Total pages in book: 47
Estimated words: 45946 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 230(@200wpm)___ 184(@250wpm)___ 153(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 45946 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 230(@200wpm)___ 184(@250wpm)___ 153(@300wpm)
Well, that was a relief. From what she’d learned of his ex, she didn’t want to be like her. “How would she have reacted?”
“Probably by laughing at me or getting mad. Maybe some ridicule. It’s hard to know which way she would go.”
“She didn’t deserve you,” she told him. “Because you’re amazing and if anyone tries to tell you differently, you tell me. I’ll deal with them.” She punched her fist into the palm of her other hand.
He smiled at her, looking indulgent. But he didn’t realize that she meant every word.
“Did the spanking help, then?” he asked.
Phoebe eyed him suspiciously. “I guess so. But don’t get any crazy ideas about spanking me more often.”
“Then you might want to behave yourself, little girl,” he told her.
She wrinkled her nose. “I dunno, sounds kind of boring.”
“You’re going to keep an old man on his toes, aren’t you?” he murmured.
“Daddy, you’re not that old. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”
“Sassy.” He started tickling her and she giggled as she tried to escape him.
Finally, he stopped and hugged her tight again.
“Such a good girl. Precious girl. My girl.”
She slumped against him. Yep, he always seemed to know exactly what to say.
“Do you want to do some playing, little girl?” Barren asked her.
Her whole face lit up. As though he was offering her the crown jewels or unlimited candy. Part of him hated that. Hated that she had never had the opportunity to play and be herself in a safe environment. But there was also a part of him that liked that he was the first Daddy she’d ever had.
Did that make him an asshole? Maybe. But he couldn’t help the way he felt.
“Yes, please!”
“Let’s get your clothes back on you.” He stood her on her feet and grabbed her tights off the floor, helping her back into them and then he stood and crouched so he could help her put her slippers back on.
“Thanks, Daddy.”
“You’re welcome, little girl. Such lovely manners. Before you start playing, I just have one thing to tell you.”
She was fidgeting, moving her weight from foot to foot. “What is it, Daddy? What is it? The town is waiting for me.” She gestured toward the playmat on the floor which had roads and buildings printed on it. There were some toy cars set to one side.
Ahh, so that’s what she was dying to play with?
“It’s about your car. Zeus contacted me and said that he’ll have it dropped off tomorrow.”
“Yay!” She danced around. “Now, Daddy?”
“Go for it, my baby.”
She skipped over to the cars and sat on the floor before grimacing and moving onto her knees.
“Sore bottom, little girl?” he asked.
Phoebe sent him a quelling look. “Yes, Daddy. You spank too hard.”
“I disagree. I think I spank just hard enough.”
A huff of breath escaped her as she picked up a car and drove it along the road, making noises.
Oh, that was so cute.
“Vrooomm-Vrooomm. Crash! Oh no!” she cried. “There’s been an accident, Daddy!”
“Oh dear. Was someone speeding?”
“Yes. Look, they smashed into this truck. Oh, they’re gonna be in big trouble when they get home.”
“I hope they’re all right,” he commented as he came and sat with her.
“Yep. They said they’re all right, just some bruises. That was very close. I think their Daddy will spank them when they get home, though.”
“Perhaps. I’m sure he’ll make sure they’re not injured first. And probably hold them tight for a long time. But I know that my girl wouldn’t be speeding like that.”
Although he did remember she’d mentioned how happy she was not to get any speeding tickets on the way here. Which made him wonder how often she got them.
“Of course not, Daddy. I’m a very good driver.”
“That’s good to hear, because my girl needs to follow all the rules when it comes to driving and keeping herself safe.”
“All right, Daddy! Enough of the chit-chat, I have to go make our cup of tea. Would you like some cake? Cookies? Ooh, there might even be cupcakes.”
He watched as she jumped up and raced over to the table that could be set up for a tea party. She was like a kid in a candy store, flitting around, excited by everything she saw. And it was adorable.
“Oh, Snickerdoodle would love this tea party!” she cried. “I feel so bad that he’s back in the room. I should have brought him.”
Her lower lip started to tremble, and he hated the look of sadness on her face. Getting to his feet, he walked over and cupped her face between his hands.
“Don’t get upset, we can bring Snickerdoodle back another day.”
“Really?” she asked.
“Of course.”
“We can come back to this room another day?”
“Yes, little girl. If you are enjoying yourself, I’ll bring you here as much as you want.”
“Wow. But I’m only supposed to be staying a few more days and what about your work? Don’t you have to get back to it?”