Chapter 25
CHAPTER 25
Two weeks later …
Amber
“I still can’t believe you’re letting me visit Surrender tonight.” I grab Daddy’s hand as soon as he lifts me out of the SUV and sets me on my feet. This is going to be a totally new experience for me. I’ve never actually played when I’ve been to Surrender. I’ve only ever walked around and watched.
Daddy found every excuse in the book to keep me from coming here for the past two years, so I’ve been so infrequently that I can’t remember when my last visit was.
Tonight, I’m not here alone. I’m with Daddy. Cassandra will be here, as will the owner’s Little girl, Lucy, and several other Littles I don’t know well yet.
I’ve never joined the Littles in the daycare area. I’ve seen it. I’ve just never gone inside. I’m excited because it’s a room that has always secretly called to me. It’s designed to look like the outdoors, with the ceiling and walls painted sky blue with puffy clouds. The floor has green carpet, like grass. The open side of the room has a white picket fence where Daddies can watch their Littles play from the hallway.
Cindy is working at the front desk when we enter. I’m aware she’s Little and sometimes goes to the daycare. She’s so sweet and doesn’t say a word about the two of us obviously arriving together- together. Her eyes widen for a second, but then she schools her face and has us sign in.
Daddy leads me to the co-ed locker room and puts our coats in a locker. “Ready?”
I take a deep breath and glance down at myself. This is a huge step for me. I’m wearing a very young peach-colored party dress with frills at the hem and sleeves. I have on white folded-over ankle socks with ruffles and white ballet flats. “I think so.”
“Absolutely no spinning in circles,” he says, tapping my chin to remind me what happened the one and only time I did such a thing. It’s been two weeks, but I remember it every time I look in the mirror. The scar isn’t bad, but it’s still red and slightly raised.
He lifts my left hand and kisses my ring finger, which now glimmers from the many diamonds extending around the band. He didn’t go overboard because he knew I didn’t need the added stress from walking around town wearing a ring that might attract unwanted attention.
Daddy tips my chin back farther. “Remember, the ball is in your court. I will take my cues from you tonight. You know what will happen if you misbehave.” He lifts a brow.
“Yes, Daddy.”
“If you decide you want your bottom spanked in front of other people, all you have to do is disobey me. If you’d rather not attract attention to yourself or experience that kind of public embarrassment yet, you’ll be my good girl.”
“Yes, Daddy.” I haven’t fully decided what I want from tonight. I’ll figure it out as I go along, but we’ve discussed this at length. I know Daddy will watch me closely and react accordingly.
Threading our fingers together, he leads me out of the locker room and down the hallway that leads to the daycare.
I immediately spot Cassandra, and she comes skipping over toward the gate. Lucy is with her and several other Littles, many of whom I have not met formally.
I take a deep breath as I enter the daycare and hug the two women I know. Lucy gives me a big smile. “Don’t you worry. We’ll introduce you to everyone. You’re going to love the daycare.”
I turn back to find Daddy smiling encouragingly. “Have fun.” He’s standing outside the fence with Roman—Lucy’s husband and Daddy—who owns Surrender. Spence, Ben, and Dagger join them.
Dagger has been around a lot lately. Daddy hasn’t told me what’s up with him. He says I’ll find out soon enough if it’s appropriate or not at all if it’s not. From what I’ve gathered, Dagger is brushing up on his Daddy skills. I’m not sure if he has a specific Little he’s had his eye on or if he’s just decided to put himself out there. Either way, I guess I’ll know when I know.
Isaac
“I still can’t believe you’ve managed to tame my sister,” Spence says, chuckling.
I keep my gaze on my Little girl, who is now surrounded by a dozen other Littles and looks like she’s going to fit in just fine. “Took me two years.”
Ben laughs. “I was wondering if she would ever notice what was right in front of her face.”
Roman leans a hip against the fence. “Beware. There’s no telling what shenanigans she’ll be up to after a night here with Lucy and the gaggle. Those Little girls can create havoc out of thin air when they get together.”
Dagger pats my shoulder. “How’s Amber been doing since that encounter with Jacob?”
“Really well. She hasn’t had a single nightmare. I think it actually gave her some closure. She feels safer.”
Ben chuckles. “You don’t think that safety is a result of the slight change in sleeping arrangements?”
Spence covers his ears. “Hey, let’s change the subject. That’s my sister we’re talking about. She does not have sex.”
I smirk and turn back to Dagger. I don’t want to discuss my sex life with Spence’s sister any more than he does. “How is Ricardo’s daughter doing?”
Dagger rubs his chin. “I’m going to invite her to come here.”
Ben shakes his head. “I still can’t believe Ricardo has a daughter who’s already twenty-three.”
I sigh. “I can’t believe Ricardo is gone.” I lower my head and picture Ricardo the way I last saw him. It’s been a few years, but we were in the Army together. Dagger, Ricardo, and I. Ricardo and Dagger knew Ben from way back. I didn’t meet him until I took the job as Amber’s bodyguard two years ago. We have a pile of mutual friends from both the Army days and Black Blade Protection, where Dagger works.
“How long has it been since you last saw her?” Roman asks.
Dagger runs his hand through his hair now. He’s definitely nervous about the reunion he’s about to have with our friend’s daughter, Naomi.
“It’s been three years. I feel like an ass for not visiting more often. Life is too short. If I’d known…”
I swallow back emotion. None of us could have known Ricardo would slide off a slick road on his motorcycle and be killed instantly. It’s sad. Dagger was closer to Ricardo than any of us. It’s not surprising Dagger was the executor of Ricardo’s will nor that he was named as Naomi’s guardian in the event Ricardo should ever die.
Naomi doesn’t need a guardian anymore. She’s twenty-three. But she’s also alone in the world. She’s in need of a place to stay and some guidance.
“You and Ricardo used to see each other every few months,” Ben points out. “What happened to change that?”
Dagger moves his hand from his hair to his mouth and rubs his lips before answering. “Naomi happened.”
I frown. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, she grew up, and I felt like a fucking asshole every time I visited because my thoughts were not wholesome like they were when she was five. So, I stayed away.”
We all stare at him in silence as I grasp what’s going on here. “Does she know you’re a Daddy Dom?” I ask.
Dagger nods. “Oh, yeah. She knows,” he says sarcastically.
I wince. “Is she Little?”
“Yep.” He drops his head.
Ben sets a hand on Dagger’s shoulder. “Well, fuck me. I’m sorry. Shit’s about to hit the fan for you. We’re all here for you if you need us.”
“Thank you. I might just take you up on that one of these days.”
When I catch a flurry of movement, I turn my gaze to find Lucy, Cassandra, and Amber skipping toward us. I brace my feet and open my arms when I realize Amber is going to jump up into them. I’m a bit stunned when she wraps her legs around me and grabs my face.
Cassandra and Lucy are talking so fast I can’t make out what they’re saying.
Amber’s cheeks are pink. “So, can we, Daddy? Please say yes.”
“Can we what, baby?” I’m clueless.
“Can we have a sleepover at Lucy’s house? Please, Daddy? I promise I won’t eat too much junk food or stay up too late or do anything naughty.”
I chuckle as I turn my gaze to find both of Roman’s brows lifted. He’s obviously trying to be serious and stoic, but he’s failing because he has a soft spot for Lucy. He isn’t likely to deny this request.
I turn to Amber and rub her back with one hand while I let the other rest on her panties under her dress. “If it’s okay with Roman.”
She bounces in my arms and squeals in delight before kissing all over my face. “Thank you, Daddy. You’re the best Daddy in the world.”
This might be the second happiest I’ve ever seen my Little girl. The happiest was when I got down on one knee and asked her to be my wife before presenting her with the ring she now wears. Even though she knew I would ask, she still teared up and then cried so hard it was difficult to catch her response. She beamed for the rest of that day, holding her hand up to look at her ring dozens of times.
My chest tightens when I think about what happened after I put that ring on my girl’s finger. She took me by the hand and led me into her studio. She never used to let me go into her private space. It was the first time I’d been invited in. All the air left my lungs when I learned how many of her paintings are of me. She also has a sketchbook filled with me on every page.
My girl’s been in love with me just as long as I’ve been in love with her.
I’m aware that Roman has agreed to this sleepover, which will probably end with all three girls having red bottoms, but I turn and walk my girl into an alcove where I can press her against the wall and kiss the sense out of her.
We’re both breathing heavily when I finally release her lips. She’s been my whole life for two years, and soon she’s going to be my wife. I’m the luckiest man alive.