Page 59 of Finding Little Fiera

He’d claimed her, and she wasn’t letting him take it back. Not ever.

We still have your punishment to deal with.

He had said it like a promise, but a promise of what? Her first spanking hadn’t been fun at all. She wasn’t sure how this could be any different. The smile on his face made her shiver, and not out of fear. Even if it wasn’t fun, she knew she was safe. That was the part that amazed her. How could a person feel safe and nervous at the same time?

He moved away first, not far, but far enough for the cool air to chill her. He dragged his hand down his jaw and exhaled with slow purpose. “Are you ready, little girl?”

Her stomach dipped. He glanced at her, eyes dark and thoughtful. Her pulse skipped so hard she felt it in her throat. Was this it?

Her back snapped straight as her pulse quickened. He’d probably turn her over his knee now. She braced for the firm press of his hand against her back. Heat curled low in her belly at the thought, anticipating what he would do.

She wanted this, needed the forgiveness that came after consequences were meted out. She wanted to be good for him. And some small part of her wanted to prove to herself she could handle whatever he decided. Because he was safe.

“Yes, Daddy,” she said softly. Her voice didn’t tremble. No, that would be her thighs. This was not the time to get turned on. When he spanked her, he’d see everything. What if he thought she wasn’t taking her punishment seriously? She squeezed her thighs together, but it didn’t help.

His gaze lingered on her a moment too long. Should she have said no? Or was he trying to draw things out or build tension before he spanked her?

Narrowing his eyes, he said, “All right. Go gather what you need for a bath.”

She took two steps toward him before it occurred to her what he’d said. Freezing in place, she blinked at him like a frog on a lily pad, waiting for lunch to fly by.

Um…what?

“A bath?” The words slipped out before she could stop them.

One corner of his mouth curled up, but not in amusement. He nodded, tipping his head toward her bedroom door. “A bath,” he repeated. “Don’t take too long. Do you need me to count?”

Her stomach flipped hard enough to make her sway. “N-no, Daddy. I’ll be right back.” As she turned toward the bedroom to get what she needed, her thoughts tangled.

What the heck was going on? Where was the demand for her to bend over his lap? She wasn’t one to crave spankings or anything, but disappointment slammed into her chest. Had she made the same mistake twice?

No, Mace was a much, much better man than Erwin, but she couldn’t take another Daddy who promised consequences and didn’t deliver. She just couldn’t.

He’d said punishment, right? Maybe he would spank her after her bath. That must be it. In the books she read, spankings always hurt more on a wet bottom. She swallowed, her heart beginning to race for an entirely different reason.

Trying not to panic, she grabbed her pajamas and walked back to the main room. What would happen next? She had no idea, and somehow that uncertainty felt even more dangerous than any spanking ever could.

The scent of damp wood and rain clung to the hall, mingling with the faint warmth that seeped from the bathroom ahead. Her heart thumped, loud in her ears, and she realized she was ready—more than ready—for whatever he had planned.

Fiera tucked her pajamas under one arm, as Mace moved beside her, steady and unhurried, his presence grounding her even as anticipation curled in her stomach. When they entered his bedroom, the sound of running water caught her attention. Steam whispered from under the door, curling into the room like a soft invitation, quickening her pulse.

She tightened her grip on the folded pajamas, realizing she’d never wanted anything as much as she wanted to do exactly what he asked next, even if it meant taking a bath.

He opened the door to the bathroom and stood to the side. “After you, babygirl.”

Steam curled thick and slow through the bathroom, turning the air warm and heavy. The steady rush of water filled the small space, low and constant. The lights were dim, amber against tile and mirror, making everything feel cozier.

Her Daddy walked in after her and shut the door behind him. Was he… he wasn’t going to stay in the bathroom with her,right? He crossed to the huge round tub and tested the water temperature with his wrist.

Okay. Deep breaths. He’s probably leaving in just a second. But he dashed those hopes when he said, “Just go ahead and get undressed while I get the color fizzies for your bath. Then Daddy will help you into the tub.”

Color fizzies? She’d wonder what he was talking about if she weren’t trying so hard not to panic. There wasn’t a separate room for the toilet. She was going to have to strip right here in front of her Daddy. Tears stung the back of her eyes.

Then his large, calloused hands were resting on her shoulders. “What’s on your mind, babygirl?”

Spinning around, she buried her face in his chest. “I have to bathe with my clothes on.”

He stiffened for a moment, and then he began to shake. She’d triggered some kind of seizure. Wait… was he laughing?