“James! Stop!”
He didn’t stop, didn’t even acknowledge her demand. The brush continued to fall, lighting her bottom on fire until she couldn’t take another burning swat.
“I’m sorry! Daddy, I’m sorry! Please!”
“What are you sorry for, young lady?” The fall of the brush didn’t so much as falter when he spoke.
“Ow ow ow! I’m sorry I was rude!”
The spanking slowed, and he capped the impromptu punishment with six solid swats to her sit spots, making her howl with each one.
When it was over, he helped her sit up, cradling her in his arms. Sniffling and whimpering, Olivia wrapped her arms around his neck and held on tight.
“Feel better, little one?” he asked once she’d quieted.
“Uh huh.”
“Want to tell me what happened?”
She shrugged, then yelped when he squeezed her tender bottom.
“Daddy asked you a question, Olivia Jane. Is that how you answer me?”
“No, Daddy.”
“Good girl. Now tell me what got into my sweet little girl this morning.”
Pouting, she dropped her head to his shoulder. “I just felt a little sad.”
“Why did you feel sad, baby?”
She picked up his tie and ran it through her fingers. “You’ll think I’m silly.”
“If it made you sad I would never think it’s silly.”
It was a struggle to trust him, but she knew she had to if they were going to rebuild what they’d lost. “I sort of missed my welts from last night.”
He chuckled and Olivia sat up straight to glare at him. “You said you wouldn’t laugh!”
“No, little one, I said I wouldn’t think it was silly. And it’s not silly. I was laughing because you’re so cute. Do you still miss your welts?”
Since her bottom was still throbbing from the paddling he’d just given her, she shook her head vehemently. “No. I’m good.”
“Good girl. Now hurry up and get dressed. I’ll see you at the office.”
She hopped off his lap and James stood to gather her into his arms. When he bent his head and captured her lips in a long, lingering kiss, everything inside of her went gooey.
“Be good,” he murmured and dropped a kiss on her nose.
“I will. I love you.”
“I love you too, Livvy.”