Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 24429 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 122(@200wpm)___ 98(@250wpm)___ 81(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24429 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 122(@200wpm)___ 98(@250wpm)___ 81(@300wpm)
Thankfully, he pretended not to notice the small dark spot on his lap where I sat a second before.
“Yes... I think so.”
"No." He shook his head. "From now on, you don't think, Katrina, you know. Because if you ever have any doubt about anything, you just ask me and I'll tell you. Understand?"
I nodded, drawing a deep breath. It should have felt wrong, giving up my control like that, but instead it was a relief. I surrendered it willingly. "Yes. I understand."
"Good girl. When you don’t understand, you just say, ‘I’m sorry, Daddy, I don’t understand’ and I’ll be sure to make myself clearer. So, panties are only one thing, but if I want you naked, you'll be naked. I choose your clothes from here on out."
"Yes." My voice still shook, especially at that Daddy part, but there was a small part of me that drew strength from his strength and a connection I shouldn’t want knotted inside me, taking root. I stood up straighter, my headache and nausea somehow more manageable. "Where are we going?"
"Home."
Home? What did that mean? I didn't have a home, except the one I shared with Jenette, and I doubted he was taking me there.
I wanted to ask him about that. I wanted to ask him so much.
But I also just wanted to trust that he knew what was best, and that I would always be safe so long as he was with me.
I didn't want to know the details, because Jesse would take care of it all. Kat could just be Kat again, the little girl who needed someone to care for her, and love her, and make sure she had everything she needed.
“What time is it?” I asked instead.
“It’s 10:30.” He rummaged through his desk drawer, pulling out his black key fob.
“A.M., right?”
There was the slightest upturn on one corner of Jesse’s lips. His hard, intense face showed the smallest of softening smiles. “Come on, baby. I guess you’ll see when we get outside.”
Chapter
Five
I slept like I hadn’t slept in years those first few days at Jesse’s place.
It was more than having a beautiful room that looked out over Wolverine Lake. Although, that was a nice perk. But the surroundings were nothing compared to the sense of security I had with Jesse.
He didn’t go to any of his businesses for the first four days. Instead, he stayed by my side while I lay in bed, sleeping and dreaming and hoping this was real.
A doctor came in once a day to check my vitals and administer some medications for the low level withdrawals I guess I was having. I didn’t realize my problem was such a problem, but Jesse was over the top about keeping track of everything.
Once, when I was so low I didn’t want to even get out of bed to pee or shower, he carried me to the bathroom. There, he lovingly took off my clothes and lowered me down into a steaming hot bath that smelled like fresh linen and rose petals... Such a contrast to him and the wood and hardness of his home.
He washed my back and neck as shameful, wonderful, filth-filled thoughts played on a loop behind my closed lids.
I asked for a Black Cherry Whiteclaw. Again.
But Jesse stood, quiet and imposing, and refused it all.
He never wavered. Nothing. Not a hint of vulnerability or chink in his emotional armor. Nothing I could exploit. And when I lashed out, he took it and didn't retaliate.
“You can’t be you when you drink, Kat. And the world needs you. So, quit asking. It ain’t gonna happen.” His set jaw and steely eyes gave me no room for negotiation.
And that was exactly what I needed.
Little things were beginning to happen between us, too. Subtle things at first. It took a couple of days for my head to clear, but then I started noticing. Like, the clothes he brought me. I would usually just sleep in a big t-shirt and some sweats, but when I woke up that second day, he had changed me into a nightgown.
Now, I’m not talking about a Victoria’s Secret sexy, lacy, revealing nightgown here.
This was made of soft cotton. It was light yellow, with lace trim and little embroidered daisies all over. It was just long enough to cover my rear end, and when I stood and lifted the hem of the gown, instead of my usual boy shorts or thong, I saw ruffled white panties. I never knew they made something like that in my size.
Then, the next morning, I noticed there were a couple of stuffed bears sitting on the floor across the room when I woke up.
They were big enough for an adult to cuddle into and lose herself in their soft warmth and luckily, the bed I was in was so enormous, Jesse was still able to put one next to me that night when I drifted off to sleep with him on the other side.