by Carol Dawn
I wait and gauge her reaction to the daddy, little girl, comment.
It doesn’t take long. Shock, longing, doubt than hope all shine on her face.
“Daddy?” she whispers.
Kissing her head, I say, “Yeah, little one. But that’s a conversation for later. First, let’s get you in the shower and cleaned up before we eat breakfast.”
As if on autopilot, Thea doesn’t move unless I guide her. Once I have her undressed, I remove my clothes and start the shower.
It takes every amount of strength I have not to caress her naked skin. Now isn’t the time. My daddy side surges forth and takes over. First things first, I need to wash the dried blood from her hair. Using diligent moves, I guide her head under the spray to wet it.
Seeing my little girl give in completely has me hopeful. Maybe it’s just shock from everything that she went through. But it could be because she’s a natural submissive. A natural Little.
After I wash her hair and body, I quickly wash my own.
“Let’s get you dried off and fed,” I tell her. “What do you think about that?”
A small smile escapes her, and she nods her agreement.
I shove my same clothes back on before sitting Thea on the edge of the bed, wrapped in a towel.
“Let me see what I can find for you to wear,” I mumble to myself.
I search all drawers until I find pajamas. I don’t plan on letting her leave the house today, so no need for anything else.
Walking back to her, I hold out two pairs of panties. One light purple with butterflies, and the other a sexy black lace thong that Thea had tucked away in the back.
I wait for her to choose.
A test.
With a shy smile, she points to the panties with the butterflies.
“Good girl,” I praise.
I help her in them and sit her back down.
I grab the two pairs of pajamas. One, a silk black nightgown, and the other a pink pants and long sleeve set.
Thea’s face reddens with her embarrassment. I smile and wait.
With a resigned sigh, she points to the well-used, pink set.
After helping her get dressed, I clean her face and apply a new bandage. Wrapping her in my arms, I hold her tight.
“I’m so proud of you, babygirl,” I praise. “You were so brave and did so very good.”
I feel her soft smile against my skin.
The small amount of hope I felt before, soars.
Chapter Twelve
Thea
What is happening? Did he notice my stuffie or something while in my room? Is he making fun of me?
I don’t think it’s that. He seems genuine when talking. And he’s taking care of me like he actually cares. I smile at the thought but then instantly cringe. My face hurts really bad.
“I’m going to grab some pain meds for you,” Trigger says. “You need to take them before you eat.”
I don’t talk or smile but gently nod that I understand. Any other movement seems to cause me pain.
I think back to that moment in the bathroom when I first saw myself in the mirror. The cut is much bigger than I originally thought. It’s definitely going to scar. And not one of those scars that you hardly notice. This one is going to be deep, red, and sticking out for everyone to see.
No amount of makeup will be able to cover it.
“Here, little one,” he says, holding out two pills. “Drink as much of this water as you can.”
I put the pills in my mouth, and he holds a straw up to my lips. Feeling thankful that he thought of the straw, I drink most of the water.
“Good girl,” he praises with a smile.
I smile back as best as I can. I love it when he says that. And, when he calls me, little one.
“I’ll make some scrambled eggs,” he tells me once I’m settled on the couch. “It should be easier for you to eat.”
“Thank you,” I tell him.
“You’re welcome, sweetheart.”
With a kiss to my forehead, he heads to the kitchen.
He was right; the scrambled eggs were the best option. They were soft and easy. Trigger even cut them into smaller bites, so I didn’t have to open my mouth as far.
Such a caring man.
Once we both ate, he settles beside me on the couch. We sit in silence.
“I was stupid,” I say, breaking the silence. “I told Ink and Bella that I didn’t need them to stay longer. That I wasn’t scared. But when they left, I realized that I was wrong. I was scared. Very scared.
I know better than to park my car in the back of the lot when I work late. The lights don’t reach all the way back there. But I parked it there the morning before because I hadn’t planned to stay all day. On my way to the car, I heard footsteps behind me, so I ran. The man caught me when I was searching for my keys.
He told me that I was warned not to tell anyone about the letter I received. He said he was going to take me away but decided to teach me a lesson. So, he cut my face.”
Trigger’s face darkens. “Did you see his face?”
“No,” I whisper. “But I did catch some other things.”
Closing my eyes, I tell him every detail I can remember of the man who attacked me.
When I’m finished, I open my eyes and see Trigger on his phone.
“I sent the information to my brothers,” he tells me. “We’ll find him. Now, we have something else to talk about.”
“Okay,” I whisper, unsure of the topic.
“I know the last time you saw me, I was harsh,” he starts. “But that’s because I was being a coward. I wanted to push you away. I’m not a good man, little one. I have a darkness in me that can’t be hidden. When I saw how brightly you shined, even when you were being threatened, I wanted to be as far from that light as possible, so I didn’t destroy it. But I can’t stay away, because I have a feeling that you’re the woman I’ve been searching for.”
Wow!
“I’m going to scar,” I say. Because what else do I say after that?
“Yes, little one, you are,” he says, grabbing my hands. “And I’m going to kill the fucker who caused it.”
I want to giggle, but I don’t think he’s joking.
“You’re beautiful, baby,” he says. “And I can’t wait for the day when you show the world this scar so they can see just how fucking strong you are. But we’re getting off-topic.”
I wait silently for him to continue.
“Have you ever heard of Daddy Dom/Little Girl relationships?”
I try to hide my expressions. I knew this was coming based on the way he’s been acting. But how much do I actually admit?
“Yes,” is all I say.
Trigger grins, knowingly.
“How do you feel about it?” he asks.
Well darn, there’s no getting around this question.
“Well,” I say. “I think it’s a sweet and caring dynamic when done properly.”
“Mmm-hmm,” he mumbles.
“Uhm…And I guess that it’s a really wonderful and romantic idea.”
Trigger reaches up and caresses the uninjured side of my face.
“Yeah,” he whispers. “And what does your little side think?”
I can feel the mark on my face pull as my jaw drops, and eyes widen.
“What makes you think I have a little side?” I ask, dumbfounded.
He chuckles. He fricking chuckles.
“Call it, Daddy’s intuition.”
Well, he’s got me there. I take a deep breath and admit something that I haven’t told another soul.
“Yes. I consider part of myself as Little,” I admit. “But, for the most part, I’m Big. I have too many responsibilities to be in my Little headspace for too long. Plus, if I get custody of Brendon, then I’ll need to be Big Mathea and not Little Thea.”
“Mathea,” he says softly. “A beautiful name for a beautiful woman. And don’t think that you can’t be Little with Brendon. As a baby, it would probab
ly be good for him being with Little Thea just as much as is will be being with Big Mathea.”
“What’s your real name?” I ask, not purposefully changing the subject. I’m genuinely curious.
“My name is Mason Granger,” he says, holding out his hand. “I go by Trigger, but you may call me either one. I’m thirty-one years old and am the Sargent at Arms for the Infernal Sons. It’s my job to keep those fools safe. I had a sister who was killed almost six years ago, and I blame myself constantly for it.
I’m a Daddy Dom and have been looking for my Little Girl for years. I hardly talk, unless it’s to you, and I’ve killed people in the past and will probably do so again in the future. I think you could be the Little I’ve been looking for and the woman I’ve been dreaming of. I will fight with my life to keep you safe, to keep Brendon safe.
I happen to love children and do want some in the future. Once we get custody of baby Brendon, he’s going to need a little brother to play with one day, don’t you think?”
“I’m so sorry about your sister,” I say, tears falling down my face.
A gentle smile spreads across his face.
“That’s what you got out of all that?” he asks. “That’s more words than I’ve said to a single person in a whole year.”
“It’s really sad,” I say, trying not to sound like a baby.
“Awe, my Little girl is shining through,” he says, wiping tears away on the left side of my face. “As much as I want to play with you, I really need to talk to Big Mathea, please.”
He’s right. I can feel myself reverting into my little headspace. It feels so easy to fall with him here. I somehow manage to pull myself back out.
I reach out and grab his still extended hand.
“Hello, Mason,” I begin. “I’m Mathea Blankenship. But I like it when people call me Thea. I’m twenty-three years old and am in the process of fighting for custody of my nephew.
I manage a bookstore and love reading. I’m a hopeless romantic and have been searching for the person searching for me. I’ve never killed anyone, but I guess there’s always a possibility.
I have Little tendencies and have wanted to share them with a Daddy Dom but was too afraid to try.”
I take a deep breath and wait.
“Did you hear the part where I said I’ve killed?”
“Yes,” I nod my head. “And will probably do it again. I trust that any killing you’ve done or will do was with good reason and that they were bad people?”
“They were,” he says.
“Does this mean you want to be my Daddy Dom?” I ask.
He lifts me like I’m a feather and places me in his lap.
“I want more than that. I want to be your partner in every way. I want to love you and care for you. I want to be a dad to Brendon when we get custody of him. I want everything, babygirl. Will you give me everything?”
Looking into his eyes, I see only truth. And fear? Is he afraid I’ll say no?
Yeah, right!
“I don’t wear diapers,” I say, instead of yes.
He throws his head back and laughs. That has to be the most beautiful sight I have ever seen.
“Duly noted,” he says.
“And I don’t use a pacifier, but I sleep with my stuffie, Lucifer, every single night,” I continue.
“You named your stuffie, Lucifer?” he asks. “Why?”
I jump up and rush to my room. I grab Lucifer from under the bed and rush back to stand in front of Trigger. Mason. To stand in front of Mason.
I stretch out my hand and show him Lucifer. He’s a brown teddy bear with red horns, large black wings, and a red tail.
“Ah, now it makes sense,” he says, grinning.
“I know he’s ugly, but he’s really soft and cuddly.”
“He’s perfect,” Mason says.
“Can I call you Mason instead of Trigger?” I ask.
“You can call me whatever you want, babygirl. Just as long as you know who you belong to.”
I gather some bravery and let myself fall. I crawl on his lap and cuddle against his chest.
“Yes, sir.”
I don’t have the courage to call him daddy, just yet. But hopefully, this is a step in the right direction.
Chapter Thirteen
Trigger
“Are you grinning, brother?”
Ignoring Ink, I walk over to Brick.
“Got a favor to ask, brother,” I say.
“Name it.”
Can you take Thea to work and sit with her until I come back?” I ask. “Got some shit I need to take care of today.”
“I know I messed up, man,” Ink says, stopping next to Brick. “But I swear you can trust me to protect her.”
All signs of playful Ink are gone and, in its place, stands the brother we would all trust to have at our backs.
“You didn’t mess up, brother,” I tell him. “No one asked you to watch out for her. Neither one of us blames you. I actually need you to come with me.” I turn back to Brick. “What do you say?”
“No problem,” he says. “Do I need to go pick her up at her house?”
“Nah, she’s in the kitchen talking to Slim,” I answer. “She’s ready whenever you are,” Turning to Ink, I say, “Meet me outside in ten.”
I search for Thea to tell her who is going to be with her for the day. I find her in the same spot, but alone.
“What happened to Slim,” I ask, wrapping my arms around her from behind.
“He got a call about some missing kid,” she tells me. “Apparently, he helps the police find them. How awesome is that?”
“Slim is a man who wears many hats,” I tell her. “Listen, I have to leave for a few hours. Brick is going to take you to work and stay with you until I return.”
She smiles, leans up, and kisses my cheek.
“Thank you for wanting to keep me safe,” she says. “But I don’t work today. I don’t go back until Monday. I don’t mind staying here, though. I mean, that is if it’s okay for me to be here.”
“PREZ,” I shout.
“YEAH,” his shout returns from his office, causing Thea to giggle.
Such a beautiful sound.
“IS THAT CHAPTER PARTY GOING ON TODAY?” I ask.
“NAH, DELAYED UNTIL TOMORROW BECAUSE HAWK AND BOO COULDN’T MAKE UP THEIR FUCKING MINDS.”
“HEY,” Hawk adds with a shout from the bathroom. “IT WAS BOO’S FAULT. HE’S TOO PUSSY TO DRIVE HIS BIKE IN A LITTLE RAIN.”
Thea laughs harder. “You all are a bunch of goofs. Also, it’s pouring outside.”
Smiling down at her, I say, “I’ve never been called a goof before.”
“He’s more of an emotionless asshat, to be honest,” Ink says, sitting beside Thea. “well, maybe not so emotionless after all. I didn’t know you knew how to smile.”
I don’t say anything and just threaten Ink’s life with my eyes.
“Ah,” he smiles. “There he is.”
“If you get tired, my room is the last door on the right, just up those stairs. Brick can show you if you need it.”
“Oh, I don’t think so,” Brick says from behind me. “You threaten my life if I so much as blink in the direction of your door. You’re on your own with that mission, darlin’.”
“You’re an awful big guy,” Thea says, blushing. “Oh no, I’m so sorry, that was supposed to stay in my head.”
Brick laughs. “Well, you’re not wrong. But don’t let my size scare you little darlin’. I’m a big teddy bear.”
“Yeah, until those days, you come in with bruises all over your body,” Ink says. “What do you do, man, fight a pack of wolves every other night?”
Brick just smiles gleefully.
Crazy bastard. I know exactly what he’s been up to. If he’s not careful, he’s going to get himself killed.
“I’m going to change this bandage before I leave, little one. I’ll go ahead and show you where my room is because Brick is correct. No one is allowed in my private
room.”
“But I am?” she asks shyly.
I lean down to kiss her forehead. “Always.”
“Awe, who knew our little Trigger was such love hearted sap?”
I guide Thea toward the stairs, making sure to slap Ink on the back of the head as I pass.
“Fucker,” he mumbles.
“Wow, it’s so clean in here,” Thea says, entering my room.
“You sound shocked.”
“Oh gosh,” her face turns red. “I didn’t mean to offend you. I just wasn’t expecting you to be so tidy.”
Chuckling, I walk to my bedside table and pull out a notepad.
“This is my number,” I tell her. “Call me if you need me. If you don’t hear back from me within half an hour, don’t freak out. Just go to Bear and ask him because he has other ways of contacting us.”
“Alright,” she says softly.
I place the notepad on the table and grab the first aid kit. After having Thea sit on the bed, I take my time at changing her bandage. As I’m cleaning up the trash, I catch sight of a tear falling down her face.
“Fuck, did I hurt you?” I ask, cleanup forgotten.
Shaking her head, more tears fall.
“No, it’s not that,” she finally says. “It’s just that, when I first met you, I figured my body didn’t interest you. But I remember thinking that I have a pretty enough face. Maybe, if I try hard and lose weight, you’d be interested in me. Until then, I still had a pretty face. Now, I have nothing. I’m just a fat, ugly girl who will never find love and most likely won’t be granted custody of her nephew.”
I’m silent as I think through my next step.
“First,” I say after a few minutes. “We will get custody of Brendon. I have zero doubts. Second, that’s now fifteen.”
Her confused eyes look up.
“Fifteen what?”
“Fifteen spanks on your little bottom. Five for calling yourself fat, and five for calling yourself ugly. Plus, the first five for talking bad about yourself. I was planning on waiting for you to heal, but I think you need this lesson.”
I pull her against my chest to give her a small amount of comfort.
