A Bratty Tease

A brATTY TEASE

5 years after Promising Today ends

N ova waved to her parents through the large bay window of the living room. The warmth glowing from the home she'd been adopted into was a complete contrast to the cold wind blowing over her face and hands as fat snowflakes drifted from the cloudy heavens. She shivered and licked her lips, the faint taste of her watermelon-flavored ChapStick lingering on her tastebuds.

Jude's warm hand slid into hers. She intertwined her golden-brown fingers with his own. After five years together, she'd stopped questioning how he knew what she needed so often. That had been Jude from the beginning, taking care of her behind his grumpy scowls and hard-earned tilt of those kissable, full lips. And to think she'd come so close to losing him—more than once.

"Come on, you little monsters. Let's get you home for a bath and bed." Nash, her eldest brother, packed up his three younger children in the sled and tugged them towards his home to the west of the property. His giant arm slipped around his wife, dwarfing her curvy body beside his own while her son Eli walked next to her.

"Te amo." Isabella waved.

"Walk safe!" Nova called after them with a smile.

"What the f—fudge is that supposed to mean? Walk safe?" Ricky teased. He was the youngest Emerson brother, and the only other adopted addition to the original Emerson brood other than Nova herself.

"Oh, you're just salty because you lost Monopoly to your son." Nova winked at Noah.

Everett, Ricky's husband, laughed. "She's not wrong."

Ricky scowled at her.

Nova blew him a kiss. "Have a great rest of your night. Maybe you can practice some board games. Then next time, a fifteen-year-old won't be able to beat you."

"Ugh, Aunt Nova, you're gonna make it worse," Noah complained. "Dad hates to lose."

"I know. That's why he doesn't spar with Uncle Jude anymore."

Jude's grip slipped to the back of her neck and squeezed: a warning. Her belly flipped and warmed.

"Name the time and place, King. I won't hold back this time." Ricky smirked.

Nova rolled her eyes. She opened her mouth with a retort that was sure to light her brother's ass on fire. "You—"

Jude's giant tattooed hand clamped over her lips. His deep voice rumbled in her ear. "Don't push it, baby. You're already at ten. Wouldn't want to increase that number by instigating a fight between your brother and I, would you?"

Nova smiled behind his hand and looked up at him, mischievous ideas fluttering through her mind. She tugged his wrist down and whispered back to him, "I guess that depends on what the ten counts for. Are we talking spankings or forced orgasms?"

A warning glint flashed in his hazel eyes, but the small tilt to the corner of his mouth let her know he was enjoying this game as much as she was.

"Can we have a girls' night this week, Aunty Nova?" Ariel, an official teenager at thirteen, asked, interrupting their moment. She pet her dog, Pepper, who was wagging her tail in the snow.

That was one of the many reasons Nova preferred to be the fun aunty rather than have kids herself. She loved her nieces and nephews, and anytime she needed a little one, her sisters-in-law were more than happy to share—and it was no wonder. The kids seemed to have more energy than the energizer bunny. The teens and tweens were much more Nova's speed for overnights.

"Of course we can. Just let me know when and I'll make sure to kick Uncle Jude out for a few hours."

A puff of a chuckle left Jude as he pressed his lips to Nova's cheek, his beard scratching her sensitive skin.

"Maybe your dad can keep him company and we'll steal Elise away too," Nova added.

"Yes, please," Elise said as her eager toddler yanked her arm. His other hand Signed furiously, clearly at the beginning of a meltdown after such a busy day.

Roman, the middle brother, hefted his son, Will, over his shoulder. Will's little face lit up as his whines turned to giggles. "We'll see you guys later. Ricky, I'll be at the honey shop a little late tomorrow."

"Sounds good." Ricky waved as Roman's little family made their way home on the south side of the property with Pepper.

"I wish I could be carried through the snow," Bailey, Everett and Ricky's oldest complained, trying to step in the footprints of her dads.

"Hop on." Ricky bent down.

"Yay!" Bailey gripped his shoulders and climbed on his back. She was almost as tall as him, and old enough to drink, but that didn't matter.

"Hang on tight," Ricky said, taking Everett's gloved hand in his.

"Feeling left out, Noah?" Everett asked.

"Nope." Noah laughed.

"Have a great night," Jude called after them.

They waved a final goodbye, all three of her brothers walking to their respective homes after another chaotic weekly Emerson family gathering. It was nice having her chosen family so close, everyone settled on the same farmland. And all because two people had fallen in love fifty years ago.

Nova's smile didn't falter as she leaned against Jude, making their way up the snow-covered path towards her home on the hill.

"If you'd asked me a decade ago if I ever expected my grumpy, fisherman brother to become Mister Family Man, I never would have believed it," Nova said, casting one last glance towards Nash and Isabella's home. After his fiancée disappeared, Nash had become a shell of a man. Isabella had changed that, and Nova would forever be grateful for her sister-in-law.

A gust of wind stirred up a flurry of snow. She turned back and continued up the path past the event barn.

"Well, you also said you'd never marry me five years ago, so there's that, Freckles."

Nova laughed and snuggled against his arm, even though her toes were getting cold as they trekked farther up the short trail home. She wasn't ready to move on. Everything her mother had shared at their anniversary dinner was running through her head. "Mom told the story of how her and Dad met. Why they chose to move here to Shattered Cove. It made me think about a few things differently."

"Like what?" Jude's breath came out in cloudy puffs before evaporating in the air.

"I'm not saying I agree with her methods, but I can see why she was pushing me so hard to find a partner."

"She wanted you to have what she has with your dad."

"Yeah. A true partner to make my life richer. To share the joys and the struggles. I didn't get it, and I think that's because I never experienced it before you."

"It wasn't like I knew what I was doing either." He chuckled, his dimples showing.

Nova smiled. "That's true. Remember when you helped me change my tire?"

His grip on her hand tightened. "You mean when I scared off those men and saved your life?"

"Psh. I told you I had it covered. I just couldn't watch my back and use a jack at the same time. So really, it was a team effort from the beginning." She played the seriousness of the situation off.

A bark of laughter erupted from him, and her heart thudded. Making him laugh never got old. That was a win.

"I wanted to spank your ass so hard when I saw how you'd put yourself in danger."

"Well, don't get any ideas. That is not part of our tally."

"Speaking of the tally . . ."

"You got some ideas, Daddy?" Now that the family was out of earshot, they could slip into the roles that played such a huge part of their dynamic.

"A few. But I believe you promised me a rain check a little while ago. Something about you thinking you could outrun me this time?" His sharp white teeth contrasted with his dark brown lips.

Warm arousal hummed through her, erasing any cold from the elements as they crested the hill. Their home was dark, but only because Jude went behind her when they left, making sure everything was shut off. Another reminder of how much her life was different with Jude in it. She'd start a task and then when her ADHD took over and she forgot or got overwhelmed, he'd slip in, taking her chaos and organizing it. He never said anything about it, never asked for praise. He took care of her because that's who Jude King was. A caretaker, a lover, and a bossy sadistic dominant. She got the best of both worlds. He could be gentle and caring but also harsh, giving her the pain she craved. Often at the same time. The duality of human nature could be a beautiful thing.

Slick arousal dampened her panties as ideas flitted through her mind. Would he bring out the paddle this time? Or the cane? What about toys?

Jude stopped at the front steps. "What do you say, Freckles? You ready to be a good girl for Daddy?"

Nova was—she really was. But she'd also make him work for it. Nova Emerson-King wouldn't give in to anyone unless they'd earned her submission.

She stepped towards him, running a finger down his chest and hooking on the zipper of his coat. "You know? I'd really love to." She stood on the tiptoes of her winter boots.

He leaned down, meeting her halfway with a kiss.

Pillow-soft, full lips met hers. She parted, letting him in. He wasn't hesitant. Jude took everything she gave and then some. Like he couldn't get enough of her, even after the years spent together. He'd seen Nova at her worst, and still his body responded like he craved her more every day. Teeth scraped her bottom lip and tugged before he slipped his tongue in her mouth. She sucked and swirled her own against his, hands gripping his jacket like a lifeline.

Jude pulled back, their shared breaths a visible cloud between them in the fading light of the blustery winter evening.

"Can't wait to have you writhing under me, tied to our bed at my mercy." Jude turned towards the door before unlocking it using the key code she'd harped on him for.

They lived in the country, after all, surrounded by family—but it gave him peace. Nova ran a finger over the scar on her cheek, a memory of one horrific day forever immortalized on her skin. The day she'd almost lost everything.

With that memory fresh in her mind—a reminder of just how lucky she truly was to have another day on this planet with the man who had stolen her heart and weaved their souls together—Nova ran. She turned and bolted down the steps and around the house towards the back. Ignoring the cold, she sprinted through the snow to the backyard.

"You know I like it when you run, Freckles." Jude's voice was close—too close.

She darted inside before shutting and locking the back sliding door. Jude stared through the other side of the glass, chest heaving—his face a mask of a very excited and upset Daddy who'd been outsmarted. The mix of pride and swirling lust he reflected turned her body molten.

Nova toed off her boots, trying to keep the mess of snow to a minimum. She unzipped her coat, keeping her eyes connected to his. Maybe a little teasing would do them both some good.

"I thought you were ready to be my good girl?" he rasped, his voice muffled through the glass, but still clear enough to hear.

Nova playfully tapped her lip. "Is that what I said?" She smirked before grabbing the hem of her shirt and pulling it over her head, leaving her in only a lacy red bra. "I'm sorry. You know how I am about finishing things. I meant to say that I'd really love to be your good girl, but I can't."

She hooked her fingers under the elastic waist of her wet leggings?a dare.

Jude pointed his finger at her in warning. "Open this door right now, and you only get one more added for this little show of defiance."

Nova really should take a little pity on him. She'd teased him every chance she'd gotten during their busy day at her family's. But they both liked this push and pull. He wanted someone he could make submit and punish when necessary. Nova needed a partner who wouldn't shy away from her bratty side, who'd give her the pain she needed to get off. It made for some fun times.

She peeled the wet leggings from her body, taking her socks with them.

"You weren't wearing underwear," he growled.

She shrugged. "I don't like underwear lines."

"You know better."

"Do I?" She bit her lip and reached behind her back, unhooking her bra, then she added it to the pile.

A fist pounded against the glass.

Nova jumped as her heart pounded faster. "See, Daddy, I learned that as much as I practice, outrunning you is impossible."

"That's right, baby. Because I'm never letting you go. Which is why you should open this door, or this will be a punishment you never forget."

The way his voice lowered, adding levity to his statement, made it clear this was a promise—not a threat. And Jude always followed through on his promises. Nova's pussy clenched, already aching to be filled.

"Oh, I'm counting on it." Slowly, she trailed her hands from her neck to her breasts, cupping them and pinching her pierced nipples. "You know how hot it makes me to hear you threaten to spank me. Really, you've brought this on yourself." Nova didn't look away from his piercing glare as she continued plucking her left nipple. She lowered herself, kneeling on the wood floor, her discarded clothing a mess between her and the door. Her right hand smoothed down her soft belly, over her muffin top, and straight to her wet pussy. "Unh, Daddy, it feels so good." She widened her knees and leaned back, giving him a better view.

Another pound on the glass. "Don't you dare come."

She smirked, swirling her finger around her clit. "What are you going to do about it?"

Boom. Shots fired.

Any hesitation on Jude's part evaporated with those eight words. The dark slashes of his eyebrows were harsh against the chiseled line of his face. Those shadowed hazel eyes swirled as dark as midnight.

Oh, I've done it now. My ass is gonna be sore for days. The thought only made her hotter. Needier. She pinched her clit and nipple at the same time.

Pleasure streaked through her, weaving around every cell until she was nothing but pulsing ecstasy and raw need. Slipping two fingers inside her slick hole, she fucked herself. Nova's thumb brushed her clit with every flick of her wrist. Her eyes rolled back, lost in her building pleasure. She rode the edge of ecstasy. Nova loved this part almost as much as orgasming—almost. Though, a solo orgasm had nothing on the heights in which Jude could take her body. If she let herself come, it might be the only time she got to tip over the edge. Jude might punish her by refusing her anymore orgasms today after this little stunt.

Maybe that boundary wasn't totally worth pushing. Brattiness was about balance after all. The fun of the push and pull.

Nova's breath stuttered as her orgasm crested, sweat dotting her forehead. The wet squelching sounds of fucking herself on her finger the only sound in the room. Moans and whimpers fell from her lips freely. Jude hadn't said anything in—Nova's eyes shot open. The other side of the glass was empty except for falling snow and footprints.

"Thought you could get away with this little stunt, did you?" Jude's deep voice came from behind her as his hand wrapped around her throat, pulling her back to his front.

Nova squeaked in surprise as she gave a feeble attempt to scramble out of his hold.

Jude's hands clamped around her wrists, pinning them to her waist. "What's wrong? I thought you were enjoying giving me a show?"

"No, I—"

Two of Jude's fingers dove into her pussy, his other arm moving to form a bar of steel under her neck. His bare feet hooked under her ankles, spreading her wider. Nova couldn't move—but she didn't want to. This is where she was always going to end up—in her Daddy's arms, handing over all control to him. All she had to do was utter one safe word to make it stop, or to take a break— mercy .

"I don't hear you begging for mercy, Freckles."

She shook her head. "I don't want your mercy—I want your wrath."

Jude licked a trail from her naked inked shoulder, up her neck, and bit the lobe of her ear before he whispered, "Good, because you've been a very bad girl, and that's exactly what you're gonna get."

A whimper slipped through her parted lips—a plea.

"Now let me play with my pretty cunt. Spread your legs for Daddy, like a good little whore," Jude demanded.

Nova's skin burned everywhere he touched. Need lighting every synapse. Depraved want etching into every panted breath with each thrust of his fingers inside her. He hit her G-spot over and over. Each nudge against the sensitive spot sent sparks of lust straight to her core.

"Please?" she begged, hips arching against hand.

"Oh, now you use manners?" He added a third finger, stretching her as he fucked her harder. His thumb grazed her clit with each thrust of his hand. "It's clear you need a reminder of who this body belongs to." Jude bit down on her shoulder, the bite of pain making her toes curl.

Goddess, she was so fucking close. She just needed a little more on her clit and then—

"Who's cunt is this?" he demanded.

Nova licked her lips, her rebellious drive overridden by the need to come and please her Dom. "Yours, Daddy."

He licked the spot he'd bitten and fucked her harder with his fingers. "Who do you belong to, little brat?"

"You, Daddy! Just please, please let me come?" Her voice came out as a whine. Her orgasm coiled tight, fraying at the edges. Oh, Goddess!

Daddy dropped his arm and slapped her thigh, right over the tattoo he'd given her, marking her as his. She leaned against his chest. Hidden beneath his shirt was a matching design with her name inked into his skin. She tipped her head into the crook of his neck. A foggy haziness of subspace filtered in, melding with arousal. The mix of pain and pleasure shifted like shadows in the tranquil euphoria muddling her brain.

"Come on, baby. Come for Daddy." He fucked her with one hand, the other coming down hard. He slapped her clit.

Stars exploded behind Nova's eyes as her first orgasm exploded through her, splintering her apart with more pleasure than she'd thought possible. Surely, the human body had a limit—she just hadn't found it yet. Her body tensed, legs shaking as he continued to fuck her with his hand. One orgasm rolled into another. Wave after wave of pleasure crashed through her. A gush of liquid arousal shot out of her onto the wood floor.

Jude's hand slipped from her, a soft kiss pressed to the side of her head as she leaned back in his arms, boneless and floating on a cloud of bliss.

"That was . . ." she panted, trying to find the words in her hazy mind, but holding onto thoughts was like trying to grasp sand.

"That's just the beginning. You wanted to come so bad?made Daddy wait with that little show." His tattooed hand collared the front of her throat and tipped her head up to face him. A sadistic glint in his eyes mixed with affection and lust. His cock was as hard as a rock behind her, digging into her lower back. "You're gonna be coming a lot more tonight, until you can't take anymore. In fact—" He smirked. "You'll orgasm until you beg me to stop."

Her eyes rolled back, his words like a stroke to her clit.

"But I won't stop, baby." His lips pressed to the shell of her ear. His deep voice a rumble like thunder. "I won't stop until this beautiful brown skin is flushed and glowing like the setting sun. Until you are so wrung out, you cry pretty tears begging me to stop."

"Fuck, Jude—"

He squeezed the sides of her neck, making her head even more floaty. "And then Daddy will give you fifteen more as punishment for your actions. I'll use you like the dirty whore you are, and fill you up with my cum. How does that sound?"

Nova bit her lip. Fuck, that sounded like the best night of her life. "Please, Daddy. Use me. Make me yours."

He dragged his nose up the side of her face and inhaled, his hot breath blowing a few of her loose, short curls to tickle her cheek. Long fingers moved over her breast to the silver collar around her throat and tugged. "You're already mine, Freckles. Just as I belong to you. Forever."

Maybe after tonight Nova would find the limits of human pleasure after all . . . Or at least she'd have fun trying.

Would you like to read more about how Nova and Jude got together? Check out Promising Today featuring Nova, a bisexual plus size, tatted and pierced biracial heroine with ADHD. And Jude, our hero, is a former NAVY Seal on the hunt for answers. A fake relationship with the curvy beauty might just lead to more than he was looking for and everything he'd never allowed himself to hope for.