“With enough bite to suit Arik,” Caleb added. “And Matek, well, who the hell knows what he likes.”
“Game’s starting,” Dominic called out from the living room.
Aleki and Wolfe headed out of the kitchen, leaving her with just Caleb and Bain.
“Maybe this private concert isn’t a good idea,” Bain grumbled.
Caleb whacked him on the back. “Relax. They won’t steal her. Well, not unless they think she wants to be taken. And you don’t want that, do you, Squirt?”
She shook her head. “No. I’m happy.”
“Glad to hear it,” Bain said, still not looking thrilled.
She wrapped herself around his arm as Caleb wandered away to join the others.
“You’re not really worried, are you?”
He leaned in and kissed her gently. “No. Because I’ll watch over you. You can be damn sure I won’t let you out of my sight. But you will do everything I tell you.”
“I will. I promise.”
He turned then picked her up, setting her on the counter. “Like you promised to obey my orders when it came to safety.”
“Yes,” she replied, sensing a trap of some sort. But not knowing what it was.
“Did I not tell you to stay behind me earlier?” His voice had grown cold. Stern.
“But there was no danger. Dominic told us it was them. They’re my friends.”
His face didn’t soften. He had hidden it well, but it was obvious now he was really unhappy with her. And she was already having a hard time sitting on her bottom as it was.
“Doesn’t matter. I didn’t know them. Didn’t know their intentions. And it’s my job to keep you safe.”
“But it’s not your job anymore. You quit.”
“Protecting you is now my permanent job because you are mine.”
The statement was completely possessive. He’d told her before he was all in.
“I had one relationship and it was toxic. Our relationship is not like that. You are not Jillian. She was never really my Little. She tried to use my needs to manipulate me. To get what she wanted from me. You are everything I ever wanted or needed. You come first with me. Over everyone else. You are to follow all my rules for safety, understand?”
“Yes, I will.”
He kissed her forehead. “Good. You’re still getting spanked, though. And don’t think I’ve forgotten about your corner time.”
“But I just got spanked! I’m still sore.”
“You should have thought about that before you disobeyed me.”
“But Daddy,” she wheedled.
He tapped her nose. “If you want, we can go take care of it right now.”
“No!” she squeaked. “Later is fine.”
The guys stayed through dinner. She ordered them all in pizza, which she nibbled on. She noticed Bain giving her a couple of looks and she forced herself to eat two slices.
Damn it.