“Story time?”
“Mm-hmm. One of the club owners really likes doing story time so we probably wouldn’t have to twist Ian’s arm to get him to read some books.”
Saoirse chewed on her lip. He’d considered breaking her of the habit but it was just too freaking cute.
“Will you spank me?”
“If you’re naughty? Definitely. If you want a good girl spanking I’d be happy to give you one of those too. I guarantee you won’t be the only little girl getting spanked.”
It was sweet but a little sad that Saoirse was thinking about this so hard. He hadn’t meant for it to be a momentous decision; he’d honestly thought she’d be thrilled. That’s why he’d presented it as a treat.
“We don’t have to go if you don’t want to. You won’t disappoint me if you’re not up for it, promise. I love having you all to myself. I just thought it might be fun.”
Saoirse crawled out from under her blanket and into his lap, threw her arms around his neck.
“Oh, princess. You are so precious to me. Always have been and always will be. I love you so much.”
Eventually Saoirse started to get squirmy. She probably needed to be changed, and she definitely needed to be fed. But before she crawled out of his lap, he wanted to ask her something.
“So what do you think,” he murmured against her hair. “Would you like to go to Hive so I can show off my precious little princess? Hmm?”
She nodded against him, and her breath was sultry on his neck as she whispered back, “Yes, Daddy, please. And I love you too.”
Chapter Two
Saoirse had been to Clover City center a zillion times. There was shopping and restaurants and museums there. Plus, Arthur’s office was in one of the skyscrapers that made up the familiar skyline. But she’d never been to this neighborhood. And why would she? It wasn’t particularly nice nor was there anything particularly interesting around.
The club Arthur was bringing her to didn’t look any more interesting than the rest of the neighborhood. Three-story brick building with a black door at the front, no sign and a single buzzer. There was a wide alley to one side, and the windows in the front were covered. There were no lights on in the windows on the second and third floor and she had to wonder what was up there—did the club take up the entire building? And if not, what kind of place would have space above a fetish club? Then again, the rent was probably cheap.
Arthur pulled into one of the empty spots in the parking lot and walked around to open her door. It was so old-fashioned and sweet, made her feel all warm and squishy every time he did it. He handed her out of the car and she clutched at his arm.
“You’re going to have so much fun, princess. And if you get overwhelmed and want to go home, that’s okay. Just give me the word and we can go.”
She nodded tightly and took a fortifying breath. Fun. This would be fun. She wouldn’t be the only little. Her daddy had friends here and she would know Sable and Jethro and it would be fine.
Arthur pressed the bell and it made a grumpy buzzing back and the lock snicked open. Here went nothing.
The inside was kind of dark and there was a desk close to the entrance with a tall, strikingly handsome man behind it. Black hair long enough to almost brush the collar of the suit jacket he had on, and grey eyes pale enough that he looked like a panther stalking prey in the low light.
Arthur could look intense sometimes like when he was concentrating on work or when he was about to ravish her, but for the most part he had a pensive but friendly look, like he wouldn’t mind if you interrupted him. The kind of man you would ask for directions if there wasn’t a woman nearby.
This guy? Looked like he started at intense and ramped it up from there. It practically radiated off him and Saoirse felt herself step further behind Arthur even as she pressed closer.
But Arthur was smiling at the guy like they were pals. Not that the man behind the desk returned his grin.
“Ryker, it’s been a while. Nice to see you.”
Arthur offered a hand and the guy—Ryker—did shake it. So he was a little human at least.
And then Arthur gestured to her. “This is my Saoirse, it’s her first time here. Anyone free to give us a tour so I don’t forget to mention anything?”
Ryker dropped a nod in her direction and she flushed. Just having him look at her was a lot. She could see him as a top for sure, but he didn’t give off that daddy vibe she liked so well. More like strict school headmaster who would cane a girl at the drop of a hat or whip a willing person bloody. She shuddered.
“Hudson’s coming down in a minute. I’ll have him find you.”
“Perfect, thanks so much.”
With another abrupt nod from Ryker, they were turning the corner of a wall next to the desk, and as soon as they did, Saoirse could see why. There were rooms on either side that looked like where people stored coats and bags and had a few doors each—maybe bathrooms or changing rooms?