knew it. A spanking was on the way. Slowly, the scene at the restaurant repeated in her mind. The way she’d behaved, she deserved every smack he gave her.

“Do you prefer your bedroom or here?”

Okay, she admitted her fault, but his question was so matter-of-fact, it ticked her off.

“Don’t tell me you care where we do it. It’s my butt getting smacked, not yours.”

“Hmm, you need the bratty treatment.” Rising to his full height, he put his hands on his hips and stared down at her on the floor. Somehow, he seemed seven feet tall. “I don’t like starting out this way. I warned you about challenging me.”

He didn’t give her time to think. In a moment, he bent, wrapped a powerful arm around her waist, then picked her up sideways like a sack of rice.

“Put me down,” she yelped.

“I will. When I’m good and ready. Second unbreakable rule: I’m always in charge. Don’t tell me what to do.”

Oh, crap. Here was the bull she’d provoked. Contrary to her silly schemes, he was in command of the situation, not her. Funny, though, the rough handling and upcoming spanking titillated her. Her clit twitched in anticipation. Trepidation and sexual excitement moved within Isolde as if both were a package deal. She had a lot to learn…

She bounced on the bed when he tossed her down.

“Slide your butt to the edge and turn over.”

“But— ”

“We can do this the easy way or the hard way. Your choice. Every delay adds another smack.”

Grumbling to herself, she moved to the edge and flipped over to face the mattress. She ended with her belly on the edge of the bed, but the way her feet rested on the floor angled up her butt in the perfect position for his hand to strike.

“Lower your head and tuck your elbows under your belly. Since this is your first offense, I’ll help you out. Next time, you’ll adopt positions as I demand and without instructions.”

Isolde heard and then felt him move around and behind her. Lifting her top, he searched for the button and zipper of her jeans.

Oh, shit. He’s pulling my pants…and panties down.

A cool breeze caressed the exposed skin of her butt cheeks and thighs. Next, the mattress dipped as he sat at her side.

“First lesson in spanking, shortcake.”

She wiggled her hips. “What? Spankings have lessons?”

He chuckled. “Oh yeah. There’s a difference between sexual spanking and punishment. The first version involves physical contact, caressing your pussy, and playing around. The second is discipline to correct bad behavior. There’s no reassuring physical contact, teasing, or play. With every strike, you’ll hopefully consider the actions that put you here and remember not to repeat them.”

What could she say? He had a point. Her brazen disobedience had brought a potentially dangerous encounter between two men to the brink. One or both could’ve ended up seriously injured. Still, she was an anxious wreck, and her initial sexual excitement had flattened out. This wasn’t so much fun anymore.

“Fair warning. Don’t look at me. It won’t help. Today, you’re getting ten smacks because I’m being lenient. Lesson two: count each strike out loud and say nothing else. Miss one, we start again.”

“Huh? ”

“You heard me. We begin now.” He stood from the bed, removing his warmth. She knew he was close enough, but because of his order to hold her head down, she felt alone and bereft.

The first slap to her right cheek stung.

Okay. Piece of cake. Not too painful. It wasn’t as bad as her mind had anticipated. She could do this easily. Remembering her orders she spoke in a firm voice. “One.”

His hand fell harder on her left side.

“Ouch,” she exclaimed.

“Wrong. We start from the top.”

“No, wait?—”

“Eleven spanks.”

Rubbing her forehead against the bed, she growled.

“Twelve.”

This was punishment all right. And if she didn’t make an effort to take her medicine correctly, the dose would increase. Taking a deep breath, she relaxed her shoulders.

“Are we ready to begin?”

She nodded.

He slapped her right cheek with the same intensity as the first time.

How could he be so accurate?

“One,” she said as the errant thought passed through her mind.

The following smacks continued at the same pace. He spread them over her rear and upper thighs, but each one fell harder, harder, and even harder.

By the time the eighth slap landed on her, she fisted and bit the sheets as burning waves traveled down her legs and up her lower back. Her brain jeered at her, Piece of cake, right? Vowing silently she’d never challenge Johnny again and would obey him without question, she endured the remaining four smacks by mentally encouraging herself. Three to go. Two left. One more, and you’re home free.

The strikes stopped, and Johnny pressed his hand on her lower back. “Don’t move. I’ll be right back.”

Move? She was panting and throbbed everywhere. When he returned, he sat at her side, and despite the pain, his nearness infused her with a reassuring warmth she was desperate for.

“I’m very proud of you, little one. Hold still while I put this cream on you.” His rough hands were gentle as he smoothed a cool, soothing cream on her burning backside.

“What is it?”

“Arnica cream. I saw it at the store and decided to buy it. I had a feeling I would have to use it soon.”

“Really?” She sighed, feeling better already.

“Yes, shortcake. And I’m keeping it handy. With your temper, it’s a good thing to have.”

“Very funny.”

He laughed. “I think it is.”

Tired of being in this position, she pushed against the bed to stand, but he clasped her shoulder to keep her down. “Stay. I’ll take care of this.”

The noise of her drawers opening and closing came to her. When he returned, he lifted her in a curled-up position and gently put her down on the bed. It was mind-boggling and sexually stirring how easily he handled her.

“Soft jammies are the best thing to wear when your butt is sore.”

Leaning one knee on the bed, he pulled her jeans and panties from around her feet and tossed them aside. He was focused on his job and didn’t notice her shyness at being naked from the waist down. Despite her initial modesty, hot arousal and a raging desire to open her legs wide and display the mysteries of her pussy for Daddy’s pleasure took over. Would he touch her, explore her folds, dip his finger inside her? The thought had her heart racing.

Johnny removed her blouse and bra. Her nipples stood erect. Instinctively, she arched toward his touch. He tightened his eyebrows. “Are you enjoying this, princess? Being dressed this way?”

“I—I think so, Daddy. I feel hot, good. Excited.”

“You think? Explain this to me.”

Heat flushed her face. “I’ve…never.”

The curious frown turned to wide eyes. “Oh, baby. Don’t tell me you’ve never had sex before.”

She winced. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be a problem. I thought men loved the idea of a having a virgin?”

“Having? Not the word I’d use, but you misunderstood me, sweetheart.” He cupped her face. “I had no idea, and it’s kind of a surprise. But it does change things.”

She turned her face to the side. “This is so embarrassing.”

“Stop that. I told you not to look away from me.” He put his finger on her chin and slowly made her face him. His gaze burned with a light she hadn’t seen before.

“Whether you’ve had sex with fifty men or none, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”

“But you said it changes things.”

“It does, and in so many fun and wonderful ways.”

Lowering his head, Johnny captured her right nipple with his warm lips and sucked her tip within the heat of his mouth.

The room swayed, and Isolde gasped for air as a delicious tingle connected nipple and clit in a heady sensation. Her skin erupted in tiny bumps all over.

“Daddy.”

He lifted his head and smiled. “Feels good, doesn’t it?”

“I… Yes. Oh. I didn’t know.”

“Haven’t you touched yourself before and reached climax? ”

Her cheeks flushed again. “Well, yes. But my hand didn’t feel this good.”

“You’re so cute,” Johnny said. With slow caresses, he moved long strands of her hair back from her face. “So many things I want to show you, so many pleasures. I’m going to love you in every possible way.”

“Now?”

She thought he would laugh, but his face turned serious. “Not yet. First, I want you to lift up your butt.” He opened the pj pants, then slipped them up to her waist. Without pause, he put on her top and buttoned it closed. “I’m going to seduce you, princess. You deserved to be wooed and charmed. I’m going to entice and tempt you, drive you crazy with desire, and when you get there, I’ll make love to you. I promise, the first time I possess you will be unforgettable.”