Page 81 of Break Me, Daddy

“My good girl,” Holden murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “Go ahead and cry it out. Daddy’s right here.”

And so she did, weeping until she simply ran out of tears to cry. Blowing out a shuddering breath, she pressed herself even closer to him with a whimper.

“I’m s-so s-sorry.”

“I know, baby. It’s all forgiven.”

Lifting her head, she scrubbed at her aching, swollen eyes and looked around. “Where’s Lottie?”

“Still in the other room. I didn’t think she’d want to see you like this. And I needed you to myself for a little bit.”

“You did?”

“I did. It was harder than I expected, watching someone else discipline you. All I wanted was to step in and tell him you’d had enough so I could hold you.”

“I’m glad you didn’t. I deserved what I got. And I really am so, so sorry I lied to you, Holden. It won’t happen again.”

His smile was full of tenderness. “If it does, we’ll deal with it. But if you ever lie to me again about something that directly impacts your health, I can promise this spanking will seem like a walk in the park. That is one thing I am not willing to compromise on. Understood?”

“Yes, Daddy.”

“Good girl.” Another of those gentle kisses that made her feel like the center of his whole world before he helped her to her feet, pulling her panties and leggings up over her welted ass. “Go get yourself cleaned up and then you can meet us in the dining room. Lottie is still working on her lines.”

She took the offered moment, not only to splash some cold water on her face, but to justbreathefor a bit. And to peel her leggings down, twisting around to get a glimpse of the damage in the mirror.

Letting out a low whistle, she pressed her fingers against a slightly darker spot and winced at the flash of pain. She’d definitely deserved everything she’d gotten, but she sure as hell wouldn’t be telling more lies any time soon. Especially not ones that involved her friends.

When she felt steadier, she made her way to the dining room, where Lottie was slumped in a chair, glaring at a paper in front of her while Braden stood to the side, his arms crossed and that same stern expression he’d worn during Frankie’s punishment etched into his features.

“Charlotte, you can either write the lines or you can write the lines with a freshly spanked bottom. It’s your decision.”

“They’re stupid lines! What if I’m at the club and someone is really in trouble? Are you saying I can’t step in?”

“If that were to happen, I would expect you to get one of our dungeon monitors and explain the situation to them. But I think we both know that’s not what happened tonight.” Uncrossing his arms with a sigh, Braden crouched beside the chair. “Look at me, Lottie-bug.”

Bottom lip trembling, Lottie turned her head to look down at him. “What?”

“I understand you were worried about your friend. But have I ever given you reason not to trust me? Especially when it comes to a scene?”

“Well… no.”

“Then you should have trusted me with Frankie, the same way you trust me when it’s your bottom on the line.”

Hands falling into her lap, Lottie let out a sad sigh. “Yeah, I know. It was just a lot harder than I thought it would be.”

“That’s understandable. But do you think you handled it the right way?”

“No, Daddy.”

“And that’s why you’re writing lines.” Braden glanced up, a smile curving his lips when his gaze latched onto Frankie. “But we can finish them at home. For now, I think someone could use a Lottie hug.”

Jumping up from her seat, Lottie turned and raced straight for Frankie, nearly knocking her over in the process. “Oh my god. I was so worried! Are you okay? How’s your butt?”

“I’m fine, and sore,” Frankie responded with a laugh, tightening her hold on her friend. “I’m so sorry I put you in the middle of my lie.”

“I don’t even care about that. Well.” Pulling away slightly, Lottie let out a watery laugh. “I do care because I hate Daddy’s belt. But I care more about you actually going to therapy. Promise me you’ll go, Frankie. Please?”

“I will. I’ll call first thing in the morning and see if she can squeeze me in.”

---