“Your Little?” she whispered.
“My Little,” he said firmly. “That’s what you are, aren’t you?”
She guessed she was. She nodded. “Your Little.”
“Good. Then eat up. Unless you need me to feed you?”
“No. I can do it.” Although she wondered what it would be like to have him feed her. She took a bite of her sandwich, watching him as she ate. He was sexy even when he was eating.
“After your next class, I’ve reserved one of the rooms for us to use before we go grab Marcus.”
“You did?” Which one, she wondered.
He just nodded, then eyed her. “That okay with you? You feel safe with me, right?”
“Of course I do.”
“Good girl. I only want to give you what you need. I never want to scare you.”
“You don’t scare me, Cullen. I know underneath all that gruffness, you’re sweet as pie,” she teased.
“Only for you... And my cousin.”
That she could believe.
“Eat up,” he prompted.
She picked up a fork, fumbling with it as she tried to get some potato salad on it.
He gently placed his hand over hers. “Let me feed you.”
“I can do it.” She felt tearful. Upset.
“Hey.” Reaching out with his other hand, he tilted up her chin. “I want to.”
“You don’t have to feed me. It’s just…my hands are bad at the moment.”
“Baby, I’d feed you all the time if I thought you would let me.” He forked up some potato salad. “It’s part of my need to take care of you. Now, open. Good girl.”
She was blushing as she chewed on her mouthful. She watched him carefully for any hint of impatience or disgust. But there seemed to be pleasure in his face.
“You really like doing this for me? Helping me?”
“Yeah, I do. I’d do more if I didn’t worry that you’d accuse me of being too bossy. I like my balls where they are.”
She blushed as she remembered threatening to knee him in the balls.
“I like control, Ivy. You know that. I also like to be needed. Sounds stupid, but I didn’t realize that about myself until recently. I chose women who didn’t need me and I was never satisfied. I chose women who were selfish and who I knew I’d never really be emotionally involved with. Very little scares me, but caring for you does.”
She knew what a huge admission that was for him.
“It scares me too,” she admitted. “I don’t want to lose you.”
“That’s not going to happen. Now, I want you to eat at least four more bites.”
She yawned. “Sorry. Not enough sleep last night.”
“And I’m guessing you’re more tired after a flare-up?”
“Yeah, I am.” Another bite of food. Then he held up her juice box. She sipped from it. “Think I could get used to this. Being waited on,” she teased.
“Good,” he said seriously.
When she’d finished eating, Cullen packed up the picnic. “I want to bring the rest of your stuff over here.”
“What? Why?”
“Because I want you staying here with us. Nothing needs to happen. But I need you close.”
It was a risk. She’d come to really depend on him. And what happened when he left?
“Hey, what’s wrong? What are you thinking about?”
“Derek offered me a job,” she blurted out, staring down at her hands.
There was silence, and she glanced up at him.
“Did he just?”
“Yes. Part-time. But I can live here. It’s really generous of him.”
He frowned. “Ivy, you’re a good worker. Of course, he was going to offer you a job. He’d be a fool not to.”
“You think so?”
“Yes. I do. Did you say yes?”
“I…no. But I should. I don’t have anywhere else to go.”
“Yes, you do. You can come with me.”
“Cullen, I…I…”
“You don’t want to?” A mask came over his face and he grew stiff.
“I want to!” she cried. “Do you think I want to imagine you leaving? I don’t. I can’t even…but I don’t even know where you live or what you do. I don’t have any money for an apartment. I have no job. I—”
“Stop,” he interrupted her. “You don’t need any of those things.”
“I don’t need a place to live?” She gave him an exasperated look.
“That’s not what I meant, sassy, and you know it. Look, obviously, there are things we don’t know about each other. But we can get to know those things. Which is why I want you with me as much as possible while we’re here, okay?”
“Okay,” she whispered. “But where do you live?”
“Los Angeles. I’m forty-one. I graduated with a business degree from UCLA. My birthday is on the second of February. My favorite food is steak. My favorite color is green. Does that make you feel better?”
It kind of did.
“We’ll get to know each other better. We’ll explore this relationship together. I want you to push those worries aside for the moment and just be with me. Can you do that?”
“What about the job? Derek will want an answer.”
“I’m sure he can wait for a while. I don’t think he’s expecting an answer straight away.”
“I don’t want to let him down.”
“You won’t be, baby. I’m going to show you that we are meant to be together.”
She didn’t think he needed to prove much. She wanted him with all of her. Heart, body, and soul. But the future terrified her.
“You’re exhausted. I want you to take a nap.”
“I don’t have time.”
“You can nap for an hour and still have time to get ready. I’ll get your pajamas. Or would you prefer one of my T-shirts?”
“I don’t think I can sleep.”
“Then you’ll lie down,” he said firmly. “T-shirt or pajamas?”
“T-shirt,” she squeaked out.
He grabbed one out and passed it to her. “Go pee. Want some help?”
“With peeing?”
He grinned. “Well, I was talking about getting changed, but if you need some help peeing…”
“I don’t! I’m good!” She quickly dove into the bathroom, then leaned back against the closed door, shaking her head as he laughed.
Such a dork.
After getting ready, she moved back into the bedroom. He had the bed turned down, and the drapes pulled. When she slid into the bed, he glanced down at her gloves.
“Do you want to take them off to sleep?”
She still had no idea how she would sleep. She shook her head.
He frowned. “Do you always keep them on?”
Tension filled her, and she forced herself to relax. “Mostly. They’re specially designed to help with arthritis of the hands. I have a few pairs I swap around.”
“Even when you’re sleeping?”
“Um, well, not usually.”
“So you’re keeping them on because you don’t want me to see your hands?”
She glimpsed up at him nervously. Was he going to make her take them off?
He opened his mouth to say something, then seemed to think better of it and closed it again with a nod.
“All right.”
“All right?” she asked, shocked. This wasn’t the response she’d been expecting.
“You’ll show me when you’re ready.”
What was happening right now? Where was pushy, liked-to-be-in-control Cullen?
He tucked her in. Oh, she liked that. Being tucked in nice and tight. It made her feel safe. She sighed in happiness.
“Like that?”
“Yes,” she murmured.
“Good. Close your eyes. I’ll tell you a story.”
“A story?”
“Yep, about a lonely ogre who drives everyone away and a princess who worms her way into his life.”
“She sounds brave
.”
“She is,” he agreed, running his fingers through her hair. Ooh, that was nice. She closed her eyes.
“And smart,” she added.
“She’s that too.”
“I like her already.”
He lightly kissed her lips. Wow. She enjoyed that too.
“Me too.”
He spun a story that made her smile about a big, bad, and apparently handsome, ogre and a sweet, sassy princess. When the story ended, she was mostly asleep. He had magical fingers.
Another kiss brushed her lips. “Ivy?”
“Hmm.”
“Just so you know, you’ll be ready to show me your hands by the end of the week.”
Ah, there he was.
Ivy climbed the ladder awkwardly. She just had a few more decorations to hang. She’d already put several around the bottom of the tree. But now the top was looking a bit bare. Cullen would be here for her in about ten minutes, so she couldn’t linger.
After her nap, she’d woken up feeling much better. More energetic.
Now, her second class was finished, and she felt nervous. What kind of training room was he taking her to? Would she like what they were going to do? She wasn’t sure. But mixed in with her nerves was excitement.
This was really happening. With Cullen.
Reaching out for an empty branch, she had just gotten the decoration situated and was starting back down when her foot slipped. She let out a cry, feeling herself falling backward. Then a pair of arms caught her, drawing her against a firm chest. Her breath left her in a whoosh as she stared up into Cullen’s unsmiling face.
“H-hello,” she told him. “You’re early!”
He carried her away from the tree, turning toward the door.
“That’s really all you have to say?”
“Um, thanks for saving me. Seems you’ve turned into my hero.”
Where was he taking her?
“Try again.”
“S-sorry?”
“What are you sorry for?”
He walked into a room, and she heard the door lock behind them. That wasn’t ominous or anything. Not that she was scared. Just a bit confused.
“Cullen, I wasn’t finished with cleaning up.”
“You were finished. If there’s anything left to be done, we’ll get it after.”
“After what?”
He set her on her feet beside a large wooden chair.
“Your punishment.”
Chapter 9
She was killing him.
She’d been sent to give him gray hairs and make him regret every bad thing he’d ever done.
Turning, she gaped up at him. Her dark hair was up in a messy bun and she was wearing all black. That had to change as well. If they had time before dinner, he’d take her shopping.
“Punishment? For what?”
He raised his eyebrows. He’d brought her to the large training room he’d reserved. It wasn’t exactly for training, though. This room held almost everything that a Little might like. In one corner was a large drop-side crib, changing table and storage with diapers. Another corner was a crafting area. A bean bag sat beside a large bookshelf.
The corner closest to the door was filled with activities. A small play-kitchen and dress-up area. As well as a table for tea parties. Over in an alcove there was a stage and karaoke machine as well as a TV with a gaming set-up. In the middle of the room was a toy garage with a mat on the floor with a town printed on it so you could pretend to run your cars and trucks around it. Marcus would love that.
But he’d carried her over to the timeout area in the last corner. There was a large chair for Tops to use to discipline their Littles. As well as a timeout chair facing the corner.
He watched her as she took it all in, chewing on her lip. Her gaze lingered on the nursery area. Interesting. Then a look of longing filled her face at the crafting area. Poor baby, he guessed with her hands it was difficult for her to make things. She bypassed the karaoke and gaming area. There was more interest in the tea set and kitchen.
Then her gaze went back to his and her cheeks flushed red. “This is a playroom?”
“Yep. For Tops and their Littles to use when they’re here. Thought it might help you relax and your Little might enjoy something in here.”
She nodded.
“We can play. After your punishment.”
“But what punishment?”
He raised his eyebrows. “I can’t believe you have to ask, little girl. What did I say about putting yourself in danger?”
“B-but I was up a ladder! Not playing chicken on the road!”
“You best not do that either. Being up a ladder without someone with you is bad enough. But when you can’t grip onto the ladder properly, it’s even worse. And then we have your other punishments to consider. Somebody’s bottom is going to be red.” He sat on the seat and patted his lap. “Come here.”
She glanced around as though searching for help. “But can’t we have a do-over?”
“A do-over?”
“I mean, I didn’t know that climbing ladders was against the rules!”
“You knew it wasn’t safe. You did it anyway. You could have called me and I would have done it for you. Instead, you risked falling and hurting yourself by climbing the ladder. Come here.”
He crooked a finger and widened his legs so she could step between them. She was so short that even with him sitting, she still wasn’t taller. Gently, he grasped hold of her chin.
“I know that I’m overprotective. But that part of me I can’t change. Losing you, having you hurt, it’s not something I can contemplate. I’m all in with you, Ivy.”
* * *
Her mind spun. What did that even mean?
“Did you really think I was going to be okay with you climbing that ladder?”
Had she? She guessed not, considering she’d tried to hurry before he got there.
Sugar plums.
“You know you did wrong. Only now, you have consequences. Because there is someone who gives a shit about you, unlike your ex.”
He cared. He really did care. She sucked in a breath.
“Son of a nutcracker. I’m going to get my butt spanked.”
“You sure are. Now, I’d normally do it on the bare, but since this is your first, I’ll let you keep your panties on.”
Her mouth dropped open. “So generous,” she muttered.
“I thought so. If you really don’t want to do this, I can think of another punishment.”
She hated to think what that was. And part of her was curious about being spanked. So she shook her head.
“I’m going to need verbal answers.”
The stern note in his voice made her shiver in desire.
“I’m okay with the spanking.”
“Daddy.”
She blinked at him.
“I want you to call me Daddy. If you’re ready?”
The note of vulnerability in his voice shocked her. She licked her dry lips. She knew this was as much of a learning curve for him as it was for her.
“I’m okay with being spanked, Daddy.”
Funny, as soon as she said that it felt like a weight lifting. She felt relieved. Happy. Excited.
“Good girl. I’m going to pull your pants down now. Remember, you can say your safeword at any time and I’ll stop.”
She sucked in a breath but didn’t move to help him. For some reason, she needed him to do this. Trusted him to do this. Maybe it was the room. Perhaps it was knowing that she had taken a risk she didn’t need to. Or it could be curiosity.
She wasn’t sure. But she wanted to know what it felt like to be spanked by him. And maybe it would help pull down her shields, the barriers that held her Little back. A part of her was still scared of being ridiculed.
But this was Cullen. Not Davis.
Her pants were pulled down to her feet.
“Let’s get them right off, baby,” Cullen said to her. She put her forearms on his shoulders as he hel
ped her out of her shoes, then pants. She stood there in her black panties. He helped her move to the side of his lap before drawing her over his thighs.
“Put your hands down,” he told her. “But don’t put any weight on them. If they start to feel sore or tingly, tell me immediately and I’ll stop.”
“What if other parts of me feel sore or tingly?”
“Other parts are definitely going to be sore. If it’s anything other than your bottom, tell me. As for the tingly part. Well, I certainly hope that happens.”
Did he mean…yikes. That wasn’t what she’d been talking about. Well, she didn’t think it was.
“Interesting panties, baby,” he told her, running a finger along the top of them.
Oh no. What panties was she wearing today? She frantically tried to think.
“I was so good that Santa came twice,” he reminded her.
“Son of a nutcracker.”
“Santa won’t be coming more than once,” he warned her. “But if you’re a good girl, eventually you’ll get to.”
Eventually? What about right now?
“Right, I’m going to start. I’m going easy on you. Ten spanks for going up the ladder. You’ll also get fifteen for going outside when I said not to and fifteen for putting yourself down, but we’ll do them another day.”
Yikes! Forty altogether? Yeah, no way she could do that all in one go. He rubbed her bottom for a moment, then laid a spank on it. Okay, she could handle that. Another one landed. Then he ramped things up with four in quick succession.
She let out a small cry as he laid down another two. Her legs started kicking. Maybe she didn’t want to explore this. Her bottom hurt.
He paused and rubbed her bottom.
“How are you feeling?” he asked.
“Like I’ll never sit again,” she wailed.
He gave a small chuckle. The meanie. This wasn’t funny.
“You’ll sit again. And maybe next time you go to do something that could result in you getting hurt, you’ll think twice. This is meant to be punishment, baby.”
Well, darn it.
“I want you to be safe. And happy. I don’t want to worry every time you’re out of my sight that something is going to happen to you because you’re not being as careful as you should be. If spanking you keeps you safe, I’m willing to do that. But nothing happens without your agreement. So do I keep going?”
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