“G
oddamnit!Willyouputmedown!Idon’tneedyoutocarryme!”
Charliehadbeeninplentyofembarrassingpositionssinceshe’dcometoliveonSanctuaryRanch Suchasbeing upendedoverClint’sknee,herpantiesaroundherankles,gettingherassspanked.Orbeingsenttostandinthecorner withher burningbuttondisplayafter she’d done somethingparticularlynaughtyand Clintthoughtshe needed some time to reflect on her behavior Clint was a believer in giving punishment as soon as possible after it was earned, so she’d been spankedinprettymucheveryroominthehouse.
Butthis thismighttopthemall
ShelayswingingoverRambo’sshoulder,herthighspinneddownbyhismassivearmsoshecouldn’tkickhim.Pummeling herfistsagainsthisbackhadn’tevenmadehimflinch No,shewasprobablygivinghimanicemassage
Hisnamewasn’treallyRambo,ofcourse.ItwasJed.Butwithhislong,darkhair,wearingcamosandthepaintonhisface, hecertainlylookedlikeRambo.Itprobablyhadn’tbeenagoodideatosaythattohisface,though.Shegotthefeelinghehadn’t appreciated it Although it was hard to tell Jed’s facial expressions were basically fierce, fiercer, and pee-your-pants terrifying.
After takinghold ofher camera, he’d swungher up and over his wide shoulder, thenproceeded to carryher throughthe woods. All without saying a word. At first, she’d tried to reason with him. Then she’d ordered himto release her. He’d ignoredher Astheypassedthestables,afewoftheranchhandscalledoutgreetings Hesaidnothingback Herfaceburned.
Maybesheshouldbemoreapologetic.Ifshesaidshewassorry,perhapshe’dletherwalk.
“Look, I’msorryI called youRambo I promise I didn’t meananythingdisrespectful It’s reallya compliment I mean, Rambo’s hot, right? Well, sortof. I’ve never beena huge Sylvester Stallone fan. I’mmore into HarrisonFord. Imean, Han Solo,right?”
Shereallyneededtostopwaffling.
Hestilled.Finally.ThankGod.Becauseshedidn’tknowwhereshewasgoingnextwiththisapology.Suddenlyshefound herselfturnedrightsideupandsettledintothecabofaredpick-upthathadseenbetterdays.
Jedstoodwithhishandsonhiships,scowlingdownather.Shehadtofighthardnottocringe.Jeez,whoknewhe’dbeso touchyaboutanickname?
“Iamnottouchy.AndIamnotupsetthatyoucalledmeRambo,”herumbledout. Wow,shewasprettysurethatwasthemosthe’deversaidtoheratonetime “Haven’thadanythingtosaytoyoubefore.”
“Shit.I’mtalkingoutloud,aren’tI?”shesaid,mortified. Hisgazenarrowedinwarning,althoughshewasn’tsurewhy. Umm, probably because you just called him touchy? And you also said you didn’t like Sylvester Stallone. Hesighedandrolledhiseyes “Idon’tcareifyoulikeSylvesterStalloneornot” Sheslammedher handover her mouth.Itwastheonlywaytostopthecarnage.Shewaslikeatrainwreckheadingfrom RidiculousTownintoDisasterville
“I’mupsetbecauseinsteadofattendingatrainingsessionasI’dplanned,Ihadtotrackdownalittlegirlwhodidn’thave thesensenottogowanderingoff,andwhoisdressedin,”hereachedoutandgrabbedholdofherjacket,rubbingthematerial betweenhisfingerandthumb,“averythin,uselessjacket,nohat,nogloves,andI’mguessingnophonesinceyoudidn’tcall anyoneforhelp.AmIright?”
Oh,sothatexplainedwhyhewasdressedincamosandhadpaintoverhisface She’dkindofwonderedaboutthat Shedroppedherhandandgavehimadisgruntledlook.“It’sspring!”
“Thatwouldn’tbemuchhelpwiththesungoingdownandthetemperatureplummeting,wouldit,littlegirl?”hedrawled. “Iwasn’tintendingtostayoutthislate!”
“Swingyourlegsin,”hecommanded “What?Why?Wherearewegoing?Ihavetogethome.I’vegottocookKentandEdendinner.So,thanksfortherescueand all,althoughIwascapableofwalkingonmyown,butIbestgetgoing”
He must have reached the end of his patience, because he grabbed her legs and turned her, then took hold of the belt, bucklingherin Hefiddledwithsomethingonthesideofthedoorasshefumed Shewasnotgoingwiththiswhacko DidClint know whatthis guywas like?Technically,Jedworkedfor Kent.Shewasn’tsurewhathe’ddonebeforecomingtoworkfor JSI,hewasn’texactlytalkativeandifanyoneelseknew,theyweren’tsaying.
“Don’t undo that belt,” he warned before slammingthe door shut She ignored that order and as soonas his backwas turned,sheunlockedthebeltandreachedforthedoorhandle.Nothinghappened.Shefiddledwiththelock.Crap!He’dnearly reachedthedriver’sdoor
Shit!He’dputthekiddylockon.
“Youputthekiddylockon?Really?Didn’ttrustme?”sheaskedsarcasticallyasheclimbedin Hejustgaveheracoollook.
Shesighed.“Listen,Iknow Ifuckedup.Ido.Ishouldn’thavewalkedintothewoods.Igotlost,all right?Youseethere wasthisdamnbunny ”
“Doupyourseatbeltandwatchyourlanguage.SaveyourexplanationsforKent.”
“You’retakingmetoKent”Reliefmadeheralittlelight-headed Itwasn’tthatshe’dactuallythoughthemighthurther But hewasactingodd.“Look,there’snoreasontodisturbhim.I’llseehimlateratthehouse.AndIreallywouldliketogetback thereandgetwarmandchangemyclothes.So,ifyou’lljustopenthedoor ”
“No.”
“No?”shesquealed.
Hereachedacrossandrefastenedherseatbelt
“Whatdoyoumean,no?You’renotthebossofme.Letmeoutofthedamntruck.”
“That’sseven”
“Seven what?” she asked as he started the truck up. Surprisingly, it purred. Huh, seemed he kept the engine in good condition,evenifhedidn’tseemtocareaboutthescrapesanddentsontheoutside.
“Seventimesyou’veswornsinceIfoundyou.I’lltellKentthattoo.”
“Youdon’thavetotellhimanything.I’lltellhimeverything.Later.Athome.Comeon,Jed,please.”
He didn’tsayanything, justturned the pick-up around and headed up the steep road thatled to JSIheadquarters Ifyou couldcallitaroad.Itwasmorelikeawide,clearedpath.Histruckseemedtohandletheroughrideeasily.Shewishedshe couldsaythesame
“Idon’twanttointerruptKentwhilehe’sworking,”shetoldhimasshegrabbedholdoftheseattotrytosteadyherself.It feltlikeherfillingsweregoingtorattlerightonoutofherteeth.
“Toolateforthat Whodoyouthinksentmetosearchforyou?” Ohfuck.
“Look,I’mreallysorrytohaveinconveniencedyou Ifyoujusttakemehome,IpromiseI’llstaythere” Nothing.
“SonowI’mgettingthesilenttreatment?” Stillnothing.
Shesighed.Great.SeemedlikeshewasofftoseeKent.Well,ontheplusside,atleasthewouldtalktoher.Hecouldbe reasonable
ShewatchedKentwarilyashepacedbackandforthinfrontofthesmallsofawhereshesatinhisoffice.
“Icanseewhyyoudidn’tputcarpetinhere,”shecommentedfinally,unabletotakethesilenceanymore “You’dhave wornaholeinitbynow.”
He grumbled something under his breath. She sighed. She was tired. And hungry. And she felt very sorry for herself. Gettinglosthadn’texactlybeenafunexperience
“Kent,ifyou’renotgoingtotalktome,canIgohome?”
“No Sit back down,” he growled at her as she attempted to stand She sat Kent had always seemed so easygoing in comparisontoClint.Gentler,almost.Hedidn’tlookthatwayrightnow.Helookedlikeanangrywarrior.Hewasfrowning,his facecold,shoulderstenseasheglareddownather
“Look, I know I shouldn’t have wandered away. I really didn’t mean to. And I’m sorry I caused you to worry and inconveniencedyou,butitallcameoutallrightintheend.Imean,wedon’thavetotellClint,dowe?”
He gave her a look of disbelief “Seriously? Charlie, he already knows I called himas soon as I realized you were missing.Idon’tkeepthingsfrommybrother,especiallywhenitcomestoyou.You’rehisworld.” Wasshe?
“Ineedtocallhimandlethimknowyou’resafe.Ijustwantedtocalmdownalittlefirst.”Hetookadeepbreathin,then letitoutslowly Sherealizedhisangerallstemmedfromworryoverher Whichjustmadeherfeelworse Kentturned to reachfor the phone. To call Clint. He had to be so worried. Whycouldn’tshe have juststayed athome? Now,she’dinterruptedhiswork.
He deserves better than me Her insecurities rose up and swamped her. Clint was everything she’d ever dreamed of. Strong, smart, loving, and protective
Andshe…shewasnothingbuttrouble.
“Charlotte?” Kentasked. She didn’tanswer him, justcurled her legs up to her chestwhere she satonthe sofa, tryingto makeherselfassmallasshecould.“Charlie?Youokay?”
Kent crouched in front of her, his features blurred by her tears. He reached for her, drawing her against his chest and holdinghertight
“Hey,now.What’sthis?”
“Imessedup!Iamsuchanidiot”
“Shh,Charlie.”Hesatnexttoher,thenliftedherontohislap. All right, now she just felt awkward. She’d never sat on anyone’s lap except for Clint’s. And yet, when Kent’s arms wrappedaroundher,shefeltsafe.
“Shhnow.Shh.You’regonnamakeyourselfsickifyoukeepcryinglikethisandthenClint’sgonnawallopmyass.”
Sheletoutawaterygiggle Kentreachedover andgrabbedatissuefromaboxsittingonthesmall sidetablenexttothe couch.Hewipedherface,thenheldituptohernose.Shequicklygrabbedholdofit,blowingherownnose.
“I’msosorry,”shetoldhiminalowvoice
“Iknowyouare.AlthoughIwasn’texpectinganytearsuntilyougotyourbuttwalloped.” Horrorfilledher.“You’renotgoingtospankme,areyou?”
“You’reundermyauthoritywhileClintisaway,”hepointedout OhGod.Shehadn’tthoughtaboutthat.
“Butdon’tworry,I’mgoingtoleavethattoClint Youwanttotellmewhatyouwerethinking?” “Ijustwantedtogetafewphotos.DidRa…ah,Jedbringinmycamera?”
“No.Butwecangetitfromhimlater.”
“Ionlymeanttogoashortdistanceintothewoods,thenturnaroundandcomeback,”sheexplained.
“You’renotsupposedtogooffthepathwaysatall,though,areyou?”heaskedsternly “No,”shesaidwithasigh.
“Andyoushouldbewearingawarmerjacket,aswellasglovesandahat,shouldn’tyou?” “It’sspring!”
“It’s justcome outofwinter and this is Montana Do yourealize whatcould have happened to you? WhatifJed hadn’t foundyou?Whatifithadgottendark?Whatifyou’dencounteredawildanimal?”
“Thisisallthestupidbunny’sfault.Ijustwantedafewphotosanditwasseriouslycute.” Hetappedhernose “Itwasnotthebunny’sfaultandyouknowit ThiswasCharlie’sfault Andmine” “Yours?”sheaskedcuriously.
“Yep Becauseobviouslyyouneedcloserwatching So,untilClintgetsback,youaregrounded” “Grounded?”Whatthehelldidthatmean?
Hiseyebrowsrose “You’veneverbeengroundedbefore?”
Sheshookherhead.
“No,myauntusedtolockmeintheclosettopunishme.”hervoicetrailedoffandtohersurprisehesqueezedhertight. “Well,thatwillneverhappenagain”
“So,whatdoesbeinggroundedmean?”Shewiggledoffhislap,notentirelycomfortableaboutsittingthere.
She’dwatchedenoughTVtoknowwhatitmeant,ofcourse,butshedidn’tknowhowitpertainedtoher Shewasanadult, afterall.HerLittlesideonlycameoutwithDaddy.Hewastheonlyoneshetrustedwiththatpartofherself.
“Thatmeans,fromnowuntilClintreturns,youarenottoleavethehousewithoutmypermission.Youaregoingtocometo workwithmeeachday.I’llfindsomeactivitiestokeepyouentertainedandoutofmischief.ButIwantyouwhereIcankeepa closeeyeonyou.You’renotgoingtowanderoffonmywatchagain.”
“You’rejoking,right?”Hehadtobe Anyminutehewasgoingtocrackupand nope,hewasshakinghishead,hisface stern.
“No,Iamnot”
“Youcan’tdothat!I’magrownwoman,Kent.”
Hejustsnorted.“Makesnodifferencetome.Wantyourprivilegesback?Behaveyourself.” Whatanass.Shecrossedherarmsoverherchest.“Thisisfuckingridiculous.” “That’seight.”
Hereyeswidened HadJedactuallytoldhim?“YouarenotkeepingcountofhowmanytimesIswear” “Jedtoldmehowoftenyousworeathim.WhichissomethingelseI’llbementioningtoClint.Aswellasthefactthatyou calledyourselfanidiot” Well,crap.
Hereachedoutandgentlygrabbedholdofher chin,tiltingher faceup.“Doyouwanttotell mewhyyoubrokedownin tearsjustnow?”
“No.”
Hesighed “You’lltellClint,though,whenIcallhim”Itwasn’taquestion Clint was going to be so upset with her. She hated disappointing him. She worried that one day he’d work out what everyoneelsehad thatshewasn’tworththebother No.No,thatwasn’tright.Clintlovedher.Whywasshehavingsuchproblemswiththisagain?Shethoughtshewasover this.
“Helovesme,”shemuttered “Ofcourse,hedoes,”Kenttoldher.“You’renotdoubtinghowmuchlovesyou,areyou?”
“I-I maybe WhatifhestartstothinkI’mmoretroublethanI’mworth?”
Kentgrumbledsomethingunderhisbreath.“Thatbitchauntofyourshasalottoanswerfor.Sure,youmessedupandput yourselfindanger Butyouarenever,evermoretroublethanyou’reworth Clintwouldn’tbehappyifheheardyousayingthat aboutyourself,wouldhe?”
Shenodded,bitingherlip.“No,hewouldn’t.”
“DoyouneedtohaveasessionwithArcher?”heaskedwithconcern Sheshookherhead.“No,I’mallright.”
Archerwasapsychiatrist Hisbrother,whoeveryonejustcalledDoc,wastheranchdoctor Archerhadbeenhelpingher withherfoodhoarding,somethingthathaddevelopedfromyearsofherauntrestrictingherfood.
“Allright.”Hegaveheradoubtfullook,butthenrosetopickupthephone.“Let’scallClint.”
“Tellmeyoufoundher,”Clintdemandedasheansweredthesatphone.
“Wefoundher She’sfine Ipromise Tired Abitemotional Ineedtogetherhome,feedherandgetherintobed” ThankGod.Reliefmadehimalittlelight-headed.Shewasallright.Feargavewaytotemper.“Didshetellyouwhat thehellshewasthinking?”
“She wasn’t thinking, I’d say She wanted to take some photos of a damn rabbit and wandered off too far and got disorientated.”
Clintfrowned “Thatdoesn’tsoundlikeCharlie She’susuallymoreawareofhersurroundings”
“Waitaminute.”TherewasamufflednoiseandthenheheardKentspeak.“Charlie,I’mgoingtotalktoClintintheother office,bebackinasecond I’mjustontheothersideofthatdoorifyouneedme” Whywashegoingintoanotherroom?HadsomethinghappenedtoherthatKentwasn’ttellinghim?Hewaitedimpatiently. “Right,we’realone,”Kentsaid.
“What’swrong?”hesnapped “Yousaidshe’sfine”
“Sheis.Physically.Thisisn’taphysicalproblem.”
Clintfrowned Whatthehelldidthatmean?
“I’llgettothatinamoment,firstIneedtotellyouthatI’vegroundedher.”
Clint raised an eyebrow Not over his brother disciplining her All the women living on the ranch were assigned a guardian, usuallya husband or familymember, who tookresponsibilityfor them. While he was away, Kenthad beenleftin chargeofCharlotteandEden.
However,Kentcouldbeabitofasoftiewhenitcametothewomeninhisfamily Godknows,he’dneveroncegrounded Eden.IthadbeenlefttoClinttobethedisciplinarian.Notthatheminded.Hewastheoldest.Itwashisroletoleadhisfamily. Itwasaroleheenjoyed Heneededtofeellikehewastakingcareofhisfamily “Thatwillbeadifferentexperienceforher.”
“Well,Icouldn’tspankher,”Kentsaid.“AndweneverreallydiscussedhowIwouldpunishher.”
BecauseClintfiguredshewouldbehaveherself.Heshouldn’thavelefther.“I’llcomeback.”
“Nope,”Kentsaidquickly.
“What? Kent, she needs me WhenI thinkof what could have happened ” It didn’t bear thinkingabout “I thinkshe’s gonnagivemeanulcer.”
Kentsnorted “IftheranchandEdenhaven’tgivenyouanulceryet,Idon’tthinkCharlieisgoingto” Yeah,hewasn’tsosureaboutthat.
“Clint,shecried.”
“Tryingtogetyoursympathy?”Hmm,thatdidn’tsoundlikeCharlotte.
“No.Therewerenopleas.Shedidn’tsayanything.Ihadturnedawaytogetthephone,andwhenIturnedback,shehadher legstuckedupintoherchestandtearsrunningdownhercheeks”
“Doyouthinkshefinallyrealizedwhatcouldhavehappenedanditupsether?”Clintasked.
“Idon’tthinkthatwasit Clint,Ithinkshewasupsetbecauseshefeelslikeshe’sletyoudownandthatyoumightstartto thinkshe’stoomuchtrouble.”
Clintsworeviciously.“Fuck.AndyouthinkIdon’tneedtocomeback?AreyoutakinghertoArcher?”
“No,shebeggedmenotto”
“Kent,don’tgogettingsoftnow.”
“Look,I’lltakeherifshecontinuestofeelupset
ButIdon’tthinkyoushouldcomeback Itwilljustreinforcethisideashe hasthatshe’scausingyoutrouble.She’dfeelguilty.”
“Shit.”WhathesaidmadesenseevenifClintdidn’tlikeit.
“Also,Ithinkitwouldunderminemyauthority.You’regoingtogoawayagainandsheneedstolearntoobeyme.Andshe needstoknowthatIwillenforcetherules IthinkshebelievedIwasapushover” “Youareapushover,”Clintsaid.“Iwanttotalktoher.”
Heneededtohearhervoice Healsowantedtoreassureherthatshewasthemostimportantthinginhislife Atraumatic childhood with her bitch aunt, followed by a verbally abusive relationship had wreaked havoc with her self-esteem. She couldn’tsleepwithoutanightlight,andeventhen,shewasanincrediblylightsleeper,somethingthathadgottenworsewhen she’dbeenforcedtoliveinhercarafterherassholeexkickedheroutwithnothing.
Buther nightmares had beengettingfewer, her sleep had beenimproving. She’d also gained some much-needed weight underhiswatchfulcare
Damnit,ithadbeentoosoontoleaveher.ButheknewthatKentwasright.Ifhereturnednow,shemighttakeitbadly. “Clint?”asoftvoicespokethroughthephone
Clintletoutabreathasheheardhervoice.Theknotinhisstomachunraveled.Whatwouldhedoifheeverlosther? “Littledarling,areyouallright?”
“Yes,”shesaidhesitantly.“I’mreallysorry.Iam.Iwasn’tthinking.I’msorrytobesuchabother.”Hervoicehitchedon thatlastwordandheranahandoverhisfaceworriedly.He’dreallythoughttheywerepastthis.Heshouldhaveknownbetter. Youcouldn’tunravelyearsoffeelingrejectedandworthlessinafewmonths “Babygirl,youarenotabother.Hearme?Iamnotupsetwithyou.”
“You’renot?”sheasked,soundingunsure
He sighed.“Iwordedthatwrong.I’mnotupsetbecause Ithinkyou’re a nuisance.Youcouldnever be that.Ilove you.I wantyoutobesafe.I’mupsetbecauseyouputyoursafetyatrisk.IfJedhadn’tfoundyou,thenyoucouldstillbeoutinthedark andcoldonyourown.Thatmakesmefeelsicktomystomachwithfear.”
“Iknow,”shesaidquietly.“I’msosorry.Iwasn’tthinking.”
“Idon’tmakerulesforyoursafetybecauseIwanttobemean Orforthefunofit They’rethereforareason” “Yes,Iknow.”
“ThenyoualsoknowthatwhenIgethome,youandIaregoingtohaveabigtalk,right?” “Yes.” Her voice sounded small, almostchildlike. He wondered ifKenthad lefther alone to talkto him. Probably. She didn’tlike showingher Little side toanyone else.He’dbeensobusythathe hadn’tspentas muchtime withCharlotte as he wouldlike.Thatneededtochange.Becausetheybothneededmoretimetogether.
“But nothing you do will ever make me let you go. You are mine. No matter what. Got that?” They weren’t the most eloquentofwords Hewasarancher,notadamnpoet Buthemeantthem
“Iloveyoutoo.Ireallyamsorry.”
“Iknow,littledarling Nodoubtyou’llbeevenmoresorryafterasessionwiththepaddle”
He heard her gasp. Yeah, he thought that would get her attention. He hoped she’d be too focused on the idea of being paddledtogetinanyfurtherstrife.
“Notapaddling!Idon’twantone”
He could just picture the cute pout onher face as she spoke. “Thenyoushould have takenmore care withyour safety, baby”
“ButKentisalreadypunishingme.I’mgrounded.I’mnotallowedtoleavethehousewithouthim.Ihavetogotoworkwith him”
“Thatallseemsfair,”hetoldher.
“But-buthowisitfairtogetpunishedtwice!”
“That’s Kent’s punishment Butyou’re mine and those are myrules youbroke, whichis whyI’ll deal withyoubreaking themwhenIgethome.Youscaredusboth,babygirl.I’dbelostwithoutyou.”
Shesniffled “Iknow Iscaredmyselftoo”
“Good.Thatmeansyou’llthinktwicebeforebreakingtherulesagain.”Headdedahintofmenacetohisvoice. Shewasdefinitelygoingtobetoofocusedonthepunishmenttocometogetintoanymoretroublewhilehewasgone “Iloveyou.Youareneveranuisance.Understand?”
“Iunderstand.Iloveyoutoo.”
CHARLIE ENDED THE CALL, her shoulders slumped. Even though she felt better after hearing his voice and listening to his reassurances,shestillmissedhim
Shewentovertotheofficedoorandopenedit.Kentturnedandwalkedovertoher,takingthephoneoutofherhand “Youallright,littlebit?”heasked,cuppinghercheekstoraiseherface
“Yep.IjustmissClint.”
“Iknowyoudo.Comeon,let’sgetyouhome,fed,andintobed.Ibetyou’llsleeplikethedeadafterallthisexcitement.”
“I’mreallysorry,Kent Icanjuststayathomewhileyouworktomorrow Iwon’ttrytogooutoranything”
“I’mafraidthat’snothappening,sweetheart.IwantyouwhereIcanseeyou.”Hetappedhernose.“Besides,I’vegotall sortsoffunactivitiesplannedforyou”
“SomehowIthinkmyideaoffunandyoursmightbeverydifferent,”shesaidsuspiciously.
Hisgrinjustwidened
NEARLY TWO HOURS LATER, after a quickdinner ofhamand cheese sandwiches, she was loadingthe dishwasher whenKent walkedintothekitchen.“Right,it’stimeforbed.YougoonupandI’llcomeinandcheckonyou.”
Shelookedattheclockonthewall.“Bed?It’sonlyeight.”
“Yep,andyou’vehadabigday.So,noarguments.Bed.Now,younglady.”
“HowdidIeverthinkyouweretheeasygoingone?”shegrumbled. He smiled Kent was a gorgeous man Not for the first time, she wondered why he didn’t have a girlfriend He was handsome,fun,smart,thewholepackage.
“Charlie,”hesaidinawarningvoice “I’mgoing.I’mgoing.”Sheturnedaroundandspedoff.
“Norunninginthehouse!”hecalledather.“Youcouldfalloverandhurtyourself.”
“Sheesh,whoknewyouweresuchaworrywart!”
“DAMN BRAT IS GOING togivemegrayhairs,”Kentmutteredtohimself.
Heranhishandoverhisface.Shit.HowdidClintdothissoeffortlessly?
Hepickeduphisphonefromthetable,seeingthetextfromEden
Stayin at J’s 2nite
He sighedandshookhis headthengrabbeda glass ofwater before headedupstairs Whenhe gottoCharlie’s room,she wasfastasleep,huggingInky,herstuffedoctopus.Shewasadorable,allcurledupinbed,hugginghersofttoy.
Heputtheglassofwateronthebedsidetableandpulledthecoversup,tuckingthemaroundher.Lookedlikeshe’dgone offtosleepas soonas her headhitthepillow.Hewentdownstairs andgrabbedabeer,beforesettlinghimselfinthedento watchsomemind-numbingtelevision.
Afewhourslater,hedecidedtoturnin Hecheckedoverthehouse,madesurethedoorswerelockedandthealarmon As hewalkedpasttheopendoorwaytoCharlie’sbedroom,heheardhercryout.
Adrenaline pumped through him as he rushed inside and saw her thrashing around on the bed Nightmare Shit The bathroomlightwason,butheswitchedonthelamponthebedsidetableashesatonthebed.
“Charlie!Charlie,it’sKent.Sweetheart,you’resafe.It’sKent.”
“No No,please!Notthecloset no scaredofthedark”Hervoicewaschildishandfilledwithterror Fuck,heknew howherauntlockedherinaclosetforpunishment.Ifheevermetthatoldbitch,he’d…
Well,he’dhavetogetinlinebehindClint
“Charlotte!Openyoureyes,”hedemandedsternly.“Now.”
Thankfully, she stilled and opened her eyes Her face was pale, her breathcominginsharp pants, but at least she was awake.
“It’sokay,sweetheart.I’mhere.You’resafe.”Heranhishandupanddownherarm,wantingtohugherbutunsureifthat wouldfrightenhermore
Shewhimpered,thenbitonherlip,obviouslytryingtopullherselftogether.“S-sorry.”
“Nothingtobesorryfor Youwerehavinganightmare IheardyoucryoutasIwasmakingmywaytobed”Hetookhold ofherwrist,takingherpulse.Fastandlight.“You’resafe,sweetheart.Nothingbadisgoingtohappentoyouhere.”
Shetookinashudderingbreathandnodded “I-Iknow”
“Wanttotellmeaboutyournightmare?” “No.” She satandpulledher legs upagainsther chest,holdingthemtight,lookingsosmall andhelpless thatithurt.She placedherchinonherknees HeleaneddownandgrabbedInky,passingittoher HeknewClinthadboughtherseveralstuffed toys,butshelovedInkythemost.Itwasoneofthefewthingsshehadleftfromherparents,who’ddiedwhenshewasyoung. “Yousure?I’magoodlistener”
“I…itwasjustoldshitaboutmyaunt.Idon’treallywanttotalkaboutit.Please.” “Allright,”hesoothed.Poorlittledarling.Hethoughtoverwhatheshoulddo.Itwasobviousshewasn’tgoingtobeable togobacktosleepstraightaway Andneitherwashe “Howdoyoufeelaboutsomehotchocolateandamovie?” Shewassilentandhedidn’tthinkshewasgoingtoanswer.Thenherheadrose.“Whatkindofmovie?” “Yourchoice”
“Allright.That-thatsoundsgood.Unlessyouneedtogotobed?I’llbeallright.”
No,shewouldn’t Heshookhisheadandstood,holdinghishandout “Comeon Let’sgofindsomemarshmallowsandeat ourweightinsugar.Justdon’ttellClint.”Hewinkedatherandshesmiled.Thenshereachedupandslidherhandintohis.
Heswitchedoffthetelevision.IfheneverhadtoseePatrickSwayzegyratehishipsagainitwouldbetoosoon.Buthe’d satthroughtheentirething,andhehadn’tmoanedonce Clintowedhimbigtime.
HelookedoveratCharliewhowascurledupattheotherendofthecouch,snoringsoftly.Hesmiled.He’dbeensurprised shehadn’tchosenakids’movie,ratherthanDirty Dancing Butthenshedidn’treallyletherLittleoutaroundhim Justas he was tryingto decide how to move her withoutwakingher, his phone rang. He frowned as he saw his sister’s nameonthescreen
“Eden,everythingokay?”
“Canyoucomepickmeupplease?”Therewasastrangenotetohervoice “Areyouallright?What’shappened?”hedemanded.
“Nothing’shappened.Ijustneedyoutocomegetme.Please.I’matthedinerintown.”
“Areyousafe?IcansendEdtoyou”
“Kent,Ed’sthesheriff.Hehasbetterthingstodothancomebabysitme.”
NotasfarasKentwasconcerned
“Kent.Really.I’msittinginthediner.I’mfine.”
“Whoelseisthere?”hedemanded “Ididn’tcallforaninterrogation.”
“Eden,”hesaidinawarningvoice.
“Abbyis working Old Pete is sippingonhis fifthcup ofcoffee There’s no one else around Butthey’re goingto close soonandI’vedrunktoomuchtodrivehome.”
Atthe mentionofAbby’s name, his bodyflooded withheat He didn’tknow why She was so shythatshe could barely manage to lookathim, letalone talkto him. He forced his mind backonto his currentproblem. He glanced over atCharlie sleeping.Hecouldn’tleaveherafterthatnightmare.
“I’llarrangesomeonetocomegetyou.Staythere.”
Hehungupbeforeshecouldargueorquestionhim,thencalledintothesecuritycenter.Therewouldbeacoupleofguys there
“It’sZeke.Speak.”
Shit Zeke and Edenwere like oil and water Theyfoughtall the time Buthe trusted Zeke almostas muchas he did his brother.“Zeke,it’sKent.Needafavor.” “Shoot.”
“Charliehadanightmare.She’ssleepingnow,butIdon’twanttoleaveher.” “Right.Whatdoyouneeddoing?”
“Eden’satthedinerintown,canyougopickherup?”heasked Therewassilenceontheotherend.“Youwantmetogo?”
“Yes,Zeke,that’swhyIasked Iknowyoutwodon’tgetalongandshe’slikelytohissandroaratyou,butIalsotrustyou withhersafety.”
“She’sintrouble?”Zeke’svoicequicklychanged.Becamedeeper.Moredeadly.Kentlongsuspectedthathehadfeelings forEden,buthewasn’tsurehowdeeptheyran Orifheeverintendedtoactonthem “Shesaysnot,butshesoundedfunny.”
“I’mgoing I’llgetthereasquicklyaspossible”
“Thanks,”Kentsaidtiredly.“Iappreciateit.I’llgetCharlietobedandwaitupforyou.”
Charliedancedaroundthekitchenassheputtogethersomesandwiches.SheputoneonherplateandfouronKent’s.Boy, thatmancouldeat ShehummedasshemadeherwaytoClint’sstudy,whereKenthaddecidedtoworkfromtoday
“Someone’s happy,Iwonder why?”Kentteasedas shebroughthis lunchtohim.Heusuallyworkedthroughlunch. He’dworkedallSaturdaytoo.OnSunday,he’dtakenherandEdenoutforbreakfastintown,though.Ithadbeenarelieftoget outofthehouse She’dbeengoingstircrazy
Edenhad beenactinga bitstrangely, though. Somethingwas goingon, butshe wasn’tsayinganything. Charlie knew that Zekehadpickedher upFridaynight,soshefiguredthatwastheproblem Whenwerethosetwogoingtofigureoutthatthey wereattractedtoeachother?
Shesatonthesofaandputhersandwichonthecoffeetable,pickingupherpuzzlebook Thefirstdayofbeinggrounded, Kenthadmadeher writelines.Followedbyanessayexplainingwhysheshouldn’twander offonher own.Thathadsucked bigtime.
Butyesterday,he’dproducedsomenewcoloringbooksandacoupleofpuzzlebooks She’dbeenabitembarrasseduntil he’dpointedoutthatlotsofadultsfoundcoloringintherapeutic.
“Makesureyoueatthatsandwich,”Kentwarned She sighed, butreached for the sandwich. Jeez, ifshe’d thoughthe wouldn’tkeep as close aneye onher as Clint, she’d beenverymistaken
Adoorslammedshut.“I’mhome,”adeepvoiceboomed.
“Clint!”shesquealedandracedoutoftheroom.
“Norunninginthehouse!”Kentcalledoutbehindher Sheignoredhimandraceddownthepassage,leapingatClintashe walkedoutofthekitchen.
Helookedtired,buthestillcaughtherasshethrewherselfathim Shewrappedherarmsandlegsaroundhim,holdingon tight.
“Whoa,there,hey,littledarling.”Hepattedherback,placingonehandunderherasstoholdheragainsthim.
Sheleanedbackandpepperedhisfacewithkisses.Hestartedtolaugh.
“Now,that’sagreeting,”Kentsaidfrombehindher,butsheignoredhim.Clintplacedahandaroundthenapeofherneck, holding her still as he took her mouth in a full, deep kiss His tongue slid between her lips to tease Her body reacted immediatelyandshepressedherpussyagainsthisstomach,rubbingupanddown.
“Andthatwouldbemycuetoleave,”Kentsaiddryly
Clintpulledbackfromtheirkiss,pattingherbottomassheletoutalowmurmurofprotest.“Wait,brother.Areyousticking around?Needtotalktoyou.”
“Yep,I’mworkingoutofyourstudytoday.Comefindmewhenyou’reready.” Clintnoddedathim.
Shesettledherheadagainsthischest “I’msogladyou’rehome,Clint Imissedyou”
“Imissedyoutoo,babygirl,”hetoldherashestartedclimbingthestairs,stillholdingher.Sheshouldprobablytellhimto putherdown,hehadtobetired,butshedidn’twanttolethimgo Hestrodeintotheirbedroomandsatonthebedwithheron hislap,straddlinghislegs.“I’msogladtobehomewithyou.”
“Me too.” She bit her lip, knowingshe should apologize again. “And I reallyamsorryfor everything. It won’t happen again Ipromise”
“Oh,I’msureitwon’t,especiallyafteryougetyourpunishment.”Hewaggledhiseyebrows.
“Istilldon’tthinkgettingpunishedtwiceisfair!”
“Fairhasnothingtodowithit.Youbroketherules.”
Herbreathhitchedandshelookedawayfromhim.Hegrabbedherchinandturnedherbacktofacehim.“Itoccurredtome whileIwasawaythatwehaven’thadmuchtimedaddy-littlegirltimelately.”
“It’sokay,”shesaidquickly Heraisedaneyebrow.“No,it’snot.ImissspendingtimewithyourLittle.”
Hereyeswidened “Youdo?”
“Yep.AndI’mgoingtoremedythat.”
“Clint,I’mallright Idon’twanttobe ” “Donotsayyoudon’twanttobeabother.IfIhearyousaythat,I’mgoingtofindagagandyouwon’tbeallowedtospeak untilI’mcertainthatwillnevercomefromyourmouthagain.”
She tappedathis handuntil he removedit “Iwasn’t Iwas tryingtosaythatIdon’twanttointerfere withyour work I knowyou’rereallybusyandIcanwaituntilyouhavemoretime ” “Darling,stop”Hisvoicewaspatient Kind “Thethingwithranchingisthatthereisalwayssomethingthatneedsdoing” She nodded. Of course, there was. She’d seen how hard he worked. She just needed to accept that he had other responsibilities Justbecausehehadtospendalotoftimeawayfromher,didn’tmeanshewasanylessimportanttohim “Buttheranchandmyotherresponsibilitiesarenotmoreimportantthanyou.” “Crap.WasIspeakingoutloud?”
Hisgazenarrowed “No,youweren’t Butthatjustcluedmeinonwhatyouwerethinking” Sheranherhandoverherface.“I’msorryI’msuchaneedymess,Clint.Iknowyou’rebusy.Youworksohard.Youdon’t needmeaddingtoyourworkload” “Jesus,baby,youstilldon’tgetit,doyou?”
Get what?
“Youare not work. Youfulfill me. Youmake me whole.” He groaned. “Damnit, youknow I’mnot good at this mushy stuff.”
Tearsfilledhereyes “Ithinkyou’redoingfine” “I’mgivingLincapromotion.”
“Okay That’snice Linc’sagreatguy”Althoughshewasn’tsurewhyhewastellingherthisnow “He’sgoingtobetheranchmanager.I’llstilldomostofthepaperwork,”hegrimaced,“andI’lloversee.Buthe’lldomore oftheday-to-daystuffthattakesmeawayforlonghours.”
Sheshookherhead.“Nope.Ican’taskyoutodothat.”
Hecuppedherface.“You’renotaskingme.Thisismydecision.”
Sheopenedhermouthagaintoargueandhegaveherahardlook “Whoisinchargeinthisrelationship?”
Shegavehimadisgruntledlook. “Well?Whomakestherulesinthishousehold?”
“Youknowyoudo.ButIcanhaveanopinion.” Henodded.“Aslongasit’ssaidrespectfully.”
“Andmyopinionisyoushouldn’tgiveupwhatyouloveforme” “Okay.”
Okay Thatwasit?Shecouldn’tbelieveitwasthateasy Sheeyedhimsuspiciouslyashegaveheracalmlook “So,you’re notgivingLincyourjob?”
“Iwasnevergivinghimmyjob I’mtheowner Iwaspromotinghim” “Andnowyou’renot?”Shewasconfused.
“No.He’sstillgettingapromotion.AndI’mdelegatingsomeofmytaskstohimsoIcanspendmoretimewithyou.” “Butyoujustagreednottodothat!”shepointedout “No,Ididn’t.”
“But but ”shethoughtbackovertheirconversation “Yousaidokay”
“Ilistenedtoyouropinion.Ididn’tagreewithit.AndIhavethefinalsayinanydecisioninthishousehold.” Shescowled “You’reextremelybossy”
Hesnorted.“Youalreadyknewthat.So,yougotanyotherridiculousarguments?” “Myargumentwasnotridiculous.”Okay,nowhewasjustmakinghermad. “Itcertainlywas”
“ItwasnotClintonMatthewJensen.”Shepointedherfingerathim.“Idon’tthinkyoushouldgiveuptheranchwork.It’s whatyoulovedoing”
Heleered.“Ilovedoingyoumore.”
Shegroaned.“Iwalkedrightintothat,didn’tI?” Hewinkedather.“Firstofall,Iamnotgivingitup,I’mrearrangingmyworkloadtofreeupsomeofmytime.Secondof all,thereisonethinginthislifeIloveaboveeverythingelse.Includingmyranch.Doyouknowwhatthatis?”
Therewasalookinhiseyethattoldhershebetteranswerthatquestionright.“Me.” “You,littlegirl.”
“Idon’twantyoutoresentme,”shewhispered
“AndIdon’twantyounottohavewhatyouneed,”hecountered.“HowcouldIresentyouwhenspendingtimewithyouis whatIwanttoo?”
Warmthstartedtofillherashiswordspenetrated.Itwaswhathewanted.
“Thisdecisionismine Ofcourse,youmightgetabitmorethanyoubargainedforonceyourealizehowmuchmoreclosely I’llbekeepinganeyeonyou.You’vebeengettingawaywithfartoomuchnaughtiness.”
Shewidenedhereyes.“I’mnevernaughty.”Andsheknewshe’dlapuphisattentionlikeacoffeeaddictdeprivedoftheir fix “You’resure?”
“I’msure.Andthat’sthedamnlasttimeI’mgonnatellyouthat.”Hegaveherasternlook.
Shethrewherarmsaroundhimandheclaspedhertight,runninghishandupanddownherbackassheclungtohim Sheleanedback.“Doesthismeanyou’llhavetimetoteachmetoride?”
“Guessitdoes”
“AndIcangetahorselikeStarGazer?”
“We’llseehowyougowithyourlessonsfirst,butIcanassureyouthatifIbuyyouahorseitwillnotbelikeStarGazer. You’llbegettingamuchgentlermare”
“Thatdoesn’tseemfair.”
“Isaywhat’s fair, remember?” He tapped her nose “And I’mnothavingmybabyride a temperamental beastlike Star Gazer.”
“YouboughtherforEden,”shepointedout.
“Edenhasbeenridingsincebeforeshecouldwalk.Andevenshedoesn’trideStarGazeranymore.”Helookedalittlesad atthatandsheimmediatelywantedtocheerhimup.Sheletoutadeepbreath,lettingherselfsinkintoLittlespace.
“Daddy?”
“Yes,mynaughtylittledarling?”
“Ithinkyouneedashower,you’reabitsmelly”Shewavedahandinfrontofhernose “Smelly?”Helayheronherbackonthebed,thenstartedtotickleher.“Smelly?Youtakethatback.”
Shehowledwithlaughter,cursingthefactthatshewassoticklish.“You’renotsmelly!You’renotsmelly!” Hestoppedticklingherandgaveherasternlook.“That’sbetter.I’mnotsmelly,Ismellmanly.” “Oh,isthatwhatyou’recallingthatstink?”sheteased.
“IguessifI’msosmellyyouwon’twantabathwithme”
Hereyeswidened.BathswithDaddywereherfavorite.Especiallywhenhegotoutthetoys.
“Ido Ido”Shesatupwithasqueal
“Good. Because I need to have mylittle girl close. And while we’re havinga bath, we canhave a talkabout obeying Daddy’srules.”
“Dowehaveto?”shewhined Heraisedherchin.“Idon’tlikethatattitude.Wedefinitelyneedatalk.Andthenwe’lldealwithyourpunishment.” “Daddy,no,I’llbegood Ipromise”
Heleanedinandkissedherlightlyonthelips.Thenheranhisthumbunderhereyes.“Youlooktired.Haveyounotbeen sleeping?”
“I’mfine,”shesaidquickly. Ifhe thoughtshe needed it, he’d have no problemputtingher downfor a nap and she didn’twanta nap whenhe’d just gottenhome Shewantedtospendtimewithhim She’dratherhaveaspankingthananap “Really?You’vebeensleepingallright?”Thesofttoneprobablyshouldhavebeenaclue.Butshewastoobusytryingto avoidanaptonotice
“Yes,Daddy.I’vebeensleepingfine.” “Nonightmares?”
Crap.Toolate,sherealizedheprobablyalreadyknew thatshe’dbeenhavingnightmareseverynightsinceheleft.Damn Kentanyway.DidhehavetotellClinteverything?
“Kenttoldyouaboutthenightmares?”
“No.Hedidn’t.Youjustdid.Youjustliedtome,littlegirl.”
Well,shit
She tensed, wondering what he was goingto do. He stood, thenpulled her up. He grabbed the bottomof her sweater, tuggingitoff.Hequicklyremovedhert-shirtandbra.Thenhekneltdowninfrontofher.
“Holdontomyshoulders,”heorderedgruffly,undoingherjeansthenpullingthemoffaswellasherpanties. Nervesdancedinherstomachasshewonderedwhatcamenext.
Hestood.“Facethebed,thenleanoverandputyourpalmsonthemattress,feetapart.”
Shebitherlip.“Ithoughtweweregonnahaveabath,Daddy?”
“Weare,”hetoldher “First,though,we’regoingtotakecareofyourpunishmentforlying” Drat.Shepouted.
“Thenafteryourbath,we’lldealwithyouputtingyoursafetyatrisk Nowgit”Heturnedherandgaveherasharpsmack toherbareasstogetmoving.Sheyelpedandreachedbacktorub.
“Youknowbetterthanthat,littlegirl”Hegraspedholdofherhand,pullingitawayfromherbottomandgaveherseveral sharpsmacks.Shoot.Shedidknowbetter.
Shereluctantlygotintopositionwithherhandsrestingonthebed,herlegsspreadafewfeetapart.
“Keepyoureyesdown IfIseeyoulookingback,I’llblindfoldyou,”hewarned Shecouldhearhimmovingaroundbehindher,butdidn’tdarelookback.
“Right,keepthatassniceandhighforme”
Nervesthrummed.Heslappedtheinsideofonethigh.“Wider.”
“Umm,shouldn’tyougodownandtalktoKent?He’swaitingforyou” “Kentisfine.Youaremypriority.”
Thosewordsfilledherwithbothwarmthandtrepidation.
Hepartedherbottomcheeks Shetensedupautomaticallyandhegaveherassawarningsmack “Youknowbetterthanthat Relax.”
Easyfor himto say She knew whatwas coming He’d beenusinganal plugs these pastfew weeks to stretchher so he couldeventuallytakeherthere.
Shefeltafingerprodatheropening.Ithadsurprisedherhowmuchsheenjoyedhavingherassplayedwith.Ofcourse,he usuallyteased her clitatthe same time, sendingher into a soaringorgasm. Butto her frustration, his other hand didn’tdrift lower,insteadheresteditonthesmallofherback.
Hepushedatherentrance,slowlyslidinghislubricatedfingerinsideher Thenhepulleditbackout Inthenout Hefucked her ass with his finger until her breath was coming in sharp pants, her body trembling so hard she could barely keep her position
“Touchme?”shebeggedhim.
“No.There’snopleasureforyourightnow,littleone.”
Sheletoutakeeningcry.“Why?”
Anotherfingerwaspushedinsideher.Itwasn’tfair.Hernerveendingssangintolifeashemovedthosetwofingersinand outofherbackhole Herclitthrobbeddesperately “Becausenaughtygirlsdon’tgettocome.Youknowthat.”
Shedid She’djusthopedhemighthaveforgottenordecidedtoignorethatrulethisonetime Fatchance.
Hisfingerswithdrewandshegaveagroanthatwasamixofreliefandregret.Shewantedmore.Yetshedidn’tknowifshe couldtakeit Shetensedasshefelthimspreadhercheeksagain Somethingcoldandsolidpressedagainstherbackhole Twosharpsmackslandedonherass.“Ialreadywarnedyouagainsttensingup,littlegirl.” “S-sorry”
“Thisplugisbiggerthananyoftheothers,butyou’regoingtoacceptitlikeagoodgirlandafterI’veseateditfullyinside you,you’regoingtothankDaddyforpluggingyou”
Shegroanedathiswords.Damnit.Butshetriedherbesttorelax.Herassburnedashepushedtheplugpastthetightring ofmuscle.
“No,it’stoobig!”
Hepattedherbottomgently.“It’sslightlysmallerthanme,andI’mgoingtotakethisassverysoon.”
OhGod OhGod Ifthisplugwasstillsmallerthanhimthenhowthehellwouldshetakehimwithoutbeingtornapart?
Hepausedforaminute.“Allright,babygirl?”
Shewantedtoscreamthatno,shewasn’t Thatsheneededhimtotakeitout Instead,shepausedandtookstock Thepain wasfading,morphingintoadeeperache.Shedidn’tknowwhyshelikedalittlepainwithherpleasure,butshedid.Clinthad reassuredhertimeandagainthattherewasnothingweirdorwrongaboutherneeds.
“I’mokay,”shetoldhim Shewantedtodothisforhim Totakehiminsideher “That’smygoodgirl,”hetoldherinawarmvoice,rubbinghishandupanddownherbottom.
“AlthoughI’dfeelbetterifyouweretouchingmyclit,”shequicklyadded Whyhadn’tshethoughtofsayingthatearlier? “I just told youthat there’s no pleasure for you,” he warned ina deep voice. “Do youreallythinkthat youcould stop yourselffromcomingifIwasplayingwithyourclit?”
“No,”shetoldhim.Drat.Somuchforthat.
Hecontinuedtopushthepluginsideher.Now thattheburnwasfading,shefoundherselflovingthefeelingofbeingfull
backthere.Clintfinallyseatedtheplugdeepandgaveitatwist.Shegroanedaswavesofarousalfloodedherbody.
“Don’tyoulookso beautiful withthe plugseated inyour bottom? You’re gettingthirtywithmyhand. Iwon’tmake you countthemasthisisgoingtobequick” Thirty?Quick?OhmyGod.
“Daddy,pleasedon’t I’msorry” Herubbedherbottom.“SoamI,baby.BecauseIknowthatyou’vegotmorecomingtoyousoonandthisspankingwilljust makeitharderonyou ButIneedtoknowyou’retellingmethetruth Allthetime Nomatterwhatwe’retalkingabout” Shesniffledslightly,feelingsorryforherself.“Ididn’twantyoutothinkIneededanap.Youjustgotback.Iwanttospend timewithyou.”
“Iwantthe same thing, little darling” He moved, lyingbeside her and givingher a softkiss “Butyouknow honestyis important.Especiallywhenitcomestoyourhealth.”
“Yes,Daddy Iknow”
“Good.Thirty.” He scootedbackoffthe bedandstoodtoone side ofher.She tookina deepbreathinanticipation.She didn’thavetowaitlong Hishandlandedwithahard,sharpcrack Shecriedout Holyshit.Hewasnotmuckingaround.
CLINT HATED CAUSING HER PAIN.He’dmuchratherbeclimbinginthatbath,playingwithher,teasingher,thenmakingloveto her.Buthehadtotrustthatshewastellinghimthetruth.Hecouldn’tallowanyliesbetweenthem.
Hesmackedherass,concentratinghisspanksinthefullestpartofherbuttocks Heknewtheplugwouldaddanextralayer of sensationas she clenched around it. He moved his hand lower, countingout the spanks inhis head. Her bottomquickly turnedpinkandhercriesfilledtheroom
“Idon’twanttoever hear aliecomingfromyour lovelylips again,understandme?Idon’tlietoyou.Iexpectthesame courtesyandrespectinreturn”
Sheburstintotearsatthosewordsashesuspectedshemight.Heplacedhisfreehandonherlowerback,steadyingheras theselastonesweregoingtobetheworst.Heslappedhishandontoherupperthigh.Sheletoutaloudscreech.Anothersmack toherleftthigh Yep,shewasgoingtofeelthisforawhile Smack!Smack!Helaidthelastsixsmacksdownonherthighsuntil theywere nearlyas red as the globes ofher ass. He tooka step back, studyingher crimsonbutt. Wasn’tthe worstspanking she’deverreceived,buthedidfeelbadforher,knowingshehadmoretocome
She was his baby.He hada responsibilitytoher.After the hell ofgrowingupwithher bitchaunt,he hadtobe a steady influenceinher life Sheneededtoknow hewouldalwaysbeherefor her,alwaysloveher,anddowhatever ittooktotake careofher.Whichincludedpunishingherwhenshebroketherules.
“Sorry.I’msorry,”shesobbed.
“Iknow,littledarling”Herubbedher lower back,wantingtotakeher intohisarmsbutalsowantingtogiveher alittle timetothinkovereverything.Plus,heneededtogoandtalktoKent.
“Here,lieonyourtummyonthebed”Hehelpedherintoplace,lyingonhissidenexttoher Hepushedherhairbackoff herfaceassheturnedtolookathim.Shewassobeautiful ittookhisbreathaway.Hewipedatearaway.“Iwantyoutolie here and have a think. Notjustaboutwhyyoushouldn’tlie to me. Butalso abouthow scared IfeltwhenIheard youwere missing. About how devastated I would be to lose you. Because this pain you feel right now doesn’t even touch on the nightmaresI’vehadtheselastfewdays.Youareeverythingtome,Charlotte.Iwon’tbelong.Makesureyoustayrighthere.” Helaidakissonhercheek,gotupandlefttheroom,shuttingthedoorbehindhim
Hemadehiswayswiftlydownstairs.NotbecauseKentwaswaitingfor himbutbecausehedidn’twanttoleaveher too long GivingCharlottetoomuchtimetothinkcouldbackfireonhim
“Hey,thoughtyou’dforgottenaboutme,”Kentsaiddrylyashewalkedintothestudy. Clintrolledhiseyes.“Canyoudomeafavor?”
Kentcrossedhisarmsoverhischestandleanedback.“Dependsonwhatitis.Ifyou’replanningongoingawayforaweek andleavingmeinchargeofbothbratsagain…”
“Both?WhatdidEdendo?”
Kentsighed.“Fridaynightshecalledme,askingmetopickher upintown,butCharliehadjusthadanightmareandI’d onlyjustgottenherbacktosleep,soIwasn’tgoingtowakeherupanddragherintotowntogetoursister”
“Yousentsomeoneelse?”
“Idid.IsentZeke.”
Clintgroanedandwipedhishandoverhisface “WhydidyousendZeke?” “BecauseItrusthim.Andhewon’tletEdengetawaywithanybullshit.”
Clinteyedhim “Shehateshim”
“Idon’tknowifit’shatesomuchassomethingelse.”
Clinthelduphishand.“Idon’twanttohearit.Ihaveenoughtodealwithrightnow.JustdomeafavorandtakeEdenout fordinner,willyou?IwantsometimealonewithCharlotte”
“Don’twantanyonetohearherscream,huh?”Kentasked.
Clintshothimaquellinglook “Whydidn’tyoutellmeshewashavingtroublesleeping?” Kentraisedaneyebrow.“Wasn’tmuchyoucoulddoaboutit.Weweremanaging.”
“Shelooksexhausted”
“Shemissedyou.Weshouldhaveanticipatedthattherewouldbeproblems.Ishouldhavebeenkeepingaclosereyeonher tostart.She’llfeelbetternowthatyou’rehere.”
“HowamIsupposedtoleaveheragain?”Clintranhishandthroughhishair Kentfrowned.“BecauseyouknowI’llbeontopofshit.”
“Yeah,butshe’snotyourresponsibility”
“Iloveherlikeasister.Thelongerthetwoofyouaretogether,themoresecureshe’llfeel.Don’tgotoohardonher,huh?”
Charlie felt horrible. She hated that she’d let Clint down. She’d lied. She’d put herself at risk. And he was right. He alwaystoldherthetruth Healwaysgavehereveryrespectandsheshoulddothesame Thebedroomdooropenedandshestiffened.
“Nowthat’sasighttowarmaman’sheart.”Hisvoicehadlostthenoteoftensionfromearlier.“Betthat’sawarmbottom too”
“CanImove?”sheasked.
“Yes,baby Letmehelpyou”Hehelpedherclimboffthebedandcaughtherasshethrewherselfathim She clung tight to him. “I’msorry. You’re right. I shouldn’t lie for any reason. Well, unless I’mtrying to throw you a surprisepartyorsomething ThenImighthavetolie ButotherwiseIpromiseIwon’t”
“Ibelieve you,babygirl,” he toldher,rubbinghis handupanddownher backsoothingly.“Iknow youwon’t.Andhow aboutImakethingseasyforyou?Don’teverthrowmeasurpriseparty.”
Sheletoutalaugh “Youdon’tlikesurpriseparties?”
“OnlysurpriseI’veeverlikedwaswhenyouwalkedintomylife.”
“Youdidn’tlikeittobeginwith!YouthoughtIwasgoingtobeaman”
“Well,thatworkedinmyfavor,didn’tit?”
Hepickedherupandcarriedherintothebathroom Shewincedashesatherdownonthecounter Whilethecoolcounter wasniceonherflamingskin,itstillwasn’tthatcomfortabletosit.Especiallywithaplugupherass.
He turned the taps onand added some bubble bath. Clintnever worried thatusingbubble bathmightnotbe considered manly But then why would he? Clint was the most confident, sexy man she’d ever met He stripped, throwing his clothes straight into the laundryhamper. His movements were economic. He wasn’t makinga show ofgettingnaked, but she found herselfstudyinghimhungrilyanyway
He was all muscle. Wide shoulders, thickbiceps and those abs… yum. And he was hers. She needed to keep reminding herselfofthat.Hewashers.
Heturnedbacktoherandcuppedherfacebetweenhishands.“You’redoingtoomuchthinking.”
Shegavehimabitofasadsmile.“Ialwaysthinktoomuch.”
“Exceptwhenyou’reinLittlespace Wantmetogetyourbathtoysout?”
Shenoddedeagerly.“Yes,please,Daddy.”
He crouched and pulled the container ofbathtoys outofthe cabinet, tippingthe whole lotinto the bath She clapped in excitement.Thenhetestedthewatertemperaturebeforeturningoffthetaps.
Heturnedaroundandreachedouttopickherup.
“Daddy,wait!”Sheheldherhandsouttostophim.
“Whatisit?”
“Theplug”Sheblushedassheclencheddownaroundtheforeignobjectlodgedinherass Heturnedtolookinthebath.“Pluglooksfinetome.”
“Notthatplug!Theoneinmybottom”Thelastthreewordswerewhispered Heraisedhiseyebrowsandplacedhishandsonthecountertop,sandwichingherbetweenhisarms.“Whatwasthat?I’m gettingold,myhearingisn’twhatitoncewas.”
Hewasforty,notninety Butsheknewhewouldn’tletupuntilsherepeatedwhatshe’dsaid “IsaidthatImeanttheplugin-inmybottom.”
“Oh,thatplug Well,littlegirl,thatplugstaysuntilIdecideit’stimeforittocomeout Comeon,bathtime”Heliftedher intothebath.Thenheclimbedin,facingher.Histubwassobigthatitcouldeasilytakethetwoofthem,eventhoughClintwas
abigguy.Hegrimacedashesatthenheleanedtoonesidereachedunderhim,pullingoutaplasticmermaid.Shegiggled.
“Daddy,don’tsitonmymermaid,you’llsuffocateher.”
“Prettysuremermaidscanbreatheunderwaterjustfine,”hesaiddryly Shetookthetoyandstartedtoplay,divingunderthewaterwithit,thenholdingitupanddroppingitdownwithasplashas Clint washed himself She continued to playfor a while until she noticed Clint had stopped washinghimself and was just watchingherwithatendersmile.
Suddenly,shefeltalittleself-conscious “Daddy?”
“Youaresogorgeous.”
Sheblushed,squirming.“Iam?”
“Yousureare”
“You’reveryhandsome.”
Heraisedaneyebrow “AmI?Howhandsome?”
“Hmm.”Shetappedafingeragainstherchin.“MorehandsomethanKermittheFrog.” “Really?I’msoflattered,”hesaiddryly
“DefinitelymorehandsomethanFredFlintstone.”
Hisgazenarrowed.“FredFlintstone?HaveyouevenseentheFlintstonesbefore?”
“Onceortwice Ifiguredthatwasprobablyoneofthefewcartoonsyouhadasakid Wasitonlyinblackandwhite?” “Littlebrat.Comehere.”Hepulledherclose,layingherflatagainsthimandslappedhishanddownacoupleoftimeson herass,sendingwaterflyingeverywhere “Ow,Daddy!Iwasjoking!You’reyoung.Andhandsome!LikePrinceCharming.” “PrinceCharming,huh?”
She looked up into his gaze, feelingher bodystir where it layagainst his. Bythe feel of his cockpressingagainst her stomach,hewasn’tunaffectedbyhercloseness.
Thelookinhiseyesgrewhotter Shepushedherselfagainsthimandhegroanedthengrabbedherhips “Comehere,baby Straddleme.”
CLINT HELPED hersettleonhislap,facinghim.Hernippleswerehard,dropsofwaterclungtoherbreasts,herskinglistened underthelights Hisdickthrobbed Itwouldn’ttakemuchtothrusthiswayinsideher Notyet.
Arousallitherface Shesmiledhappily Sheseemedlighter Freefromherproblems Thisiswhathewantedtogivetoher Tohavenoworriesorfears,especiallywheretheirrelationshipwasconcerned. Becauseshewashis.Forever.
He cupped her breasts, holding themup and ran his thumbs over her nipples She let out a low noise of pleasure He wonderedhowthepluginherassfelt.Hisbabydidlovehavingherbackholeplayedwith. Shegroundherselfagainsthiscockandhegroaned Shegrinnedathim “Someoneisveryhard” “Someoneisinateasingmood,”hecountered.Shewasjustasturnedonashewas.
Hewrappedhishandaroundthenapeofherneckandbroughtherinforahard,hotkiss.Hewassoclosetoexplodingit wasembarrassing.
Whenhedrewback,hereyeswereglassywithpleasure.Hmm,maybeheshouldjustkeepherontheedgeallthetime,if shewasconstantlyaroused,shewouldn’thavemuchenergyformischief
“Wantmetofinishwashingyou?”sheasked.
Whathe wanted was to thrusthis cockdeep inside her pussy Buthe nodded instead “Iwould love that Washmyhair first?”
Shenoddedeagerlyandmovedbacksohecouldturn.Sheusedthesmallcuptheykeptatthesideofthebathforwhenhe didthisforherandpouredwateroverhishead.
“Youcouldwarnaman,littlegirl,”hegrumbledatherasshegiggled.Damn,helovedthesoundofherlaughter. Sheusedherfingerstomassagehisscalpassheshampooedituntilhewascertainhecouldnearlyfallasleep Sheranthe washclothoverhisback.Heturnedsoshecouldcleanhisfront.
“Mynipplesaren’tallthatdirty,”hesaiddrylyasshewashedthem Charlottegrinnedupathim.“Justbeingthorough.” “There’sanotherareathatyoucanbe very thoroughwith,”hetoldher. “Really?”shesaidwithfakeinnocence “Oh,doyoumeanyourfeet?” “YouknowIdon’tmeanmyfeet,littlebrat.”
Sheslidtheclothdownhisstomachwithalittlegiggle,thenskippedoverthepartsheknewdamnwellhe’dbeentalking
about.Shemovedtotheendofthebath.
Heflinchedbackassherantheclothoverthebottomsofhisfeet.
“Beverycareful,”hesaidinamock-growl “JustrememberIknowwhereyourticklishspotsare”
“Sorry,Daddy,”shetoldhim.“I’llstopimmediately.”Shewashedonelegthentheother.Thenshegraspedholdofhiscock withthecloth,runningitupthelength Hegroaned,hisheadfallingbackagainsttheedgeofthebathasshemadesuretowash everysingleinchofhisdickandballs.Fuck!
“Enough,” he told her, grabbingthe washclothand throwingitonthe floor He stood and reached for a towel, hurriedly dryinghimselfoffwhile she watched himwitha hungryexpression. Thenhe satonthe built-innextto the bath. One leglay alongthesideofthetub,theotheronerestedofftheotherside,hisfootonthefloor.
Hecrookedafingerather “Comehere”
“Yes?”sheasked,smilingupathimasshemovedontoherkneesandscootedcloser.Hepointeddownathiscock.“Suck.” “Gosh,youalwaystrytotalkmyearoff”
Hejustsentheradarklook.“Now.”
Shelickedherlips,hergazeeatinghimuphungrily,andheknewshewasasdesperatetotouchhimashewastofeelher mouthonhisdick.Shegrabbedthebaseofhimandleanedintolickthehead.Heshudderedathertouch.Fuck,shehadgrown goodatteasinghim.Shetookjustthetipintohermouthandsuckled.Thenshemovedherotherhandtohisballs,playingwith themassheslidhermouthupanddowntheshaft
“Lookatme,”hecommanded.
Sheliftedhergazemethis
“That’sbetter.Don’tlookaway.”
He stared down at her sucking him off and thought he was probably the luckiest fucking guy in the world. “Take me deeper.”
Shefrowned.Heknewshewantedtocontrolthings,butthatwasn’tthewaythisworked.
“Do as you’re told, Charlotte or I’mgoingto pull yououtofthe bath, smackyour wetass, and thenyoucando whatI command.”
Shegrumbledsomethinghecouldn’tdecipheraroundhisdick,buttookmoreofhimintohermouth “Runyourhandupanddownthebase.That’sit.No,don’tloweryourgaze.Fuck,yes.That’swhatIwant.God,Charlotte. Whatyoudotome.”Shesmiledupathim.“Takemedeep.Yes.I’mnotgoingtolast.Andyou’regoingtoswalloweverydrop likeagoodlittlegirl,aren’tyou?”
Shenoddedeagerly.Shelovedtoplease,hisgirl.Ithadmadeheratargetforpeoplewhodidn’ttreatherverywell.Who usedher Thatwouldn’teverhappenagainwithhimaround Hewouldalwaystakeverygoodcareofher “I’mcoming,baby.Swallow me.”Shetookhimdeeplikehe’dbeenteachingher,swallowingaroundhiscock.Hethrew hisheadbackwithagroanasheemptiedhimselfinsideher Waveafterfuckingwaveofreleasewashedthroughhim Bythe timehewasfinished,hefeltsated,complete.Andinneedofadamnnap.
Buttherewasn’ttimeforthat.Hedrewherupsohecouldkissher,notcaringthatthetasteofhisreleasestilllingeredon her lips Thenhe set her backinthe tub and finished dryinghimself before kneelingnext to the bathand grabbinga clean washcloth.
Sheturnedtohimeagerlyas hewashedher Herantheclothover her arms andshoulders thendownacross her breasts, payingparticularattentiontohertightnipples.Shewhimperedashemoveditdownherstomach.
“Please Please”
Heknewwhatshewanted.Butpleasureandpunishmentdidn’tgotogether.Heranthewashclothdownherlegs.Sheletout asmallcryofprotest.Oh,shewasnotgoingtobeahappygirl.
Hepulledtheplugoutofthebath,lettingsomeofthewaterdrain,thenheshoveditbackin “Uponyourhandsandknees.Spreadthoselegsaswideasyoucanandgetthatbottomup.”
Thewater now hither mid-thighassheknelt Hetappedthebaseofthepluginher assandsheletoutasmall moan He grabbedholdandslowlystartedtoworkitoutofherass.Shegroaned,wigglingalittleandhesmackedhishanddownonone cheek “Staystill”
Sheturnedherheadtolookathim.“Easiersaidthandone.”
“Ifyoucan’tstaystillonyourown,I’dbehappytohelpyou,”hesaidcalmly.
“Helpmehow?”sheaskedsuspiciously
“Well, you couldn’t move much if you were tied down over an armchair, your ass high in the air, your arms and legs bound”
“I’llstaystill.”
“Toobad.GuessI’llsavethatforanothertime.”Shestilledandheslowlydrewtheplugfreeandputitinthehandbasinto cleanlater.Thenhegrabbedthewashclothandranitoverherstillpinkasscheeks.
“Ow,”shecomplained.
“Ifyouthinkthathurts,thenyou’reinforarudeshocksoon.”
Shestiffened.“Whatdoyoumean?”
He raised an eyebrow as he pulled her ass cheeks apart and ran the cloth over her back hole She flinched slightly Probablyalittletender.Heeaseduponhistouch.
“Iknowyouhaven’tforgottenaboutthepaddlingyouhavecoming,littlegirl” “Couldn’twejustforgetaboutthat?Justthisonce,”shepleaded.
“Definitelynot I’malwaysgoingtofollowthroughonmypromises,Charlotte Andyouneedsomethingbigtoremindyou nottobesocarelesswithyourlife.Now,turnaroundandlieback.Iwantbothlegsupontheedgeofthebath.”Hegrabbeda cleanclothasshemovedintoposition.Hewetitthenslidhisfreehandunderherass,raisingherhipssoherpussywasoutof thewater Hermoundwascleanlyshaven Hepartedherlips Herlittleclitwaspokingoutofitshood,beggingtobeplayed with.Herantheclothalongherfolds,washingherthoroughlywithouttouchingthatbundleofnerves.
Bythetimehewasfinished,herlittlewhimpersofpleasurefilledthebathroom Heslidhishandoutfromunderherassas hebrushedtheclothsoftlyagainstherclit.Overandover.
“Clint!Clint!Please,Daddy!”
Heknewshewasclose,she’dgrowntense,hereyesclosing,herbodypracticallypulsating.Hethrewtheclothaway,then stood.Sheopenedhereyes,staringupathiminconfusionashegrabbedherunderthearmsandhauledherup.
“What nooo Iwassoclose!”
“Youknow youdon’tgettocomewhenyou’rebeingpunished,littleone,”hetoldherasheliftedheroutofthebathand driedheroff Hecouldn’thelpbutsuckononeimpudentlittlenippleashemovedthetowel downherbody Shetookastep backandhegrabbedherhips.“StaystillwhileIdryyou.”
“But…but…that’s notfair.”Shestompedher foot.Hewantedtosmile.Damn,shewas cute.Buthecouldn’tlether get awaywithherlittleshowoftemper.“Iwanttocome!”
Heputhisleftfootupontheedgeofthebath,thentippedheroverhisthigh.
“No!”shecriedout
Likethatwasgoingtostophim.Shereachedbackwithherhandsandhegrabbedthem,pinningthemagainstthesmallof herbackashelaidintoherbottom Itdidn’ttakelonguntilshewassobbing,begginghimtostop
“Areyouallowedtostompyourfootandthrow atemper,littlegirl?”heaskedashesmackedhishanddownonherlush ass.Heknew thespankinghadtoreallysmart,consideringher earlier punishmentandthefactthather bottomwasstill abit damp.Buthedidn’trelent.
“No.I’ms-s-sorry!”
Hejustbetshewas Hegaveherafewmoresmacks,thensethergentlybackdown,keepingholdofherincaseshefelta bitlight-headed.Hedrewheragainsthischest,rubbingherbackasshesobbed.
“Shh,littlegirl,”hesaidsoothingly “You’reokay Butyouknowthatanytantrumsarenotgoingtobetolerated,don’tyou? Andnomatterwhereweare,Iwilltipyouovermykneeandspankyourbottom.Iwon’tcarewhoisaround,youwillgetyour buttroasted.That’sapromise.”
She fell silentand he continued to dryher offas she obviouslythoughtthatthrough Thenwhenhe’d decided she’d had enoughthinkingtime,heclaspedholdofherfacebetweenhishandsandleanedintogiveheralightkiss.Thenhescoopedher upinhisarmsandcarriedherintothebedroombeforesettingherdownnexttothebed
“Howareyoudoing,littledarling?Areyoucold?Wantmetoturnuptheheat?”
“I’mnotcold Ifanything,I’mtoohot”Shecrossedherhandsoverherbreasts Hegentlytuggedthemaway “Noneofthatnow.Areyouhungry?Wantasnackbeforewegettoyourpaddling?”
Shegapedathimlikehe’dlosthismind,butheknewshewouldn’tfeellikeeatingafterherpunishmentandhedidn’twant hergoinghungry She’dmanagedtogainsomemuch-neededweightbutshestillhadawaytogo “No,I’mnothungry.Mytummyistiedupinknots.”
She was nervous He ranhis hand downher arm “I’msorryyou’re so nervous, sweetheart Let’s getthis over quickly, hmm?Thenyoucanhavealittlenapafter.”
“I’mnottired”
Heraisedaneyebrow.“You’renot?”Heranathumbunderhereye. Shepouted.“I’mnottiredenoughtoneedanap.Iwon’tsleeptonight.”
“Oh,youwill,”hepromised Hegrabbedsomepillowsandsetthemoneontopofeachotherattheedgeofthemattress “I wantyoutostandhere.”Hepointedatthefloorbythebed.“Andlayyourselfoverthesepillows.Wouldyoulikemetobind yourhands?ThelastthingIwantisforyoutoreachbackandriskhavingthemhitwiththepaddle”
Shestaredfromthepillowsthenbacktohim.“Clint?I’m…I’malittlescared.”
He drew her into his arms immediately, rockinggentlybackand forth. He’d never used a paddle onher before, it was understandableshe’dbenervous.“Doyoutrustme,Charlotte?”
“Yes.”Nohesitation.Consideringherpast,thatwasahugethingandheknewit.
