Total pages in book: 110
Estimated words: 111278 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 556(@200wpm)___ 445(@250wpm)___ 371(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 111278 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 556(@200wpm)___ 445(@250wpm)___ 371(@300wpm)
“No.”
“Dominic, I’ll be safe. I promise.”
“Absolutely not.”
She let out a sad sigh. “But Liv is gone, and that guy isn’t likely to be following me. I’m sure he has better things to do. I didn’t even get a good look at him.”
“I still don’t like it.”
“Liv said that she did it of her own volition and she hasn’t seen him since that night. He’s not going to know who I am or where I’m staying.”
He grumbled under his breath. “I’ll be home by around midnight. Kent has arranged for Corbin to come out here. He doesn’t usually take field jobs, but he’s one of the last men standing. That stomach flu is doing the rounds on Sanctuary.”
“You really don’t have to.”
“I want to.”
Happiness filled her.
“You need someone there keeping a close eye on you.”
“I do not!” she snapped. “Rude.”
“I’d watch that tone, Shortcake. I am not happy with you and I’m contemplating just what sort of punishment I’m going to give you when I get back.”
“What? Why? I didn’t do anything wrong.”
“Gwen . . . what is your middle name?”
“It’s Mary.”
“Gwendolyn Mary Anderson. I don’t think you know how much trouble you’re in. You kept something big from me. You are grounded to your room.”
“But . . . but what about drinks?” Sadness filled her. She had really wanted to go.
He sighed. “Since Liv is leaving town, and I’m a sucker for that sad note in your voice, you may go to drinks tonight. But straight there and back. And I want you home by ten.”
“What? Ten!” She was grounded and had a curfew?
“Are you gifting me your submission?” he asked in a silky-smooth voice.
Well, hell.
“Yes.”
“Am I the one making the rules and enforcing them?”
“Yes, but we haven’t really talked about rules,” she pointed out.
“You promised to keep yourself safe.”
Well, hell. He had her there.
“But just so it’s clear. You will not put yourself in danger. You will not risk your health. You will eat three meals a day and not have more than one energy drink. If anything happens, you will contact me as soon as you are safe. You will respect yourself and me. And there will be no lies. Oh, and you will obey all laws, including not speeding, wearing a seatbelt, and not driving dangerously. Are we clear?”
“I might need those in writing,” she muttered.
“I can do that. Those are your rules. Break them, and there are consequences. Now, you can tell me if anything is a hard limit. But be careful that it’s something you really can’t deal with, as I might think of something worse.”
“Urgh!” She stomped her foot. Whoa. Where did that come from?
“What was that? Did you just stomp your foot, Shortcake?”
“What? No.”
“Would you be lying to me, darling girl?”
Shoot. Shit.
“I didn’t really mean to. Okay, I stomped my foot. I just don’t want to be grounded.”
“I’m still letting you go out tonight. I can ground you until tomorrow.”
“No, no,” she said hastily. “You’re so nice. So kind and generous.”
“Hmm. I’ll also be calling Ed and checking with him whether he thinks it’s safe for you to go tonight. If he doesn’t, you’re going to stay home. Understand?”
Grr.
“Yes, Daddy.” Whoa. That was coming easier now. “But I think this is unfair.”
“Poor baby. You’re going to find that things are about to get worse.”
What? How could they possibly get any worse? Was he kidding her?
“To make sure you stay out of trouble and keep you occupied, you’re going to write some lines.”
“Nooo. This is torture. Can’t I just have a spanking?”
“We’ll get there. Tomorrow.”
“Lines and a spanking and I’m grounded? What is happening right now?”
“What’s happening is I am showing you how important your safety is to me. And that you must always let me know if something happens. Understand?”
Shoot.
She bit her lip. “Yes, Daddy.”
“I have to go. A hundred lines saying you will contact Daddy immediately if something happens. Bye, baby. Be good.”
When wasn’t she good?
27
Gwen leaned over, tears pouring down her cheeks from laughter as Georgie told a story about a flying dildo that landed in the stern-looking Sheriff’s face.
“Oh my God. What did you do?” she asked.
“Died of embarrassment.” She glanced over at Ed who winked back at her.
Gwen shook her head and felt her bladder protest. “I need to go to the bathroom.”
“Do you need me to go with you, bestie?” Kiesha asked.
“I think I’ll be okay.” She’d never gotten the going to the bathroom together thing. She had a shy bladder.
“You sure? Bad things can happen in toilets. I have a bedazzled Taser. And I know how to use it.”
“I’m sure you do.” She really hoped there was never a reason why she’d have to see that Taser, though.
“I think I’ll head back to the hotel,” she said with a yawn as she returned.
Dominic had given her the go-ahead to go out for drinks after speaking to Ed and getting her promise to go straight there and back.