“No one is looking over here, babygirl. You’ve been a very naughty thing, hmmm? You were planning to cover me in feathers in front of the whole crew.”

“Well,initiatingyou into our theater.” I attempted to make it very clear that what I did had not been a prank of any sort.

“Uh-huh. Plotting with your friends no doubt.”

“Okay, Daddy. Yes, but as a welcome. We do this every year,” I said as if that would change the outcome.

“Don’t worry. Daddy will make sure you’re very well taken care of tonight.”

His words made me all fluttery. “Do you promise, Daddy?”

“Yes, Charlee. I promise. Do you know how very proud you’ve made me tonight?”

“Uh, I attempted to dump a huge bucket of stuff on your head, Daddy. How did my antics make you proud?”

“For the same reasons Master Derek spoke about. You’ve worked really hard to get here. You don’t have to burn yourself out anymore, starlet. I’m here to ease some of the burdens, okay?”

I wouldn’t cry when we were so close to showtime but his praise and acknowledgement of the hours of dedication to the theater filled my bucket. “I did a lot of work but we wouldn’t be here tonight without you.”

Pierce found a broom and dustpan. “You’re very sweet, starlet. Thank you. We make a very good team.”

“I couldn’t agree more.”

“Let’s clean up this mess together. Only forty-five minutes until the curtain rises.”

“Yes, Daddy.” I nodded, tugging the dustpan out of his hand. It was surprisingly satisfying to tackle the feathers and confetti with Pierce. He pulled me into a small side room and sat me on his thigh. “Rest for a few. I can see the anxiety building again, starlet.”

“It’s twenty minutes until showtime!”

“I know, starlet. Breathe with Daddy.”

We stayed there, my breathing evening out as he held me against his chest. “Thank you. I feel better. Usually, I have a full panic attack on opening night.”

“No worries, babygirl. Everything is going to work out just fine.”

And for once, I really believed him. Yes, I had a spanking headed in my direction, but it was for fun and not because I’d broken a rule. Plus, once my bottom was hot and sore, my pussy would also need attention.

CHAPTER 11

PIERCE

Carrying Charlee into the apartment, I kicked the door closed behind us and locked it. Kissing her, I took a few extra minutes to simply taste her. She writhed against my chest, her breasts heaving. I took each of them in my hands, squeezing and kneading them with my hands through her shirt.

“If I kiss you like that in between your legs, Sir, will you forgo the spanking?”

“I love when you call me Sir,” I said growling into her mouth. “And no, I won’t forgo the spanking. You naughty thing.”

“But I’m very talented with my mouth.”

“I am aware. But getting a spanking is all you’ve been thinking about since you planned my initiation. If I don’t give you what you’ve been seeking, you’ll wind up acting out to receive a very different style of correction.”

“You know me very well. It’s like you’ve been paying attention,” she said nuzzling under my chin. “What if I get on my knees for you?”

“Don’t distract me. As much as I want your pretty lips wrapped around my cock, we have another plan right now.” Iadmired the way her cheeks flushed from my naughty words. “That’s right, babygirl. I’m going to turn your gorgeous ass a nice rosy pink and fuck you until you’re a blissful mess underneath me.”

She closed her eyes and opened them again, her pupils wide. “Yes, Sir.”

Walking her into the bedroom, I set her on her feet and thoroughly ravaged her mouth. We’d talked about rougher scenarios in the bedroom. I knew her safe word. She had her colors. Stripping her down to her panties, I admired her curves. “Can we take your splint off for tonight?”