He lifted her onto her feet.
Saylor took two steps toward the hallway before turning back to him. “I don’t want a spanking.”
“I know. Go potty and come right back.”
She rushed to the bathroom. After the toilet flushed, he heard her wash her hands. Max could tell she made each task last as long as possible. Her feet dragged slowly across the floor as she returned.
“Daddy…”
“Come here, baby.” Max pointed to a spot in front of him. He waited patiently until she moved into place. Without making her wait, he pulled her leggings and panties down to her feet. Tapping on her right foot, he said, “Lift,” and removed her clothing entirely before repeating the process on the other side.
When she was bare from the waist down, he gripped her hips and met her gaze. “How did you earn this spanking?”
“I didn’t follow directions.” Her voice wavered with emotion as she trembled slightly.
Her scared voice her tore him up inside, but she had to learn. “Putting yourself at risk isn’t okay, baby. I need to know you’re safe. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Daddy,” she whispered. “Is the spanking going to hurt?”
“Yes, baby. If your punishment didn’t, you wouldn’t remember to make better choices. Over my thighs, Saylor.”
He helped Saylor move into position, balancing her so her toes and fingertips didn’t touch the floor. Her pale bottom looked adorable. He didn’t delay. She was nervous already.
Raising his hand, Max popped his uninjured hand down on her rounded buttocks. He peppered her skin with light swats to help her adjust before delivering the first firm spank. Her head reared up and Saylor reached back to stop him. Quickly, he captured her hands and pinned them to the small of her back to keep them out of the way before continuing her punishment.
“No, Daddy. That hurts,” she pleaded, wiggling on his thighs to escape.
“Spankings are supposed to linger in your mind. A hot bottom will make you think twice about deciding you know better than someone trained to deal with possible threats,” Max lectured as he smacked her tender flesh.
Soon, her protests turned to sobbing apologies and promises to be good. When she drooped over his lap completely accepting his discipline, Max knew she’d learned her lesson. He lightened his swats to smoothing strokes over her now red butt. After a moment, he scooped her into his arms and held her tight against his chest, rocking her slightly.
“That’s Daddy’s good girl. I’m proud of you for taking your spanking. Now your mistake is wiped away, baby.”
Saylor’s tears slowed and her breathing deepened. Max held her as she dozed in his arms. The trauma of the day’s events had sapped her and her previous nap hadn’t restored her energy completely. She would wake up feeling much better.
The image of Saylor curled up in her crib popped into his mind. The team would visit tomorrow to help put the furniture together, but Max decided the crib was his to create on his own. Then he’d turn his attention to painting the decorations.
He couldn’t wait to check out Saylor’s creation on the wall across from his mermaid. His little girl needed a special nursery to enjoy and share with her new friends. Having both of their talents showcased would display how well they matched.
* * *
Max had ordered a ton of food for the gathering while Saylor finished her nap. Everyone would bring something they enjoyed to share. They had team meals down to a fine art by now. Cadenwas a master at helping the team bond and understood that sharing their lives outside of maneuvers helped the men operate on a different level.
The group had morphed a lot in recent years. Hank had switched to a new base and a new team. Koa had joined the team as a talented new graduate from special ops training. The addition of Jerico as team leader had caused concern before that first meeting. Max had understood how lucky the team was in that first meeting where Jerico had protected and equipped them with a masterful diplomatic touch. Max hoped this group would stand together for as long as possible. The team was that solid—bonded by confidence in each other and wired similarly in their private lives.
Rushing home the next day, Max called, “I’m home, baby.”
Saylor rushed out to greet him and skidded to a stop five feet away. She pinched her nose. “Daddy! Ewwww!”
Max picked her up and rubbed his face against her soft skin. “You don’t like how your daddy smells?”
“You’re covering me with stink, Daddy. I’m going to have to shower!”
“Oh, no! I have to strip off your clothes?” he asked in mock regret.
“Daddy! Everyone’s coming,” she whined.
“Then you’re going to have to be fast, aren’t you, baby?” he asked, carrying her to the bathroom as he nibbled on her sensitive neck.
