Page 15 of Cherishing Little Charlee

“On the Ranch?” She raised her eyebrows.

“Answer the question.”

“Yeah, obviously.”

The sass in her she usually tossed in my direction was replaced with something that sounded like longing.

“Not enough,” I muttered and leaned forward. “For the next three weeks the most important thing is to rest and heal, Charlee. You’ll follow the doctor’s instructions along with mine. No overexerting yourself.”

“Hang on, Pierce. Will you please write the rules down for me? I’m not used to this at all.”

“Good idea.” I walked into the den, grabbed a notebook and pen from one of the side tables and returned. I wrote down the first rule I’d said verbally. “Second rule: you’ll listen to me and obey my guidance. Trust that I’ll take care of you.”

Charlee fretted as she chewed on her thumbnail. “Obedience is not something I’m well-versed in.”

“I don't want blind obedience. Your limits are important to me. Your boundaries too. But I expect you to listen. Will you do that for me?”

Charlene matched my posture leaning across the table and setting her non-injured hand on my arm. “What happens if I don’t listen?”

“We’re getting there. Please answer.” I kept my eyes on her for a few more seconds before jotting down the rule in her new notebook. It was teal and sparkly, much like the throw pillows I’d seen on the loveseat in her bedroom.

“I’ll listen as much as my ears allow,” she muttered.

“As much as your ears…” I licked my lips. “Hmmm? Not convinced of my dedication to this yet?”

“Maybe not. I still appreciate the effort.”

Shaking my head, I continued writing. “Third rule: Respect boundaries. This goes for myself and for you. Communicate with me if anything feels off and I’ll do the same.”

Charlee appeared stressed, and I hated that. Before I could ask if she wanted to clarify, she stood up. Instead of running as I thought she might do, she dragged her plate across the table and nudged my knee.

“May I sit with you? I’m really overthinking. I want to finish eating while I process the implications.”

“Yes, right here.” Patting my thigh I waited for her to join me. She stared into my eyes a moment before resigning to perch on my lap. Shifting, I pulled her closer. “I want to keep track of how often you’re icing your wrist and taking pain medication.”

“That would be very helpful. Thank you, Pierce. For more than I can say.”

“You’re welcome, Charlee.”

We ate in silence but it was a comfortable stretch as she rested her head on my shoulder. She occasionally took bites of the remaining half of her sandwich. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was a stalling technique but I gave her the moment.

“I’ll agree but only under one condition,” she said, turning to face me completely, her legs straddling my thighs.

“I have a condition of my own, sweetheart. Go on, and then I’ll tell you mine.”

“If I’m following your rules it’s got to be crystal clear to everyone that I’m not Little. I will not be subjected to the rules Littles follow on the Ranch simply because I’m allowing you to be my Dom. I am not now nor will I ever be Little. Not in size, shape, form, mind or in any way it matters.”

I cupped her face, grazing my thumb along her cheekbone. I had been thinking of a nickname or term of endearment I could call her without using the word she had a visceral reaction to.“Rules are meant to be followed. If they are posted, you will respect them. Regardless of your headspace. Am I clear?”

“But if I’m not–” Charlee shut her mouth. She seemed to mull over her thoughts for once. “Yes, I understand you. I’ll do my best to follow all the rules posted. But that’s not quite fair.”

“In addition to my rules, starlet, I’d like to prove your theory true. Trust me to explore ageplay with you. You don’t have to be into ageplay to be Little,” I clarified though I was fairly certain she knew that. “Might as well give it a few chances so you can see how unpleasant it is. Especially since you’re not interested in the mindset.”

Her eyes narrowed, probably for more than one reason. I hoped the pet name brought warmth to her body rather than an irritating feeling. If she loathed the idea, I wouldn’t push. I truly believed Charlee was Little in her heart and that’s where it mattered.

“Since you’d like to disprove what I’m saying then I’m going to assume you explored being a submissive.”

Her smug smirk was going to get her in trouble.

---