Page 29 of Lilly's Little Labor Day

“Until you have a Daddy, you’ll be in our dorm. In the daytime, you’ll be in the nursery or preschool, depending on where you end up. We’ll start in the nursery. I know you read the rules, young lady, but let me remind you again. You are to obey. What I say goes. What Nanny J says goes. Is that understood?”

Lilly’s back stiffened.

“Yes, Sir. I’ll be good. I promise.”

He smiled and nodded. “I suspect you’re a very obedient girl. But I know how you Littles can be. Shenanigans often seem to be the order of the day. Even among the most well intended.”

Lilly suppressed a smile. The thought of some mischief did sound fun. She didn’t mention that to Master Derek, though. That armoire resting in the corner reminded her to mind her P’s and Q’s. Master Derek had a kind and gentle but also no-nonsense manner about him. She wouldn’t be a bit surprised if he pulled her pants down and bent her over the desk for a good, long reddening of her bottom.

Only if the circumstances dictated so, of course.

She was going to do her best to see they never did.

“A few more rules and then we’ll get to the fun stuff,” Master Derek said. “You cannot leave the nursery without permission. Once you are there for the day, you are there until you’re dismissed. And no leaving the Littles’ wing at night. You’ll be allowed to do plenty of activities. Don’t worry. You’ll have more than enough outings. But for your own safety, you must not simply go gallivanting around as if you own the place. Am I clear?”

She bobbed her head. “Yes, Sir.”

“There’s one more rule that I must be rather emphatic about,” he said. His eyes narrowed.

Lilly nearly shrunk under the stern look. There was no doubt he could elicit obedience from Littles. And when they stepped out of line—well, there was no doubt he didn’t hesitate to open that armoire and select the perfect instrument for the occasion.

“Yes, Sir?”

“No Littles in the dungeon. That area is strictly forbidden.”

Lilly felt a mixture of relief and disappointment. She had caught a glimpse—during her brief foray into the gift shop—to know what kind of things went on in the dungeon. It was so exciting!

Yet also terrifying.

Maybe she was best staying out of there. Not that she had a choice.

“Yes, Sir,” she said.

Once again, it seemed as if Master Derek could read her thoughts. His face softened into a pleasant, reassuring smile. “It’s for your own good, little one. Lots of things go on in there that aren’t good for Littles. You just stay up here. There’s more than enough for you to do.”

She smiled back. “Yes, Sir. I don’t have a Daddy to take me there, anyway.”

“That might change quickly,” he said. “Trust me, I’ve seen my share of relationships born here. I’m losing count of how many people have found their soul mate here. There are many thriving, happy couples who owe their relationship to the Ranch.”

She giggled.

Would she be one of those people? Oh, she hoped so!

“When you do find a Daddy,” Master Derek went on, “he will decide when you can leave your room and all of that. Until then, just remember to follow my rules. I’d hate to have you back here for correction.”

She gulped. “Uh, Sir, what… kind of correction?”

She didn’t know why she’d asked that. She knew good and well what kind.

“I might take my belt off. I might use my paddle or the cane. Or…” He flicked his nose toward one of the large bookshelves behind her. She looked over her shoulder, noting the heavy volumes that filled it. “You might find yourself copying a page or five from one of those books. Maybe writing lines. The bottom line, little girl, is it’s best you don’t find out what kind of correction goes on within these walls. Understood?”

“Yes, Sir! I’m going to be good!”

He chuckled. “We’ll see. Littles often have the best intentions…” He left it at that, shrugging slightly.

Standing, he said, “Now follow me, darlin’. Let’s introduce you to Nanny J. You’re going to have a wonderful stay here, Lilly. Get ready for magic.”

Chapter 15

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