“You wouldn’t even know what to do with yourself if I stopped, would you?”
I shake my head. I don’t think I would like it. In truth, his bossy, overprotective need to control me makes me feel loved and cherished. I might worry he didn’t care about me anymore if he stopped leashing me to his side.
“You’ll still spend most of your time leashed, but I’m going to shorten it so you can’t bonk yourself on the glass.”
That part makes me sad. I frown.
“Just a few inches. I won’t keep you from looking outside. I know you like to watch people moving around.”
I smile again.
“I feel nervous when you’re not leashed.”
I know he does.
“I’m not sure that will ever ease.”
There’s something deeply bonding about the way he keeps explaining his intentions to me, as if he’s worried I’m going to revolt or be mad at him or stop loving him. It’s nice that he cares enough to ensure I understand his reasoning.
“Do you feel safe when you’re in one of your kennels?”
I nod. It’s not where I want to be tonight or any other night. I want to be in his arms. I want to beg him to let me sleep next to him. But I can’t. Begging is not something he reacts kindly to. Plus, I don’t currently have permission to speak at all. Probably for the best. I don’t want to ruin this pleasant exchange.
“I feel calmest when you’re locked safely in your kennel. I don’t have to worry about you falling or anyone looking at you. I hate it when people look at you.”
I giggle. I know he doesn’t like people paying attention to me. He’s jealous. It’s cute.
“You’re mine,” he growls. He does that a lot. Does he think I’m not clear about his ownership?
Finally, he stands. He holds me in his arms while he wanders around, turning off lights. He takes me to the bedroom next and lowers me gently onto the bed. “Kennel, Little pet,” he almost whispers.
My chest tightens as I reluctantly crawl across the bed and into the raised kennel. I’m grateful that it’s level with the mattress and I can see him in the bed, but I’m about to cry. I don’t want to be parted from him.
Nevertheless, I obey my Daddy, crawl into the small space, and pull the blanket over me. I hold back my tears as Daddy shuts and locks the cage. He heads to the bathroom, and he’s gone for a few minutes before returning. Naked, he climbs into bed and turns out the light.
I watch him through the slats, silent tears nearly choking me. He’s on his back. I don’t think he’s sleeping. I think he’s staring at the ceiling.
In the silence, the sob that suddenly escapes my mouth startles me. I flinch, upset that I couldn’t contain my emotions.
Daddy jerks his gaze my way. “Luna?”
I swallow hard, holding my breath. Maybe he will think it was just a hiccup.
He lifts onto one elbow, watching me. For a long time, he simply stares. I’m staring back, but I don’t think he can see that.
Suddenly, he says, “Fuck it.” He reaches across the bed and uses his thumb to unlock the kennel. When the door pops open, he says, “Come, Little pet.”
I’m too startled to move for a few seconds.
He makes the hand signal. I can see it in the dim light. Am I in trouble, though? No matter what, I have to obey him, even if he’s going to punish me. Slowly, I crawl out of the kennel and over toward him.
He pulls the covers back. “Climb under here.”
My heart leaps. Is he going to let me sleep with him? I scramble to obey him, easing into the spot on the bed he just patted.
Daddy drops onto his back once more as he pulls me to his side and covers us both. His huge arm wraps around me, holding me flush against him. He kisses the top of my head. “No more tears, Little pet. You’ll sleep with Daddy from now on.”
I’m so happy that I cry anyway.
