Page 227 of Daddy's Naughty List

"It's perfect," she breathed, tears prickling at the corners of her eyes. "Absolutely perfect."

Sara placed a gentle hand on Louisa's shoulder. "We want you to feel completely at home here, Lulu. This is a place where you can be your true self without fear or judgment. You're among friends now. If you have a look in the wardrobe, you’ll see a complimentary outfit. We also have diapers if you choose to wear them."

Diapers?

The idea was scary, mainly because she’d never even considered it an option before. Would it be something she’d enjoy? She didn’t really know.

“We’ve got pacis, sippy cups, anything you need for getting into the right mindset. There’s a bunch of holiday-themed stuff, too.”

“This is all so wonderful.”

“Well, enjoy it. It’s all for you.”

As Sarah left to give Louisa time to settle in, Louisa hugged Flopsy close and surveyed her new surroundings with a heart brimming with gratitude. She carefully arranged her cherished Little items around the room, each one a tangible reminder of the journey that had led her to this moment.

Perched on the edge of the bed, Louisa gazed out the window at the awe-inspiring Montana landscape. The snowy mountains seemed to whisper promises of adventure and self-discovery, while the vast, open sky invited her to dream without limits.

Would she be able to live in the moment here? She was sure as heck going to try.

Chapter Two

Ben

Benjamin Lawson leaned back in his leather office chair, surveying the plans and blueprints scattered across his large oak desk. Floor-to-ceiling windows revealed a sweeping view of downtown Austin, but Ben's attention was focused on the papers before him.

Meticulous notes detailed his upcoming trip to Littlecreek Ranch in Montana. As a respected Daddy Dom in the ageplay community, Ben had helped countless Littles and Middles feel safe, cared for, and nurtured. He owned an ageplay nightclub in the heart of Austin, but his vision was expanding, with aspirations of opening a DDlg sanctuary in the Texas countryside.

He picked up a pamphlet from a stack of inspirational reading materials.Building Intentional Communities,the title read in bold lettering. Ben nodded to himself, his jaw set with determination. This was his calling, his purpose.

A framed photo on the bookshelf caught Ben's eye and he froze. Shit. He’d forgotten that picture was still there. Two smiling faces. He had his arms around Kayla, his former partner. The memory of their painful breakup came rushing back like a tidal wave.

"I can't do this anymore, Ben! I never see you. You're always so damn busy with your support groups and community building. What aboutmeand my needs?" Kayla's anguished voice echoed in his mind.

"That's not fair," he’d replied, struggling to keep his tone even. “Of course I care about you. But I have so many responsibilities?—”

And then the real blow: "I'm tired of being your lowest priority." Tears streamed down her face.

“Baby, you’re not my lowest priority."

It was true. She wasn’t. But even though he had tried his best, it hadn’t been enough for her.Hehadn’t been enough for her.

“I don’t want you to help anyone else. It’s weird. All those other Littles at the club?—”

“They need protecting, honey, you know that. It’s not romantic, not even slightly.”

“I don’t believe you.”

Her words had cut him to the core. The accusations, the misunderstandings about his lifestyle at the club—it was more than he could bear. When she walked out and slammed the door behind her, part of Ben's heart went with her.

Blinking back the painful memories, Ben took the picture off the shelf and tossed it into the trashcan. He forced himself to return his attention to the present moment. The present moment was all he had. No point dwelling on the past. No point daydreaming. All he had was the here and now, and the things he needed to do to make each moment worthwhile.

He straightened his tie and ran a hand through his sandy blond hair.

Relationships just weren’t for him. He was too busy. Still, he wouldn’t make that mistake again. There was no room for distractions. No room for heartache. From now on, his personal life would remain separate from his all-consuming mission. He had Littles to help, a community to grow. There was no room for anything, or anyone, else.

Ben gathered the plans and tucked them neatly into a leather portfolio. Rising to his full 6'2" height, he gazed out at the Austin skyline, his piercing blue eyes reflecting a solemn commitment, an unwavering professionalism.

Littlecreek Ranch awaited. And Benjamin Lawson would be ready to take on this next chapter, no matter the cost.

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