12. Brook

TWELVE

brOOK

S heesh.

Talking about limits had gotten her hot and bothered despite being ridiculously comfortable in his arms. He’d listed a handful of things, which she decided wouldn’t be a hard limit. When he told her she could change her mind at any time, she was relieved. Most of the things he’d said she had never tried, so she couldn’t be sure if she would like them. Like anal. It intrigued her, but she’d also had Storm’s cock in her pussy earlier, and that had been a stretch. She couldn’t imagine him trying to fit that monster in her bottom.

Then they spent the next half hour going over her rules. He didn’t give her anything unexpected. She knew what most of Carlee’s rules were, and Storm’s were similar for her. The only one she was mostly worried about was the strict bedtime he gave her of ten o’clock on work nights. Usually, she was just settling into bed and turning on her e-reader around that time. When she tried to argue, he said it was non-negotiable since going to bed at ten would give her eight hours of sleep before she had to wake up. Apparently when it came to her health and safety rules, he wasn’t willing to budge. It was sweet, but also, part of her wanted to tell him to kick rocks because she loved reading late at night.

“Speaking of bedtimes, you’re tired and need to go to sleep,” he told her, sliding out from the covers.

The mattress instantly felt too cool, and she missed the quiet strength of his body.

“Are you leaving?” Her bottom lip trembled when she asked, and she hated that.

Normally, she’d be dying to get some alone time after spending an evening with another person, but she didn’t want Storm to go. He didn’t drain her. He seemed to understand how she functioned because he needed the quietness, too.

Storm paused, his eyebrows pinched as he looked down at her. “I don’t want to overwhelm you, baby. I know you’re not used to having someone around here all the time.”

When she nodded but didn’t say anything, he knelt on the bed and hovered over her, his gaze penetrating hers. “Tell me what you’re thinking, sunshine. I can’t read your mind.”

She bit down on her bottom lip, not wanting to come off as too needy.

“Remember your rule about communication and honesty, Brook,” he warned.

Letting out a deep breath, she ran her fingers over his tattooed arm. “I don’t want you to go,” she whispered, finding a short burst of courage.

He stared down at her for a moment, then rose to his full height. Panic rose in her chest. She shouldn’t have said anything. Storm liked his space, too.

As she sat up to apologize and tell him it was okay, she froze because he started stripping.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

“I sleep naked, baby,” is all he said as he dropped his underwear before climbing into bed next to her.

Heat rushed to her core, and her heart pounded. He was staying. She told him what she wanted, and he was actually doing it because he cared about her feelings. The big, growly, beautiful man cared about her.

That knowledge settled into her bones, and she cuddled against his warmth again. Instead of wanting to turn on her e-reader, she closed her eyes and faded to sleep within minutes.

Three days later…

Brook frowned at her phone, her brows pinched tightly together as she stared at the screen. This was getting ridiculous. Another unknown number. It was the third of the day, and her call log from the past two days showed an unsettling pattern—five calls yesterday, four the day before. Each time, silence greeted her on the other end.

Unease bubbled low in her stomach, twisting into a knot she couldn’t ignore any longer. Her thumb hovered over the screen. A deep sigh escaped her lips as she set the phone on the table, her mind churning.

Maybe she should tell Storm. He would probably want to know. Scratch that—he would definitely want to know. He was fiercely protective, and if he caught even a whiff of something scaring her, he’d move heaven and earth to deal with it. That thought alone gave her comfort, but the last thing she wanted to do was to ruin the blissful bubble they’d been living in these past few days.

Being with him had been nothing short of amazing. Storm had effortlessly stepped into the role of her Daddy, making her feel and experience things she’d never thought possible. Each night, he had her screaming his name, his relentless focus on her pleasure leaving her trembling and thoroughly satisfied before tucking her into bed like she was the most precious thing in the world. He was demanding yet gentle, grumpy yet attentive, and so utterly perfect for her that it made her heart ache.

No, she couldn’t bother him with this. She was probably overreacting anyway. It was likely just a telemarketer or some automated dialing system. Plenty of people got annoying spam calls, right? This was nothing.

Brook picked up her phone again, stared at the missed call for another long moment, and then shoved it into her purse with more force than necessary. She had far more enjoyable things to think about than random phone calls—like how Storm’s gravelly voice made her shiver when he called her “sunshine” or the way his dark eyes softened every time he looked at her like she was his favorite thing in the world.

Her chest tightened as she leaned back in her chair, her lips curling into a soft smile. She was madly, completely, head-over-heels in love with Storm.

Her phone buzzed again, snapping her out of her thoughts. Another unknown number. Her stomach twisted sharply this time, and she hesitated for a beat before declining the call. She’d have to deal with this eventually, even if she had to get her number changed.

Four days later…

Tears threatened to spill down her cheeks.

Another call.

Brook picked up her phone. “Hello.”

Nothing but silence on the other end.

Who was this person who kept drop calling her? Was it just a kid pranking her or someone who kept getting the wrong number?

She still hadn’t told Storm she was getting these calls, and she wished she had. As soon as he got home, she was going to tell him.

Home .

He’d been staying her place for the past week, and it was starting to feel like they lived together. And to her utter shock, she didn’t hate it. She actually loved spending all her spare time with him.

It was only a matter of days before his house purchase closed and he got the keys, so she suspected the nights of him sleeping at her house were going to come to an end soon. The thought bugged her. It was too soon to live together, but it felt so right at the same time.

Since he was out on a group ride today and it was the weekend, she didn’t have any plans, she’d stayed at her apartment and decided to curl up with a book and one of her stuffies. She hadn’t gotten to read much lately because while Storm spoiled the heck out of her, he was also strict and made her go to bed at ten o’clock sharp every night. It helped that he always crawled into bed and snuggled her to sleep.

A knock on her door pulled her attention away from the spicy story she had just started. Sighing, she went to answer it. When were the neighborhood kids going to realize she wasn’t interested in whatever sale they were having for their school? It seemed like every other week one of them came knocking, trying to get her to buy chocolates or wrapping paper or some other overpriced item she didn’t need.

Only, when she swung the door open, she wasn’t greeted by a school kid with cookies. Instead, it was a large man with a red face and a stained shirt. Her mouth went dry, and she took a step back, her tummy coiling with fear.

“Your fucking insurance company is refusing to pay for the damage to my car,” he sneered, his words slightly slurred.

It took her a second to understand what he was saying. Of course they would refuse; the accident was his fault.

“I—” she started as panic surged through her.

“Shut up, bitch. You owe me a thousand bucks for the damage and that’s without the stress and pain I’ve been in, so you better pay up because I’m not leaving until you do.” He was so angry that bits of spittle flew out of his mouth.

She shook her head and moved to close the door so she could shut him out and lock it, but he stuck his foot in front of it, blocking her attempts to keep herself safe.

“I’ve been calling and calling, but you stopped answering, so don’t try to hide from me now,” he snapped, shoving the door open again.

Brook stumbled backward, her grip on the knob the only thing from making her fall.

Before she could figure out what to do next, Storm appeared behind the guy, his face in a deadly scowl. He grabbed the man by the back of his shirt and yanked him away from her, throwing him onto the ground with ease.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” Storm shouted as he stood over the guy with clenched fists.

Storm didn’t give him a chance to answer before he punched him several times as the man tried to cover his already bloody face.

“Daddy!” she screamed, those threatened tears now tracking down her face.

He paused his punches and looked back at her, his expression softening just slightly.

“Go call the cops,” he told her. “Go, baby, now.”

She scurried inside on trembling legs and found her phone. Sirens already blared in the distance by the time she ended the call to the 911 operator.

Yet more tears brimmed in Brook’s eyes, blurring her vision as she collapsed onto the couch, her knees too weak to hold herself up any longer.

When Storm's strong arms enveloped her, it was like a dam broke. The sobs she’d been holding back tumbled out as she buried her face in his chest, clinging to him like her life depended on it.

“Shh,” he murmured softly, his lips brushing the crown of her head. “I got you, baby. I’m right here. He’s not going to hurt you. The police are here.”

He held her close, his large hands rubbing circles over her back, his grip firm but gentle, as if silently reminding her that she was safe now that he was here. Storm would always keep her safe.

When an officer walked in, Storm kept her perched on his lap, his arms a protective cage around her as she recounted what had happened. Her voice quivered, and each word felt like dragging nails across her soul. She hated admitting to receiving the unknown calls for a week, hated the weight of Storm’s dark gaze on her as she confessed to hiding them from him.

The officer nodded, his expression professional but tinged with sympathy. He jotted down notes, handed her his card, and assured her they would handle it. Then, with a polite tip of his hat, he left, closing the door behind him.

The moment they were alone, the room felt suffocating. Silence stretched between them, and it felt like the walls were closing in on her. It was painful. Brook couldn’t bring herself to look at him. She could feel the intensity of his stare without seeing it, though.

Finally, unable to bear it any longer, she risked a glance. Her heart sank at what she saw—Storm’s jaw tight, his dark eyes filled with a mixture of frustration, pain, and disappointment.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you,” she whispered. “I didn’t think it was a big deal.”

Storm let out a dry scoff, shaking his head. His knuckles, bruised from his earlier fight, flexed as he ran a hand through his hair. “We’ll deal with you disobeying a safety rule and keeping important information from me later,” he said, his tone even but laced with a sharp edge. “Right now, I’m too angry to punish you, and honestly…” As his hand cupped her cheek, his next words came out softer. “I just need to hold you because I’ve never been so fucking scared.”

Her throat tightened, fresh tears spilling down her cheeks. Sadness seeped through her, more painful than any punishment could ever be. Disappointing Storm was the last thing she ever wanted to do. Knowing she had killed her inside.

Without hesitation, she curled into him again, tucking her head under his chin. His arms encased her, pulling her closer as if he could shield her from everything, including her own guilt.

“I’m so sorry, Daddy,” she whispered, sounding utterly broken.

His hand gently tilted her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. The fire in his eyes had softened into something far more profound—a mix of worry, protectiveness, and an aching desire to make her understand just how much she meant to him.

“You’re my sunshine, Brook. The light to my storm. I’m in love with you, and it’s my privilege to be your Daddy,” he said roughly. “I’ll do whatever it takes to protect you. But I need you to let me. You have to trust me enough to tell me these things, even if you think they’re small or insignificant.”

She nodded, her lip trembling as his words sank in. Storm loved her. And she’d already messed up. Tears continued to drip down her face at the importance of his words despite her behavior.

“I love you too, Daddy. So much.”

They stayed like that for hours, eventually dozing together on the couch. When they finally woke up, Storm led her into the bathroom.

“Go potty, then come into your room.”

She nodded and did her business, nerves wracking through her.

When she returned, she sat on the edge of her bed, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her sweater as her heart pounded against her ribcage. The atmosphere was thick with tension. When Storm joined her, he sighed and looked over, pinning her with his dark stare.

“Come here,” he said finally, his tone low and steady, leaving no room for argument.

Her stomach twisted as she stood and shuffled a few steps toward him. She felt small under his gaze and not in the good, comforting way she usually did when they were in their dynamic. This was different. She’d disappointed him, and that knowledge settled painfully in her chest. She never wanted to feel like this ever again.

When she stopped in front of him, he reached out, taking her hands in his.

“Do you know why we’re here right now, sunshine?” he asked, tilting his head slightly as he waited for her response.

She nodded quickly, her throat dry. “Because I broke a safety rule,” she breathed.

“That’s right,” he said, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. “And what’s the most important thing about our relationship?”

“That I’m honest with you… so you can keep me safe.”

“Exactly.” His eyes softened just a fraction, but his tone remained firm. “By not telling me about those calls, you put yourself in danger, Brook. If I had known, I would have investigated and probably figured out that it was that asshole. Could have had a restraining order put in place or had him arrested for harassing you. Do you understand that?”

New tears welled up in her eyes. “I’m sorry, Daddy. I really am. I didn’t think it was that big of a deal.”

“Sunshine,” he said softly, his thumb now tracing slow, soothing circles on the back of her hand. “It’s my job to decide what’s a big deal when it comes to your safety. Not yours. I can’t protect you if I don’t know what’s going on.”

She swallowed hard and nodded, those welling tears threatening to spill over. “I won’t do it again.”

“I know you won’t, baby,” he replied. “But tonight, you’re going to get a spanking to remind you why safety rules aren’t optional. Understand?”

Her breath hitched, her heart racing. She nodded, unable to find the words to reply.

“Words, sunshine.” He waited, raising his eyebrows.

“Yes, Daddy.”

“Good girl.” He gave her hands a reassuring squeeze before guiding her around to his side.

Then he guided her over his lap, not wasting any time as he lowered her leggings and panties to her thighs. She whimpered but didn’t fight him because she deserved this. More than that, she was pretty sure she needed this.

Storm’s hand rested lightly on her lower back for a moment. “What’s your safeword?”

“Red,”

“And you’ll use it if you need me to stop?”

“Yes, Daddy.”

“Good girl.”

The first swat landed on her bottom, the sharp sound echoing in the quiet room. She gasped, her fingers curling into the thick comforter on her bed. He gave her a moment to process before delivering another, then another. She wiggled against his hold, kicking her feet slightly as he spanked her over and over again.

Tears raced down her cheeks as he picked up speed. Her bottom and tops of her thighs were on fire. Finally, he stopped, and she let out a deep breath.

“Why are your safety rules important?” he asked, his large hand rubbing her sore, hot bottom.

“Because they help you keep me safe,” she whimpered.

“That’s right, baby. I love you, and I need you to remember that.”

The pain of this spanking was nothing in comparison to the way she felt over disappointing him. In the short time they’d been together, Storm had been an amazing Daddy, and she’d let him down.

“I’m sorry, Daddy.”

“I accept your apology, sunshine, and once this spanking is over, you’re completely forgiven. Once this is done, we move on and leave it in the past. Understood?”

She sniffled and nodded. “Yes, Daddy.”

“Good. The rest of this is going to be hard and fast,” he warned as he shifted and lowered one of his legs over both of hers so she couldn’t kick out.

Without warning, he started spanking her so hard it stole the breath from her lungs, and she struggled against his hold.

“Owwie!” she cried, a sob escaping her lips.

He didn’t stop for what felt like forever. Not until she finally gave in to it and went limp over his lap, her entire body shaking with sob after agonized sob.

He delivered two final swats, then gently rubbed her back. “All done, baby. It’s over. Come here. All is forgiven.”

Storm helped her up and pulled her into his arms. She buried her face in his chest and carried on crying both from the stinging of her bottom and the fear of what could have happened if her Daddy hadn’t shown up when he did. His arms wrapped around her tightly, holding her close as he murmured soothing words into her hair.

“You’re my good girl, Brook. Always. This doesn’t change that.”

Her heart swelled at his words, the guilt easing slightly as she clung to him. She felt safe again, cherished and loved despite her mistake. And she silently vowed never to break another safety rule again.