Caine rolled his eyes. "It's like having two Littles in this house! Why is he picking on Sri?"
"I dunno," May said, her hand grazing down his chest towards his hardening erection. "I think Uncle Larry is responsible. He said that Auntie Sri is too set in her ways, and needs to be jarred out of them. He tried to get me to help, but I'm scared of her hairbrush."
Caine groaned, removing her icy hand from his crotch. "What does Sri have to say about all this?"
"Oh, she's mad." May laughed, going after him with her other hand. "She said that she was going to take a paddle to both of them if they didn't straighten up. It was funny. They are both over a foot taller than she is, and she didn't even flinch when they tried to stare her down."
"She's formidable when she's in her Domme. I just don't understand this change in Layton."
"I thought you would like it. You always complain that he doesn't know how to play."
"I do like it, it's just very unexpected. I mean, I spoke with him about lightening up on you, but I was not anticipating such a drastic move. Will you please not do that? Your hands are like ice cubes." Caine again pulled her hand from his groin and held it in his palms. "I thought you wanted to go swimming."
"I'd rather make love to you. I've only gotten it twice since you've been gone and I'm horny."
"You're always horny. Later, baby. I'm seriously tired. These 'three days on, one day off' shifts consume my energy."
"Tonight, then?"
"Maybe. Don't look so disappointed. I have one partial shift left, and then it's done. Get your suit on and we'll go swim for a bit before brunch, okay?"
***
"She's feeling neglected," Caine said to his brother as May stomped off, arms crossed, in a huff after being told that it was time to come inside and get ready to eat. "She said she's been provoking you all week to spank her, but you've been making trouble with Sri."
"It's true," Layton said with a chuckle. "Larry Clemmons double-dog-dared me to prank Sri. I couldn't resist."
"Double-dog-dared you? What are you, ten? And why would Larry do that?" Caine asked.
"Sri's been really uptight since the whole safe house thing became official. You know that she takes her position very seriously and has no time for nonsense, so Larry thought it would be good to yank her chain a bit."
"I've come home to a circus. Please promise me that things will go back to normal when I get finished. Like I told May, I can't be the bad guy, and that's what you're making me into."
"We're just having fun," Layton said.
"Stop pouting. And make sure that you relay the message that Sri can take care of May's infractions herself."
"She's not going to be happy."
"She'll get over it. So, I spoke with Ian about us and Lake Bridgeport."
"You did? How did he take it?" Layton asked, straightening up in the lounge chair and using his right hand to shield the sun from his eyes.
"As expected. I'm having him come over next week to show him around. This way he has enough time to research the lifestyle and ask questions before he's thrown into the neighborhood."
"We're going to need him to sign a non-disclosure agreement to protect the identities of anyone who doesn't want to risk the main-streamers from knowing what they do," Layton said.
"I don't think that will be a problem. I did get the sense that he was intrigued. I hope you don't mind, but I told him a little about your divorce and how you faced the same thing with your ex-wife."
"You didn't tell him that I was a pussy and couldn't keep her in line, did you?"
"Of course not! At least, not exactly in those words. Relax, you know I've got your back. I just think that you'll be able to relate to what he's going through."
"I doubt it. If I were in his shoes and my ex was in that hospital, I would still tell her good riddance."
"Your divorce was ugly. His doesn't have to be—if it even still happens. Did Maybelle just shoot us the bird?" Caine squinted as the girl stomped past them, carrying a clucking chicken.
"I believe she did. Maybelle!" Layton bellowed. "Get your ass over here, this instant."
"Make me!" she yelled back.
"Well, old man? You heard the lady. Make her," Caine said, closing his eyes to the sun. He grinned at the string of profanities mumbled under his brother's breath as he tore after their insolent little wife. Several shrieks followed the sound of flesh striking flesh, which were then combined with unintelligible low mutterings as Layton proceeded to give one of his famous lectures.
"Ow! Not so hard!" Another smack was heard, along with the sound of footsteps.
"Say it, young lady! I'm not playing around."
"Fine! Daddy, I'm sorry I shot a bird at you!"
Caine opened one eye and gazed at May's disheveled appearance. "You don't sound very sorry."
"Well, I am." She crossed her arms and shot a dirty look at Layton.
"I don't think you are." Caine adjusted himself in the lounge chair to a straighter position. "I think you just said that because Layton made you, not because you meant it."
"He threatened me with the strap if I didn't comply."
"You like the strap."
"Not when he's being mean with it!"
The sour look on her face made him break out in a large grin. "Now this is what I'm used to. Layton? Take our little darling inside, and please give her a right and proper spanking. She needs to remember who's the boss around here, and you haven't been doing a very good job of it."
"Hey!" they both exclaimed.
"I don't want to hear it. May, you've been pushing all week and getting away with far too much. Layton, you've been lax in your duties and generally been a very poor example. Now both of you go, and I don't want to see either of you until one of you has a beet red bottom and the other one learns to take responsibility."
"Which one of us is he talking about?" he heard May whisper to Layton.
"I'm pretty sure that you're the one who's supposed to end up with a red butt," Layton whispered back.
"Leave!" Caine shouted. He hid a smile as the two quickly shuffled away, arguing about which one deserved which lesson. Seconds later, his cell phone rang.
"Caine? I'm so sorry to bother you. I know it's your day off, but—"
"Slow down, Ian. What's wrong?"
"Savannah's father called. He said for me to get my ass out of his house and that if I dared show my face in town, he'd find a way to 'put me down'."
"Why in the hell would he throw you out?" Caine asked.
"Savannah left him a voice message about me wanting a divorce. I guess she was doing that right when she got hit by the motorcycle. He's freaking out and won't listen to anything I say. I tried to tell him that I wasn't going to abandon her while she's injured and still needs my help, but—"
"Slow down! Is he coming back to the States?"
"He said he's on a plane right now. He wouldn't listen to reason, and has a nasty reputation of getting into bar fights. I don't want to risk winding up in jail for kicking the shit out of him, and end up not being able to take care of my wife," Ian said.
"Pack up your things and come on over and stay with us. We've got plenty of room here, and May would love to show you some good old Texas hospitality."
"That's not all. He wants her to go home with him and is also demanding access to our bank account to take care of her. He'll bring her booze, and—"
"That's not going to happen. You have Durable Power of Attorney and he can't touch her or any of your money. Do you still want to take care of her?" Caine asked.
"Absolutely! I was also thinking about what you said and I want to try it. I've invested three years into this marriage and it deserves another few months of trying to heal it."
"Let me talk to Layton and make sure that we have all the legalities in order. The neighborhood is also gated, and Savannah's father won't be allowed access without permission from the Board, so you have nothing to worry about once she's transferred there."
> "He's going to want to see his daughter. He isn't the type of person who accepts 'no' for an answer and will make trouble."
"Once she's stable enough to be moved, he can visit her outside the neighborhood, but that will be solely up to you. Does he know where you are taking her?"
"No, I didn't tell anyone. Truthfully, he's a real asshole. He's hardy said two words to either of us in years, and it was usually him telling us that we're losers. After that, she went straight for the bottle. She's going to be in a lot of pain and detoxing, plus dealing with whatever else that might be going through her head. The last thing she's going to need is that kind of stress while she's trying to heal. I really think that he'll cause her more harm than good," Ian said.
"Don't worry, I'll support you. I'll message you with my address and directions, and want you to come on over as soon as you can. I think it's a good idea to make sure you aren't there when he arrives, just to be on the safe side. I'll also notify the hospital that there is to be someone with Savannah at all times, and that her father is to be removed if he says or does anything that is considered hostile or distressing. How does that sound?"
"Can she even hear him?"
"I'm certain of it. She's heavily sedated, but is fully aware of everything. We'll work this all out together, so don't worry," Caine said.
"Thanks. I'm really sorry to bother you with this. If Savannah was not involved, I wouldn't have said anything."
"Remember when Pop brought you home with him and introduced you to us? What did he say?"
"How could I forget? He found me outside a bar after someone beat the living shit out of my face. He lectured me the entire drive home, saying that I was too young to be throwing my life away drinking and fighting. Next thing I knew, he hauled my ass into the bunk house and handed me over to the foreman with orders to clean me up and put me to work. The kindness and concern of a stranger saved my life."
"What do you think he would do right now?" Caine asked.
"Probably slap the stupid right out of my head and then order me to take 'two sips of corn liquor, brush off your britches, and get on with shit.'"
"Yep, that sounds like Pop. When you get here, we'll do just that." Caine laughed, pulling himself out of the chair and walking towards the house. "Go get your stuff packed and don't forget to bring all your documents, including the divorce papers. I'll let Layton know what's happening in case he thinks something needs to be done."
"Thanks again for everything. I owe you. Just tell me what you want and it's yours."
"Just do your best to be happy. That's all I ask."
Chapter 3
Caine was greeted by the sound of howling from upstairs. Taking the steps two at a time, he followed the ruckus to Layton's bedroom/office suite portion of the enormous house. He entered without knocking and crossed his arms to watch the event.
May was sprawled, pants down, across Layton's broad lap, with her ankles pinned under his right leg. He held her free hand against her side to keep her from reaching back as he covered her little round backside with a series of exacting swats that rebounded with a loud pop at each impact.
"We'll be done in a minute, Caine," Layton said, acknowledging his presence. "Back to you, young lady. Next time you decide to mouth off at me, you will be getting a mouthful of soap. Am I understood?"
"Yesss!" May bawled, scissoring her feet. "Stop already!"
"I'm not going to stop until I'm certain you got the message. Are you going to tell me to fuck off again?"
"Nooo! I'm sorry!"
The spanking continued, moving to the backs of her thighs and sending her into a high-pitched wail. "Are you going to tell me to shove my opinion up my ass again?"
"Nononono! I swear!"
"Are you going to make any more comments about my age, intelligence or career?" Layton asked.
"OW! Not intentionally!"
He landed another five sound smacks on her bottom and then winked at Caine. "Are you convinced that I can keep you out of subspace with a hand spanking now, little girl?"
"Yes, sir," she blubbered, squirming underneath him.
He rested his hand on her hot backside and patted it affectionately. "Go put your nose in the corner while I talk with your daddy. If I see you budge, we will go through this whole thing again, but next time I will use my belt. And it won't be in the way that you enjoy. Move it."
"Did she really say all that?" Caine asked with surprise as he eyed May's cherry red globes.
"Quite clearly. She was also convinced that she could drift into subspace from a hand spanking. She was a bit surprised when I stayed out of rhythm and moved from spot to spot. I wasn't born yesterday, you know, but of course she had to comment about that as well."
"What a mouth. Has she always been this sassy?" Receiving a grim nod, Caine sighed. "New subject. We have a change of plans," he said, quickly sharing his phone conversation with Ian.
"If he has the sole medical and financial DPOA then her father has no legal rights. As for the divorce papers, if she hasn't signed under a notary and then filed them with the court, then there is nothing he can do about that, either," Layton said.
"Daddy? Are we getting company?" May asked with a pathetic sniffle.
"Nose to the corner, young lady," Layton barked. He stood up to pull on an old tee shirt and tucked it into his shorts. "Let me run a quick check with records and make sure that there aren't any loopholes. Did Ian sign a pre-nup?"
"I don't know," Caine said.
"Okay, with Savannah hospitalized, we still have plenty of time to work this out. May? Go downstairs and get the guestroom ready."
"Aren't I going to get after-spanking cuddles?" She pouted, wiping her hand across her face. She stomped her foot when he pointed to the door, and slammed it behind her when she left.
"I haven't seen that temper in a while. Why no cuddles?" Caine asked.
"Because she bitched about it earlier and said that cuddles are for pussies. It's really hard to discipline a masochist sometimes," Layton commented, leading Caine from his room. "Besides, you heard yourself that there was no submission. She gets aftercare when I know that I've made my point."
"This is your fault, you know."
"How do you figure?"
"You gave her all this Uncle Layton time, which invites Little May to come out. You have to bring her back to the mindset of BDSM if you want that type of submissive response."
"I'll bet you can get her to submit," Layton said.
"That's because I haven't altered my role. It's very easy to confuse a Little, especially if they live in a multi-Dom household. You've given her a ton of mixed messages since I've been gone and just need to re-establish your role if you want her to mind you. That is, if you want to. Do you?"
"Do I what? Want her to mind me? Of course."
"No, I meant whether you want to reestablish your role as the Dom over the uncle." Caine pulled a slab of ribs from the refrigerator and handed them to his silent brother. "All this time, you've been the big bad hard ass, and that's the man she fell in love with. Even before, as 'Uncle Layton', you still drew the line at certain things. I'm not saying that you shouldn't mess around, it's good for both of you, but she needs to know that you're consistent. We've only been with her for a year and she's still finding her place with us."
"Did I fuck things up?" Layton looked crestfallen.
Caine frowned. "Of course not! What's going on? Talk to me, L."
"I don't know. I sometimes feel like you're her favorite and that she would love me more if I was more like you," Layton admitted.
"There was a point where I felt the same way about you, but Sri pointed out that our girl needs balance and that we both meet her needs as we are. Before you overthink anything, I have to say that I'm liking this side of you. It's been a long time since you made this kind of trouble. Heck, the last time I remember was when we were boys and you messed with Mom's yarn."
"I forgot about that." Layton's face broke into a large smile. "Sh
e made me roll those stupid balls and I hated it. Do you remember the look on her face when the colors kept changing?"
"I remember the look on your face when you ran out of the house with her hot on your heels, carrying her spoon. You had your hands waving in the air like you were gonna take flight. Pop and I would make fun of you for hours when you did that, you know. What happened to that boy?" Caine asked.
"Remember when I was eleven and accidentally shot down that little nest of birds with Pop's twelve-gauge? Stupid as it sounds, but it was a game changer for me. That was around the time I started beating up bullies and Pop made me learn how to box."
"You were a little kid. You've done so much for so many of us over all these years, maybe it's time to do something for yourself without feeling guilty."
"Since when are you the grown-up in this family?" Layton hugged him. "I can always rely on you for good advice regarding relationships, can't I? Thanks."
"Any time. How about you get the grill going and I'll start on the potato salad?"
"I'm done fixing up the guest room." They heard May's voice. "Can I have cuddles now? Please?"
Layton squatted down and held his arms out for her. He lifted her in the air and then twirled her around, kissing her lips. "I love you, you little brat."
"I love you, too. Even when you're bossy mean."
"I haven't been bossy mean since Daddy's been gone. You've missed that, huh?" He snuggled her warmly.
"A little bit. You've been a lot of fun, though. Especially when you pick on Auntie Sri. I just don't like it when I don't get any attention," May complained.
"You're spoiled, you know that, right?"
"Isn't that what you promised when you married me?" She kissed his nose. "I like being spoiled."
"Maybelle, we are going to be having a visitor. He's an old friend of ours and will be staying with us for a few days and then moving to Lake Bridgeport for a while. His wife was in an accident, and—"
"Am I going to have a new friend?" She looked excited. "Auntie Sri won't let me get too close to the girls at the house because they're undisciplined and she said they might be a bad influence on me right now. She's way too overprotective, in my opinion."
Dr. Daddy Dom (Little Lake Bridgeport 2) Page 4