“Is that so? And how would you punish me, Little Thief?”
She rubbed at her chin, thinking. “Well, I could spank you.”
“Could you?”
“Yeah, but you’ve likely got a really tough butt. It’s firm, I can tell that much.”
“Have you been checking out my ass?” he drawled.
“Me?”
“There’s no one else here,” he pointed out. “Have you been checking out my ass?”
“Only every chance I get.” She sent him a cheeky grin, delighting as he threw his head back and laughed.
“I like your honesty.”
“Yeah, does that get me out of my punishment?”
“Sadly, no.”
“That’s not fair, Daddy. You’re being awfully mean. It was only a couple of little lies.”
“No such thing as a little lie. And small things can turn into big things. Being a good Daddy means always following through. That way, a Little feels safe.”
“Where did you hear that from? Did you look it up on the internet?”
“Yep. Now, come here.” He crooked a finger at her.
“I don’t think my feet want to work.”
He frowned slightly. “Do you trust me, baby girl?”
She sucked in a breath. That was a big question.
“It’s okay if you don’t fully trust me. After all you’ve been through, I get it. I know I have to be patient. That’s the correct thing to do.”
“What’s the incorrect thing to do?” she asked. “I mean, what would you do if you weren’t worried about being correct?”
“I’d order you to trust me. Now. But I’m trying to be understanding.” He looked like he was in pain.
This time, she did smile. “Who said you had to be understanding?”
“This psychiatrist on TV. Webb made me binge watch his shows. He was all about being patient, and communication and honesty and understanding others’ feelings. Really, life is a lot easier if you don’t have to worry about other people’s feelings.”
She bit her lip. “I know. And I don’t want you to change who you are. Not for me. I always have my safeword, right?”
“Of course.”
“And you’ll always honor it?”
“Yes.”
She licked her lips. “I don’t always . . . I don’t like making all the decisions.”
“You like me being in charge when you’re Little?”
“And maybe other times,” she whispered.