Page 54 of Her Courage

The elevator dinged, announcing our arrival at the parking garage. As the doors opened, I guided her forward, scanning the area out of habit. Old instincts never truly died, especially not after Patrice's threats.

"Where's my car?" Lottie asked, looking around in confusion.

"Oscar drove it home this afternoon. We're taking the Audi."

"But—"

I turned, scooping her up and tossing her over my shoulder in one fluid motion. Her surprised squeal echoed through the parking garage.

"Andrei! Put me down!" She smacked my back lightly, her legs kicking uselessly in the air.

"No." I adjusted my hold, one arm wrapped securely around her thighs. "You've been disobedient, kroshka. Consider this the beginning of your punishment."

"I need my laptop!" she protested, though I could hear the laughter she was trying to suppress.

"What you need is a firm reminder about following rules." I delivered a light swat to her ass, delighting in her indignant gasp.

Oscar stood by the car, his expression carefully neutral as we approached—though I didn't miss the slight twitch of his lips. He opened the back door without comment, stepping aside as I maneuvered Lottie into the seat.

"Thank you, Oscar," I said, sliding in beside her.

"Of course, sir." He closed the door, moving around to the driver's side.

Lottie crossed her arms over her chest, attempting to look stern despite the flush on her cheeks. "That was completely unnecessary."

"Was it?" I raised an eyebrow. "You seemed determined to argue with me."

"I wasn't arguing, I was explaining."

"Semantics, little girl." I pulled her closer, my arm wrapping possessively around her shoulders. "The result is the same. You were trying to avoid following a rule we established for your well-being."

She sighed, leaning into me despite her feigned annoyance. "Fine. Maybe I was."

"There's no maybe about it." I kissed the top of her head. "And now you'll face the consequences."

"Which are?" She looked up at me through her lashes, a hint of anticipation in her voice.

"You'll find out when we get home." I held her gaze, letting her see the heat in my eyes. "But I can promise you this—by the time I'm done, you won't forget our rules again anytime soon."

Her breath hitched, pupils dilating as she processed my words. "Yes, Daddy A."

"Good girl." I pulled her closer, savoring her warmth against me. My phone buzzed, and I checked it to find a message from Kaleb.

Kaleb: Everything okay? You've been gone a while.

Me: Found our girl still working. Bringing her home now.

Kaleb: Again? She's asking for it.

Me: Don't worry. She'll get exactly what she's asking for.

I tucked the phone away, feeling Lottie's curious gaze. "Kaleb and Colby are waiting for us," I explained. "They were concerned when I didn't return quickly."

"Are they upset with me too?" she asked, a hint of genuine worry creeping into her voice.

"Not upset, kroshka." I cupped her cheek. "Just concerned. We all want what's best for you."

She nodded, settling against me again as Oscar navigated through the evening traffic. Her body relaxed incrementally, the tension of the workday gradually seeping from her shoulders.