Page 218 of Daddy's Naughty List

She hesitated before sliding into Rocky’s car. All she had to do was inhale his scent imprinted inside and felt so much safer. Collapsing into the contoured seat, Melissa hugged herself to add one more layer of comfort.

“Little girl. You’re all right,” Rocky said and kissed her temple as he drew the seatbelt over her. He gently rearranged her arms to set the chest strap in place.

“You’re here. You make everything right.”

“I don’t think you needed my help with this one, Lissy. You had him scared.”

“I did, didn’t I?” she asked, proud of herself for standing up to him.

“You did.” Rocky pressed a hard kiss to her lips before standing up and shutting her door with a definite thump.

When Rocky slid in beside her, Melissa turned in her seat to look at him. “Daddy?”

“Yes, Lissy?”

“Thank you for teaching me to stand up for myself.”

“Number one rule when dealing with an aggressor is to get away. If you can’t do that, then make sure you fight with everything you have. Just like you did today. You did good. Just remember, there are people out there operating on a whole different code of what’s right and what’s wrong.”

“I know, Daddy. I’ll be careful.”

“That’s my good girl. I think it’s time to reunite you and Rwahr Rwahr. You have a lot to tell him.”

“Oh, my goodness! I do.”

“Hopefully, you’ll like your reward as well,” he said as he buckled his seatbelt.

“I get a reward?”

“Good Little girls always get a reward.”

She watched him pull away and glanced behind her. The tow truck had loaded her car and was preparing to take it away. “Oh! I’m an idiot. I just realized I have to pay for the accident if his insurance doesn’t. Do you think my car’s going to be okay?”

“First, don’t call yourself names. A lot has happened tonight. It’s understandable that you’re not thinking about the future. There are just a few dings where he hit you. We need to make sure the bumper is safe. Skidding over the pavement ruined your tires. I’ll get those changed as well,” he told her.

“I don’t think I can pay for all that. Maybe they can just make sure the bumper is safe, and I’ll be okay for a while. You know, until we find out about the insurance. I need to keep saving money for an apartment deposit.”

Rocky pulled to the side of the road and turned to look at her. “I could have lost you tonight. I need to make sure you’re okay if I’m ever going to let you drive by yourself again. Your carwillbe made safe. Regardless of the insurance amount. I will take care of this for you. Your nest egg of money will stay with you and grow.”

“I can’t impose on you like that,” she said, shaking her head.

“It’s not imposing if I insist. You’ll need to think of something special to use your money for. You will not be using it for an apartment deposit.”

“What? Why?”

“Because you already have a home and I’m keeping you.”

“I’m not like a stray dog,” she said indignantly.

“You’d be a very cute one. I am well aware that you are an adorable Little girl. You’ve already captured my heart. You wouldn’t want to tear that to pieces by leaving—especially when you’d cause your own damage.”

She shook her head slowly. That all sounded great, but she didn’t want to misinterpret what he was saying. He’d told her he loved her, but she was a lot of work. Maybe he’d change his mind.

Rocky wrapped his hand around her thigh and squeezed. When she looked at him, he said softly, “I love you, little girl. You’re my match. Please stay with me forever.”

Melissa felt her heart melt. He really did mean it. “I love you.” As she looked at his caring expression, her brain finally put the pieces of the puzzle together. “Oh, that’s why I don’t need to save more money for an apartment. I get to stay home with you!”

She felt her face heat when he smiled indulgently. She was so… Melissa stopped that negative thought in its tracks. Learning that lesson had been hard, and she didn’t want another spanking.

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