Page 50 of Big Daddy Sheriff

She continued to sob loudly.

Seemingly realizing the diaper position was too hard to maintain, he said, “Up. On all fours. Arch your back and stick your bottom out.”

He helped shift until she was in the right position atop the bed.

“Good girl,” he said. “Now get ready.”

But there was no getting ready for pain like the cane could deliver. It was agonizing in all the worst ways. Lick after fiery lick brought blinding, searing agony. Her bottom felt as if it had been set ablaze.

Raised, red lines striped her pale cheeks. It would be a long time before the sting wore off. She’d have trouble sitting down for a while, too.

Good, Quinn thought. Maybe she’s snuck out into the woods for the last time.

He finished the caning with two hard swats and then stepped back, admiring his handiwork while her head sagged between her shoulders and she cried incessantly.

He put the cane down, picked up his little girl, and held her tightly, rocking and kissing the top of her head.

She melted into him.

“It’s all over, little one. Shhh.”

He gave her more kisses.

“Do you know Daddy only disciplines because of how much he loves you?”

“Yes, Daddy,” she said in between sobs.

“I’ll always protect you, little one. Even from yourself.”

“Thank you, Daddy,” she whispered, the words coming through her continued cries.

“I love you, honey.”

“I love you, too, Daddy. More than anything.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

Things settled down that day, and Quinn didn’t mention the transgression or the discipline again.

Alyssa hardly forgot it, though. How could she, with her bottom still so sore?

Yet even though Daddy acted normally, she wondered if he truly forgave her. She’d messed up so big, after all. Was he really moving on? Or was he secretly simmering just below the surface? Did he still want her? Had she tested the limits of his patience?

It was that evening, after he’d drawn her a bubble bath and was watching her ease into it, that he said, “Honey, what’s been bothering you?”

“Nothing.”

He knelt by the tub. His smile was gentle and reassuring. “Don’t lie to Daddy.”

She hung her head and stared at the bubbles that surrounded her. She started crying.

“Sweetheart, what’s wrong?” he asked, hugging her.

“Daddy, you’re getting all wet.”

“I don’t care. When my little girl needs a hug, she gets a hug.”

She giggled, feeling somewhat better. Those questions were still nagging at her, though.

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