Page 215 of Guardian Daddy

He ran his fingers through her hair tenderly. “So if you find yourself overwhelmed, if you think you’ve done something wrong, I want you to come and find me.”

“And then you will punish me?” While it was a question, she was pretty certain of his answer.

“If you deserve punishment,” he told her. “Then and only then.”

Wow. She felt like she could finally breathe.

But what happened after he left?

Worry about that another day.

Cate slid her arms around his waist, hugging him back. He was so big and warm. She sighed happily.

He moved his hand to the back of her neck and started to massage the tight muscles and she let out a moan of pleasure.

“Like that, Catie-pie?”

“Yes, Daddy.”

“So the protocol is Rhodes seeing that you’re all right, that you haven’t hurt yourself.”

“Yes. I’m not allowed to hide away behind a locked door when I’m upset. And I have to show him that I’m fine.”

“I like that protocol.”

“You like rules and order.”

“You already know me so well.” He drew her back so he could smile at her. Leaning down, he rubbed his nose against hers.

Then he gently cupped her face between his hands. Hmm, she liked that.

“Why did you pinch yourself this time?”

“The hair tie wasn’t working.”

“Show me.” There was no judgment on his face. Just concern.

Cate drew back her sleeve, showing him the red mark on her forearm. He lifted her arm to his lips and kissed it. “There, all better.”

She stared down at her arm. “I know the concept of kisses make things better, but you know that’s not actually true, right?”

“Of course it’s true. But only with a Daddy’s kiss.”

“Oh. How does that work?”

“Magic.”

“I don’t believe in magic.”

“That’s too bad. Magic is fun.”

Strangely, the small mark on her arm did actually feel better.

“Why did you feel the need to punish yourself this time? Because of what Kevin said?”

“Yes, he called me a liability. I’d never want to be a liability for Rhodes. And because I felt like it was my fault he broke up with Samantha. Although that seems to be a good thing. Rhodes deserves real love.”

Like what I feel for you.

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