Page 16 of Cherishing Little Charlee

“I did.” Her jaw dropped and I gently closed her mouth with my finger. “It’s not for me,” I continued. “But before wiping it completely off the table I did try it with more than one person whom I trusted. You’ve completely disregarded what I’ve mentioned.” I reveled in the satisfaction of the smile disappearing off her face as if I’d wiped it away with my thumb.

She squirmed on my lap but her pupils were huge. “I think perhaps what you said may be a not truth.”

“Are you calling me a liar, starlet?”

“No, Pierce. I find it hard to believe you gave submission a spin since you’re so dominant all the time. But I could be wrong.”

“Whether I liked it or not is a different story. Tell me about the spankings you received. Were they only for discipline?”

“Yes, I think so. It happened a few times with a paddle and once with a strap but I was never over someone’s knee.” She blew out a long breath. “I’ve thought about what that would feel like.”

“All right, I’ll keep that in mind. Here’s what’s going to happen now. We are going to the Ranch gift shop to pick out some clothes and a few other special objects. No arguing.”

She pursed her lips but didn’t react verbally.

“Other than what you’ve shared do you have any hard limits, starlet?”

“No, Pierce.”

“It’s important to let me know if I find a limit or if something changes. And remember, that condition I mentioned earlier?” I asked.

Charlee twirled a piece of her hair around her pointer finger. “Yes?”

“I want you to call me Daddy. If I’m punishing you, it’s expected. All other times? It’s optional.”

Her eyes grew impossibly larger, her head bobbing several times. “I will work on referring to you as Daddy instead of Pierce. I’ll probably mess up a bunch even if you’re punishing me but I’ll try my best.”

She was adorable. I knew she’d try because her entire demeanor changed while we discussed rules. “I appreciate that.”

“I thought… I thought you could only have a Daddy if you’re a Little.”

“Anyone can have a Daddy. It’s a role, starlet. I’m not seeking perfection. I’d like you to try to do what I tell you. That’s all I’m asking.” I rubbed her shoulder, wanting to comfort her.

“That’s good to know,” she said offhandedly but something else played across her face. “What if the shop doesn't have anything in my size?”

“Let’s focus on finding clothes that make you smile.”

“Okay, before we leave I just thought of something. How are you going to enact these rules and consequences if I’m on the Ranch and you’re at your house?”

It was an excellent question, one I hadn’t thought about yet. “You can stay here as often as you want.”

“Or you can come stay in my apartment sometimes,” she offered. “It’s not as roomy, but we are in crunch time for the production. There are a lot of late-night practices and last-minute set stuff to handle. I’m not directing, but I’m heavily involved.” She slid backward off my lap.

“I’ll pack a bag. We can duke it out after the gift shop,” I said standing up and tapping my finger off her nose.

Charlee smiled sweetly then glanced at her feet. “Do you really think I have the potential to be somebody special in your life? I mean even without all the mindset stuff,” she mumbled toward the floor.

“You’re already somebody special, Charlee.” I tipped her chin up, a gesture I seemed to do a lot with her. “I care about you very much, and I want you to be happy. Whatever that looks like for you, I’d like to be part of it.”

“I think you’re talking about longer than three weeks.”

“Yes, babygirl. I am. No more overthinking today.”

“Thank you, Daddy. I’ll tell my brain to chillax.”

“Good girl.” I swallowed around the lump in my throat that kept making an appearance. It wouldn’t be easy to convince her, I knew that. But damn if I wasn’t going to try. I didn’t half ass anything and from the way her productions ran, I knew she didn’t either.

CHAPTER 5

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