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But my apologies are clearly too late. Celeste’s eyes narrow, her grip on my arm tightening as Graham frowns in disappointment.

“If we were not on a strict schedule, you would be getting your mouth washed out and a session with my belt, little girl,” he growls. “But as it is, we need to get in the air. So you are going to come sit in the jumpseat until one of us is free to address your behavior.”

The stern tone of his voice makes my tummy quiver in a not-altogether unpleasant way. But as much as I might want to give in and play naughty Little girl with the gorgeous couple in front of me, I have other responsibilities. “I can’t do that. I have to take care of Mr. Stone and Victoria.”

My boss, however, just waves his hand. “I can pour my own whiskey. You should do as Graham says. He does not have much patience for defiant Little girls.”

Is it possible to die of embarrassment? Because I’m pretty sure I might expire, right here and now. “I’m not being defiant! I’m trying to be professional!”

The woman still holding me in an iron grip snorts. “Showing up twenty minutes late looking like you slept on a park bench is hardly professional, little girl. Clearly you need someone to take you in hand, so that is just what you’re getting.”

Her words tickle something in the back of my brain, and for a moment I almost can’t believe what I’m hearing.

Did… Did my plan actually work?

Before I can fully process my own shock, Celeste tugs me forward. “Kerry. Do you want another spanking?”

“N-No, Ma’am.”

“Then I suggest you do as you were told and come with us.”

Too stunned to even consider arguing, I nod and force my feet forward. I allow myself to be guided to the jumpseat behind the cockpit, which is where I usually sit during takeoffs anyway since we all have to be buckled in. Graham folds the seat down for me and Celeste nudges me forward. Once I’m seated, she pulls the belt taught across my chest and waist, a smile slowly spreading across her face.

“Good girl for listening,” she says softly, tapping the end of my nose with her fingertip. “Now, Mommy and Daddy have to go get this plane in the air. You will not move from this spot until one of us gives you permission. Am I understood?”

“You’re not my Mommy.” It’s a ridiculous statement. I, better than anyone, know how things work in Maxwell Stone’s world. If these people have decided I’m their Little girl, then there isn’t much I can do to stop them, short of quitting my job and physically fleeing the premises.

And even that is no guarantee of freedom.

Judging by the smug look on Celeste’s face, she’s just as aware as I am that my protests are in vain. “We’ll see about that. But regardless of what you call me, I happen to know Maxwell keeps this plane well stocked with implements to teach a naughty girl a lesson. So if you want to test me, please feel free. I would be more than happy to paddle that adorable bottom of yours to a nice bright red if you choose to defy me.”

I have no doubt she means every word, so I don’t even try to argue, no matter how much I want to. “Yes, Ma’am.”

“Good girl. Mommy is going to go get settled in, but once we reach cruising altitude, you and I will be having a long conversation about your language and your attitude.”

With that rather dire warning, she heads toward the cockpit. Leaving me to wonder what the hell I’ve gotten myself into.

Chapter Three

Graham

From the corner of my eye, I watch my wife settle into her seat, her cheeks pink with what I can only assume is arousal and my own blood heats at the sight.

“Mommy, huh?” I murmur once she’s settled, and I have the distinct pleasure of watching her cheeks darken.

“I probably should have checked with you before I said that. I’m sorry. I know we haven’t actually decided…”

Reaching over, I thread my fingers through hers, bringing our joined hands to my lips. “You went with what felt right. I’m not mad.”

Celeste visibly relaxes. “Thanks.”

“Come on. Let’s get this bird in the sky so you can go deal with our naughty girl.”

Her low laughter fills the cockpit as we finish our pre-flight check with the ease only a partnership like ours can have. We’ve been flying together longer than we’ve been married, and by now it’s almost as if we share a brain. Moving seamlessly as one, we finish our checklist and with the control tower’s permission, begin our takeoff.

Celeste’s quiet sigh draws my attention to her as I guide the nose of our plane up toward the sky. “No matter how long I live, I don’t think I’ll ever get used to how beautiful this moment is.”

“Not nearly as beautiful as you.”