He nods slowly.
I look at Mom, who still looks wound tight as a wire.
“I’m fine, Mom. Really.”
She exhales slowly. “I’m just afraid something will happen to you.”
“Nothing’s going to happen to me.”
Dad pulls her into his side. “I’ll catch whoever did this, sole mio. Don’t worry.”
She hums in response. I kiss her cheek. “Good night.” I rise on my toes to kiss Dad’s cheek, too. “Good night.”
They pull me into a quick hug, then head out.
I close the door behind them, turn, and walk to my closet. He’s studying my dresses, that scowl still firmly in place.
I move closer. “What are you looking at?”
“Getting a look at what kind of things you like.”
“And? You don’t like them?”
His frown deepens. “Why wouldn’t I like the things you like?”
“Then why are you looking at them with that face?” I press my thumb between his brows, trying to smooth the furrow.
He wraps his arms around me, pulling me close.
I grin up at him. “I think it’s just your natural state. Grumpy old man.”
His brows lift. “I dare you to call me old man again.”
I shake my head, grinning. “Not old man. Grumpy old man.”
His hand slides from my waist to my ass. He squeezes, hard, pulling me closer, I feel his hardness against my belly. He gives me half a breath to register it, then hoists me over his shoulder.
I giggle, upside down. “Are you showing me you’re a strong grumpy old man?”
He pats my ass, humming.
He carries me into the bedroom, then lowers me from his shoulder, spinning me in his arms. I’m still giggling, brushing hair from my face with one hand while gripping him with the other.
That grumpy face of his looks a lot less grumpy now.
He lowers himself onto the bed and flips me over his lap. I gasp at the sudden movement, my body twisting with the momentum. Before I can find my balance—lower belly pressed against his thighs, elbows braced on the mattress—he tears my dress down from my waist.
I twist my head to look at him.
He trails his fingers over my now-bare ass. The thong does nothing to cover me.
“What are—” I yelp as his palm connects with my cheek.
The sting radiates instantly.
“Salvario!” I cry out as his palm lands again.
I’m doing my best to keep my voice down, but there’s a limit when you’re being spanked.
