Page 141 of Guardian Daddy

“You don’t need a chart,” he told her. “I’m here to help you. I’ll give you whatever guidance you need.”

All right.

Leaning into him, she placed her hands on his shoulders tentatively.

When he didn’t move or try to push her away, she started kissing along his jaw. Then down his neck. She pulled back and looked at him. She wanted to know whether she was doing a good job or not.

But he didn’t say anything, and she tensed up. What was that look on his face? Was he happy? Feeling good? Constipated?

“Hey, what’s wrong? Have you changed your mind?” he asked. “There’s no shame if you have.”

“No, I haven’t . . . maybe I have. Perhaps this was a really stupid idea. I’ve got to go have a shower. What was I thinking?”

“Whoa. Okay, calm down and talk to me.”

“Why? You’re not talking to me!”

He stared at her for a moment. “I’m not?”

“No! I have no idea if what I’m doing is good or bad. Whether you want more. Should I move faster or slower? Harder or softer? Are you thinking about how nice it feels or whether you need to visit the dentist?”

And why did she feel so crazed right now? Almost wild, emotions battering her from all sides. She didn’t like it.

Her cold, calm, sterile world had been so much easier.

This was too unpredictable.

You aren’t ready.

“I’m not ready.”

“Yes, you are,” he replied firmly, his hands still on her hips.

“You said I can stop at any time.” Her safeword was on the tip of her tongue, but she just wasn’t quite ready to say it.

“And you can, as long as the reason you’re stopping isn’t because I’m an idiot who is failing you.”

“What?” She didn’t understand what he was saying. Failing her?

“How could you fail me when you are perfect?”

His mouth dropped open and he gaped at her. Then he placed his hand around the back of her neck and drew her in for a kiss that had her melting instantly.

“You are so damn good for a man’s ego. But I don’t deserve to be called perfect. I’m not. No one is.”

She guessed that was true. “You’re close.”

“Baby, fuck you’re sweet.”

“I don’t think anyone has ever called me that. Ice queen, weirdo, freak. All of those. Never sweet.”

His face tightened. “You won’t call yourself those words again, understand? Another rule.”

“I need a list of these rules.”

“It’s very simple. Keep yourself healthy and safe. Be honest and communicate. Don’t speak badly about yourself. And don’t go anywhere without me.”

“While there is a stalker.”

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