The bed dipped beside her as he sat down and pulled her into his lap. His jeans brushed angrily across her sore backside, but having his arms wrap around her waist helped ease some of the pain. She pressed her face into the crook of his neck and dragged her hands across her cheeks to rid herself of her tears.
She hadn’t cried so openly in years. Since the death of her parents left her alone in the world. For a month she’d mourned them and let herself sit in a pit of despair, but then she’d pulled herself up and gotten herself together. She’d been old enough for the system to leave her alone, but not yet adult enough to navigate the world. But she’d done it. As best she could. And now. One spanking had her blubbering and holding on to this man who’d given her so much pain.
“It’s okay, Ariana,” he said in a calm voice. His hand moved to her back, petting her while he placed kisses to the top of her head. “It’s over now. Don’t ever forget this afternoon, and we won’t have to repeat it. Understood?”
She nodded. Her head hit his chin as she did so. “Yes, Daddy.”
His sigh blew her hair back into her face and she swiped it away. A yawn caught her off guard.
“Sleepy?”
“I guess so,” she said, snuggling into the warmth of his embrace. Only another moment and she’d detangle herself from him. She couldn’t let herself enjoy his touch, or any encounter with him. There needed to be a barrier between them.
“Let’s get you under the covers. You’ll be spending the rest of the afternoon in your room. I’ll come for you tonight after my meetings. It’s time we had our first big girl training.” He easily picked her up in his arms and shoved the quilt down enough to slide her beneath it.
She watched through a hooded gaze as he laced his belt back through his jeans. The thick black leather sent a shiver through her, but not from fear. Her ass still hurt, and probably would for the next day, but her clit tingled at the sight of him buckling the belt.
It was unexplainable—this attraction blooming for him. Blaming it on the medicine, she yanked up the quilt to her chin and flopped onto her side. Keeping him out of her sight would have to do until she could get her body back in control.
“Do not leave this room, Ariana, until I come for you,” he instructed in a heavy tone. Her only response was a nod. She assumed he saw it, because he sighed. The next sound she heard was the door clicking closed.
With the quiet of the room carrying her away to sleep, one thought slipped through.
What the hell was big girl training?
Costello walked into the study, his erection pressing painfully against the zipper of his jeans. If he’d had more time, he could have found another girl to help him with his problem. But as it was, he had meetings to get through.
Although, he harbored some doubts as to having another girl in his bed right now. The images of Ariana kept floating into his mind. The sweet surrender of her own orgasm the other day, the beautiful tears she’d shed today when he corrected her behavior. It was enough to make his cock pulsate in his damn pants.
“Heard there was a problem in the dayroom.” Frank turned his attention to Costello once everyone was seated around the table.
Costello nodded. “Ariana had some trouble. I dealt with her.” And if they could hurry the fucking meeting, he could go deal with his fucking hard on.
“Nancy has some concerns that she’s not reacting to the Lullaby the same way as the other girls. Have you noticed anything?” Frank asked.
Costello drummed his fingers against the table. Meddling Nancy.
“I haven’t noticed anything odd,” Costello answered, keeping his gaze frozen on Frank. He had his own suspicions something wasn’t quite one hundred percent, but he’d be damned if Frank stepped in before he knew for sure. If Frank believed the drug hadn’t worked the way he intended it to, he’d haul Ariana out of the House and replace her. There wouldn’t be a second chance, and Costello speaking up on her behalf would only get his own ass burnt.
The Daddies of the House could play with their girls however they wanted, but they were not to become attached. If a Daddy became infatuated with someone in their care, they may help them escape. Or they wouldn’t do enough to get the girl ready for adoption. Both were punishable. And Frank didn’t spank as punishment. He preferred the old ways when dealing with his men, and Costello had no desire to be fitted for concrete shoes anytime soon.
“Well, keep an eye out. Better we replace her before we get too deep into her training.” Frank rapped his knuckles against the table. “Johnny, what’s next on the agenda?”