Page 9 of Papa's Little Bride
Chapter Four
Kingston
My heart thundersin my chest.
Yes. She saidyes.
The sweet little girl seated on the barstool, squirming and flushing, now belongs to me.
Hearing her call mePapafor the first time has my cock painfully hard, pressing atthe front of my trousers. I remain standing close to her, not wishing her to see the evidence of my arousal and become frightened only moments after she agreed to my unorthodox proposal.
She swallows hard. “Wh-when will we be married, Papa?”
God. She said it again. I tighten my hold on her hands and bring them to my lips, then place gentle kisses on the backs of her hands, each inturn. A smile flits across her face and she ducks her head, blushing yet again.
“I think I can arrange for a quick, private ceremony here in my home by tomorrow afternoon.”
“I see. Shall I return tomorrow around two or three o’clock, then?”
After releasing her hands, I scoop her off the stool and cradle her against my chest, not placing her down on her feet. “You are not returningto the orphanage tonight, little girl. You will stay here, where I know you are perfectly safe.”
She gasps and peers at me with wide blue eyes. “But we aren’t yet married, and I have to say goodbye to the other girls and also Mrs. Hawthorne, and I have to collect my things, and…”
“You are staying here tonight and that’s final, young lady.”
She glares at me, her eyes narrowingas her jaw tenses. If she’s adorable when she’s blushing and stammering, she’s even more adorable when she’s frustrated.
My palm twitches, knowing it likely won’t be long before I must take her in hand, whether it’s for outright disobedience or for showing disrespect. Of course, I will be gentle and loving as I administer discipline to my little wife. I want her to thrive and blossom undermy care.
“We will take a carriage to the orphanage later today so you can say your goodbyes and collect your things, however, know that I will provide you with anything you might need. New dresses and shoes, pajamas and underthings. And anything else your heart desires, little girl.” I carry her upstairs and down the long hallway, to a guestroom that hasn’t been used in years. Not sinceI was a child and relatives from Marystown came for a visit, on the occasion of my older sister’s wedding. But the room is in pristine condition, and of all the extra rooms, it is the most feminine looking, as if it’s been here all this time just waiting for Faith’s arrival. Between the maid and the butler, who are out doing the weekly shopping at this moment, every room in my house is kept in perfectorder.
I carry her past the bed and into the large attached bathroom. After placing her on a chair that sits opposite the clawfoot tub, I start the water and adjust the temperature. Then I light the lantern on the sink counter, as there are no windows in this bathroom. The candlelight flickers and puts her awash in a soft orange glow.
“Papa?”
“You’re going to take a long,hot bath and get yourself warmed up, Faith.”
“But—”
“Are you really going to argue with me over a bath?” She’s not overly dirty, but it does look like she hasn’t washed her hair in a while. I suspect at the orphanage the best she could ever hope for is a sponge bath, the water probably cold. Not many houses in Gerrardsville even have running water, let alone the ability to heat it.
“I suppose I won’t argue over a bath,” she says hesitantly, “as long as you give me some privacy, Papa. It wouldn’t be appropriate for you to see me unclothed before we are wed.”
“Oh really?” Bubbles form on the surface of the water as I add a capful of soap. I rise from the tub and face Faith, eyeing her tattered dress and faded leather shoes. She won’t be putting those items backon herself after her bath. No, I will send for some readymade dresses in the marketplace, as well as a pair of shoes and new stockings and underthings. Some nightdresses, too, and at least one warm cloak. As I form these plans, I peer over my shoulder and notice the water has risen to the top. I shut it off and swirl a finger through the water, testing to ensure it’s the perfect temperature formy little one.
“Mr. Freemont, I’m serious.” She lifts her chin and crosses her arms over her chest. “You must leave and give me complete privacy.”
“If you call me Mr. Freemont again, young lady, I will turn you over my knee, bare your bottom, and give you a sound spanking. I’m your papa and you will address me as such.”
Her eyes practically bug out of her head, and she leansback in her seat, as if trying to put more space between us. Defiance flares in her light blue depths, but as quickly as I notice it, the fire dims and she appears more contrite. Yes, my little girl most definitely has a temper, but she’s trying hard to behave herself.
“Is that what you want, Faith? A spanking on your bare bottom?”
“No, Papa. I’m so-sorry,” she stammers. “Pleasedon’t punish me. I-I don’t want a spanking.” She uncrosses her arms and places her hands in her lap, twisting her fingers together and looking even more apologetic. Her cheeks turn a deep shade of pink, and her breathing increases.
“You’re forgiven, little one, but know that I meant what I explained to you earlier about our arrangement. Here, in this house, you will live as my little girlandas my wife. You are under my complete authority and must do as I say, or suffer the consequences for your misbehavior.” I close the distance between us and pull her upward, then wrap her in my embrace, tucking her head beneath mine and grasping her tight. She trembles in my hold but doesn’t resist. “Know that I also meant what I said about caring for you, Faith. I will not treat you cruelly.Your well-being and your happiness will be the most important things in the world to me.”
“How can you make such promises so soon, Papa? What if you decide you don’t want me anymore? We are still very much strangers.” The heartache in her voice makes me stiffen with resolve. I want to prove her fears wrong and be the comfort and security she’s never had. I stroke her hair and kiss the topof her head. Thankfully, her trembling lessens, and she soon shifts to circle her arms around my waist.
