Accepting love, p.18
Accepting Love, page 18
“I know you are, Blossom. You wouldn’t be working so hard to earn a spanking if you weren’t sorry.” He sets his water bottle on the island. He nods toward the rest of us. “Why don’t you tell everyone what you did to deserve such drama, Blossom.”
Her eyes widen. “Tell everyone?”
He nods. “Yes. That will be half your punishment. I’m sure whatever it is, it will be embarrassing telling the entire room.”
She swallows and glances around at all of us before looking back down at her hands where she wrings them together. “I’m the one who hit the trashcan in the street and broke off the wheel, Daddy.” She lifts her gaze and continues. “It had fallen over after the trash was picked up and it was in the way of the driveway and I was too lazy to get out of the car and stand it back up and I thought I could get around it, but I broke it instead.”
“Good girl. Doesn’t it feel better getting that off your chest?”
She gasps, glaring at him. “You knew?”
“Of course I knew, Blossom. There are surveillance cameras all around the front of the house, silly girl.”
“Oh, yeah, right.” She fidgets. “Are you going to spank me now?”
“I am going to spank you because I know you need it in order to forgive yourself, but most of your punishment has been fretting over this for a full day. You barely even slept last night from all the tossing and turning.”
“I’m sorry, Daddy.”
“I’m not going to spank you until we get home though. Today isn’t about you. It’s about Hannah. You can wait until we get home to get your bottom blistered.”
I sit up straighter. Me? How is today about me?
Lucy runs toward Master Roman and throws her arms around him. “Thank you, Daddy.”
He hugs her back and then pats her bottom. “Why don’t you girls go downstairs to the playroom and spend some time together. That’s what we’re here for.”
She rises onto her tiptoes and kisses his cheek before turning toward the rest of us. “Coming?” She takes off for the stairs while the rest of us scramble to join her.
I glance back at Daddy when I reach the stairs.
He smiles and nods. “Have fun, angel.”
I race down the stairs and join the others in the playroom. Instead of pulling out games or powering up the Ms. Pac-Man or setting up a puzzle or grabbing the crayons, we all plop down in a circle with our legs crossed and stare at each other.
Leah starts giggling first. Then everyone follows.
I laugh too, but I don’t know what we’re laughing at.
Finally, Lucy sobers. She looks at me. We all get serious. Lucy is like the queen of all things Little. She’s the gold standard by which other Littles live. She’s been living as Master Roman’s Little girl for many years. We all look up to her.
She clears her throat. “I hope you won’t be mad but Daddy told me what happened this morning when Zane gave you that pretty necklace and bracelet.”
When she points toward my wrist, I realize I’m playing with it, plucking it so that it continually snaps back against my wrist. It’s grounding.
“He also told me what you do for a living. Your Daddy was concerned and he told my Daddy and my Daddy told me. We didn’t do it to gossip behind your back or anything. We were just brainstorming ways that might help you transition back and forth better when you have to step into your adult shoes.”
I nod slowly. I’m not mad at anyone. If someone has an idea, I’m all ears.
“I’m kind of like you in a way. I go to work in a busy office most days where I have to be in my adult skin. When I first suggested doing such a thing, Daddy balked. He didn’t want me to work outside the home. He was too overprotective and smothered me. We had to negotiate. It took a long time. But eventually he understood why I needed something that was mine. Something I can be proud of. I would never want to see you slowly becoming a hermit and not wanting to do concerts and losing your talent because you’re too scared to face the world.”
A tear trickles down my cheek. She understands.
“So, I thought about it, and I came up with something that I think might work. Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe it’s too silly. But I think you should give it a chance.”
“What is it?” I ask. I sit up straighter, curious.
She smiles. “I’m not going to tell you. You’ll find out later today after dinner.”
Everyone gasps. “Seriously?” Leah groans. “You big tease.”
Lucy giggles. “I don’t want to ruin the surprise. Let’s have a fun afternoon together, and then everyone will find out at the same time.”
“Except you.” Amy is sitting next to Lucy and she gives her a playful shove.
“Except me,” Lucy declares. “And I’m sorry about my entrance. It’s a coincidence that I was already in trouble for hitting the trashcan. I know Daddy’s palm is itching to spank me, but he’s being generous in making me wait until we get home because I’m here to help Hannah.”
I smile, feeling stronger. I hold out a hand to Lucy. I’m sure she’s already heard my name, but I still want to introduce myself. “Carolina Fraser.”
Everyone giggles as Lucy shakes my hand. “Nice to meet you, Carolina. What a pretty name.”
“I’ll still be Hannah at the club.”
“Of course.” Lucy nods. “And you’re not the only one. There are many members who use a club name. Never feel weird about it.”
“Thank you for being so kind while I figure this out.”
“Any time.” Lucy pushes to standing. “Who’s going to let me beat them in Ms. Pac-Man?”
Chapter 17
Hannah
* * *
I’m on pins and needles by the time dinner is over. I barely touched my food because I’m too busy wondering what’s going to happen now that we’re done eating.
Lucy knows, and I’m guessing all the Daddies know, but the rest of the Littles are as clueless as me.
After dinner, Daddy takes me upstairs and into the bathroom. He removes my pigtails before he takes off my clothes.
I have no idea what his goal is, but I don’t say anything because I know he has a plan, and I trust him.
I’m surprised when he puts lace panties on me and then a sexy lace bra. I’m doubly shocked when he adds what can only be described as a little black dress. It’s sexy and chic, but still in a style that I would wear. It’s short, but not as short as most of the Little girl dresses he puts me in. It’s got lace around the hem, the short sleeves, and the neckline. It would flow out if I twirled.
He adds my favorite black ballet flats and then gathers the front of my hair in a sparkly silver clip on top of my head. He doesn’t give me makeup, but he does add lip gloss to my lips.
I want to ask about a thousand questions, but I hold my tongue. I’ll wait and see. Whatever we’re doing, it’s obviously going to be special. I wonder if we’re leaving Blossom Ridge. That seems unlikely at this time of night, but anything is possible.
“You look like an angel,” Daddy tells me before he takes my hand and guides me down the stairs and into the library. “Be right back,” he tells me after seating me in a chair in the middle of the room.
I’m perplexed when he disappears.
The others start arriving, and I remain in the chair where Daddy put me. I’m baffled by the fact that the other Littles—Leah, Amy, and Giana—haven’t changed clothes. Just me. We’re obviously not going to leave The Ridge.
And then Lucy comes in last. She’s also dressed in adult attire, only she’s far more adult than I’ve ever been. She has on a silk blouse, a pencil skirt, and black pumps. Her hair is in a gorgeous updo, and she’s wearing makeup.
I’m so confused.
The room is quiet except for soft murmuring as my three Little friends sit on the floor, all of them on their best behavior. Their Daddies sit behind them on the various armchairs and loveseat.
Master Roman comes in next. He’s wearing a suit and tie, and he takes a place next to Lucy, standing near me. He smiles and kisses her on the cheek. “You look lovely, Blossom.”
“Thank you, Sir.”
A throat clearing at the entrance to the room has all of us turning to see Daddy entering. My breath hitches. He also has on a suit and tie. I’ve never seen him dressed like this. He’s so handsome. Mouthwatering.
I’m glad I’m sitting because I’m trembling. My seated position in the middle of the room is awkward though. I’m on display. Everyone is watching and waiting in anticipation. I’m obviously the star of this show, but I didn’t get a script.
I reach nervously to finger the beads at my neck, but they’re gone. Daddy took them off with my Little clothes. I wish I had them to toy with, or at least the bracelet to snap on my wrist. How did I become so attached to the costume jewelry in one day?
Daddy glides slowly toward us, his gaze on me and no one else. I can’t read his expression. It’s serious but pleased. His brow is slightly furrowed, but his mouth is also turned up.
When Daddy gets to me, he holds out a hand. “Stand, Caro.”
I rise to my feet as he rubs my knuckles with his thumb. When I glance around, I get the oddest feeling, like we’re at a wedding. I’m the bride, Zane is the groom. Master Roman and Lucy are officiating. The others are our guests.
That’s not reasonable of course. We aren’t getting married. A person can’t get married without a license. Besides, it’s customary to ask someone to marry you before arriving at the altar. I shake the absurd thought from my head.
Master Roman speaks first. “Carolina…” He smiles at me. “The reason we’re gathered here this evening is because your Daddy would like to collar you.”
I gasp and glance at Daddy.
He’s smiling and he strokes my cheek with his fingers. “I’d like you to be mine, Carolina Fraser. I know it’s not legal or binding in any way, but in my eyes wearing my collar is a more solid union than any other ceremony could be.”
I can’t breathe. I’ve never even thought of being collared before this morning when it felt like he’d collared me with the pink jewelry.
Daddy continues. “I was so moved this morning when you were sitting below me accepting my gift. You were too. Tears came to your eyes. The pink costume jewelry was only meant to make you smile, but I immediately saw that it meant much more than that to you. You haven’t stopped touching it all day. However, it also pulls you into a deep Little space, compounding the main problem we’re facing.”
I don’t think I’ve blinked a single time as he’s spoken.
“It was Lucy’s idea,” he says with a grin. “I’m hoping that if I present you with a proper collar—the sort that can be worn in vanilla society—you’ll be able to feel the connection to me when we’re out in a more adult way.”
I swallow. My knees are weak.
“You will always be my submissive, Caro. All the time. No matter where we are. You’ll defer to me because it’s what you crave and need. In return I promise to always put your needs first and ensure you’re protected emotionally and physically no matter where we are.”
A tear escapes down my cheek. I’m so emotional I’m afraid I might literally collapse.
Kingston continues to stroke my cheek, holding my gaze as Master Roman hands him a black jewelry box. It looks very luxurious and expensive, and Daddy releases my cheek to lift the lid, showing me the contents.
I gasp as I stare down at the two silver pieces inside the box. They are a matched set. A delicate silver necklace and bracelet. No one would ever suspect a thing when they see them. They look like ordinary jewelry comprised of flat silver discs connected together by silver chain. The discs are spaced close together.
“Will you accept this jewelry as a symbol of our commitment and connection to one another, Carolina?”
I lift my gaze to Daddy’s. “Yes, Sir.”
Master Roman sets a pillow down in front of me.
Daddy nods. “Lower to your knees, angel.”
I don’t think my kneeling could be described as graceful. I’m shaking and nervous, but Daddy helps me. When I’m situated, I tip my head back and look up at him. I’ve seen several collaring ceremonies. They never looked quite like this one, but there are no rules for collaring. Daddy obviously planned this how he wanted it to be.
“Sit back so your bottom rests on your ankles, Caro,” Daddy instructs. As I comply, he says, “Set your hands on your thighs, palms up, and lower your gaze to the floor.” He hands the jewelry box to Master Roman.
I shudder as I assume this position. It’s very submissive, and I feel the weight of this decision deeper than I would ever feel about a marriage.
Daddy sets a hand on the top of my head, guiding it lower, keeping me in position. “I give you this jewelry as a symbol of our love, angel.” He bends slightly to reach the necklace around me before clasping it at the back of my neck.
I whimper the moment it’s in place.
“Finger it, angel,” Daddy encourages. “Touch it. Close your eyes and picture it around your neck.”
It’s so moving. His voice is so reverent.
I finger one of the discs. It’s smooth and cool to the touch.
“How does it feel, angel?”
“Smooth,” I respond.
“Smooth is how I want your life to feel.”
I shiver. I want that too.
“When you touch it, you’ll remember who you belong to and how much you mean to me.” He takes my wrist from my neck and clasps the bracelet on next.
I lower my arm to stare at how pretty it is.
“I will put this jewelry on you any time you need to be in an adult situation.”
I flinch and look up at him. I don’t get to wear it all the time? I’m sure the question is in my eyes.
He smiles. “You’ll be able to rub the discs at your wrists in public and remind yourself of your headspace. When you’re home or any place where it’s safe to be Little, you’ll wear more youthful jewelry. I’ll order a variety. It will help you center in your Little space and know that your only responsibility is to obey Daddy.”
I nod. I finally understand what his plan is. It might work.
“Rise, Caro.” He takes my hand and helps me to my feet. “Head high. Shoulders back. Let everyone admire your jewelry.”
Lucy comes to me first. She kisses my cheek. “How does it feel?”
“Good, I think,” I tell her honestly.
“Give it time.” She kisses me again and moves to let the other three girls admire my necklace and bracelet.
Master Roman opens a bottle of pink champagne, but when I look closer, I realize it’s sparkling juice. He pours seven flutes and three sippy cups. He’s making a distinction as he hands the three sippy cups to Giana, Amy, and Leah before handing me and Lucy and the men a flute. He holds out his glass. “Cheers.”
We all hold out ours and respond, “Cheers.”
Daddy wraps an arm around my waist and holds me to his side as we both take a sip.
I smile up at him. “I’m still thinking of you as Daddy,” I tell him.
“That’s okay. It’s a piece inside your head. What will you call me out loud?”
“Kingston,” I respond without hesitation.
“Good girl.”
I shiver at his words of praise. “You really think this will work? It will help me with my headspace?”
“We’ll find out, but I have a good feeling about it.”
I do too. For the first time all week, I feel like we might have come up with a solution that will work. As I take a sip of the sparkling juice, I stand tall, aware of my posture, even more aware of the silver discs at my neck.
Chapter 18
A week later…
* * *
Hannah
* * *
“You were amazing,” Lucy tells me as she hugs me tight. “You play like an angel. Thank you so much for letting Roman and me come to the studio and watch.”
I smile broadly at her as Kingston sets a hand on my lower back. He kisses my temple and sets his lips on my ear. “I’m so proud of you.”
This was my third and final day of recording. Kingston invited Master Roman and Lucy to the studio to watch me perform. The four of us are going out to dinner after we wrap things up.
Audrey is here too. She looks like she’s going to cry. I know she won’t, but she’s also proud of me. When she approaches, Kingston and Lucy back off.
Audrey hugs me tight, not letting me go. “You look fantastic and you did such a great job.” When she leans back, I subtly finger the bracelet on my wrist, rubbing one of the discs with my thumb.
I’ve grown accustomed to doing this every time I’m wearing the jewelry. If anyone notices, they will just think I have a nervous habit—which I do. It’s working though. When my fingers come to the cool silver, I remember who I am. Carolina Fraser, concert pianist. Performer. An adult. Someone people admire and look up to.
We’ve developed a new and unexpected routine at home. Daddy has purchased over a dozen sets of costume jewelry, all similar with shiny plastic beads and bobbles on an elastic band. When I’m not listening or I do something slightly naughty, Daddy only has to bend over and snap the bracelet once to remind me of my place.
It calms me. I don’t like to be punished, so I rarely misbehave. When I break the rules, it’s usually not using two hands to hold my cup, not putting my toys away properly after I’m done playing, grumbling when it’s time for bed or when Daddy thinks I need a nap. Small things. A snap at my wrist corrects my behavior.
I glance around and take a deep breath as Audrey releases me. Everyone in the room is moving around wrapping up the recording. Kingston’s employees have treated me like spun gold every time I’ve been here. Granted, they all know we’re in a serious relationship, but none of them have any idea it falls under the fetish umbrella.
I move around the room, shaking hands and making polite conversation. I’m smiling so much my face is sore. I’ve never pulled off anything like this. Several hours of social interaction without panicking. Direct contact with strangers.
