Page 35 of Melody’s Little Secret

“Stay put,dulcita. Tomorrow is another day, and you can take care of things in the morning.”

“My best friend is picking up my slack and she was so upset about it the other day. I’m not going to sit here on my ass for another minute and just do nothing!” Everything was building inside me again and I was helpless to fight against it.

“Lower your voice, little girl.”

Sprinkled sugar cookies.I knew better than to push against boundaries and rules, ones that I’d agreed to, obedience being one of them, but my brat side had different plans altogether.

“I will not!” Chucking the book over my shoulder, I stood up and stomped my right foot. “I can’t focus on this stupid story even though it was the best book ever last night. I’m worrying about my friends! I have Laney on my mind, as well as my bakery. I keep fretting about our relationship since we just started and if we’re going to be okay, and a whole bunch of other crap and you’re just sitting there!”

Boz got to his feet as well. I’d felt brave with him firmly planted behind his desk, but butterflies swarmed my tummy as he rounded the front of it. Apparently I had reached the end of my Daddy’s rope.

“Seth just texted me. Everyone is safe. Even with your injury, your shop has been running just fine. Laney has been an integral part of that, and what Zio and I are doing for her will hopefully help her see that we all want her to thrive here in Hopevale.” Propping his foot on the rung of the stool near the desk, he grabbed me around the waist and set me across his muscled thigh. “Moving on to the other things you mentioned. I had food delivered to Seth’s house, family meals so that he and Nathan and the girls are covered for a few days. They have a lot on their plates, but everything is going to be all right.”

I gulped knowing that he had planted me in this position for one very specific reason and I needed to backpedal quickly if there was any hope in saving my vulnerable behind. “Please let me finish reading, Daddy?”

He struck each of my upper thighs hard enough to make me squirm and wiggle away from the stinging blows. “In a minute, I’m not finished speaking. Yes, the two of us jumped into a relationship fairly quickly, but I’ve got no regrets,dulcita. You make me so happy, and if I have to tell you that every single day in order to get it through your thick skull”—Boz cracked his palm off the lowest curves of my bottom as he spoke—“then I will.”

“I’m sorry, Daddy.”

“Not another word about my so-called inactivity, Melody. There are things going on behind the scenes sometimes, just like what Zio and I are doing for Laney.Sì?”

“Yes, Daddy.”

“Are you in a better spot now,dulcita?”

“Sorta. I have a lot of stuff trapped in my head. Please don’t stop what you’re doing just to punish me. I’ll finish my book in silence and leave you alone.”

“I’m choosing to react this way,monella. You did not make me do anything,capisci?”

I nodded and he seemed to choose to react to my lack of vocal response to continue on landing slap after slap against my sit-spots. It hurt. Wishing for jeans instead of my poofy skirt and legging combination, I whimpered at how much his correction stung. Boz’s hand would leave a stinging reminder of the sort of behavior I’d agreed to. Four hard swats bounced off each of my bottom cheeks in turn. My legwear offered no protection at all, and I wondered what he would do if I started wearing layers of clothing. Boz targeted the crease of my body where my butt and thigh met, ensuring I would be uncomfortable sitting down for the rest of the day. Over and over his paddle-like hand spanked me. Even though my bottom was sore, I had blocked a lot of my feelings rather than give in to them. I desperately needed a release, but it was too much to ask for.

“I understand, Daddy,” I finally answered him agreeably in hopes it would make him stop, or maybe I didn’t want him to. Ugh. Everything was so big and overwhelming. I needed something to get me out of my head.

“Are you ready to do what you’re told now,dulcita?”

Shaking my head back and forth, I let out a long sigh and answered honestly, “Not yet.”

Boz carefully flipped me around to sit on the stool, smoothing my skirt over my leggings. I loved the ease in which he was able to move me around so fluidly. His gentle no-nonsense manner brought me back to my younger mindset. It would help me let go of some bigger fears and relax. He stared at me for a moment, rubbing his chin, likely contemplating what the heck to do with me.

“I really am not trying to be disrespectful in any way, Daddy. I’m stuck in an awful mood and my brain isn’t helping.”

“All right,tesorina. I can finish this work up tomorrow morning, and it won’t set me back. We’ll grab the food and go to your apartment.”

“And then what?” My lower lip trembled. It seemed like he had other plans, but he had yet to share them with me.

“I’ll give you the release you so desperately need.” He cupped my chin and kissed my lips. “Capisci?”

“I hear what you’re saying to me, Daddy, but I don't really understand what you mean by a release. Are you going to spank me more?”

“I’ll start there. I believe you’re holding back, and I can’t get you to where you need to be in my office.”

“So, you want to punish me until I cry?”

“Crying can be cathartic,dulcita, but there are many ways to help you. No more overthinking, my little Powerpuff.Andiamo.”

“Yes, Daddy.” I retrieved my tossed book, shouldered my purse, and crossed to his side. He laced his fingers in mine, and I followed him out of the office.

Chapter Sixteen

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