He gave her a look.
“All right, it wasn’t dirty exactly. But I just wanted to make sure it was as clean as it could possibly be. I don’t want Harry to think we’re slobs.”
“He’s not going to think we’re slobs.”
“What if he doesn’t like the cabin? It’s not what he’s used to.”
“Then he’s a snob who doesn’t deserve to stay here,” he told her.
“Linc!” she said, shocked.
His frown deepened. “What do you call me?”
“Sorry, Daddy. But Harry isn’t a snob.”
“I know that and so do you, so why are you so worried about how clean the cabin is or if he’ll like it?” He grasped hold of her chin, tilting her face up.
She chewed her lip. “I’m just nervous okay? I really want him to like it here so he’ll come back. We spent so many years apart and I . . . I just want him to enjoy himself. I’m hoping he’ll feel he can come here anytime.”
“Teeny, of course he will. And it wouldn’t matter if we put him up in a shack without running water. He wants to be here with you.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure. Why wouldn’t he? When the best girl in the world lives here.”
“Linc.”
“What do you call me?” he growled.
“Sorry, Daddy, it’s just…” she trailed off, looking guilty.
“What?”
“I don’t want to slip up while he’s here. It was easier in Houston because I only saw him for a few hours each day. But now he’s staying on the ranch, in a cabin just a few minutes’ walk away and we’ll spend most of our days together, well, I’m worried I’ll slip up in front of him and call you Daddy.”
“And that’s a problem?” he asked calmly.
“What if he thinks it’s wrong? Or weird?” She wasn’t sure if she could stand for him to turn away from her in disgust.
“If he does, then we’ll have to convince him otherwise. But he’s a good man. I think he’ll have an open mind. Sure, he might be shocked at first. Might have some misconceptions, but if he sees how much we both need this, I’m sure he will come around. If you want to keep it hidden then we will, but I think he’ll surprise you.”
She took a deep breath then let it out slowly. “Yeah, you could be right.”
“Hey, take that back.”
“What?”
“I’m always right. I’m Daddy. Something I think you, little girl, need to be reminded of.”
Uh-oh. She wasn’t sure about that.
“What did I tell you when I left this morning?” he asked her.
“Um, you told me to rest.”
“And does this look like resting to you?”
“It’s active resting,” she protested.
He gave her a skeptical look. “Active resting? Is that even a thing? And have you had lunch?”
Her stomach gurgled. Guilt flooded her.
“Right. I’ll take that as a no. And where is your phone?”
“Oh, um, I thought I brought it with me. It might be in my jacket pocket.”
“Where you obviously couldn’t hear it since I called you three times when I couldn’t find you.”
“Sorry, Daddy.”
“We’re going home. You can have some lunch then a nap. After your nap, we’ll talk about the consequences for disobeying me.”
She had to wait? That wasn’t fair. “Can’t we have that talk now, Daddy?”
“Nope. You need to eat.”
How was a girl meant to eat now? But she didn’t say anything as he helped her put away the cleaning supplies then led her out to the main room of the cabin.
He helped her on with her jacket and gloves. “Where is your hat? Your scarf?”
“It was only a four-minute walk, I didn’t think I’d need them.”
“We’ll add that to your punishment. I think fifty lines stating that you must wear your hat and scarf outside will help you to remember.”
She groaned.
* * *
Harry shook the sheriff’s hand. “Thanks for meeting with me, Sheriff. I appreciate your candor.” He’d told him far more than he’d thought he would, at least without Harry leaning on him. “I’m glad that it looks like Rosalind will get the book thrown at her.”
“Call me Ed. And Rosalind’s involvement with Saber isn’t going to go in her favor. It was part of the reason she was denied bail. Don’t worry, she won’t be getting out of jail anytime soon.”
She better not.
If she knew what was good for her, she’d want to remain in jail because once she was out, Harry was coming for revenge. But he was patient. He could wait.
All those years lost with his banana wouldn’t be forgiven or forgotten, though.
“There’s actually something else,” Ed told him. “Did Marisol tell you what happened to her in Dallas as a child?”
“No. What?”
He listened as Ed told him about a cop who had harassed his girl, terrifying her.
“Have you found this asshole?” he snapped.
“I’ve found out who he is.” The sheriff paused. “It’s Dave Rhine.”
“The US Senator?” he asked.
“Yep.”
Fuck. That made things a bit difficult. “I’ll take care of him.”
“I want in on it.”
“You’re a sheriff. He’s a US Senator, he could destroy your career, your life,” Harry warned.
“And he won’t do that to you?”
Harry smiled. “Oh, believe me, Dave Rhine is no match for me.”
* * *
Marisol watched as Linc patted his lap as he sat on the bed.
Mierda! She really didn’t want a spanking. But she guessed disobeying him and cleaning the cabin when she was supposed to be resting was a pretty naughty thing to do.
After lunch, she’d had a short nap in her princess bed. Now she was waiting for her spanking.
“Couldn’t I get a pass since it’s nearly Christmas?” she said hopefully.
“Nice try. No cigar. Now get your bottom over here before I go get the paddle.”
She quickly threw herself over his lap. He caught her, putting her in place. “Easy there, teeny. You’ll hurt yourself.” He drew the T-shirt he’d put her in for her nap up over her bottom. She wasn’t wearing any panties.
“Daddy, can I hold Princess Nana?”
“You can.”
She stretched out and grabbed her princess doll, hugging her tight. He rubbed her bottom gently, a lead-in to what was coming. When his hand smacked down on her ass, she let out a cry. Two more followed in quick succession.
Then another four. She wriggled around, wanting to get away, but he held her firmly, delivering two more spanks to her bottom.
The sound of knocking had them both freezing. Linc rested his hand on her hot ass. “Expecting anyone, teeny?”
“No, Daddy.”
Lifting her, he set her on her feet then stood and kissed her forehead. “You can sit in time-out while I go deal with whoever it is.”
A few minutes later, when he returned, she was squirming on her stool. Time-out didn’t faze her too much, except when she had to sit there on a hot bottom.
“Come here, teeny.”
She stood and turned then flew into his open arms. “Who was it, Daddy?”
“It was just Corbin.”
“Corbin? Why is he here?”
“Because he couldn’t get hold of me by phone.”
“Do we gots to keep going with my spanking, Daddy?” she asked with a pout.
“Actually, no.”
“Do I gotta do my lines?”
“Not right now.”
Yes!
“But you’ll still have to do them. And I owe you another ten, which you’ll get tonight. Just not right now.”
“Why not?”
“Because Corbin stopped by to tell me that Harry is at the gate.”
* * *
Linc watched as his wom
an embraced the only father-figure she’d ever had in her life. Linc was glad he’d come to visit. Although some advance warning that he was coming a day early would have been nice.
He’d left Marisol to get dressed while he’d headed out to the gate to meet Harry and lead him in. She was now dressed in some soft, loose pants that were likely chosen because of her hot ass, and a warm sweater.
He didn’t like leaving her after she’d just been spanked. At least Corbin hadn’t just let Harry in and given him directions to find their place. He could just imagine Marisol’s mortification if Harry had turned up while she was getting spanked.
Not that Corbin would have done that anyway. There were security protocols in place for a reason.
“Come in. Have a seat. Do you want coffee? I’ll put some on. You must be tired. Did you fly in today?” Marisol asked him.
“I am. Coffee would be great. Sorry to arrive unannounced.”
Linc narrowed his gaze. Yeah. He just wondered how sorry he was. Marisol gave Harry another hug before she headed into the kitchen.
“I’m glad you could come stay,” Linc told Harry. “She’s been looking forward to it.”
“And you?” Harry inquired.
“I’m happy to have you here too.”
“But?”
Perceptive bastard. “Wondering why you just dropped in early.”
“Got all my meetings done early, thought I would fly up. I also figured it didn’t hurt to drop in on you.”
“Why? What were you thinking you’d see?”
Marisol walked back in, her gaze going from him to Harry. “Is everything okay? Linc? Harry?”
“Yeah, baby, everything is fine,” Linc reassured her.
“I think Linc is worried that I arrived early because I wanted to check in on you both without warning.”
“Oh, did you?” she asked.
“Perhaps a bit. Up until now, I haven’t done a good job of looking out for your best interests, so I might have decided to be a bit sneaky. But I really wasn’t worried,” he reassured Linc. “I like you. You seem like a great guy. But she’s my heart.”
“She’s mine too.”
“I’m just trying to make up for lost time. I wanted to get a sense of the town. Of security here on the ranch. Of how you would react to my presence without me warning you.”
“And?” Marisol asked, coming to sit beside him, taking Linc’s hand in hers.
“I’m pleasantly surprised. The town is beautiful. Seems like the sheriff has a good hold on the place. I was concerned after he allowed the Devil’s Sinners to move in. But after a chat with him, I’m more reassured.”
“You talked to Ed?” Linc asked.
“Yes. I wanted to hear from him that Rosalind was going to go away for a long time. I thought he might have more insight into what was happening. Seems like a good man.”
“He is,” Marisol said quietly. “And so is Linc. I hope your concerns have been allayed. But you really shouldn’t worry about me. I’m a big girl. And Linc takes excellent care of me. He’s perfect for me. I love him.”
“I can see you do,” Harry replied. “And I’m sorry if I insulted you, Linc.”
“Not at all,” Linc said. It was clear to see that Marisol and Harry were surprised by his answer. “I’m glad that Marisol has someone watching out for her. But I’d never allow anything to happen to her. I’d protect her with my life.”
Harry nodded then glanced over to Marisol with a smile. “It’s been a long time since I really celebrated Christmas. I’m grateful you’re letting me spend it with you both. Although I do hope you don’t wake up at four a.m. on Christmas morning anymore.”
Marisol grinned. “No promises.”
17
Millie and Spike
20th December
“I guess I’m in big trouble.” Millie followed Spike into their hotel room. He had a tight hold on her hand.
He didn’t reply.
That wasn’t good.
She glanced over at the clock. Was it only ten in the morning? It felt like it should be far later. “Should we pack up? We need to be out by eleven.”
“Yep.”
“Are you going to punish me now?”
“Nope.”
Was he going to speak in longer than one-word sentences? He wasn’t one to say anything more than necessary. But she needed something to go on right now.
Just how upset with her was he?
“Why not?”
“Need time to calm down.”
Crap. That really wasn’t good for her continued ability to sit comfortably.
He walked into the bathroom and turned on the shower. When he came back into the room, he glanced over at her. She stood still, watching him worriedly.
“Strip, Millie. We’re going to have a shower then get moving. We’ll grab some food on the way.”
“Are you really mad, Spike?” she asked.
“I’m upset, yeah.”
A tear dripped down her cheek.
“Fuck,” he muttered. Then suddenly he was in front of her, pulling her into his arms. “Figured when the adrenaline faded it would hit you.”
“What would hit me?” she asked in confusion.
Right now, she was wishing she had slept in.
But if you had, who knows what would have happened to that poor girl?
The cops had arrived and arrested Mr. Hoodie. The paramedics had taken away the girl, but wouldn’t tell Millie anything. She guessed that was to be expected but she hated to think that she might never discover what had happened to her.
The cops had separated them to take their statements, which hadn’t made Spike happy at all. But they’d let them go after getting their details from them. Hopefully, the girl would wake up soon and be able to tell her side of what happened. But it had also turned out that Mr. Hoodie had a warrant for his arrest.
“Everything that just happened. I know you must be frightened after being threatened by that asshole. After being around violence.”
“Oh, no. I mean, yeah, it was awful but I’m not upset because of that.”
“You’re not? What are the tears for then?” He wiped a tear off her cheek.
“Because you’re mad at me. I don’t want you to be so mad that you stop talking to me, that you leave me.”
His gaze darkened. “Baby doll, you don’t need to be crying over that. Yeah, I’m upset that you left the room without waking me. That you got yourself into a situation where you could have been hurt. I’m gonna have a new set of nightmares thinking about what could have happened to you if I hadn’t arrived. But no matter how upset I am, I’m not ever leaving you. I’m not one for saying much, but you have got to know how fucking devoted I am to you.”
“I really am sorry. I just went down to get coffee and then I saw a Christmas shop and thought they might have reindeer food. I don’t know why things like this keep happening around me.”
“You’re a magnet for trouble.”
“I’m starting to think so.”
“From now on, you don’t leave the hotel room without me, understand? You go nowhere alone without my permission.”
It might seem harsh but she nodded her agreement knowing he needed it and so did she.
“I don’t want anything to ever happen to you. I love you, Millie.”
“I love you too, Daddy. Will you still punish me?”
“Oh hell yes,” he said. “You’re not getting out of that.”
Well, drat.
“Can we get it over and done with?”
He raised his eyebrows. “I’d rather not rush it. And I wouldn’t be so eager for it if I was you.”
Awesome.
* * *
The drive was painfully slow. It felt like time was going backwards. Millie wiggled in her seat impatiently.
“Need to go potty, baby doll?” Spike asked.
She closed her eyes in consternation. “No, Daddy.”
“Ahh, worried about your punishment?”
“Maybe.”
“You know I’d never harm you.”
She turned to face him. “Of course, I do. You’d never do anything to hurt me.”
“I wouldn’t. We’re gonna make a stop. Get you a nice, fat butt plug.”
“W-what?”
“Hmm, and I’ll grab a clit tickler and remote. You definitely won’t be sitting comfortably tomorrow in the truck.”
“No . . . Spike, you can’t!”
“I can. Go on your phone and find the closest adult shop.”
“Can’t you just spank me?”
“Nope, I like this idea better.”
“Daddy, nooo,” she cried.
“Wonder why I never thought of this before.”
* * *
Spike held her hand tightly as he led her into the hotel room. She’d gone bright red when he’d paid for three rooms all next to each other.
The woman’s eyes had widened as she’d taken him in. She’d processed the request so quickly she’d almost forgotten to take his credit card.
Of course, Millie hadn’t stopped blushing since they’d left the adult store where he’d grabbed a good-sized butt plug, some lube, and a clit teaser with remote. The shop worker hadn’t even batted an eyelid but he knew Millie had found it mortifying.
Once he was through with her, she’d never again leave a hotel room without him. Or step into a dangerous situation.
He hoped.
He knew he wouldn’t be able to stop her from stepping up if someone was being hurt. That was just who she was.
Too brave for his peace of mind.
He put their bags down on the bed and turned to her. “Strip off, go to the bathroom if you need to, then climb on the bed on your back.”
* * *
Millie swallowed anxiously.
She couldn’t believe he’d made her go into that adult shop with him. She’d nearly died from embarrassment. She could safely say that after that experience she likely wouldn’t leave a hotel room without him again.
And if she did, she’d take her phone. Definitely.
And she’d try hard to steer clear of alleyways.
A Little Christmas Cheer Page 13