by Madison Faye
Were they nuts?
After rolling my eyes to the ceiling, I placed my shaky fingers back down on the keys. Though I hated feeling like a failure where my kinky novels were concerned, and it would’ve been easy to throw in the towel, I’m far from a quitter.
Straightening my back, I took a deep breath and tapped the reply icon.
Jake,
Your faith in me is appreciated more than you know, and I’ve given some serious thought regarding your father’s generous offer to train me in the D/s lifestyle. I’m willing to participate in this adventure, and I look forward to hearing from him.
Thanks,
Lori
I reread the e-mail three times while gathering the courage to send it. Then I finally worked up the nerve and pushed the damn button.
Chapter Two
Attempting to get comfortable in the narrow middle seat of the airplane, I snapped one heavy end of the metal buckle into the other and pulled the gray woven belt tight around my hips. After giving a brief smile to the stranger beside me, I stared out the window and remembered a conversation that I’d had with my publisher’s father via Skype.
“Lori, I know we’ve gone over this before, but maybe we should talk about it again…”
“John, I’m a twenty-four-year-old woman who’s capable of making this type of decision. What are you so worried about?”
“I just need to remind you what you’re getting into. This lifestyle you want to write about is not anything you’d experienced before. Now, I know you’ve tried to create a daddy dom/little girl relationship on paper, but it’s clear to me that…”
“That I have no idea what I’m writing about?”
“I just don’t want you to feel you’d made a mistake spending a week of your life…”
“Living with a retired military man who was the head of his household and enjoyed a D/s relationship with his wife? Do you really think that could be shocking to me?” I said nonchalantly, finishing his sentence. “I did have a kinky boyfriend, you know.”
“Uh-huh, so I’ve heard,” he retorted before clearing his throat. “Maybe it would’ve been a good idea to research real daddy/little girl relationships before you agreed to be trained by me. How you’re going to live for the next seven days won’t resemble anything you’ve written so far.”
“Yes, I know… you told me all this before. So, in preparation for our visit together, I’ve downloaded an article that gives ideas of how to have a successful daddy dom relationship in ten easy steps.”
He chuckled and breathed a heavy sigh. “All right then, kiddo, have a safe flight and text me when you land in Austin. I’ll be waiting nearby to pick you up at the airport.”
“You really don’t have to do that. I’m completely capable of calling an Uber.”
“You’ll do no such thing. As soon as your plane lands, you will become my responsibility. Is that clear, young lady?” he insisted, leaning his determined face closer to the screen.
I laughed. “Crystal clear, John. Thanks.”
Jesus. I’m not even in his home yet, and he’s already treating me like I’m his little girl. Trying to wipe the crooked grin off my face, I continued to wonder about the intriguing adventure ahead of me when the pilot’s deep voice rang over the intercom.
“It looks like we’re going to have blue skies today in Austin, and I want to thank you all for flying with us. Flight attendants, please make that last check and prepare for a landing.”
Once again, I smiled at the woman sitting next to me, which is probably what encouraged her to make some light conversation.
“Do you have family in Texas?”
“No,” I said, stuffing my wide patent leather handbag under the seat before turning to face her. “I’m going to spend the week with a friend.”
She raised an eyebrow. “A man friend?”
“Is it obvious that I’m nervous?”
“Besides the bit of mumbling you’d done during the flight, your trembling smile is a dead giveaway,” she admitted with a wink.
Leaning closer, I decided to test the waters with this stranger. “Do you know what a dominant/submissive relationship is?”
“I certainly do,” she whispered before looking around nervously.
Staring out the window, I watched the white fluffy clouds roll by and shared my secret. “I’m an author of BDSM novels, but I’ve never really lived that lifestyle, so I’m going to be trained by my publisher’s father. Sounds crazy, right?”
“The man is a real-life dominant?”
I nodded reluctantly. “And he’s almost twice my age.”
“Sounds like you’re in for quite an experience.”
As I turned to stare into her ice blue eyes, we hit a bit of turbulence, and my heart skipped a beat. “There’s no doubt that I’m in over my head.”
* * *
The wheels hit the runway, my clammy hands reminded me that I was growing more apprehensive by the minute, and finally the crew gave us permission to turn on our electronic devices. Powering up my phone, I sent John a quick text to tell him I’d arrived. Naturally, he was already at the airport and said he’d be waiting outside the exit doors for me.
Through our many conversations on Skype, I’d learned that besides being retired from the military, John was also a licensed therapist. This intelligent, handsome man who had accepted the task of teaching me about the daddy dom world in seven days was no doubt a stickler for rules. And just thinking about the way his eyes darkened as he spoke about disobedience made my insides somersault.
Rolling my midsize suitcase through the double electronic doors, I spotted him standing on the curb. Since I’d never seen him in the flesh, his large stature was a bit shocking, and he was much sexier in person than he appeared on the computer screen.
“Ahh, Lori Gold. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you,” he said, extending his hand.
I bobbed my head and croaked out a small stuttering response while accepting his handshake. “N-nice to meet you, too.”
Instantly, John took the initiative of carefully sliding the heavy overnight bag off my shoulder. “Why don’t you hop in the front seat while I put your bags in the trunk.” Though his words sounded like a suggestion, his deep tone was laced with the presence of an unyielding authority, and my smile was tentative as I glanced down at his thick, muscular hand. This was the man who would be my dominant for the next seven days? I should’ve asked his glove size before I agreed to this fucking insane idea.
* * *
“In my wildest dreams, I never imagined that you would’ve lived in such a huge home.”
Bringing my luggage down the long hall, he turned his neck to meet my gaze. “We raised Jake here, and I just haven’t wanted to move away from the memories.”
“I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have opened my big mouth.”
He stopped and bent his head slightly. “My sweet Jeannie passed away five years ago. But that’s a long sad story, so let’s save it for another time, okay?”
“Of course.” Gazing around his pristine living space, I thought about him being the master of this house while studying the massive floor-to-ceiling windows.
“In case you’re concerned about the neighbors looking in, you don’t have to worry. Everyone on this block respects each other’s privacy.”
“To tell you the truth, I was admiring how much sunlight you get in here,” I fibbed, wandering into the kitchen. “Wow! What a great cooking area.”
“Are you hungry? Maybe we could go over a few things while I prepare you some lunch.”
“A few things?” I spun around and stared into the flecks of green and brown in his eager hazel eyes. “You have a list of house rules, don’t you?”
“Indeed,” he said, arching a thick eyebrow. “I thought we’d talked about that…”
My nod was subtle as I stood silent in front of him. For God’s sake, I was embarrassed to tell this man who towered over me that I needed to use his bathroom. “Um, I need to…�
�
“I’m sorry for not offering—you probably want to freshen up first. The bathroom is past the first door on the right, and when you’re ready, I’ll show you to your room.”
* * *
Walking back down the hall, I glanced into a spacious bedroom and stopped dead in my tracks. The room was tastefully decorated in hues of browns and blues, and I couldn’t stop staring at how everything was neat and in its place. Personal space can say a lot about you, and this seemed to be one hell of a meticulous man. Who knows how long he’d been standing behind me when he finally spoke, but I nearly jumped out of my skin just hearing his deep tone.
“I took the liberty of carrying your bags to the guest room. If you like, we can take a quick walk around the house now, or the tour can be done after lunch. Your choice.”
Thinking that I might not have an abundance of options during this seven-day stay, the corners of my lips raised in delight. “Whatever you’re cooking smells delicious, so I’m happy to eat first.”
“There aren’t too many little girls who don’t like grilled cheese, right?” he said, walking to the kitchen.
“Ahh, I see I’m not in Philly anymore.”
“Nope, the transition has been made. And while we’re eating…”
My first mistake was putting up my hand to stop his thought. “No need to finish that sentence. I already know you’re dying to give me the list of your house rules.”
“In the future I’d watch the talk to the hand routine,” he warned, quirking a brow. “It’s extremely disrespectful.”
Instantly, my palm lowered. “Do you have eyes in the back of your head?”
“Nope. But I do have good peripheral vision, which you might want to remember for future reference. I’m just trying to prevent you from getting into trouble on your first day here.”
“Uh-huh. So, my host is both talented and thoughtful?”
He flipped the perfectly toasted sandwich onto a plate and cut it diagonally in half before meeting my watchful eyes. “Do you have a middle name, Lori?”
“It’s Hope. But not many people know that.”
“Well, I think your full name is too beautiful to be kept a secret. So, have a seat, Lori Hope and let me serve you some lunch.”
“What’s your middle name, John?”
“My father only referred to me as John Howard during a scolding,” he said through a chuckle as he lifted his eyes skyward. “Dad was one hell of a disciplinarian, but he was also a loving father and husband.”
“Ahhh, the pieces are starting to fit into this jigsaw puzzle, one by one. Your parents lived within a domestic discipline relationship, and you learned from them?”
“They did, and though my son is unattached, he intends to carry on the tradition someday.” Sliding out the kitchen chair for me to sit in with one hand, his other placed the sandwich in front of me. “But the most important thing about living any alternative lifestyle is that every relationship is unique.”
Waiting for him to sit down across from me, I lifted a freshly poured glass of ice water. “And for the next week, I’ll be living according to whatever standards you deem appropriate?”
“That is correct,” he stated, pulling a folded piece of paper from his pocket. “So, why don’t you eat your sandwich while the cheese is still melted, and I’ll read what I’ve prepared.”
Taking a bite of crust, I chewed slowly and watched as he reached over the table for a pair of black rectangular reading glasses. Then he cleared his throat and adjusted the bridge of the lenses on his nose.
“Number one: The punishment for swearing or taking God’s name in vain is a bare-bottom spanking.”
“Hey, that’s not fair. I’ve heard you swear…”
“In case you’ve forgotten, I’m the daddy, which means I make up the rules. My responsibility is to be your mentor, give you unconditional love and support, protect you, be your rock, and of course, discipline you when necessary. In other words, my language won’t be your concern. Is that explanation clear enough, young lady?”
“Sounds like a double standard to me,” I mumbled, taking another bite of my sandwich.
“Excuse me. Did you say something?”
“Nope. Not a thing.”
His eyes narrowed. “I’m going to let your cheeky comment slide for now. But just so you know, there’s rarely a second warning in this house. Understand?”
I chewed, nodded, and swallowed.
“Number two: There will be a strict bedtime observed…”
“A bedtime? I thought that daddy dom/little girl is supposed to be a subcategory of D/s, not ageplay.”
He lowered his glasses and his eyes met mine. “Which part of our conversation did you miss? Was it when I said every relationship is unique, or could it have been the part where your daddy makes up the rules?”
“Never mind,” I mouthed, taking a quick sip of water.
“Number three: You have permission to use my car and I’ll give you a credit card to go shopping. But the first time you abuse those privileges, you’ll be severely disciplined, and those perks will be taken away.”
“Can you explain that in detail, please?”
“Where the car is concerned, you will stay within the speed limit and obey all safety driving laws. No texting or talking on your cell phone while on the road.”
Nodding, I took another bite and reached for a paper napkin to wipe the butter from my fingers. “And the shopping?”
“You’ll have a budget for the week, which will include a generous allowance for clothing, accessories, and other personal items.”
My eyebrow quirked before he finished his sentence.
“In case you missed a very important word, it’s called a budget. And I if were you, I’d do my best not to go over it.”
“Is there more?”
He rubbed the back of his neck and sighed. “A very important component in this relationship has to do with trust and respect. Which means there will be no lying or deception in this house. Is that clear?”
“Yes, of course. I know I’m supposed to treat my daddy with respect and trust, knowing he has only my best interests at heart…”
“Jake and I believe in you, Lori. Your intelligence and creativity are inspiring, and I’m hoping our time together will educate you while coaxing all your inner desires to the surface. Unfortunately, there will be times that I might need to discipline your naughty behind—especially if you put yourself in harm’s way or act disrespectfully toward me.”
“Oooh, here it comes,” I sang out loud, instead of intelligently to myself.
“When my little girl breaks the rules or deliberately sasses her daddy, she will be spanked good and hard.”
The bread I’d been chewing turned into a thick lump that was difficult to swallow, and I could feel the heat rising in my face. “You’re speaking in third person.”
“That warning shouldn’t be shocking to the author who’d just released a series of daddy dom novels.”
“Which weren’t too popular with the BDSM crowd,” I choked out, finishing his sentence.
He tilted his head toward mine. “Which is exactly why you’re here. You must learn first-hand how a disrespectful young lady is disciplined.”
I knew he was right, but it was difficult to look the man in the eyes.
John leaned forward and took my hands into his. “We’ve had a chance to get to know each other in these last couple of months through phone calls, e-mails, and the technology of Skype…”
“I would’ve never agreed to live with a total stranger. It was also comforting to know that you’re Jake’s father…”
His lips pursed as he nodded slowly. “But at times, this living arrangement will be outside the lines of your comfort zone. So, at any hour—day or night—you decide to end this agreement, I’ll support that decision wholeheartedly.”
“No worries. I have no intention of reneging.”
John leaned back, crossed his legs, and picked a piece of lint
off his dark pants. “We never talked about the fact that the heroines in all your books have been somewhat bratty…”
“Jake thinks they are, but in my opinion, they’re just witty and have good, quick comebacks. For better or worse, I like to give the women in my books a bit of my own personality.”
“Well, as much as I’ve enjoyed your humor and quick repartees in the past, you might want to start keeping that sass to yourself. In this house, your daddy needs you to be respectful and compliant.”
My swallow was loud and obvious. “I-I’ll try.”
“Wonderful,” he said before uncrossing his legs to sit forward in the chair. “Oh, and one more thing…”
Thinking that the intense part of our conversation was over, I nodded and picked up my sandwich to finish eating.
“From what Jake tells me, his readers seem to like darker punishments than what you’ve penned up to now. So, we’ll need to delve into some activities that might be a tad uncomfortable for you. Are we still on the same page?”
Slowly, I put my grilled cheese back down on the plate. “What kind of activities?”
“Anal,” he stated, his eyes lighting up with an unmistakable pleasure.
My cheeks felt like they could explode from the heat. “You don’t beat around the bush, do you?”
“I think it’s best to put all our cards on the table before you unpack. After all, you came here to be trained, correct?”
“I did John, but…”
“Just so we’re clear, during a punishment or a firm correction, you will refer to me as sir or daddy.”
My nod was tentative as I swallowed hard.
“A set of training plugs from my favorite online adult toy store just arrived in the mail. Since you haven’t written any anal scenes, I’m assuming you’re a novice and need to be trained in that tender area. Some of your readers are looking to buy books that include that type of kink. Am I correct?”