Page 3 of Mastered By Bliss

I snag a pot from one of the cupboards and fill it with water.“I don’t thinkyou’venoticed, but you were locked in a bathroom by my ex.She could’ve had a weapon?—”

“But she didn’t.”

“She could have.”I place the pot on the stove and twist the knob for the burner.

“Well, hell, by that line of reasoning, any passing stranger on the street could have a weapon.Danica’s cat could have a weapon.Actually,” Leah mutters, “the cat itself is a weapon.Butanyway,the world is a dangerous place, but not every person has a personal bodyguard.If they did, who would guard the bodyguards?And who would guard the bodyguards’ bodyguards?And the bodyguards’ bodyguards’ bodyguards?”

She folds her arms across her chest, obviously very pleased with her argument.

I turn off the burner, because this discussion is requiring my full attention.I should have expected pushback on the personal security bomb I just dropped.“Are you done?Or are there more bodyguards’ bodyguards you’d like to mention?”

“No.Because in the end, I don’t need a bodyguard, so they don’t need a bodyguard either.”

I want to laugh at her mulish expression, but I know she’s serious.“Two weeks, Leah.Please.”

She must see the anxiety and concern in my eyes, because at long last, she nods.“Two weeks.But what about you?You’re the one who’s really under threat.”

“I can take care of myself.”

She starts to retort that she can also take care of herself—I can see the comeback on her full, pink lips.

“Don’t, Leah.Please just accept a two-week security detail.”

“I already said I would, okay?”She spins around and stalks out of the kitchen.

I stare at the pot of water sitting atop the cool stove.I wipe my hands on a dishtowel, just for something to do, before I stalk after her.

She paces back and forth in the hall, between my bedroom door and hers.

“What are you doing?”I ask.

She gives me a bleak look, her blue eyes watery with tears.“I don’t know which room is mine.”

I point to her room.“That one is yours.”

Her mouth turns down like she’s about to cry.

I point to the other room.“That one isours.Get in there now, baby girl.You need someone to take charge.”

She doesn’t argue and hurries through the door.

I follow her through.It’s dim in here, but not completely dark.“You’re right in that you can take care of yourself.You’re right in that the danger is probably worse for me.But it would makemefeel better, and allow me to be more vigilant for myself, if I knowyouare taken care of.Does that make sense?”

She nods, her eyes downcast.

“Little girl.”I sigh.“I love you.I want you.I’m taking charge to help us both, and we’re doing this inourroom.Understood?”

“Yes, Daddy.”She risks a look at me, enough that I can see the certainty in her eyes.

After closing the door and making sure the curtains are closed all the way, I say, “Strip.”

The only light comes from a lamp next to the bed.I stride to the dresser while Leah removes her clothes.The bottom drawer has exactly what I’m looking for.

When I stand up, holding the brand-new anal plug still in its packaging, Leah, naked, gasps and shakes her head.

I tut and hold the package higher.The stainless-steel plug is capped with a light blue jewel.“You’re going to wear the plug, little girl, whether you like it or not.”

“Not, not,” she whimpers.

---