“You mean besides spank your naughty ass?”
“Drew!”
“Baby girl, we’re going to let this fish go and then I’m bringing you back to your cabin for a bath.” He leaned toward her and sniffed, grimacing. “You smell like a pike that rolled in dead fish and fuzzy dumpster hotdogs.”
She looked down and sniffed at herself. “Oh, God. I do.”
“And once you smell better, you’re going right over my knee.”
“Really?” She crossed her arms.
He took a step toward her and put his palms on her face, tipping it up so he could look her in the eye. “Was last night a joke? A game?” he asked.
Addi shrugged. He dropped his hands from her face and took her hands instead.
“It wasn’t. Not to me. This is real and you agreed.” When she looked down, he let her hand go to tilt her chin back up. “Have you changed your mind?”
Addi swallowed hard at his words. “No. I want real.”
“I’m the boss, babe. I’m taking care of you completely from here on out. You argue, disobey, disrespect, I don’t walk away, little one. I correct, teach, and punish however I see fit. Got me?”
“I got you, Drew.” She nibbled her lip a moment. “Thank you. I know I’ll likely screw up, again and again, but I want this. I want you to take care of me, Daddy.” It took a lot for her to say that, but she meant it. She trusted him.
“Good.” He leaned down and took her mouth gently again, sucking in the lip she’d nibbled a few seconds earlier. It was a dawdling kiss that created a slow burn deep in her belly and when he released her, she was breathless.
“Come on, babe. Let’s get that fish back home.”
The net made everything easier, although the fish was heavier than she thought and still fought fiercely so Drew carried it. At the edge of the lake he handed it to her.
“Go ahead. Take it.”
“Me?”
“Yeah, babe, but hurry up. This guy can’t breathe.”
“Okay.” She grabbed the net from him. She grunted with the weight and the change made the fish start flopping from side to side again. “Whoa, big guy,” she said and waded into the water.
“Careful, it’s slippery,” Drew warned.
She smiled and put the net in the water but left the top above so the fish couldn’t get away yet.
“Should we say something?” She looked at him, unsure if he’d think she was being silly.
“Yeah, babe.” He smiled.
“We release you, grandpa fish, in the name of your nemesis, but in the end your friend. This is for Uncle Ray, a fighter for all in need.” And she lowered the net completely.
The fish flicked its tail wildly and splashed her with water. She screamed when it turned to her.
“Oh, shit, Drew!” She ran toward shore. “It’s gonna get me!” She practically climbed him when he hauled her back to shore, and squealed shrilly.
He laughed, deep and hearty from his belly, and then fell onto the shore. He kissed her neck, sending shivers through her from his scruffy beard.
“Come on, baby girl, let’s get you in the tub so I can punish and fuck you good.”
* * *
He ran the bath, throwing another bath bomb in while watching her undress.