Page 54 of Learning Little Lizzie

“Even if I get sent to Mr. Chambers because I was really bad?”

“Baby. You weren’t bad. You did something naughty, but you could never be bad. And yes, even if you are bent over, bare bottom in the air for a punishment, use your code word and everything stops. Just like with a real safe word.”

“What if I’m not ready to talk about how I’m feeling? Sometimes I just get mad and I don’t really understand why until a lot later.”

“Hmmm.” Seemingly giving the question some serious thought, he went quiet as he continued stroking her hair. “I’m going to ask you something and I want you to be honest with me.”

“I’ve been more honest with you over the past few weeks than I’ve ever been honest with anyone.”

Pleasure lit his eyes. “Good. Now, do you think sometimes when you’re feeling that way, a spanking might help? I know for some, a spanking can work like a release valve and help you release those big emotions so you can process what’s underneath better.”

She wrinkled her nose, mostly for show. And because she didn’t want to actually admit that a spanking probably would work in most cases. But she had just promised to be honest with him, and if anyone deserved her honesty just then, it was him. “As much as I hate to say it… yes. It probably would.”

“All right. When you say ‘Green Beans,’ we can try talking about whatever you’re struggling with, but if it seems like you need the release of a spanking, then you’re going right over Daddy’s knee.”

“Ugh. So I get a spanking and then a punishment? That kinda sucks.”

“Would you rather jump right into a punishment that makes you feel miserable and sad instead?”

“No,” she said with another big sigh. “I guess not.”

“That’s my good girl. I have some other ideas that might help, but I want us to talk to Dr. Denten first.”

“What? Why?” Fear sent her heart racing again. “Do you think there’s something wrong with me?”

“No, baby. Look at me.” He waited for her to meet his eyes before continuing. “I think you are incredible just as you are. I do have some theories about why some things are harder for you than most of your classmates. Like why you seem more forgetful when it comes to your assignments and why you struggle not to talk in class. But I want us to talk with Catherine and see what she thinks, first.”

“Okay. As long as you promise you don’t think I’m broken.”

“Eliza Bennett, you are the farthest thing from broken. You’re my perfect Little girl, and I hope you’ll do me the honor of calling me Daddy for a very long time.”

CHAPTER 20

He bathed her, which was a lot more fun than she’d been expecting when he’d started running the tub. Not only did he fill the bath with bubbles, he also produced a whole box of bath toys he’d purchased at some point without her knowledge. So while he bathed her, she played with a school of mermaids—they’d decided after several minutes of very serious debate that a group of mermaids was called a school—and a pirate ship that did not come with Captain Hook much to her dismay.

But the bath soothed her and reenergized her at the same time, so by the time he dressed her in a pair of leggings and a comfortable t-shirt, she was feeling much more like herself.

“Daddy, will you brush my hair?” she asked, settling on the floor in front of the couch and holding up her hairbrush for him to take.

“Of course, baby.”

Now that she knew diapers were firmly off the table—another discussion they’d had during bathtime—the stress she’d felt around being his baby had all but evaporated. And she was finding that letting him care for her and pamper her was much more fun than fighting him on everything.

At least for now.

Sitting on the couch behind her, he dangled her phone in front of her face. “Kylie’s expecting your call. You better get to it fast before she marches over here and bangs down my door. She’s been texting you nonstop for the past fifteen minutes.”

With a squeal of delight, she grabbed the phone and hit the button to video chat with Kylie. She wasn’t even sure the phone had a chance to ring before Kylie’s worried face filled the screen.

“El! Oh my god! I was so worried! Are you okay? You look…” Kylie trailed off, her eyes narrowing as she leaned into the screen. “You look amazing, actually. You look happy.”

“I am. Very happy. I’ll give you the details later, I just wanted to call so you’d know I was okay.”

“But, you used your safe word. Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m positive. I just… realized I needed to set some limits for myself.”

“Oh gee, if only you’d had a friend to tell you that years ago.” Sarcasm dripped from Kylie’s tone and Eliza couldn’t help but giggle.

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