Total pages in book: 153
Estimated words: 155903 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 780(@200wpm)___ 624(@250wpm)___ 520(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 155903 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 780(@200wpm)___ 624(@250wpm)___ 520(@300wpm)
“You’re not up to that.”
“I am,” she said firmly. “You just have to be careful with me, but I know you will be. I don’t know how young I’ll go in Little headspace. But I . . . I give my consent for you to do whatever you want other than make me bleed or give me to anyone else to use.”
He growled at that. “I’d never.”
“I know.”
It was always easier for her to let go in Little headspace. But this was more, and she wouldn’t lie, it was a tiny bit scary too.
But also, so tempting.
Reuben sat on a chair, lifting her onto his lap so she faced him. Then, to her surprise, he put his legs up on the rung of the chair she’d been on and pushed her gently back so she leaned against his legs.
It was a strangely vulnerable position to be in.
Her Little pushed at her, wanting her to slide right into Little headspace.
But she needed to remain Big for the moment. Reaching over for the fork, he brought some eggs to her mouth. “Open.”
Was it a test?
But she never usually fought him feeding her. Well, not until the last few days, when she hadn’t had much of an appetite. And he hadn’t pushed.
He was silent, thoughtful, as he fed her. But she soon grew full and shook her head. “No more, Daddy.”
“I think I say when you’ve had enough, don’t I?”
Her eyes widened. That was more like her Reuben. Happiness filled her.
“I’m full, though, Daddy.”
“You need to build up your strength. Three more mouthfuls, then Daddy will make you a bottle.”
She actually loved being given a bottle. He eyed her like he could understand what she was thinking.
“Does my girl need this? For Daddy to be in charge?”
“Daddy’s always in charge.”
“Hmm. Yes, he is. It’s good you know that.”
She refrained from sticking her tongue out. Just.
“But I think I’ve been neglecting you lately. Time for that to change. You still have your safeword.”
She frowned.
“It’s there for both of us,” he reassured her. “It’s only been ten days since you were hit by a car. I’m not myself. I don’t want to go too far.”
It rattled her seeing him like this. And at the same time, she was proud of him for realizing that something was wrong. He was growing. And so was she.
She’d become more confident under his care. She now knew that she had worth and that she shouldn’t allow anyone to erode that.
It was all right to ask for what she needed. No matter what that was.
“I trust you, Daddy. Fully. And I’m not going to break. I know my nightmares have started up again, but I’m not broken.”
Sometimes her dreams were about Eric . . . other times about being pushed in front of traffic.
None of them were fun.
Shock filled his face. “I didn’t mean to make you feel broken.”
“I know. What happened to me affected you greatly and you’re scared of losing me. But I’m tough. And I’m not going anywhere.”
He took her face between his hands. “I can’t be without you. Hear me?”
“I hear you, Daddy. I feel the same way.”
He kissed her gently.
“Do you know what happened to my lucky hair clip?” she asked when he drew back.
“I’m sorry, baby. You must have lost it when you were pushed or hit by the car.”
She nodded. She’d guessed that.
“I’ll get you a new one,” he told her.
“You know what? I don’t think I need a lucky hair clip anymore.”
“No? Why is that?”
“Because how can I ever be unlucky when I have you?”
Drawing her close, he kissed her deep. “I know the luckiest day of my life was when I met you.”
67
Reuben wasn’t sure what he’d done to deserve his girl.
But he’d do whatever was necessary to keep her.
After he finished feeding her, he carried her into the bedroom and laid her on the bed.
She pouted up at him. “Daddy, no bed.”
“No bed? Are you allowed to say no?”
That pout grew.
“I think someone has been getting away with murder.” He tapped her lip. “Do you need a spanking?”
He couldn’t spank her hard. Not when she was still recovering. But it wasn’t always about pain. A few reminder taps on her butt could work well as an attitude adjuster. Sometimes, it was about how you gave them.
“No, Daddy! I mean . . . I . . . um . . .”
Poor baby.
Amusement filled him. She was trying so hard.
He shook his head. “I blame myself, really.” He drew off her pajama pants and panties. Then he gently grasped her legs and pushed them back toward her body, watching her for any sign of pain.
Her eyes widened but that was all.
Reuben let his gaze take her in. For the last ten days, he felt like he’d been encased in a fog. All he’d been able to think about was his failure to keep her safe, how he could have lost her, and making sure she was still breathing.