Page 55 of Possessing Paisley

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PAISLEY

“Daddy, I’m fine. We’re not canceling the party. We’ve been planning it for months; the venue is rented, and the caterers have been paid.”

How is it possible to love someone this much but also want to hit them over the head with a cast iron skillet at the same time? I have a feeling this is how our relationship will always be. At the end of the day, though, my love for him outweighs everything else. At least, it has up until now.

He’s kept me in bed since the incident with Chuck. I begrudgingly let him. I was hoping if I rested for two full days, he wouldn’t have a fit about the party for the makeup company’s launch tomorrow night. But here we are, toe to toe, with him trying to forbid me from attending or canceling the entire thing altogether.

“You’re injured, Paisley. You need to be in bed. Not trying to impress a bunch of influencers. Your product speaks for itself.”

Glaring up at him, I huff. “I have a scratch on my back that didn’t even need stitches and a few bruises. I’m fine. And if I’m forced to stay in bed any longer, I might end up committingmurder. Specifically of a big, gruff Irishman who’s being a bossy meanie right now.”

He raises an eyebrow and crosses his arms. I don’t think he realizes how hot he looks when he’s trying to be all overbearing like this. I kind of want to show him my tits just so he’ll hate-fuck me while we’re both irritated with each other.

“What did you just think about?” he asks, stepping forward. His pupils dilate.

I gulp. How does he do that? How does he read me so easily?

“What? Nothing. Daddy, we’re having this party. It’s important for the business, and it’s not just my company. There are three other women involved, plus Judy Callahan. It would look terrible if we canceled.”

He hesitates before he reaches for my hips. He’s been treating me like I’m fragile for the past couple of days. I both love it and hate it. Seeing this softer side of Kieran is so intimate. It’s something he only gives me. I miss him manhandling me, though.

“I’m not broken,” I whisper. “Stop treating me like I’m broken.”

I tilt my head back to look into his eyes. His face is pinched like he’s in pain, so I reach up and run my thumb over the line between his eyebrows.

“I know you’re not broken, Paisley. I could have fucking lost you, though. Who knows what that asshole would have done to you if you hadn’t fought back. It fucking guts me to think about. You’re my strong girl, but you’re also my baby girl.”

“And you’re my Daddy. We can’t cancel the party.”

He sighs and leans down, resting his forehead against mine. “I know. But you’re going to take it easy. No heavy drinking, no dancing, and if I tell you to sit down and take a break, you better obey, or I’ll find an empty room and put you over my knee.”

“Yes, Sir. You’re the boss.”

“Paisley Mae, don’t fucking test me right now,” he growls.

Sticking out my bottom lip, I bat my eyelashes. “But it’s so fun testing you, Daddy. You get all grumbly, and your hand gets twitchy. It’s one of my favorite things to do.”

“That’s it. I’m adding a tally to your spanking journal. You better brace yourself, Little one, because you’re not going to sit for a week if you keep adding to your punishments.”

“That’s kind of what I’m hoping for,” I say, giggling.

He lets out a string of curses, and I laugh harder. I don’t think messing with him will ever get old.

“Oh my God, we look so beautiful,” Cali squeals.

Chloe nods, her face pale. “I can’t believe this is actually happening. You guys, I’m going to cry.”

My tummy flutters as I wrap my arms around my best friend, being careful not to mess up our hair or makeup. “Believe it. Your vision and passion brought all of this to life.”

She sniffs and hugs me back. “I couldn’t have done this without you three. You’re not only my family, but you’re my best friends. Creating this business with you has been the highlight of my life. We’re going to do great things together.”

The four of us dab at our eyes, nodding our agreement. It’s been a chaotic couple of months since we started, and we’ve worked tirelessly to get everything going. Throughout it all, the four of us have gotten along and supported each other. We haven’t had a single fight or disagreement. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever experienced. True friendship.

“Fearless Beauty is going to be amazing,” Scarlet says.

Cali beams and fiddles with her hair. “That’s because we’re amazing. No matter what happens, we are truly blessed. Not only do we have each other, but we have men who will torch the earth for us.”

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