"Everything is training." He moved to the chair, creating even more distance. "The question is whether you can learn this lesson. Whether you can feel owned without constant physical reinforcement."
"I hate it," I said flatly.
"I know."
"It hurts."
"I know that too."
"Then why—"
"Because avoiding hurt isn't the goal. Growth is. Security is. The ability to carry what we've built beyond these walls." He leaned back, studying me. "Tell me what you need."
"You know what I need."
"Tell me anyway."
I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to hold in the ache. "I need you to touch me. Need to feel your hands on my skin. Need the weight and warmth and proof that I'm not alone in my own head."
"What are you willing to do for it?"
The question made my breath catch. "Anything."
"Careful with that word."
"I mean it." I dropped to my knees without thinking, the position natural now. "Please, Daddy. Whatever lesson you're teaching, I'll learn it. Whatever you want me to understand, I'll try. Just please—"
"Come here."
I crawled. No hesitation, no pride left to stop me. The distance felt infinite, but finally I reached his chair, pressing my face against his knee like a pet seeking comfort.
"Look at me."
I raised my head, meeting those storm-grey eyes that saw too much.
"Touch is a privilege now," he said softly. "Earned through perfect behavior. Through showing me you can be good even when you're aching for contact. Understand?"
"Yes, Daddy."
"Tell me the rules from this morning."
I blinked, trying to focus past the need. "No speaking unless spoken to. No touching myself. No moving from whatever position you place me in."
"Did you follow them?"
"Yes."
"Even when you woke up desperate? Even when your body begged for friction?"
"Yes." My voice cracked. "I was good. Was so good even though it hurt."
"Why?"
"Because you asked me to. Because being good might earn..." I trailed off, understanding flooding through. "This was the test. Following rules when I'm desperate."
"My smart girl." He reached down, and just the brush of fingers against my cheek made me sob with relief. "Learning so well."
"Please don't stop," I begged, pressing into his touch. "Please, I'll be perfect. I'll follow every rule. I'll—"
