16. Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Sixteen
MADDOX
I listened carefully as Anna redirected the questions away from Blakeny and to things that made Clare happy and safe. I knew I had to get the info to Gideon and Dion asap, but Clare had to come first, and she needed me.
Clare yawned a couple of times while she was describing her favorite book, and Anna expertly relaxed her until she was leaning heavily against me, barely able to keep her eyes open. When they shut, Anna nodded to the bed and whispered, “I’ll meet you downstairs.”
I scooped Clare up and tucked her in with her stuffies. She never woke.
When I joined Anna downstairs, she was already making notes in her pad.
"Seven girls," I said quietly, running a hand through my hair. "Seven that we didn't know about."
Anna nodded grimly. "And it sounds like they were sold at some kind of auction to clients who identified themselves by numbers."
"Eagle something," I muttered. "A place with desert scrub and a lake. It could be any place with those names, but given what she said about heat..."
"This is significant information," Anna said. " I'm concerned a little about Clare's dissociation, and I want to continue to see her three times a week.”
I poured us both coffee, needing the caffeine. "Will she remember any of this when she wakes up?"
Anna considered this for a moment. "It's hard to say. Sometimes memories accessed in an altered state remain accessible afterward, but sometimes they don't. Either way, I think we should be gentle with how we introduce this information to her adult self."
I nodded, gripping my coffee mug tightly. "What's your professional opinion—should I tell her what she revealed?"
"Yes, but carefully," Anna replied. "Wait until she's fully present in her adult headspace. Explain that she shared some memories while in her Little space and ask if she'd like to know what they were. Give her the choice."
"And if she doesn't want to know?"
Anna's expression was solemn. "Then we respect that. Her healing has to come first, even if the information could help your investigation."
I nodded, my mind racing with the information Clare had revealed. "The numbers instead of names...that's standard tradecraft for keeping identities hidden in criminal organizations."
"What concerns me most is the implication that these girls were being moved around, possibly across state lines or even internationally," Anna said, sipping her coffee. "The 'castle' with mountains and a lake could be anywhere—Colorado, Montana, even somewhere in Europe."
I pulled out my phone. "I need to get this information to my team. We've been trying to connect Blakeny to a larger trafficking operation for months."
Anna nodded. "Just remember, Clare's safety and wellbeing have to remain the priority. This information is valuable but pursuing it can't come at the cost of her recovery."
"I understand," I assured her. "Nothing is more important to me than Clare."
After Anna left, I called Gideon and relayed everything Clare had told us. His response was immediate.
"Eagle Reserve just outside of Dallas is a large private estate that's been on our radar for a while," he said. "Owned by a shell corporation we've been unable to trace back to Rice, but the timing of its purchase lines up with when his trafficking operation seemed to expand."
“Keep me in the loop,” I said. “I know Walker is still in Destin, but I really need a few days off.”
“No problem,” Gideon answered. “Xavier is on point with Kingdom and Salvation is covered. Dion is still looking into that missing woman.”
Shit. I rubbed my head. With everything happening here I hadn’t reached out to him to see if he needed help.
“We’ve got it covered,” Gideon reiterated. “Go see to Clare.”
I hung up, beyond grateful for my friends, and hurried to the playroom. Clare was still asleep, and needing to hold her, I shrugged off my shirt and got in bed, gently easing her close. I wouldn’t mind a nap myself.
CLARE
I opened my eyes and realized where I was, and memory came flooding back. Everything. It was like watching it in slow motion. Almost like a film. The worry of what I’d been rescued from came back, but this time I didn’t shy away from it because I knew Daddy had been so proud of me.
Then I smiled because not only was I tucked up safe and warm, but I was also resting my head on a Daddy-sized pillow. I could hear the quiet thud of his heart under my cheek, and the way his chest hair tickled. I could also feel the material of his pants against me, so I knew neither of us were naked.
Which was a shame.
My heart stuttered as I processed that. Shame? I wanted Daddy naked? I wanted to be naked with him?
I wasn’t a virgin, but I’d never had a long-term sexual relationship because I didn’t trust any man to see my Little side. Well, up to now. Special touches. I wanted that and more. But I knew Daddy was on the go-slow part of the plan. He was afraid to rush me. And I got that, and up to a few days ago I agreed. So, what had changed? It wasn’t the session with Anna, I was sure. Maybe it was Daddy himself? Maybe I was learning to trust him?
Maybe it would be up to me to let Daddy know I wanted special touches? Was I brave enough?
I lifted my head slightly to look at Daddy's face. He was still asleep, his expression peaceful. I studied the strong line of his jaw, the slight shadow of stubble, his full lips. Something warm and fluttery stirred in my belly.
Carefully, I shifted my position, moving up so my face was level with his. I hesitated for just a moment before pressing my lips gently against his. Daddy's eyes fluttered open, surprise evident in them before they softened. He didn't move, letting me control the moment.
I pulled back slightly, my cheeks flushing. "Hi," I whispered.
"Hi yourself, princess," he replied, his voice husky with sleep. "That was a nice way to wake up. How are you feeling?"
I considered his question carefully. "Better. Lighter." I traced a pattern on his chest with my fingertip. "I remember everything I told Anna."
His eyebrows rose slightly. "You do?"
I nodded against his chest. "It's like...like a door opened in my mind. I can see those memories now." I swallowed hard. "Those other girls...do you think they're still alive?"
Daddy's arms tightened around me. "I don't know, princess. But my team is already looking into everything you told us. You've given us important leads."
I nodded, absorbing this. "Good. I want him caught. I want them all caught."
We lay in silence for a few moments, his hand stroking my hair gently. I gathered my courage, my heart pounding so loudly I was sure he could hear it.
"Daddy?" I whispered.
"Yes, princess?"
"I... I want..." The words stuck in my throat. How did I ask for this? I'd never had to before.
His hand stilled in my hair. "What is it, sweetheart? You can tell Daddy anything."
I bit my lip, suddenly shy. "I wanted to try something."
His hand came up to cup my cheek gently. "And what might that be?"
I gathered my courage. "Special touches," I murmured. "I think...I think I'm ready for them. If you want to."
Daddy studied my face carefully. "I want nothing more, but are you sure, Clare? There's no rush."
I nodded, more certain with each passing second. "I'm sure. I trust you, Daddy."
He smiled then, warm and tender. "Thank you for telling me what you want, princess. That's very brave."
He leaned in and kissed me properly then, his lips soft but insistent against mine. I melted into his kiss, my body responding with an eagerness that surprised me. His tongue traced my lower lip, asking for entrance, and I opened to him willingly, a small sigh escaping me. His hand slid down to my waist, warm and steady, anchoring me to him. My body felt like it was waking up after a long hibernation, every nerve ending suddenly alive and tingling. When he finally pulled back, his eyes were darker, more intense.
"Special touches are very important, princess," he said softly. "And they're something we need to be very sure about. Can you tell me what kind of special touches you're thinking of?"
I felt my cheeks flush hot. "I...I want you to touch me...everywhere," I whispered. "And I want to touch you too."
Daddy smiled, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "We can explore that, sweetheart. But first, I need to know—are you feeling Little right now, or more like your adult self?"
I considered this question carefully. "Both, I think? I feel safe and protected like when I'm Little, but I also feel...grown-up feelings."
He nodded thoughtfully. "That's important for me to know. Special touches are for when you're feeling more grown-up, even if you still want Daddy to take care of you."
"Is that okay?" I asked hesitantly.
"It's perfectly okay," he assured me. "Many Littles feel both ways at different times. The important thing is that we're clear about what we both want and how we're feeling."
Daddy's eyes had darkened, but I could see he was still holding himself in careful control.
"I want to do this right, princess," he murmured, brushing his thumb across my lower lip. "And that means taking our time. Is that okay?"
I nodded, though part of me wanted to rush headlong into whatever was building between us. "Yes, Daddy."
He smiled, pressing another gentle kiss to my forehead. "Good girl. How about we start slow? Just touching and kissing, nothing more for now. And you tell Daddy if anything doesn't feel good, or if you want to stop."
"I will," I promised, my heart racing with anticipation.
Daddy shifted, rolling us gently so I was lying on my back with him propped up beside me. His hand skimmed lightly down my side, coming to rest on my hip.
"May I touch you under your shirt, princess?" he asked, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers through me.
"Yes, please," I whispered.
His warm hand slid beneath my t-shirt, resting on my bare stomach. I gasped at the contact, my skin prickling with goosebumps.
Daddy's hand was warm against my skin, his touch gentle but confident. He traced slow circles on my stomach, each movement sending tingles of pleasure through me. I arched slightly into his touch, wanting more.
"So beautiful," he murmured, leaning down to kiss me again. This kiss was deeper, hungrier, and I responded in kind, my hands coming up to tangle in his hair.
His hand moved higher, fingertips skimming the underside of my breast. He paused there, looking into my eyes for permission.
"Please," I whispered, and he smiled, cupping my breast gently. When his thumb brushed across my bra teasing the nipple, I gasped, a jolt of pleasure shooting through me.
"Does that feel good, princess?" he asked, his voice husky.
"Yes," I breathed. "So good, Daddy."
He continued his gentle exploration, his touches reverent and unhurried. I felt cherished in a way I never had before, like I was precious to him. When his mouth replaced his hand, warm and wet through the thin fabric of my shirt, I moaned softly. "You're so beautiful, princess," he murmured, leaning down to kiss me again. This kiss was deeper, hungrier, and I responded in kind, my hands coming up to tangle in his hair.
His hand moved higher, cupping my breast fully, his thumb circling my nipple through the thin fabric of my bra. The sensation made me arch into his touch, seeking more.
"Daddy," I gasped against his lips.
"I've got you, princess," he assured me, his voice a low rumble. "Just feel. Let Daddy make you feel good."
He shifted again, his lips leaving mine to trail down my neck, placing soft kisses along my throat. I tilted my head to give him better access, lost in the sensations he was creating.
"Can I take this off?" he asked, tugging gently at the hem of my shirt.
While I reveled in every gentle touch and whispered word, I wanted more. More skin. More touch. More everything. "Yes," I breathed, sitting up slightly to help him. He pulled the shirt over my head, his eyes darkening as he took in the sight of me in my simple cotton bra.
I whimpered softly as Daddy's hands explored my body with gentle reverence. My skin felt hypersensitive, every touch sending waves of pleasure through me. Daddy unhooked my bra and when his mouth closed over my nipple, I gasped, arching up against him.
"So responsive," he murmured against my skin. "So perfect."
His words made me feel beautiful, cherished. I ran my hands over his broad shoulders, marveling at the strength in them, at how safe they made me feel. When my fingers traced the ridges of his abdomen, I felt his muscles tighten beneath my touch.
"Can I touch you too?" I whispered.
He lifted his head to look at me, his eyes dark with desire but still so gentle. "Of course, princess. But remember—if anything doesn't feel right, we stop. Okay?"
I nodded, then let my hand drift lower, over his flat stomach to the waistband of his pants. I hesitated there, suddenly shy despite my boldness just moments before.
Daddy sensed my uncertainty and covered my hand with his. "We can go as slow as you need, sweetheart. There's no rush."
I took a deep breath, gathering my courage. "I want to see all of you."
He smiled, pressing a kiss to my forehead before standing to remove his pants. I watched, mesmerized, as he revealed himself to me. He was beautiful—strong and masculine, and very obviously aroused. I licked my lips and Daddy groaned. I looked up at him and he shook his head. “Your lips. Your mouth. They’re killing me.”
Confidence rushed through me so quickly I felt almost dizzy. I squeezed my legs together feeling the steady pulse there. I was close already and all we’d done was kiss and touch. “I don’t want to kill you, Daddy,” I said giggling.
“Minx,” he reproved teasingly, laying back down.
“I like your lips and mouth too,” I offered and lifted my hand cautiously, tracing his bottom one with my finger. His lips parted and he trapped my finger, sucking, swirling his tongue around it. “Daddy,” I gasped. “You, I—” I slid my hand down to my sex because it nearly hurt.
“Ah-ah,” Daddy waggled his finger at me, then in a moment I was on my back and Daddy was shuffling down.
“Daddy,” I breathed out in awe, knowing what he was going to do. He looked up at me, his eyes blazing. “These are Daddy’s special kisses.”
I felt my thighs being gently parted as Daddy settled between them. My eyes were wide with anticipation, my breath coming in quick little pants. I could see the concentration on his face; he wanted this to be perfect for me.
"These are Daddy's special kisses," he told me again, his eyes locked onto mine as he lowered his head. "If anything doesn't feel good, you tell Daddy right away, understand?"
I nodded, my lower lip caught between my teeth. "Yes, Daddy."
He started with soft kisses along my inner thighs, taking his time, letting me adjust to the new sensation. His lips were warm and gentle on my skin. When he finally moved to my center, he gave me one long, slow lick, and I gasped, my back arching slightly off the bed.
"Daddy!" I cried out, my hands flying to his hair.
He smiled against me, and I could feel his voice rumble. "Does that feel good, princess?"
"Yes," I breathed. "So good."
He continued his gentle exploration, his tongue circling my clit before sucking it lightly. My hips bucked involuntarily, and he placed one hand on my stomach to steady me. With his other hand, he carefully slid one finger inside me, and I could feel my own heat and wetness.
"Oh!" I gasped, my fingers tightening in his hair. He looked up, checking my face for any sign of discomfort, but all I felt was a wave of pleasure.
My entire body tensed, trembling on the edge of something monumental.
"Daddy," I whimpered, my voice high and breathless. "I think I'm going to—"
"Let go, princess," he murmured against me. "Let Daddy take care of you."
His words sent me tumbling over the edge. The orgasm crashed through me in waves, my back arching off the bed as I cried out. Daddy stayed with me through it all, his movements gentling as the tremors subsided, until I collapsed back onto the mattress, breathless and dazed.
He moved up beside me, gathering me close as I trembled in the aftermath. "That's my good girl," he whispered, pressing soft kisses to my forehead, my cheeks, my lips. "So beautiful."
I curled into him, feeling safe and cherished in a way I'd never experienced before. When my breathing finally steadied, I looked up at him shyly. "Was that...was that okay?"
His smile was warm and tender. "That was perfect, princess. You're perfect."
I could feel his hardness pressed against my hip, and I reached down hesitantly. "What about you, Daddy? Don't you need special touches too?"
He caught my hand gently. "This was about you, sweetheart. We have all the time in the world.”
I worried my bottom lip thinking about what he’d said earlier. “I’m still calling you Daddy. Am I supposed to call you Maddox?
He winced. “Not unless you want to. I’ll always be your Daddy, but I wanted to make sure you understood this was your choice. I didn’t want you doing something because you felt it was my decision, because as your Daddy I have a certain influence over you.”
I slid my hand between us. “How about this is my decision?”
He caught my hand, then brought it up and kissed it. Then slowly, watching my face, took it down to his cock. My fingers curled around it instinctively, and he curled his hand around mine. That gave me even more confidence. If he directed my hand, I knew it would be something he enjoyed.
Then another thought interrupted. Daddy might be a Daddy but he was a Dom as well. “Would Daddy like me to call him Sir while I do this?”
"No," he murmured, his voice deep with desire. "I want to be your Daddy right now. Just Daddy."
That made my heart flutter. I tightened my grip slightly, watching his face as I began to stroke him. His eyes darkened, his breathing becoming more ragged.
"Is this good, Daddy?" I asked softly.
"Perfect, princess," he groaned, his hand guiding mine to show me the rhythm he liked. "Just like that."
I was fascinated by the way his body responded to my touch, the way his muscles tensed and relaxed. It made me feel powerful in a new way—not that I had control over him, but that he trusted me enough to be vulnerable with me.
As I continued stroking him, I grew bolder, leaning down to press soft kisses to his chest, his neck, his jaw. When I reached his lips, he kissed me deeply, his hand tightening over mine.
"Princess," he gasped against my mouth. "I'm close."
I increased the pace slightly, following his lead, mesmerized by the way his face reflected his pleasure.
His breathing grew more ragged, his hips beginning to move in rhythm with our joined hands. "Clare," he groaned, and the sound of my name in that desperate tone sent a thrill through me.
Moments later, he tensed, his release spilling over our joined hands as he let out a deep groan. I watched in wonder, feeling powerful and tender all at once as he surrendered to his pleasure, his face relaxed in a way I'd never seen before. It was beautiful.
He pulled me close afterward, not caring about the mess, and I nestled against his chest, listening to his heartbeat gradually slow.
"Was that okay?" I asked softly after a moment.
He chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest. "More than okay, princess. That was incredible." He pressed a kiss to the top of my head. "How are you feeling?"
I considered this carefully. "Good. Safe. Happy." I traced patterns on his chest with my fingertip. "Like I belong here." I pouted. “I need to clean my hand.”
He laughed, his arms tightening around me, but then he reached over for the tee he'd discarded and simply used that to wipe my hand. "You do belong here, princess. For as long as you want."
We lay in comfortable silence for a few minutes before Daddy gently suggested we clean up. He led me to the bathroom, where he ran a warm bath with sweet-smelling bubbles. As he helped me into the tub, I felt cherished in a way I'd never experienced before.
This time we bathed together, and Daddy showed me he didn’t just have a talented mouth, his fingers were exceptional as well.