Aldric
When we come downstairs later that afternoon, there are new voices in the kitchen. It’s almost dinnertime, and I realize some of the guests who have come for the week have arrived.
Sure enough, there are two new faces in the giant, inviting kitchen. Well, one new face and one backside. The Little girl is already standing in the naughty corner. She’s fully clothed, so I can’t tell if she’s been spanked, but she’s apparently not too happy to be in timeout because she’s wiggling around and sighing.
The man she’s with extends a hand to me. “You must be Aldric. I’m Kendric.”
“Nice to meet you,” I say as I tug Juliet into my side. “This is Juliet.”
Kendric reaches his hand toward her next. “That’s a pretty name.”
“Thank you, Sir.” She shakes his hand. She even manages to make eye contact. Progress.
Kendric nods toward the corner. “The naughty girl in the corner is Giana. She’ll join us when she’s ready to apologize.”
Juliet flinches slightly next to me. This is a new twist. She’s not in timeout for a specified length of time. She’s there of her own free will. I file that idea away for later. Never know when it might come in handy.
I settle Juliet in a chair at the table and fix her a cup of ice water in a sippy cup. This is the routine we have here at the Ridge where the Daddies take care of the Littles.
She smiles at me as she takes the cup and drinks half the liquid immediately. She’s thirsty from the stress of being disciplined earlier. I’ve given her several drinks of water, but she apparently wants more.
I watched her closely as she came back into herself after the intensity of the spanking and exposure. Now that we’re in the bustling kitchen with the rest of the inhabitants, she’s alert and smiling again.
Craig seats Leah next to Juliet, and the two start chatting quietly between themselves. When Craig nods toward the glass doors that lead out onto the back patio, I follow him outside. It’s cold out, but the chill is welcome on my skin after holding Juliet in my lap for so long.
“Everything okay?” Craig asks the moment the door is closed.
I glance through the wall of glass at the merriment in the kitchen and nod. “Great.”
“I was worried. I know Leah and Amy cooked up that snowball fight because they were itching to get spanked, but I wasn’t sure Juliet knew about the scheme or how she would respond. I hope she’s not horrified.”
I shake my head. “Not at all. She was also looking for a way to get into trouble. I think she wanted to experience a more public reprimand. I spanked her at home once, but it’s not the same.”
“No. It’s not. Some Littles don’t like it, but she seemed to respond well.”
I chuckle. “A bit too well. She learned a side lesson at the same time.”
Craig smiles. “That can happen.”
I nod toward the newcomers. Kendric is standing near his Little, rubbing his chin, waiting. It’s fascinating. “Now she’s getting a taste of something else that’s new to her.”
“Yes. So is Leah.”
I glance at him. “Really?”
He nods. “Amy too. Neither girl has stood in timeout indefinitely. That’s a more intense dynamic. It takes a careful balance. A hell of a lot of negotiation. Swats on the bottom followed by five minutes in the naughty corner are child’s play compared to the power exchange Giana has with Kendric.”
“Do you know them well? Were you expecting this dynamic?”
Craig nods. “Yes. They’re members of Surrender, the club I used to frequent in Seattle.”
“I’ve heard of it. I’ve never been there.”
“Kendric is a solid Daddy Dom. He and Giana have known each other for years, but they’ve never played together until recently.”
“Really?” I’m surprised.
“Giana can be a handful, and she knows it. She’s a brat.”
I cringe. “I’ve never been interested in a brat.” And I pray Juliet doesn’t get any ideas and decide to give that particular fetish a try. I wonder how she will be affected by witnessing Giana’s behavior.
“Me neither. Giana hasn’t ever been in a full-time relationship, but she has taunted Kendric for a long time, trying to get him to Dominate her. He’s turned her down every time.”
Interesting. There’s a lot of story behind that saga. “How did they end up together now?” I lift my hands to blow on my palms. It’s getting colder.
“He hasn’t shared the saga with me, but I know that she’s staying with him and has been for a few weeks. He called me last week to see if we had any openings so they could come here. He’s hoping the ambiance will rub off on her.”
“Hopefully it doesn’t rub off on Amy and Leah instead,” I mutter.
“Agreed. I don’t think it will. I’ll separate Leah from Giana if she shows a single inkling that she wants to try being a brat. She and Amy are both pleasers. They don’t like to get into actual trouble. If anything, I think they’ll be a good influence on Giana. I hope this doesn’t mess up your visit,” he adds.
“Not at all. Juliet is intrigued.” I nod toward her. I’ve been watching her. She’s glanced at Giana many times. “How long do you think Giana can hold out?”
Craig chuckles. “Until she needs to pee.”
I laugh. That will do it.
Craig reaches for the door handle. “It’s freezing out here. I just wanted to touch base with you. I’ll understand if you duck out after dinner.”
“Let’s see how it goes. I doubt it will be a problem.”
We step back inside just as Giana spins around and glares at Kendric. “I’m sorry,” she snaps.
Kendric’s brows lift to the ceiling. “I don’t think you are. Either change your attitude or turn back around.”
She does a potty dance, as Craig predicted. Her shoulders drop and she softens her face. “I’m sorry for talking back to you, Sir. May I please go to the restroom?”
“Yes. Thank you for apologizing. How about if you splash water on your face and shed your brat so you can enjoy a fun evening with the rest of the Little girls?”
She glances around the room and back at him. “Yes, Sir.” After that, she bolts from the room.
Apparently, the bladder can work wonders when a naughty Little is in timeout until she apologizes.
It’s our last night at Blossom Ridge. After a delicious dinner and then movie night in the downstairs theater room, I haul my sleepy Little girl upstairs into our suite.
She yawns a few times as I undress her and help her into the tub. “Giana is interesting,” she comments.
“She sure is.” I tip her chin back. “Don’t even think about behaving like that. I’m not the sort of Daddy who’s interested in dealing with a brat. It’s exhausting. I’ll keep my sweet baby girl, thank you very much.”
She giggles. “I think I would be exhausted too.”
“Good. You can expect I would nip that in the bud in a hurry if you tried it.”
“Why does she do it then? And why does Kendric put up with it?”
“It’s a particular type of age-play dynamic,” I inform her as I pour baby soap on the washcloth. “Brats. I don’t know their particular story.”
“She stares at him with an entirely different expression when he doesn’t know she’s looking.”
I grin. “I noticed that too. They’ve known each other a long time.”
She trails her fingers through the water, thinking. “Leah thinks they’re a love story. I think so too.”
I chuckle. “You do, huh?”
“Yep. Enemies to lovers.”
“What does that mean, baby girl?”
She cocks her head and looks at me like I’ve grown an extra eyeball. “Duh. Daddy, it’s a trope.”
“A trope, huh? You might have to elaborate. You’re speaking a language I don’t know.” I wash her other arm and then move to her legs.
“Leah writes romance novels. She told me, but I’ve read about it. It’s when two people hate each other but they secretly also love each other and then they get together and live happily ever after.”
I laugh again. “Sounds like you’ve got it all figured out.”
“Yep.”
“I don’t think Giana and Kendric are inside a romance novel, baby girl. That’s just fantasy.”
She lifts her wide eyes to mine. “Happily ever afters happen all the time, Daddy. Don’t you know?”
I shrug. “Okay.” Is she thinking about us? “Are we a trope too, baby girl?”
“Of course.”
“And what trope is that?”
She grins. “I can’t tell you yet.”
“Well, let me know so I don’t mess up the end of the story,” I tease.
She splashes me, getting my shirt all wet.
I grab her hand and lean forward to kiss her. Maybe I should scold her or spank her, but all I want to do is kiss her because I’m so fucking happy that she’s coming out of her shell, talking to other girls. Even splashing me is a breakthrough.
When I release her lips, her eyes are glazed. “Can we skip to the end of the book?” she asks me.
I frown at her, confused. “What happens at the end?”
“The two lovers have sex and live happily ever after, silly.”
I kiss her again. “I’d like that. Do we have to work through some sort of dark moment first? Or is that only in books?”
She shakes her head. “Let’s skip the dark moment.”
God, I hope so.
We’re quiet as I finish washing her and lift her out to dry her off.
“Please tell me you didn’t bring yet another mummy suit for me to wear to bed,” she quips. “I got too hot last night.”
I can’t keep from laughing. “You tempt me every chance you get, baby girl. I should spank you for that alone.”
“Or, you could have sex with me and we could skip to the happily ever after,” she suggests, blinking at me with her coy expression, her naked body so damn tempting I have no idea how I manage to keep my hands off her.
With a groan, I leave her standing there and return moments later with one of the cuter nighties I brought for her. It’s not as see-through as the ones she likes to prance around in, but it doesn’t cover enough of her.
I don’t have the strength to dress her in footed pj’s again though. I wasn’t kidding. I didn’t care for them. It’s a catch twenty-two. On the one hand, I need her covered so she doesn’t tempt me. On the other hand, I want to see every inch of her body.
I brush out her hair and then lead her to the bedroom.
“Can I still sleep with you, Daddy?” she asks, tentatively.
“Yes, baby girl.” I pull back the covers, help her climb up, and tuck her into the middle of the bed. I lean over and kiss her before leaving her there so I can shower myself.
I don’t lock the door this time. I’m not going to take myself in hand tonight. It doesn’t seem fair for me to rub one off while she waits for me. I’ll live. As long as this self-imposed celibacy doesn’t last too much longer. I’m starting to wonder why on earth I ever thought this was a good idea.
Eyes on the prize, man, I remind myself as I step under the spray of water and let it cascade down my body.
She’s doing better every day. Opening up. Making friends. Tomorrow we’ll return to our regularly scheduled life. Can I convince her to let go of enough of her fear and sadness to live a full and happy life?
That’s all I want for Juliet. To eradicate the sadness and replace it with hope and promise. A future.
We need a balance. I’m no good to her if I Daddy her for months or years without making sure she’s also capable of self-sufficiency. I’ll worry if I don’t think she can survive without me.
I intend to be with her until I’m old and gray, but life isn’t always kind, as we both know. And I want to be certain my sweet Little girl can and will go on if anything ever happens to me. Otherwise, I’ve failed her.
I wash quickly and step out of the shower to dry off.
Does she get it? Does she understand what I want for her? If not, I’m spinning my tires. I know it’s confusing. I know I’m asking her to let me take care of her in every imaginable way while at the same time insisting she’s prepared to do everything for herself.
I need both. I won’t settle for less.
When I return to the bedroom, she’s still awake, smiling up at me as I reach the bed. “Your hair is wet. You don’t let me go to bed with wet hair.”
I chuckle as I pull the cover back on my side and carefully tuck the sheet around her. “Mine isn’t as long as yours. It will dry in a few minutes. But the lingering sting on your bottom must not have taught you any lessons if you’re going to talk to Daddy like that.”
She giggles and glances down. “What are you doing?”
I climb onto the bed on top of the sheet and pull the covers over me. “Creating a barrier. Clever, aren’t I?” I tease.
“Seriously? You’re going to sleep on top of the sheet to avoid touching me?”
“Yep.” I drop onto my side next to her and set my hand on her tummy. “Compromise.”
She groans. “You’re insufferable.”
“Determined.” I kiss her briefly.
“Are you even attracted to me?”
I flinch and then lift my head to stare at her. “Juliet, I’m more attracted to you than any woman I’ve ever seen in my entire life. You’re killing me with your sweet body. My cock is in constant revolt. If you think you’ve got arguments for why I should give up and have sex with you, you should hear what my dick has been saying to me.”
Her eyes are wide. Her lip trembles. Tears gather.
Fuck. I snuggle up closer to her and kiss her lips gently. “You are my life. I will have you naked in my bed. I promise.”
“I’ve been naked in your bed, Daddy,” she says, her voice cracking. “I’d like you to be naked in your bed at the same time.”
“Soon.”
“After I go to the grocery store?” Her voice rises. “After I balance my checkbook?” She grabs my biceps, squeezing. “What do I have to do to make you have sex with me?” She suddenly jerks away from me and sits upright, scooting several inches to the other side of the bed. “What if I danced for you? Would you have sex with me if I danced?” She’s angry. Furious.
I feel like an asshole. My heart is breaking.
“How about if I join a dance company and dance on stage in front of an audience? Then would you want me? Would you be proud of me if I didn’t have stage fright?” Her voice rises higher. “Would I be good enough for you if I cooked dinner without it coming from the freezer? What if I went shopping alone? What if I took a bus downtown and bought a car and drove it home alone? What if I did it twice? When? What do I have to do to prove myself to you? To be good enough to fuck, Aldric?” She scrambles across the bed and leaps off to the floor, her fists at her sides, her face bright red, her anger coming out of her in flames.
I’m dying inside as I shove off my side of the bed. My chest is pounding. I hate myself right about now.
Juliet is fit to kill. And she has every right to be. Everything she said makes sense. She’s right.
I’m a dick.
“Juliet…” I take a step in her direction, thinking to round the bed.
She jumps back a few feet, shaking her head. “No. Answer me. What’s on the list, Aldric? What do I have to do to be good enough to fuck?”
I wince. I hate hearing that word coming from her mouth. It’s not like her. She never cusses. I stiffen, afraid to move. My shoulders drop. I want a do-over. Not just from the last five minutes but the last month.
Juliet lurches forward and grabs a pillow off the bed, clutching it to her chest. This kills me more.
“Juliet…”
She shakes her head. “No. Don’t talk to me right now. I need some space.” She rushes around the end of the bed and skirts around me until she flees the room. Luckily, she doesn’t leave the suite. It would be so much worse if I had to find her somewhere in the house later and confront her possibly with an audience.
She enters the yellow room, shuts the door, and locks it between us.
I wince as panic consumes me. Fuck. Fuck fuck fuck. What have I done?
I take several deep breaths, staring at the adjoining door, listening closely to make sure she doesn’t leave that room and step into the hallway. I suppose she could do it silently and I wouldn’t notice.
I slowly step closer until I can flatten my cheek against the door. She’s in there. She’s crying.
My heart hurts. I did this. I alienated her. For what reason? Why doesn’t she understand you did this for her?
Because she’s a human being, you dimwit. With feelings and emotions. A woman you’re in love with who doesn’t understand why you would put stipulations on your love.
That’s not it at all, of course. I love her with every ounce of my being. There are no stipulations. I just want her to be whole. I want her to be safe and protected. I want her to be happy. I thought that she could never be fully happy if she wasn’t self-sufficient and didn’t face her fears and grieve properly.
I thought I was doing her a disservice by babying her. Maybe I went too far and I’m doing her a disservice by not accepting her for who she is here and now.
I close my eyes. I want to punch the wall. I’m so mad at myself I could scream. I start pacing. Now what do I do? I can’t do anything until she lets me in. I have to let her cool off. I have to wait for her to come to me. Right?
I glance around the room as if there might be answers somewhere, hidden in the wallpaper perhaps or the carpet. When my gaze lands on my computer bag, I freeze.
The letter. I brought the letter with me. Just in case.
I think I’m way past just in case. I rush over to the bag and yank it open to pull out the folded letter in the original envelope. I hold it close to my chest and take several deep breaths.
It’s time to share. It’s past time. It might be too late. But I have to do this because waiting another moment is wrong.