“And why is it important to remember those things?”
“‘Cause I could get really sick.”
“That’s right. Are you going to forget again?” he asked sternly.
“No, Daddy. I be a good girl. I promise.” She slid her hand under her chest, out of his sight, as she crossed her fingers.
“I’m not convinced. I think you might need some extra reminding, though. Hand me the anal plug.”
She tensed. “Daddy, I really don’t need extra reminding. I promise to remember.”
“Sometimes little girls need a bit of extra help remembering things. That’s what daddies are here for. Now, how is your foot? Your ice pack fell off with all that wriggling around.” He gently drew her leg up so he could examine her foot. “It looks much better. But after your plug is in, I’ll get you another ice pack for it, just to make sure. Is it itchy?”
“A bit, yes.”
“I’ll get you some cream too. Now hand me the butt plug.”
She groaned. How could he worry over a little wasp sting, yet blister her butt the way he had?
“Because the spanking is a punishment and you know it. I don’t like my baby girl getting hurt. But when she’s naughty, she needs disciplining in order to remember that I lo. . .urgh, care about her and want her to be healthy and safe. A small hurt to prevent a greater one.”
Had he just been about to say he loved her? That had to be a slip of the tongue, right? Because there was no way he loved her. She was more of a pet project for him. A distraction.
Pain unfurled inside her.
To hide it, she handed him the anal plug. She couldn’t help but watch in the mirror, though, as he spread lube over it.
“Okay, sweet pea, I want you to take a deep breath in then let it out.”
She breathed in then as she let her breath out, he started pushing the plug deep inside her. “How come I gots to be plugged? I already got spanked.” To her mind, that was enough punishment.
“Because not taking your meds and skipping food is very serious. That is something that deserves the hairbrush, but I’m going easy on you because of extenuating circumstances. Next time, you won’t sit for a week, understand me?”
She squirmed as the plug fully entered her. It felt weird. Out of place. And at the same time, she was so turned on, it was embarrassing. He had to be able to see the cream coating the top of her thighs, right?
“Understand me, little one?” he asked again, twirling the plug around inside her.
She let out a deep groan. “Yes, Daddy. I won’t do it again.”
“Good. Hopefully this helps you to remember that taking care of your health is very, very important. I’m going to go wash up and I’ll get that cream and another ice pack. You’re to stay right where you are, understand?”
“What if I have to use the bathroom?” she asked, blushing slightly.
“Then you can ask me and I’ll take you,” he told her. He slid out from under her, then turned on the TV, flicking through the channels until he found something he considered appropriate. Another cartoon. This one she kind of liked, though. She hugged Bunnykins close, rubbing his ear under her nose to soothe herself as her bottom continued to throb in time with her clit. She pressed her thighs together, hoping for some friction to relieve the ache. She moved her eyes to the mirror to stare at herself. Her hair was wild, her eyes were slightly puffy from crying. Her cheeks were flushed. She moved her gaze to her lower half, taking in her red bottom. She couldn’t see the plug sticking out from this angle.
She was kind of disappointed by that. She rubbed her thighs again, letting out a small noise of pleasure. But it wasn’t enough, not nearly enough.
“Uh-uh, keep those legs wide apart, young lady.”
Macca walked back in, sitting on the coffee table. He gave each of her thighs a sharp slap until she widened them.
“But, Daddy. . .”
“No,” he said sternly. “There’s no pleasure for you. And if you try again, then Daddy will have to add to your punishment.”
Daddy was a meanie nincompoop.
“Been a while since I was called a nincompoop,” he said sternly.
Whoops.
But then she caught his lips twitching as he laid another ice pack on her foot. Right at the moment, it would do more good against her hot ass, but she knew better than to suggest that.
He then lifted her upper half so she was resting her chest and head on his lap before putting the nipple of a bottle of cool water against her lips. She latched on, sucking it down, humming in pleasure as she realized he’d added cut up strawberries.
Yummy.
“Good girl.” He ran his hand lightly up and down her back. He then pulled her hair off her face. “Looks to me like my baby likes having her bottom hole played with.”
She made a murmuring noise around the nipple of the bottle, uncertain if it was protest or agreement. Because it was kind of evident that she did like it. He reached down and drew the plug out slightly before pushing it back in.
“Too bad you’ve been naughty and don’t get to come.”
She huffed out a breath, letting him know exactly what she thought of that by scowling at him in the mirror.
He ran a finger down her cheek. “If you’re a good girl, Daddy might play with your bottom tomorrow. Just for fun.”
She brightened at that. But tomorrow seemed so far away. Why not tonight?
“What was that?” he asked, tugging the nipple from her mouth.
Oh. Whoops. She must have muttered that around the nipple of the bottle.
“Nothing, Daddy.”
“Nothing you wanted me to hear, you mean.”
She just sighed. Damn, he knew her so well.
Macca stared down at the bundle in his arms. He hadn’t thought he’d be fighting a smile today of all days. But somehow, Gigi had managed to lighten the dark cloud hanging over his head. He knew that Nan wouldn’t want him to dwell. She’d want him to remember all the good times they’d had, not spend all his time mourning her.
Somehow, he had managed to get through the day without killing his father, which he supposed was a good thing. The whole day, he’d been aware of Gigi at his side, supporting him, trying to tempt him into eating when the little minx should have been eating herself. She’d spent these last few days taking care of him, and neglecting herself.
Damn woman needed a keeper.
A daddy. A permanent one. She finished the bottle of water and he pulled away the nipple, replacing it with the pacifier he’d retrieved from the bedroom, placing it in her mouth. He should help her find a daddy before he had to go back to the States. It wouldn’t be right just to leave her. What had he been thinking? Had he made things worse for her?
Shit. He sat, thinking over his selfish behavior. He’d wanted her. He’d thought he was doing something magnanimous, teaching her about her needs. And now he was going to abandon her?
No. That would make him no better than his father. He needed to find her someone before he left. He wasn’t sure how to do that, but he couldn’t just leave her.
Fuck. Fuck.
He’d had no right to do any of this.
“Daddy? You okay?”
He looked down at her and realized she’d half-turned in his arms to look up at him. Her gorgeous eyes were filled with concern. She’d spent these past few days taking care of him. He’d always thought that he had to be the caregiver, but she’d shown him it was okay to let someone else look after him. Sometimes, anyway. He wouldn’t give up control that often. And he realized that he wouldn’t do it for just anyone.
But Gigi was special.
He cared so much about her. Had he nearly told her that he loved her earlier? Did he love her? Was it possible that he’d found his girl? But she lived halfway across the world. Sanctuary Ranch was his home. The people there were his family. His mother was only a few hours away by plane. He couldn’t move here.
Would she move there? Could she move there? He didn’t eve
n know.
Maybe it was time to find out.
20
“I’m not sure why I need to be there for the reading of the will,” Gigi said, tugging at her skirt. She was wearing the same outfit she’d worn to the funeral yesterday. Things had been odd between them since he’d spanked and plugged her yesterday. He’d still taken care of her. Put her to bed that night and held her tight. But something had changed with him and she didn’t think it was because of Penny’s death.
She couldn’t work out what happened. Had she done something wrong?
“The lawyer asked for you to be there.” He frowned down at her. “Why do you keep fiddling? Is your skirt annoying you?”
“No. I’m fine.”
They walked into the elevator together. There was a distance between them that made her heart ache.
Why did she have to fall in love with him?
Maybe he’s preparing to tell you that it’s over. That he wants you out of the house. Maybe he doesn’t want you anymore.
She closed her eyes against the pain.
“Gigi? Hey, it’s all right. Everything will be okay.” He placed his hand on the small of her back as they stepped out of the elevator. It wasn’t a hug, but it was enough to have warmth flooding her. Macca wasn’t like her dad. He was a good man. He wouldn’t just kick her out.
They walked into the reception area of the lawyer’s office to find Macca’s dad standing there talking to Everly, who was a tall, fit-looking woman with honey-blonde hair. Her son, Nico peered up at Gigi with solemn eyes.
“About time you got here,” James barked at his son. Then he sneered at her. “I don’t understand why the slut is here.”
Macca stepped forward, right into his father’s space. “I warned you, do not call her that.”
“Or what?”
Macca grabbed him, slamming him against the wall. Gigi let out a gasp, taking a step forward but Everly appeared next to her, grabbing her arm and pulling her back. Nico grasped hold of Gigi’s hand as well, as though trying to help his mum drag her away.
She couldn’t hear what Macca was saying to his dad, his mouth was close to the older man’s ear. But whatever it was, it seemed to instill fear in the other man as he grew pale, sweat breaking out on his forehead.
“Let Macca deal with him,” Everly told her quietly. “He can’t let him get away with talking to you like that.” She glanced down at her son and Gigi suddenly realized how small the boy was. She turned and crouched down, trying to shield his gaze from Macca and his dad. A little boy shouldn’t be around that.
“Hi Nico,” she said even though Everly had explained to her that Nico didn’t talk much.
The small boy stuck his thumb in his mouth.
“Hello? Is everything all right in here?”
Gigi stood and whirled around so fast that the room spun slightly. Macca moved quickly to her side, wrapping his arm around her waist. “Are you all right?”
“Yes, just moved too quickly.” She glanced over at the older man who stepped in from the inner office. This had to be Mr. Georgeson. The lawyer. Mr. Georgeson eyed them all, his face growing darker as his gaze rested on Macca’s dad.
“Everything is fine,” Everly said. She stepped forward with a smile. “I’m Everly McKenzie. This is my son, Nico.”
The older man’s face lightened as he saw the little boy.
“A child has no place at a will reading,” James grumbled. He glanced over at her and she braced herself for some nasty comment but he looked at Macca then hastily away. Whatever Macca said to him seemed to have made an impact.
“That’s fine,” said Mr. Georgeson. “Please, won’t you all come in. This won’t take long, but Penny was insistent on having a reading and she wanted you all here.”
They all sat down in stiff, leather chairs. Everly pulled a small, worn book out of her large satchel and handed it to Nico who sat at her feet.
“Right, thank you all for coming,” Mr. Georgeson started off. “You understand that the estate of Penelope Eloise McKenzie will be held in probate for six months in case of any claims, so what is read out today won’t actually settled until then—”
“Yes, yes, we all know this. Get on to the bequests. Who got the property?” Macca’s dad leaned forward, practically salivating in anticipation.
He was a disgusting human being.
Macca and Everly glared at him. To her surprise, the lawyer joined them.
“Yes, well, onto the bequests.” The lawyer turned to Everly. “To my great-niece Everly, I leave my opal ring and bracelet set, I know they were always her favorite.”
“Oh,” Everly said with pleasure.
“And fifty thousand dollars.”
“What? No! Really?” Everly looked completely stunned. Her mouth opened then closed. Then a tear drifted down her cheek. Moved by instinct, Gigi got up and knelt next to her chair, hugging her tight.
“For God’s sake, can we please get on with it, some of us have other things to do today,” James said abruptly.
“God forbid any of us get between you and your golf date,” Macca said dryly.
His father glared at him, but the lawyer cleared his throat.
“To my beloved grandson, Alexander McKenzie, I leave the rest of the funds in my bank account, along with all stock, dividends and shares, minus the money left to Everly,” the lawyer directed and Macca nodded. “I also leave my wedding and engagement rings. And the condo in Hawaii, I’m sure he’ll make good use of it. Life is short, spend it wisely by doing things you love with people you love. I know that special person is out there for you.”
Gigi watched Macca’s face as she stood and returned to her chair, but it could have been carved from stone for all the emotion he showed. Worry stirred in her gut. That was so unlike him.
His father smiled. “So that means the property comes to me.”
The lawyer cleared his throat. “To my son, James McKenzie. I leave five dollars. I had to leave you something so that you would be here for the reading of my will and hopefully I’m here in spirit so I can see the look on your face. James, I loved you so much. I’m not sure where I went wrong with you, but the way you treated your wife and son tells me that somewhere along the way I failed you. I doubt this is a wake-up for you, but one can hope.”
The lawyer looked to Macca as everyone stared at James. He sat frozen, expressionless, looking off into the distance. “I’m certain you can ensure that Mr. McKenzie gets what is owed to him?”
Macca pulled out his wallet and drew out a ten dollar note. “That’s as small as I’ve got. You can keep the change.” He held out the money and his father stared down at it, clearly in shock.
“What? What is happening? Who got left the property?” James asked, looking bewildered.
“He’s got a real hard-on for Auntie Penny’s place,” Everly muttered to her, shocking Gigi into a giggle at her wording. But yeah, she wasn’t wrong. “Makes you wonder why.”
“To my very dear friend, Georgina Raymond, I leave my house, including—” the rest of his words drifted away as she froze. Had she heard right? She couldn’t have, could she? Penny would never leave her the house.
“What the fuck!”
She turned her head at James’s roar of displeasure. He stood and pointed at her and the sheer fury in his face was terrifying. She guessed she couldn’t blame him. After all, his mother had just left her family property to her.
It was surreal.
“She did something to her! I know it. This was your end game all along, wasn’t it, you little bitch?” He stormed towards her; his face almost purple. She huddled back in her chair, terrified he was going to hurt her. “You took advantage of an old woman! You stole this from me!”
“No, no, I d-didn’t,” she stammered.
“Mr. McKenzie, sit down,” the lawyer demanded.
“I’m taking this to my lawyer. I’ll be challenging this!” James stabbed his finger in her face. “This little whore won’t be getting my inherita
nce.” He reached out and grabbed her arm, lifting her from the chair. She cried out at the pain. She shook, absolutely out of her mind with fear. When she looked at the huge man looming over her, all she saw was another man, his face red in anger, the alcoholic fumes of his breath making her feel ill.
She raised her free hand up to her face, trying to protect herself.
“Let her go!” Macca roared, knocking his father’s arm away. She stumbled back, missing the chair and falling onto her bottom on the floor. She shuffled backwards, wanting to get away but unable to get her legs under her.
“I cannot believe you are still defending her,” James screamed at his son. Spittle shot out from his mouth. “That little whore stole our inheritance!”
“Stop calling her that!”
“Why not? It’s the truth! Where do you think your grandmother found her? She was in the hospital; she’d been beaten by her pimp. Your grandmother took pity on the slut and brought her home. Worst mistake I ever made was not getting rid of you,” he spat at her.
“What?” Macca turned to her. Everly came to her side and helped her stand and she felt a little hurt that Macca wasn’t the one offering his support. That he wasn’t standing by her side. He frowned as he stared at her. “I thought you met Nan at your doctor’s?”
James snorted. “Not likely. Your grandmother met her volunteering at the hospital. Apparently, she’d been beaten up by her pimp for refusing to do her job and fuck some poor sucker.”
“That-that’s not true. It’s not.” She stared at Macca, begging him to believe her.
“So, you didn’t meet Nan at the hospital like he said?”
“Um, well, no. . .” she stumbled over her words.
“So, you lied to me?” he asked in a low voice.
“No, not really. You see—”
“Weren’t you a stripper before you were a whore?” James sneered at her.
She licked her dry lips. “Well, yes, but you see—” She stared around at everyone. Only the lawyer’s face remained neutral. In fact, she might have caught a glimpse of sympathy. Maybe.
Run, Gigi. Run.
Her heart raced, sweat was beading on her forehead. She couldn’t think, could barely breathe. All she knew was that she needed to get out of here. Now.
Warrior Daddy Page 19
