Page 168 of Tempted By her Daddies

“Why not?”

“Um. Well. Because I think this one isn’t even meant to be on the shelf, it obviously had some manufacturing errors.” He grasped hold of the toy that was a mix of black, brown and white. It only had one ear and crooked eyes. And its fur was kind of flat in patches.

“What even is it?”

“Daddy! It’s obviously a puppy and I love it. Please?” She couldn’t remember ever asking anyone for anything. But this was something she wanted.

More than anything.

If she had her own money, she would buy him.

“If you’re sure,” he said skeptically, handing the dog to her. “You really don’t want the bunny? She looks so soft.”

“I’m sure she is. She’ll make someone else very happy. But I want this guy. I’m going to name him Atlas. He’s so cute.”

“Not sure that I’d agree that thing is cute.”

Her bottom lip dropped on a pout. “Don’t you like him, Daddy? I can put him back if you want.”

Something swirled in his gut.

Something that felt suspiciously like panic. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d panicked. But he felt that now.

Panic and chagrin.

“Here.” She held out the ugly toy as her lower lip trembled.

And he held his hands up, taking a step back. “No, no, you keep it, Little one.”

“Are you sure? I don’t want you to not like Atlas.”

“I like him. He’s . . . unique.”

He was definitely that.

“Yay!” She hugged the ugly thing tight while giving Salem a huge smile. And he knew he’d done the right thing.

He grabbed the handle of the cart and kept pushing them through the store. He had to keep a close eye on her to see the things that she gravitated toward. Because she didn’t ask for anything else. But there was a large, fluffy sage-green beanbag that caught her eye. It barely fit in the cart, but he shoved it in.

Along with a soft blanket that she claimed was the color of the ocean. She didn’t reach for any more toys. But he could always bring her back later for those. At the moment, he wanted to get her some clothes.

Something other than the black outfits she wore all the time.

They strode through the punishment implement aisle first, though.

“Daddy, I don’t think I like this aisle,” she told him.

He swallowed a smile. “I don’t think any Littles ever like this aisle.” As well as a huge selection of paddles, there were also riding crops, floggers, and a few canes. None of which he’d use on his girl.

Although he did see a heart-shaped paddle covered in a soft leather that looked appealing. He picked it up and tested it against the palm of his hand.

She jumped at the noise it made. “Daddy, no!”

“No?” He raised an eyebrow. “Hmm, I don’t know. This might make a very nice imprint on your naughty bottom.”

“That’s just mean,” she grumbled.

He put it back and then looked over the handcuffs.

---