Still, Tipsy was clean and well loved. He picked the lynx up and carried it with the wooden spoon back to the great room. Bliss had one hell of a spanking coming. She could probably use Tipsy’s comfort.
The idea of her driving around, of her having another blowout or wreck, and not having on her seatbelt made him physically ill. His mind kept playing scenes of metal twisting, glass breaking, and Bliss hurt. The image damn near sent him to his knees. Much better to put her over them.
It was time to let her know the plan, and if she kicked him out... well, if she kicked him out, that would suck. But he’d go. If he didn’t do something, she was going to wind up dead. Connor Davis had spent his entire adult life protecting people. There was no universe where he stood by and watched this woman destroy herself through stubborn carelessness.
Walking to the corner, he handed Tipsy to her. “Thought you might need a friend.”
Without moving her nose, she held out her hand. She hugged Tipsy to her chest. “Thank you, Daddy.”
He leaned against the back of the couch again. “I’m going to share the plan I’ve come up with to set everything, and everyone, straight. You will keep your nose to that corner and listen without interrupting. When I’m finished, you may turn to faceme, and we will discuss any reservations you have. Am I clear? Yes or no.”
His tone was calm, controlled, the voice of a Daddy used to being in control. But underneath it, his pulse hammered. She nodded, and that small motion softened something deep inside him even as he forced himself to stay firm.
He barked out, “Words!”
She jumped but answered. “I understand, but?—”
“That’s one,” he said, cutting her off before she could say anything else. The subtle hitch in her breath had him fighting the urge to smile. She always forgot how serious he was about rules.
He was glad her back was to him because his lips twitched when she slowly raised her hand to speak. She was adorable even while she was frustrating the hell out of him. How could she make him want to kiss her senseless while simultaneously putting her over his knee? “What is it, Trouble?”
“One what?”
He kept his tone stern. She needed to hear her Daddy right now. “One strike. You don’t want to reach three, trust me. Now, tell me, do you remember our conversation in Vegas before we made love? Yes or no.”
It was a memory he never forgot. There wasn’t a day that went by that he didn’t think about the neon lights outside the window of their motel room, her hair across his pillow, the way she’d looked at him like he was the only man in the world.
She stiffened, but after a pause slowly nodded her head. “Yes.”
That quick hesitation didn’t escape him. Oh, she remembered. He’d thought she would. He hoped she remembered every detail of that day, just like he did. Because he remembered every second like it had been carved into his bones.
“Good. Do you remember the part where I told you that if we made love, we'd give our relationship a serious try? Specifically, that you were coming to Darling and we would continue the commitment we made. Yes or no?”
“Yes?”
That came out like a question. Her uncertainty tugged at him, but he’d take it. He decided he’d rather watch her face during this conversation.
“Turn around and face me, naughty girl.” He needed to see her eyes. Needed to read every flicker of emotion.
His cock stirred as he replayed the conversation in his head and all that followed. He took off his leather jacket and tossed it on the armchair. She startled when it landed with a thump. Soon enough, it would only be in the way. But it did wonders as a prop for getting Littles in the right headspace.
She repeated her answer. “Yes, Sir.”
Breathy. Her voice was getting breathy. The sound hit him low in the gut, equal parts satisfaction and hunger. He wanted to demand she call him Daddy, but that would be getting ahead of himself. He could be patient.
Those stunning turquoise eyes he’d seen every time he closed his own eyes for almost a year were wide. Her breathing quickened when she watched him remove his jacket. He’d never get tired of watching the way she reacted to him, like sunlight to flame.
He nodded. “Good. Good.”
Never taking his eyes off her, he slowly rolled up first one sleeve, then the other. She was so reactive. She watched, transfixed by his every movement. The rolling up of the sleeves set a good tone, foreshadowing what was to come. Hopefully, it would encourage her to regret her earlier choices. The fabric slid over his forearms, and her gaze slid over every inch of him.
“We agreed our relationship would include every aspect a typical Daddy has with his Little girl. Isn’t that right? Yes or no.”
They both knew the answer was yes. It was the only reason he allowed her to get away with nodding that time instead of giving a verbal response. Her breaths were now coming in shallow pants. The throbbing in his cock matched the rhythm of his heart, beat by beat. The air between them grew thick, charged with anticipation.
“Look at me, babygirl. I still mean every word I said then. I know we have things to talk through, but I would like to try. The question is, do you still want that, or have you changed your mind?”
The question felt heavier than any order he’d ever given. He held his breath, waiting for her answer.
