Page 27 of Mountain Man Daddy

She nodded.

“Then let’s help you forgive yourself. Shall we get started?” He cocked a brow.

She nodded and he took her chin between his thumb and forefinger. His eyes scanned her face before he spoke.

“Go into the bedroom and wait for me, little girl. You’re in some serious trouble.” His voice was low and stern and brought her insides squirming to life. She chewed her lip and nodded again, swallowing hard as she went to the bedroom, tingles scattering across her bottom and thighs.

He took another drink of his coffee and watched her go. She had her head down, and he wanted to scoop her up and hold her just because she was so adorable, sweet, and brave, but he couldn’t afford to go too easy on her now. What she had done was wrong. He understood it, but that didn’t make it right, and putting herself in danger constantly was something he needed her to fix. He couldn’t lose anyone else. Maybe that was selfish, but that didn’t make it any less true.

There were so many reasons this moment was important for her. She couldn’t do this alone, and he’d be damned if he was going to let her. She needed to know there were people in the world she could rely on, now more than ever, because no matter what else was going on, there was trouble brewing. He’d seen more tracks like the ones at Annie’s—up close this time and they hadn’t been made by an animal. Plus, deep down he knew she wouldn’t feel forgiven until it was over. Most important, this was for her.

He waited, drinking the coffee, making sure he allowed her time to think about what was coming and why. He needed the time for himself as well. He still didn’t quite understand what was happening between them. It was a weird dynamic, and he didn’t quite know how he felt about it. With the final swallow of strong brew, he set the cup down and headed to the bedroom. She looked up, nervousness prevalent in her rounded eyes.

“Young lady,” he greeted her as he entered, knowing it would make her feel contrite and submissive. Her hands twisted in her lap. He wondered at that moment how old she was. He knew so little about her and yet so much. He knew her spirit, just not all the worldly tags that came with it. He didn’t know where she had come from or how’d she lived, but he knewher.

He pulled the chair out and sat on it, leaning his elbows on his knees before motioning with his chin at the items on the bed. “Those the things you stole?”

“Y-yes,” she stammered and blinked at them. “From you anyway.”

“For now we’re only dealing with what you took from me, honey, and only because you seem so focused on it. I was only planning on spanking you for risking your life again.” She nodded, her eyes welling and she lowered them to her lap. “I’ve hurt so many people. I hate that.” He leaned forward to touch her knee with his hand, and she looked up at him. “I deserve to be punished for that.”

“Here’s what’s going to happen, little one.” He leaned back and crossed his arms. “I’m going to put you over my knee, bare that bottom, and spank you, and then I’m going to give you a strapping with my belt. Some good hard stripes across your bottom should help things sink in.”

Avery swallowed audibly, and the pink of embarrassment blossomed on her face. “And when your backside is good and sore and you’re sorry, you’re going to take each item on that bed…” he pointed at them, “and put it away. Understand?” His brows rose.

She bobbed her blonde head, her curls bouncing around her shoulders, and licked her lips. He rose and shifted the chair back. “Let’s go, little girl. Get those jeans off and get over my lap.” He watched her as she removed the jeans. The loose thermals underneath drooped on her. He patted his thick thigh and she moved toward him on shaking legs, dawdling in his opinion. He grabbed her and pulled her to his side swiftly.

“I’m not fooling around. You’re getting it good now for wasting more of my time. I should be out hunting, Avery, not in here spanking your bottom red.” He wasted no more time and yanked her over, dropping the seat of the long johns.

“I think these will be coming right off for the strapping, got me?”

She nodded toward the floor, her long curls sweeping across the hardwood. Mike gave her a good sharp spank and she yelped, not prepared for it, curling her feet up.

“I expect ayes, sirhere. Or ayes, Daddysince you’re such a little girl and in need of discipline. Understand? You forget that and I’ll add five more than I planned with that belt, Avery.”

“Yes, Daddy.”

He sighed and tucked her closer to him.

“I’m sorry we have to do this, but we do.” He shifted her so her bottom was even higher and the long johns exposed her full cheeks. His palm made a cracking sound as it landed, and she called out again. He’d meant it when he said he wasn’t fooling around. It was a satisfying sound that echoed in the room. He felt a slight sting in his palm, and he had her attention already, but he didn’t care. He was starting out hard for a reason. This was serious, and he wanted her to feel it. He’d already spanked her for this—not the stealing, but the blatant disregard for herself—and she hadn’t learned.

He went fast then, swatting continuously despite her squirms and hollers. Her pale cheeks flushed pink quickly.

“Stay still. This is nothing yet.”

She apologized, and it sounded wet, although she wasn’t crying freely. He wanted her bottom hot and sore, and crying would not only release the stress she was holding but allow her to completely submit and therefore trust him to take care of her. He paused his swatting palm. She needed to trust him; she needed to know he’d protect her.

“You feel how disappointed I am, Avery?” he asked, but didn’t wait to hear her response; he carried on with the quick strikes that bounced off her chubby cheeks. His hand stung something fierce, but he kept at it. She would be good and sorry as he’d promised, even if it meant his own hand was raw and his heart ached for her.

“Yes, Daddy, I don’t want to be the kind of person—” she choked through a particularly hard swat, “that steals and lies!” Her legs kicked in small scissored movements. “Or that runs off without thinking.”

“And you won’t be. I’m going to help you out of this mess and keep you safe, but you can damn well expect an ass-blistering if you run off again or don’t listen to what you’re told. And remember, this is mostly about you taking off and jeopardizing yourself. I care way more about your life than I do about my damn money or anybody else’s.”

“You do? Y-you care for me?” She hiccupped as his hand stilled on her hot flesh. She sounded surprised, and it sliced straight through to his heart like a blade. Had no one ever cared for her?

“And you’re really going to help me, Daddy? Keep me safe?”

“Yes, Avery. I care, and I’m going to help you. Now up you get.” He helped her up and stood himself, tipping her chin since he towered over her. Her eyes were glossy and her chest heaving, but her face was dry. Not for long. She would let go; he’d make sure of it.

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