Chapter 10

CHAPTER TEN

“ G et ready for fifteen smacks. Count them out loud. I don’t want to hear anything else.” Barron kept his tone distant, sensing his lack of emotion would set Yoanni off.

The explosion of temper came right on cue.

“Fifteen?” She fidgeted on his lap. “Why fifteen? Don’t you think that’s excessive?”

Passion ruled Yoanni. Her emotions were strong, and she carried them right on the surface. She was an exciting handful who often reminded him of whitewater rafting. If he tackled her rapids carefully, he’d make it to gentler, more loving waters. Despite the challenges along the way, the ride was absolutely worth it.

Removing her panties had been a huge concession on her part. Her beautiful obedience moved him to the depths of his soul, and it was sexy as fuck. Not only did she cement her presence in his being forever, but she also gave him a major erection despite the lingering concussion headache.

He pressed his palm on her lower back. “Disobedient little girls always get punished. You know the rules. Sass earned you five, and the shenanigans with the stepladder earned you ten. There’s your fifteen. Before we begin, I must do this.” He slid his palm from her lower back in a slow, caressing journey, past her firm buttocks, and continued down the crack, searching for her warm pussy.

He tapped her sheath’s damp entry. “Spread your legs.” As soon as she did, he thrust two fingers into her liquid heat. “Hmm, you’re ready for this.” He scissored his fingers, then pulled them out. Moaning in protest, she wiggled her ass. She was so delicious and tempting. He could forget the spanking and have fun instead. But the lingering headache from yesterday’s blow kept him in discipline mode.

“No, baby. This is punishment.”

Opening his hand, he struck across the middle of her firm buttocks. Yoanni gasped. Her delectable flesh jiggled under his palm, but she said nothing. He dropped his arm to the side, giving her a chance to catch on. A minute passed, and still nothing came from her. She needed a reminder. With his left arm, Barron pulled some of her sleep T-shirt out of his way, exposing one breast and her taut, beckoning nipple. He pinched the tip, and she stiffened.

“Huh?”

“That’s not what I told you to say. We’re up to sixteen.”

“But.”

“Seventeen.”

“Okay. I forgot. I’m sorry. One.”

“No. That was a warm-up. We begin again.” His palm landed on her ass.

“One,” she exclaimed, though it sounded closer to a screech and teetered on the edge of disrespect. But she was also pretty tense. He decided to let it ride. For now.

He struck two more times, landing on different spots. Yoanni’s responses and voice settled down with her counts. A good sign she’d found her groove with the punishment.

By the time he reached his sixth smack, a pretty pattern of reddish welts in the shape of his fingers appeared on her butt cheeks. He moved down to the juncture between her upper thighs and the bottom of her ass. There, he made another crisscross pattern.

On the tenth count, he dove a finger into her sheath without any warning. If she was damp at the beginning, now her core dripped with her juices. The sweet musk of her arousal filtered into his nostrils as he licked his finger. “You’re delicious, baby girl.”

Yoanni didn’t respond or move. She was either taking her punishment as he’d told her or had simply decided to accept the inevitable. The easier she made this for herself, the faster the end of her punishment would come. However, his poor baby was seriously excited. The gravity of her predicament escaped her. If she thought a satisfying orgasm capped the spanking session, she was in for a big surprise. Climax denial might teach her to reconsider before climbing stepladders on bare feet and without asking for help. It didn’t matter. His erection pushed against her belly, revealing his excitement. One thing had nothing to do with the other. He was set on administering discipline. Later, he could take care of himself.

When the count of seventeen arrived, she was a warm puddle on his lap. As reward for taking her punishment—reasonably well—he massaged her butt cheeks and her lower back. But he kept his hands clear from her pleasure zones.

Barron waited a few more seconds, then put an end to any expectations she might have. Grasping her shoulders, he lifted her. “Okay, baby girl, stand up. I’m going to draw you a bath. Your butt will need it.”

Oh, hell. You’d think he’d removed her favorite stuffie forever. The way her lovely hazel eyes, full of disappointment, glanced at him nearly destroyed his resolve. The thin night T-shirt that barely covered her small, pebbled breasts and put her gorgeous tan legs on display called to him in so many ways. Control is an illusion . He’d heard the saying many times before. His was waning quickly. His beautiful Little wanted his love. Why deny her?—?

Abruptly, the morning’s image of Yoanni on the stepladder reaching for a distant cabinet door, an inch away from falling and breaking a bone or worse, brought the headache back.

He clamped down on all weaknesses. “What’s going on in that pretty head?”

Anger flared in her hazel depths. “You know.” She stomped the floor with her bare foot and winced.

He arched an eyebrow. “The brat is out. That must’ve hurt.”

“Oh, you’re impossible.” Now she stomped the other foot and crossed her arms with a loud huff.

“Wow.” Barron laughed. “You woke up in a bratty, destructive mood.”

He understood sexual frustration. The need to climax was riding her hard. But sweetness and honey worked best to get what she wanted, and then there were tantrums, and he didn’t care for any of that shit. Taking a step forward, he pointed at the corner. “You’re on time-out. Move.”

“But—”

“No buts. I told you we’re in discipline mode. There’s no playing or sexy time in discipline. Climax denial comes with the punishment, and good little girls who’ve learned their lessons accept the rules. If you continue to be a brat about this or any other punishment, you and the corner will become close friends. Go. And settle down.”

Yoanni dropped her head and quietly shuffled to the corner he’d indicated.

“I’ll get you when your time-out is over.”

“May I sits?”

Interesting, she’d regressed into a docile Little.

Still…

“You may not.”

Sighing, Barron left his dining area with Yoanni’s nose close to the corner. She wasn’t staying there for long. Five to ten minutes tops. Enough for him to start her bath and retrieve the items he’d purchased yesterday with her in mind that he hadn’t had the chance to bring into his home, courtesy of a blow to the head.

As he started her bath, then walked to the driveway, he felt kind of bad about the additional punishment, but the risk she’d taken still curdled his blood. Plus, the bratty nonsense sent him over the limit of his tolerance. This type of discipline was a customary element in the Daddy/Little girl dynamic and acceptable in age play. He wasn’t breaking her skin or making her bleed as his father had in real life with the buckle end of his belt. But he sensed the spankings were more aphrodisiacs for Yoanni than discipline. Going forward, he’d have to switch that particular punishment for something she didn’t enjoy at all.

He took the bags from the rear seat and returned to the house. Back in the kitchen, he left the sippy cups and dining implements to assist in the regression of an adult little girl, along with a bottle of bubble bath, then carried the remaining items to his small sitting room.

First, he spread out the padded moon-and-stars blanket on the floor before a corner. He positioned the beginners Lego set, story spinner, coloring books, and crayons in a semicircle, then settled the stuffed rabbit and unicorn on each end. Satisfied with the decoration of her basic play area, he sped to the bathroom by way of the kitchen to pick up the bottle of bubble bath. He poured some of the liquid under the rush of water. As the bubbles formed and rose, he tested the water temperature again. Satisfied, he turned off the spigot and went back for her.

She hadn’t moved an inch from the corner. Her obedience melted his heart. “Okay, baby girl. Time’s up.” He touched her shoulder.

Turning, she buried herself against his chest. “I’s sorry, Daddy. I be brat no more,” she blubbered softly, and he put his arms around her. He could tell her she’d do it again and again. Punishments were in her future. Brattiness, mischief, and defiance were intrinsic to Yoanni’s nature, after all, but he decided she’d had enough for what felt like an endless morning. They still had a full day ahead of them.

Kissing her head, he spoke. “Your bubble bath’s waiting. Come on.”

She sniffled once more and stood back from him. Gently, he wiped her damp face with the backs of his fingers, and she gave him a tentative smile.

“I likes play with bubbles.”

“Good.” Holding her hand, he led her to the bathroom. Plumes of steam and a welcoming scent from the bubbles emanated from the tub.

“Put your fingers in the water and tell me if it’s too hot.”

Yoanni nodded, dipped her fingers, and glanced at him. “No hot, Daddy.”

This moment was a milestone for them as a Daddy/Little couple, and a fantasy Barron had cherished and held in his heart. During the early stages of their relationship, they’d casually touched on the DD/Lg dynamic and played with it. Play was over. This was the serious Daddy time he wanted more than anything. He knew she didn’t need his help to dress or undress, but that wasn’t the point of it all. A committed Daddy took care of his Little’s every need, and this meant taking her clothes off, bathing her, rinsing…the works.

He was all in. “Raise your arms.”

Yoanni obeyed. He lifted the hem of her sleep T-shirt and slipped it off. She stood before him as naked as the day she was born, a trusting light in her beautiful hazel eyes. Her offer of power undid him. Somewhere deep in Barron’s chest, a spot heated and boiled up, initiating a wave of tenderness and love he didn’t know he could muster. His spirit came alive with a feeling of perfection. This wasn’t sensual or physical. This was stronger, and he didn’t understand every nuance, but it didn’t matter. The certainty was there, and Barron realized he would fight the devil himself to protect Yoanni from any harm.

Arms trembling with emotion, he picked her up and gently settled her within mounds of sparkly iridescent bubbles. The water was okay for him, but it might be different for her. “Are you sure the temperature is okay? I can put in more cold water.” He sat on the toilet seat to watch her.

“No more cold.” Giggling, she swished the bubbles with her arms. “I likes this. So fun.”

“I’m happy you like it, sweetheart?” Happy? Yeah, that was the word. He laughed and scratched his whiskered cheek. Damn, he needed a shave like yesterday. “I forgot to get you a ducky for your bath. Next time we go out, I’ll get you one.”

“For me?”

“I’ll get you whatever you want, princess. If duckies make you happy, we’ll get duckies.”

“Daddy!” she exclaimed, splashing her arms up and down. Water sloshed, and bubbles flew all over.

“Behave. The bath’s for you. Not me or the floor.”

“Aww.” She pouted, and he felt like a heel. He was going to say something soothing, but his phone rang in the kitchen.

“I have to get the phone. Be a good girl, okay?”

“Uh-huh.”

He stood, pointing a finger at her. “Stay in the tub. Be right back to dry you.” He rushed out, though by now, the call had gone to voicemail. Without checking the ID, he tapped voicemail on his phone. It was a message from Blade.

“Call me back. Shifter’s worried about you, and so am I.”

Now he remembered. He’d left the agency promising to call back. Had Blade gotten wind of the latest development at Yoanni’s place?

Barron started typing a text when Johnny Gun’s call came in.

“Hey, what’s up?” Barron asked.

“Dude, you took off, and no one’s seen or heard from you since. Are you and Yoanni okay?”

His brothers had a point. He was rarely out of touch this long. Johnny G wasn’t snooping; he was asking out of concern.

“We’re both fine. I ran into a small problem at her place. I’ll tell you more in person. It’s easier. Will you tell Blade? He called.”

“You bet.”

“By the way, Yoanni’s staying here. We’re spending the day together. Unless I’m needed at the club, you won’t see me until tomorrow.”

“No one’s gonna need you at the club, dude. Have fun.”

Smiling, Barron ended the call. Fun? He intended to have an outstanding day. It started with pampering the sweet Little in his tub.

With that thought in mind, he strode straight for the bag she’d brought from her place and turned it upside down. A few items, fewer than he’d expected, fell out. He put together a two-piece romper set and ruffly panties. Interestingly, he found no bra in the bag. No big deal. Her small, perky breasts didn’t need lift or support. Same as the rest of Yoanni, they were perfect in size for his hands and mouth. Draping her clothes over his arm, he walked to the bathroom.

“Ready, princess?” he called out to her. “You’re done in the tub. Breakfast is coming right up.”

A squeal of delight answered him. His heart fluttered. This was the sound of true happiness. A sense of perfect contentment filled his soul. And to think, he’d wasted so much time with his insecurities and his idiotic I-know-what’s-good-for-you-better-than-you attitude. He’d almost pushed Yoanni and himself over the brink of permanent heartbreak.

The feeling was sensuous.

Pleasing.

Exciting.

So, so good. One more pass and he’d explode to the ceiling. Barron reached for his erection…

He opened his eyes. “What the fuck!” he exclaimed, fighting the fog of sleep.

Yoanni’s smiling face greeted him. Slowly, the situation fell into place. After breakfast, he brought Yoanni to her play area. He was supposed to be watching her, but fell asleep on the sofa—thanks to the concussion, most likely—while she had fun with her new toys. At some point, she progressed from Little to adult, and a more acute desire set it. So she lowered his zipper, pulled out his cock, and went to town stroking him.

And fuck him sideways, he reacted!

Giving him a naughty grin, she lapped the precum off his crown with the tip of her tongue. “You fell asleep.”

“I did, didn’t I.” He pushed himself up to sit and wiped his eyes. But his cock refused to relax or lose interest. It was hard and ready to rock and roll, and his libido was catching up. There was no point in fighting his excitement.

So he grabbed one of the cushions, put it behind his head, and leaned back down. From this angle, the view was perfect to watch Yoanni, engaged in whatever mischief her active mind inspired her to do .

“You’re on your own, little girl. Daddy’s recovering.”

Her eyes widened. “Should I stop? Is this too much?”

“Are you kidding me? You started it. Look at my dick.” He pointed at his erect shaft. “Play all you want.”

“I’ll be very gentle.”

The erratic, childlike speech from before and her sweet expression were gone. Yoanni was in adult mode and fully aware of her needs. She wanted sex with him. Now. Knowing this made him even harder. He didn’t give a shit about the concussion. His head could explode for all he cared.

“I almost woke you up,” she murmured, walking her fingertips up the side of his cock. At the tip, she flicked her tongue over his crown. Barron couldn’t speak. He watched her, stupefied. “Then I remembered the officer said to let you sleep. So I did.” She dragged her flat tongue from the base of his shaft to his crown. Just like that.

He inhaled on a long hiss.

“Good?” Her smile turned wicked.

“You know it.”

“Again?”

He blew out a breath. “Yesss.”

Sliding to a different section, she licked his cock again.

“Oh, my. Baby.”

“Do you like it slow or fast?”

“You keep this up, it won’t make a difference. I’m gonna shoot myself all over your pretty face.”

Lifting herself a little, she took his crown into her scalding mouth. She suckled him, once, twice, then let him go.

“What if I want your cum all over me?” she said in a husky, almost unrecognizable voice. Evidence of Yoanni’s salacious state of mind, she was totally into this moment.

Did he want that? To climax right away? End it so quickly ?

“Take off your romper. And do it slowly. I want to enjoy the show.”

Fuck, they’d gone a full one-eighty, from Daddy/Little sweet age play, to full-on consenting adults’ naughty, raunchy sex. There was nothing innocent or childish about the vixen giving him a blow-by-blow, no pun intended, personal striptease with shimmying tits and all. At the end of her show, she stood in ruffly panties and nothing else. Shifting sideways, she wiggled them down to her ankles. Once free of them, she pressed the damp crotch to his nose.

“Smell me? I’m so wet for you, Daddy.”

He groaned. She had the nerve to giggle.

“You’re going to kill me,” he muttered.

“I only want to please you.”

“Is that right?” Swiveling to the front, he put his feet on the floor, slipped the cushion behind his back to support his head, and brought his hips to the edge. His cock stood up. The perfect hard spike to fill Yoanni’s delicious sheath.

“You know what to do, little girl. Work me over. Sit on me.”

Yoanni leered as she put one knee on the sofa, brought the other up, and straddled his hips. From her sitting position, her eyes inhaled him as he caressed her glorious breasts with trembling hands, moved to the golden skin of her generous hips to explore the bumpy scar from a childhood accident, and finally reached her soft, round stomach. Gently, he dipped a finger into her pussy, searching for her clit, and that’s when she descended. He watched in complete awe as his cock disappeared one tiny bit at a time within her magical depths. She embraced his dick with her inner muscles, and a wave of blinding pleasure and absolute perfection sent him flying. After long months of separation and loneliness, he was back in his rightful place, he’d always belonged here, within her and nowhere else.

“Baby.” He thrust up, hitting her deepest point .

“Oh.” She twisted her head side to side, and her gleaming dark hair moved in concert. Slowly, she slid up, almost to the crown of his erection, and arched back. Her elegant neck, curved in offering, called to him. Unable to resist, he spanned the base in a complete and possessive hold.

“My love,” he whispered in awe.

Smiling, she covered his hand with hers. “Always yours. Possess me. Dominate me.”

He licked his lips and swallowed, barely holding back his climax. A drop of sweat ran down the side of his face. Then her hazel eyes flashed, and she plunged down hard. Her breasts bounced, and he clutched one as he went back for her clit with his free hand.

“I love your sweet clit.”

“Pinch me hard, Daddy. I like it.”

“This way?” He twisted her nipple and clit at the same time.

“Yesss!” She rocked her hips back and forth over him. “Don’t let go.”

“Never, baby. You belong to me. No one else. Hear me?”

“Yes, yes, yes.” Her wild rocking motion switched to a fast up and down, paused for a second, then rocked again in an erratic pattern. Leaning forward, she pressed her hands on his shoulders. “Help me. I can’t get enough,” she gasped.

Barron knew what she needed. Holding her waist and hips, he stood long enough to put her down on the rug, where he had better control. Hooking her knee over his shoulder, he spread her other leg to the side, splaying her pussy.

He smiled. “Damn, aren’t you gorgeous. Put your arms above your head and feel. I’m in no hurry.” Barron dove in slowly, enjoying the heat and liquid, her internal ridges and contracting muscles. He bent close to her face, took her full lower lip into his mouth, and sucked hard, eliciting a loud moan and knowing a mark would be there for the world to see. Letting go of her lip, he dropped his forehead to hers as he watched his shaft, slick and shiny with her juices, pump in and out in a slow cadence.

“Do you see me, baby? I’m taking you. See how I take you.”

“Yes, yes.” Yoanni bucked her hips up, meeting his thrusts with hers.

“Are you ready?”

Instead of answering, she shook her head wildly. He took it as a go-ahead sign and, ignoring the head injury, picked up his rhythm. Yoanni arched her chest, and he drove faster. She clenched and released around his erection, pushing him to climax. He turned sideways, twisted her clit, and she screamed. Orgasmic ripples gathered at the base of his spine and spun into a tight coil. At the height of tension, it snapped loose, and his climax shot out through his balls and cock. Holding Yoanni as if she would disappear, he emptied his essence into his woman until he was all spent.

Cocooning her within his arms and legs, he rolled onto his back, waiting for his pulse and headache to subside. It took him several moments to collect his thoughts, emotions, and…

Holy shit! I really fucked up .

Though it was a misstep, he wasn’t upset at all. In a way, the possibility pleased and excited him. Except, he wasn’t a complete asshole, and this could affect Yoanni in a bad way. The main thing he’d learned from their separation was that errors must be faced or else.

“Baby girl?”

“Mmm-hmm?”

“Please forgive me. I got caught up in the moment and completely forgot.”

“The condom?” she asked in a soft voice. He glanced down at her. Damn. She noticed.

“Why didn’t you stop me?”

She sighed, turning to speak. “Number one, I trust you. If you weren’t sure, you wouldn’t compromise my health with unprotected sex. And number two, I wasn’t ready to admit a few truths.”

“Such as?”

“I was on the Depo shot when we dated. The efficacy expired while I was in Miami, but I took it again before coming up. I was in an optimistic mood. I prayed we’d find our way back to each other, and if we did, I wanted to be ready. You know I hate condoms.”

He nodded, hiding the twinge of disappointment. For a brief second, he’d entertained a vision of Yoanni pregnant with his child. The feeling had been wondrous. Something to consider and talk about.

“Sounds like you were sure I’d go after you.”

“Nooo.” She pushed against his chest to twist away.

But he tightened the hold. “Don’t you turn from me,” he growled.

“See? I was afraid you’d take it that way. I was only hopeful. Nothing more. Didn’t hurt to be prepared, even if you didn’t want to see me again.”

The anguish in her trembling voice lanced his heart. She’d feared their end and had suffered it. He’d done this to her.

“I didn’t lie when I said you’re everything to me, Yoanni. You live in my heart and mind.” He kissed her head. “I don’t know how I managed our separation. Blade made fun of me and said I was blind. Yes, I was blind and lost. Sounds cheesy, but it’s true. I lived in a dark place without you. I can hardly believe you’re giving me a second chance. I’m glad you took the Depo shot, but I’d be lying if I said I’m not disappointed. Seeing you pregnant is one of my secret fantasies.”

“You want children?” She burrowed into his chest.

“With you? Absolutely.”

“Then maybe…”

“Once we figure out who’s trying to hurt you and get him out of the way for good, we can make plans. Put a few details in order.”

“Do you mean, like, settle down with a family, kids, and stuff?”

He smiled. “Kids and stuff.”

“Can we have fun before we get serious?”

Barron laughed. “You’re so cute.” He rubbed his chin on her head. “I’m all about the fun before the serious stuff. Would you like to visit Nightshade?”

She jumped up. “The kinky place? You mentioned it before. Yes. I would love to go with you. I want to see the special room for age play and Littles.”

“It’s well made. You’ll love it.”

“When?”

“Not tonight, Nugget. I don’t think I’m out of the woods with the concussion. Let’s plan on Thursday. It’s a good night to visit a club. It’s not overcrowded, but there’ll be enough people to create sexual tension and an exciting atmosphere.”

“Ooh, I’m going shopping for a cute outfit. It’ll be a surprise, Daddy.”

He exhaled. “Oh, boy. I can’t wait.”

Hours later, Barron loaded a superhero movie, one of Yoanni’s favorites, in his player. They sat to watch, cuddled up in each other’s arms. As the movie progressed, she fidgeted, laughed, and made enthusiastic comments about the plot. Barron nodded and smiled in absent response. In this precious intimacy, his mind chastised him. You don’t fucking deserve this.

Yoanni had opened her heart to him with barely a reproach, but he still owed her. He’d put her through heartache, and why? Because he didn’t have the guts to confront the issue. Before the breakup, they touched the Daddy Dom subject in casual conversation and played a couple of times, but nothing too involved. Instead of giving her a full demonstration of his dominance, he’d made the relationship so impossible, she had to let go. All because he was terrified of her rejection. His life growing up had been one rejection after another. Why would Yoanni be any different?

But she was.

In every way.

He glanced down at Yoanni. His second chance at happiness. Curled up around him, she breathed softly, unaware of his examination. She was so tender and generous of heart, so trusting, so unafraid to put herself on the line and show her emotions. She had more courage in her little finger than most men he knew, including himself.

“Nugget?” He brushed her hair. “I owe you an apology.”

She glanced up. “For what, Daddy?”

“For keeping things from you.”

“What things?” Slowly, she sat up. Her beautiful eyes were full of worry.

He sighed. “I’m a Daddy, and that works for you because you’re Little.”

“Uh-huh.”

“I’m also a Dominant. My dominance spills over into daily life. If we’re going to build a future together, you have to accept this and hopefully be happy with who I am. You saw what happened when I tried to hold back. It nearly destroyed us.”

“Now I understand the silence.”

“Yes.”

“I remember one time. It came out of the blue. You gave me orders, and I told you to take a hike.”

He smiled. “That’s right.”

“Well, you didn’t give me context. To be honest, I thought you were kidding. ”

“I didn’t want to scare you.”

“Oh, Daddy.” She touched his chin. “I have a rebellious nature. Ask my father. He’ll tell you I drove him crazy. My first instinct is to push back. Turns out it’s fun in age play. I like spankings.”

Gently, he moved her hair away from her face. “I knew it. Spankings are fun for you.”

“I don’t know much about dominance, but it doesn’t mean I won’t submit to you.”

He closed his eyes. Her words elicited a brief image. Yoanni blindfolded, her wrists and ankles bound on either side of a suspension frame. Instantly, his dick stirred.

Not the right time.

“Are you sure? I’m strict, and I’ll push you.”

“Can we start slowly?”

“There’s no other way. Thursday night would be perfect. We’ll go over safewords and protocol, and I’ll take you around the club. If you’re interested, we’ll even try some of the equipment.”

“Great, more shopping to do.” Smiling, she cuddled up again. Her attention returned to the TV.

No. He didn’t deserve one bit of this much happiness. Didn’t matter. He was holding on with both arms.