Page 24 of Gideon

“Of course, Daddy,” I agreed, thinking he looked sad even if he still looked really cross, and I followed him to the big, stuffed rocking chair and let him pull me down and got comfy. I sighed and snuggled into his chest. I must have done what he hoped because he kissed me on the top of my head, almost like a reward.

“Maddox, Dion, Walker and I are all ex-Marines. It’s how we met. I won’t go into the exact details, and it’s almost fifteen years ago now, but we got separated from the rest of our squad and pinned down.” He rubbed my arm with his big hand, and I wasn’t honestly sure if he was trying to soothe me or himself. “We didn’t expect to live, to behonest, and that night we all shared what we would do if we ever got out.”

“Daddy,” I murmured, my belly lurching at the thought that he’d been in danger, even if he was here with me now.

“I’m okay, baby girl. The rest of our squad found us and air support arrived. Basically, we were exhausted and dehydrated. A little banged-up maybe, but nothing life-threatening.”

I lifted my head and shot him a look. I had a feeling he was downplaying it, but he was here and safe now.

“Within two years, each of us transitioned out of the military since our latest term was up and we were lucky to have savings and very fortunate that Dion’s godparents left him a sizeable chunk of change. We never forgot what we said to each other that night and I’m going to share what I said.”

I lay back against his chest and linked my fingers with his. I could hear his heart thudding in my ear, and it was one of the best sounds I’d ever heard. “I want a precious baby girl that needs the sort of relationship I do.” He took a breath. “That Little girl will have all the attention I can shower on her.”

I stayed so still. It sounded way too good to be true.

“But that isn’t all. It also means that I’m in charge. We will have rules.” He nodded to the stool. “We’re going to have a list of Daddy’s rules and also a naughty list.”

“A naughty list?” I whispered, not sure I liked the sound of that.

“Yes,” he said firmly. “If you agree to be my Little girl for a two-week trial, then the list starts today. At the very top of that list is never going anywhere without telling Daddy, and no lying. And that includes lying by omission.”

“I don’t tell fibs,” I said a little indignantly.

“Then why didn’t you tell me you had to go down to the basement to do your laundry? And don’t say you forgot, because you stood on one side of the door while I checked that it was locked. Then you waited until you knew I’d left before you opened it again.”

I opened my mouth to deny everything but closed it on a snap because it was true. I’d deliberately waited until Daddy had gone to sneak out.

“Deliberately putting yourself in danger and then lying to Daddy will earn a punishment, and not only would you have to sit in the naughty corner, but you’d get a very red bottom beforehand.”

“You’d spank me?” I whispered, utterly appalled.

“Yes,” Daddy said in a stern voice. “Keeping you safe will always be my number one priority. Making you healthy and keeping you that way will be my second. Frequent small, healthy meals, early bedtimes, and afternoon naps while we’re getting you there, and we’ll review it at the end of the two weeks and see if we need to change anything.”

I had two weeks. Daddy called it a trial, but that was just another word for a test. I’d gone to some foster parents once who were hoping to adopt. My social worker had called that a trial, but I didn’t pass, and they returned me. I knew I wouldn’t pass this one either. And then what? But what choice did I have now? I didn’t have anywhere to live.

“What else?” I whispered.

“Well, I want to see how young your Little is when she’s happy and safe.”

I hesitated. “How young?”

He pressed another kiss on my cheek. “I’m guessing from what you’ve shown me that your Little might be around sixor so, but when you feel really safe, you might want to be younger.”

Younger?What did that mean? But I had a good idea.

“You might want to try a binky, or even diapers. You might vary. But the important thing is to know nothing is wrong with whatever you decide. The age of your Little is something you set, and I’ll support you with whatever you choose.”

“Really?” I would decide how old I was? I didn’t even suck my thumb. Probably because I bit my nails.

He nodded. “So, what do you think?” He paused, then took a measured breath. “You can say no, Abby. I’m aware you don’t have anywhere to live, and I wouldn’t ever expect this to come with strings. If I’m wrong and this is really something you don’t want, I have a spare room you are welcome to until you get another job.”

But I didn’t want to be in another room. I knew that.

“Don’t forget your safe word is red.”

Did that mean he was going to do more than spank me? He owned a BDSM club and while Friday had been the first time I’d ever been in one, I knew what they were.

“Say red and everything stops and we talk.” I breathed out. That didn’t sound so bad, and I trusted Daddy to stick to his word. “So, are you happy to start our two-week trial?”

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