Page 2 of Accepting Love

“What thing?” I ask, though I know the answer.

“That thing where you go into your head and sigh.” She’s smiling warmly though. She reaches out and clasps my hand.

I shake off my melancholy and force a smile. “I’m fine. What do you want to do tonight? Color? Puzzles? Games? Or some sort of shenanigans that will end with the two of us standing in the corner with sore bottoms?”

Giana giggles. “It’s been a while since I’ve engaged in shenanigans. We should do that.”

I clap my hands together. This is my favorite part of being Little. In my real life I’m proper and reserved, quiet, bashful, introverted. When I’m Little, I have a different personality. I’m outgoing and naughty and sometimes I get into trouble. I’m sassy and talk back to the Daddies.

Since I don’t have my own Daddy, there are plenty of men around who are willing to lift my skirt and swat my bottom for me. It’s one of my only indulgences. A secret fetish.

I have strict boundaries, mostly for my own sanity. I don’t let anyone see me naked. No one pulls my panties down. I keep everything platonic when I’m at Surrender.

That’s not to say I don’t feel things that make me want more. It’s just that I deny myself. I refuse to let my Little get involved with anyone beyond silly interactions that often land me over a knee.

Giana glances toward the Daddies who are still talking. When she looks back, she’s grinning. “He’s watching you again,” she whispers.

“Who?” I know exactly who she’s talking about.

She rolls her eyes. “Don’t act like you don’t know. I see you look for him. I know you like him. How many times has he asked you out?”

I shrug. “Only a few. How many times did Kendric ask you out before you said yes?” I ask to turn the tables.

She groans. “Touché.” She grabs my hands. “Come on. Let’s come up with something naughty to do.”

We push to standing. I have the sudden urge to hug her, and I do. When I release her, I cover up my odd need by saying, “I’m so happy for you. I hope your marriage is amazing.”

“Thank you. Now, it’s your turn to find a Daddy and get married and live happily ever after.”

I smile. My chest feels tight. I wish that were in the cards for me, but it’s not. There is no universe in which I could ever have my cake and eat it too. I let go of that pipe dream a long time ago.

When I glance toward Zane, he’s watching me. I know he likes me. The feeling is mutual. If only I were someone else in an alternative universe…

Chapter1

Zane

“And you have a Steinway for her to use, correct, Mr. Slade?”

I nod. “I do. Both of the pianos in this studio are Steinways. Don’t worry about a thing.”

I don’t usually meet with managers in my studio. I have people who can handle these arrangements, but this is for a special client, so I want to make sure her manager is happy.

Carolina Fraser. Granddaughter of the late William Fraser, who wowed audiences for decades with his skills at the piano. I’ve never met his granddaughter, but I understand she’s also an amazing pianist.

Carolina has graciously agreed to perform for a special charity orchestra concert in which each of the members of the orchestra will have their part recorded all over the globe. I’m honored she has chosen my studio for her recording sessions.

“Excellent.” Audrey Simone, Carolina’s manager, wanders around my studio slowly, her gaze scanning all over the place. “Has this particular studio been renovated lately?”

It’s an odd question, but I’m not surprised Ms. Simone is so discerning. After all, she knows more about music in general and venues in particular than most humans.

I’d guess her to be in her mid-fifties, and she’s been with the Fraser family for at least two decades. She worked for William before Carolina was old enough to reach the keys.

I’ve done my homework. I know Audrey Simone is more than a simple manager to Carolina. She’s a member of the Fraser family—though as far as I know, Carolina has no siblings and her parents died in a freak accident when she was only two.

“Yes. It’s got state of the art acoustics,” I inform her proudly. I’m sure she already knew this, which was why she agreed to have Carolina use my studio for her recording.

The internet has provided me with very few current personal details about Carolina. From what I’ve gleaned, I have to assume she’s rather reclusive. She performs all over the world, but when she’s home, she is rarely seen in public.

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