Chapter 14
Chapter Fourteen
Seraphina
Saturday. Our first real date.
Daddy hadn’t told me the whole plan, only that I should be ready to leave my apartment by noon. My nerves had me pacing the room in circles until the sound of her knock jolted me out of my spiral.
She was standing there in slacks with suspenders, a gold chain hung at her hip, a crisp, white-collared short-sleeved shirt tucked in neatly, black-and-white sneakers on her feet.
Her dreadlocks were pulled back from her face in a style that made her jawline look sharper than usual.
My stomach flipped. Sophisticated, Polished.
Effortless. Her eyes swept over me, and a slow smile curved her lips.
“Ready, little one?”
“Yes, Daddy,” I whispered, already warm under her gaze.
We didn’t head toward a restaurant or a play area. Instead, she steered us to the Ranch shop. I blinked at her, confused.
“I thought we were going out.”
“We are,” she said, her tone patient but deliberate. “But first, you need something to wear. Something that reflects the side of you that you’ve been hiding.”
My cheeks heated. “Age-appropriate?”
The corner of her mouth tugged upward. “Exactly.”
Inside, there was a tall woman with waist length wavy brown hair assisting a customer in the front.
She smiled at us in acknowledgment, and continued what she was doing.
I felt welcomed already. Racks and shelves covered with so many things.
My eyes widened at the section she led me toward—graphic tees with band names and cartoon prints, pleated skirts in dark plaids, suspenders, chokers, even lace-up boots.
The vibe screamed moody teenager. I didn’t feel embarrassed. I felt… excited.
Daddy crossed her arms, watching me. “Pick what speaks to you, little one. I want you comfortable, but I also want you to look in the mirror and see yourself.”
I trailed my fingers over the hangers, heart racing. A black pleated skirt, a striped tee with a cute skeleton holding a balloon, and a pair of chunky boots caught my attention. I glanced at her.
“Good choices,” she said smoothly. “Try them on.”
I did, my pulse thundering as I stepped out of the fitting room. Her eyes softened but darkened too, a blend of pride and possession.
“Mmm…” she murmured. “You look perfect, babygirl.”
I bit my lip, heat rushing through me.
I pulled out a pastel tee with a smiling unicorn, but she shook her head instantly. “Too soft. Cute, but not the energy I see in you.” Her lips curved into a knowing smirk. “You need a little edge.”
I ducked into the fitting room, heart hammering as I changed. When I stepped out, she straightened from the table, her eyes dragging down my body slowly. Heat rushed to my face.
Her gaze sharpened. “Now that is you. Dark, playful, but still innocent.”
“Daddy…” I said shyly.
“Spin,” she ordered softly.
I obeyed, the pleated skirt flaring out as I twirled. She made a low sound in her throat. “Perfect. Cute enough to make me want to throw you over my shoulder, but with enough bite to remind me you’re not just a doll.”
My knees almost buckled.
She motioned toward the racks again. “Go on. Find another. I want to see all the versions of my Little one.”
The way she said my made my chest squeeze.
I tried on ripped black jeans with suspenders and a cropped striped shirt. Daddy tilted her head, studying me. “Mmm. I like that one too. Very rebellious teenager. But if you wear that, you’ll have to deal with me keeping a very close eye on your attitude.” Her grin turned wicked.
My face flamed.
By the fourth outfit—a plaid skirt with knee-high socks and an oversized hoodie—she was openly teasing me. “Dangerous. You look like trouble. Maybe I should make you write lines just to keep you from plotting.”
I swatted at her arm, laughing nervously, but she caught my wrist mid-swat, her eyes gleaming. “Careful, little one. Flirting with your Daddy is allowed… but bratting comes with consequences.”
The words sent shivers straight through me.
In the end, she chose the pleated skirt, skeleton tee, and boots for me to wear for our date.
I did get to purchase the rest of what I tried on.
Not to mention the jacket with the lace floral arms that had been in the room I’d explored.
Then we cashed out. Well, Daddy purchased them, along with some other things she found while I was changing.
She also had me pick out more shoes while she wandered over to the sex toys to look around.
I blushed majorly knowing that she was over there, but not what she was getting. What she could get…
“This one speaks the loudest,” she said, brushing a hand down my arm before releasing me. She was talking about the outfit I was wearing. I knew it was her favorite from the way she watched me with it on. Her touch lingered, sparking warmth under my skin. She grabbed the bags.
I tried to see what was inside, but she swatted my butt, taking advantage of the skirt.
I’d decided at the last minute to add black fishnets underneath and to pull my thigh high socks up over them but I folded them down so she could get a peek at my stockings.
Her eyes kept wandering there and I knew I’d pleased her by doing so.
By the time we left the shop, I was in the outfit, boots laced, shoulders squared like I was finally allowed to exist this way. Daddy’s hand found the small of my back, steadying me as if she knew I needed it. Being so close made this all feel so normal, so real.
I leaned up and kissed her cheek. “Thank you, Daddy.”
“For?” She leaned in my direction, but she kept her eyes toward wherever we were walking.
“Our shopping trip. I really appreciate it.”
“It was my pleasure, for sure. Have you seen how fucking delicious you look? I’m having all kinds of naughty school girl fantasies.”
“Daddy… I don’t think…” I tried to finish my statement but lost my train of thought when she looked down at me.
“Yes?”
“Can women be handsome and beautiful at the same time?” I asked her, unintentionally changing the subject.
Daddy chuckled. Then she stopped and pulled me close to her body. Her lips found mine and I put my arms around her neck to hold myself up. We were in the hall, people could see us, and Daddy was so unbothered by it. Her hands gripped my ass and she groaned into my mouth.
Mhm…
She pulled away slowly. “I don’t know, but what I do know is that someone can be beautiful and sexy at the same time. You’re proof.”
“Thank you, Daddy.” My cheeks burned hot, but I knew better than to pull away. “Then the answer to my question is yes. Because that’s exactly how you look.”
“Handsome and beautiful?” She raised her eyebrow.
“Yes, Madame. You do.”
Daddy’s nostrils flared. And she seemed as if she was minutes away from attacking me. Like her control was slipping and she was barely holding on. Almost unhinged. I loved that for me. Slowly, I pulled away from her and I lifted my skirt a little and her eyes followed my eyes.
“Don’t,” Daddy instructed. “Don’t tease.”
“Okay…” I purposely left off any sign of respect.
Daddy stretched her neck, flexed her fingers, and took a step in my direction.
I moved back quickly, not afraid, but full of thrill and the temptation to challenge her.
“If you want to be spanked right here and now, keep that up, brat.”
I licked my lips, and then bit the side of my lower one. But I didn’t move.
When she sat down the bags, I hurried toward her, unsure if I could truly handle what she was prepared to dish out right here.
“Sorry, Daddy,” I said quickly, looking down toward the floor, nervously twiddling my fingers.
She tipped my chin up, making me look into her eyes. “You know that I’d never hurt you, right?”
“Yes. I didn’t think you would.”
“Then?”
“As much as I would like to have you punish me in a fun way, I’m not sure I’m at a place where I can handle it in public,” I admitted.
“You’ll take whatever, whenever. Trust that I’ll keep the rules in mind, and that I’ll always keep you safe.” She nibbled my lips before briefly kissing me again.
“Yes, Daddy,” I whispered, missing her lips already.
Our next stop was the theater. The sign announced Finding Nemo, and my stomach did another flip.
“You brought me to see a movie?” I asked, half shy, half delighted.
Her grin was sly. “Seemed fitting. Besides, it’s a classic. Everyone needs a little Nemo in their life.”
Inside, she let me pick a fleece blanket from the display case. I chose one that was soft and black, patterned with tiny silver stars. She gave permission for popcorn and candy for me, but her only instruction was, “Don’t fill up too much. We’ll be having dinner soon”
We settled into the seats, the blanket spread over us both. Daddy pulled me close, her arm around me, warmth and safety radiating from her body. I curled into her side, my head on her shoulder, popcorn balanced between us, and I nursed a soda and pretended not to be nervous.
The scent of buttered popcorn hung heavily in the air. Daddy’s long legs stretched out. She looked impossibly relaxed—like she owned the whole damn room. Which in a way, she kind of did.
“Relax,” Daddy murmured, noticing my fidgeting. “No reason to be shy, little one.”
Before I could answer, the door swung open, and Master Derek filled the space with nothing but his presence.
Broad shoulders. Perfect posture. That calm, commanding energy that made everyone instinctively straighten up.
Sadie was tucked under his arm—bright smile, pigtails and that mischievous glint in her eyes that made me understand why half the Ranch whispered about her adventures.
“Well, I’ll be,” Master Derek drawled, grin easy as he looked toward Daddy. “Didn’t think I’d see you in a movie room, Vasiah. Thought you only showed up for training sessions or the occasional lecture.”
Daddy smirked. “Even I need downtime, Derek. Besides, someone promised me the popcorn was worth the trip.”
Sadie laughed as she sank into the seats across from us. “He makes a mean bowl. Don’t let him fool you—he’s a secret softie when it comes to movie nights.”
“Now, angel,” Master Derek said in that low, measured tone that was both warning and affection. “You keep spreading lies like that and people will start expecting me to smile.”
Sadie shot him a playful look. “You smiled yesterday.”
“That was indigestion,” he said dryly, earning a laugh from Daddy and an unintentional snort from me.
Master Derek’s gaze shifted to me then—steady, assessing, but not unkind. “And, Seraphina, you must be the Little one responsible for getting her in here.”
My throat tightened. “Yes, Sir.”
He gave a slow nod, approval in the simple gesture. “Heard good things about you. You’re the one Mistress V has been working with, right?”
“Yes, Sir,” I said again because words felt safer when they were few.
Sadie leaned forward, her smile soft. “It’s nice to officially meet you. I’ve heard you’ve been doing some growing—and even been to a tea party.”
Daddy chuckled low beside me. “That would be correct. Sera’s learning to embrace her Little side.”
“Oh, a little mischief’s good for the soul,” Sadie said, her wink quick and conspiratorial. “Isn’t that right, Daddy?”
Master Derek’s arm tightened subtly around her shoulders. “Depends on who’s cleaning up afterward..”
Daddy grinned. “You’re just mad because she’s better at it than you ever were.”
That earned a rumbling laugh from Derek—deep, amused, and laced with something almost akin to fondness. “That’s fair. Lord knows I got into my fair share of trouble.”
“I remember hearing about it,” Daddy said.
Sadie gasped, turning toward him. “Maybe I should have another sleepover.”
Master Derek didn’t even blink. “Maybe you should, but then a bunch of Masters and Mistresses will have to wonder for weeks what you Littles are up to.” He paused.
“Then again, the fun we’ll have while punishing all of you will make up for it.
Go ahead, angel.” The glint in his eyes couldn’t be missed.
Something in the room shifted—lighter, warmer. The heaviness I’d been carrying eased.
“Don’t let him fool you,” Sadie said, settling back into her husband’s side. “He loves every Little and submissive on this Ranch like they’re his own. The scolding’s just how he says ‘I care’. Will you come to a sleepover?”
I turned toward Daddy. “Can I?”
She nodded. “I’ll make sure to have the belt ready for any shenanigans you’ll want to try afterward.”
My mouth went dry instantly. Would she? I squeezed my thighs, unable to help the jolt below.
“Mmm,” Master Derek said, pressing a kiss to Sadie’s temple. “You’d best hush before you get Seraphina in trouble, angel.”
Her giggle was soft, content. “She’s a big girl, Daddy. I’m sure she can handle a little trouble.”
Daddy looked down at me then, eyes twinkling. “You see why I haven’t had you playing with Sadie? She’s probably been too busy getting punishments.”
“I don’t think that’s why,” I teased.
Daddy laughed, a real one that made her whole body shake.
The lights dimmed fully then, signaling the movie’s start. Master Derek leaned over and whispered, “You startle during loud parts, you just say so, darlin’. We take care of our own here.”
I swallowed hard, warmth rising behind my eyes. “Yes, Sir.”
Daddy gave my hand a small squeeze, her voice low. “Did you know that sometimes Sadie is a Middle?”
I looked over at the two of them cuddled together and how happy they looked. So it was possible to have a forever with someone who understood those kinds of needs? I turned back to Daddy.
“No, I didn’t.” Immediately understanding why she mentioned it.
“See? You fit right in, babygirl.” She kissed my forehead and I cuddled closer.
I realized I wasn’t thinking about spirals or shame or anything else. Just this: her hand stroking mine beneath the blanket, her chest rising and falling beside me, her quiet laugh at the silly moments on the screen. About Master Derek and Sadie and how happy they looked.
I’d never felt more like I was exactly where I belonged.
Halfway through the movie, pizza was delivered to us, and I couldn’t help but squeal a little. The only thing that would have made this even more perfect was ice cream. And we got that before we left.