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“No. That’s not even close to what I was going to say,” I warned. “You’ll make it harder on yourself to return to your routine. You don’t need to baby-sit Tanner. He’s out of the woods as far as complications. I’ve already asked Jesse and Gage to stop by while I’m away.”
“Jesse’s already got so much stuff going on,” Tiana blurted out. “Gage is short staffed because Tanner is out. I can handle it, Sir.” Her eyes flashed irritation, and her Little side seemed to disappear.
“They are checking on both of you,” I confirmed. “No more excuses.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“I expect you to follow the rules even if I’m across an ocean. We can video chat when I’m in London.”
“And?”
“And I’ll keep your ass hot pink until the minute I leave for the airport.” I kissed her lips. “Is there anything else on your mind, darling?” I slowly let go of her chin.
“No, you’ve covered it all.” Tiana curled up completely against me. “I love you, Dane.”
“I love you, sunshine.” I rocked her on my lap. “Everything is going to be just fine.”
And for once I completely believed it.
Chapter 18
Tanner
Dane was off in London, finally handling his business once and for all with my blessing. It was long overdue, and it was supposed to be a relatively short trip—two weeks at best. What I hadn’t anticipated was how much Tiana benefited from having immediate consequences regarding her behavior, typically via physical correction. I could put her in the corner, but I was under doctor’s orders not to overexert myself, so physical punishments were supposed to be off the table.
I’d been attempting to get Tiana to relax for the better part of an hour, but every time I thought she was calm, something would inevitably get her frustrated again. She was trapped between her Big and Little sides, and I wanted her to enjoy the rest of the night.
Sitting on the couch instead of chasing after my girl, left me as frustrated as Tiana. Sure, I’d healed faster than anyone expected but there had been a revolving door of people who had been checking up on me since I’d come home against medical advice. They took my well-being seriously, and I was thankful, though a bit embarrassed. I was the one who took care of others, not the other way around. I wasn’t upset with her, yet my gentle coaxing had done nothing except cause her to stomp upstairs. She’d eventually returned, but she was restless, which always led to trouble.
“I've got one hand that can swing, buttercup.” I gestured for her to get her bratty behind on the couch. “Get over here.”
“No way!” She stomped her right foot.
“Watch your tone.”
“You could jostle your injury and make it worse, Daddy,” she protested. “I won’t be the cause of it.”
“I’ll have a clean bill of health in a few days. Then I’ll be able to toast those sassy buns of yours.”
“My buns don’t need toasting!”
“It certainly sounds like they do,” I countered.
“Nope.”
“Okay, I’ll call in a substitute.” Lifting my phone, I shot off a text message. I had ordered her to spank herself a few times but she couldn’t get into a suitable position to enforce it. Unfortunately, those few sessions had only frustrated her. She needed a good release and my brother had nothing else to do. “Jesse’s off in an hour. He’ll come over, sort you out, and then we’ll get pizza and watch funny movies.”
“Daddy.” Her voice softened.
“Yes, darling?”
Tiana worked her bottom lip in between her teeth, staring at me. “Please don’t tell Uncle Jesse that I’m acting up.”
I stared at her for a moment, loving the way the title flowed from her lips. They adored each other in the best way possible. She’d rather dust the floorboards with a cotton swab than upset Jesse.
Tate and Marissa were off to one of those fancy spa resorts for the weekend. Marissa was likely not going back to work anytime soon, and Tate hadn’t been taking enough time for himself. He had been working to keep up with the house and other tasks while my brother focused on overtime. It was a chance for the two of them to connect, and it left Jesse with the opportunity to relax as well. Tiana and I knew Jesse was going home to an empty house. Sorting out a bratty Little girl who refused to listen could easily become his priority.
“I already invited him.” I didn’t want her caught up in her head about what was going to occur. “Now, sit next to me and tell me what you want on your pizza.”
