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"Really," he confirmed, his smile a promise. "We all make mistakes, Lina. It's part of being human. What matters is that we learn from them, grow from them. You're my girl, and nothing's going to change that."
He pulled back slightly to look at me, wiping away the tears from my cheeks with his thumbs before he continued. "Discipline isn't about hatred, Lina. It's about teaching a lesson, helping you learn from your mistakes. It's because I care about you, because I love you, that I want you to understand the consequences of your actions."
His words were a balm to my frayed nerves, soothing the fear and uncertainty that had taken root in my heart. "I love you just as much as I did before, if not more," he continued, his eyes meeting mine with a sincerity that left no room for doubt.
Daddy's embrace was both a fortress and a sanctuary, his arms encircling me in a warmth that seeped into the very marrow of my bones. "Princess, I want you to know that you're my greatest joy. The thought of you ever doubting my love or feeling like a burden is unbearable to me," he whispered, his voice steady and soothing against the turmoil of my emotions.
He pulled back slightly, ensuring our eyes met, his gaze earnest and full of an unwavering affection that momentarily took my breath away. "I dislike disciplining you, truly I do. It'sthe last thing I ever want to resort to. But it's important for you to understand the consequences of your actions, to learn from them. I hope this experience has helped you see that."
He continued, a gentle kiss pressed to the top of my head, "And sweetheart, you must believe me when I say that you bring as much happiness into my life as I hope I bring into yours. The moments we share, the bond we have, it's precious to me beyond words."
The mention of Finn caused a shadow to pass over his face, his brows knitting together in concern. "I think it's time we talked about your time with Finn. It's clear he's left scars, and I want to help you heal, to show you that what you experienced wasn't right."
I hesitated, the memories of Finn's harsh discipline a dark cloud that had lingered far too long over my heart. "I... I find it hard to accept help, Daddy. I've always been afraid of being a burden, even to you," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.
Daddy's response was immediate, his hold on me tightening ever so slightly. "Hey, listen to me. You could never be a burden. Love means being there for each other, no matter what. It means sharing the weight of our troubles, not carrying them alone."
"I'll try, Daddy. I promise I'll try to open up more about the things that bother me," I vowed, the promise a fragile thing between us, but no less sincere for its delicacy.
His explanation—that the discussion of a 'transfer' pertained to Little Logan from the club and not to me—lifted a burden I hadn't fully realized I was carrying. In that moment, wrapped in the solace of Daddy's care, I understood that I was not unloved or forsaken. I was merely being guided througha lesson, an opportunity to grow and learn under the vigilant, compassionate watch of my Daddy.
The remainder of our vacation passed in a blur of contentment and newfound understanding. When we finally returned home, Daddy announced with a gleam in his eye that it was time for me to learn how to ride a bike. His patience and loving guidance enveloped me like a warm blanket on a chilly morning. As he explained the mechanics and balanced the bike, his encouragement was a steady beacon of support.
"Alright, princess, just keep pedaling and look ahead, not at your feet," Daddy instructed, his hands gently steadying the bike.
The moment the safety wheels were removed, panic set in. "Daddy! I'm going to fall!" I shrieked, my heart racing as the ground seemed to sway beneath me.
He chuckled, his voice calm and reassuring. "You've got this. I won't let you fall, but you need to try, little one."
True to his word, each time I wobbled dangerously, his arms were there, preventing a crash. This silent promise of safety allowed me to finally trust in my own ability to balance and pedal, and soon, under his watchful gaze, I was riding unaided. The pride in his eyes was my greatest reward.
Our exchange of lessons continued, with me teaching Daddy how to sear the perfect steak in a steel pan. As I guided him through the steps, my heart swelled with an indescribable feeling of contentment.
"Make sure the pan is hot enough; you want to hear that sizzle as soon as the steak touches the surface," I instructed, demonstrating with a confidence I hadn't known I possessed.
Daddy, ever the eager student, followed my instructions, albeit with a playful retort. "So, if the kitchen fills with smoke, I'm doing it right?" he joked, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
"Exactly, but if the fire alarm goes off, you've taken my instructions a bit too far," I quipped back, laughter dancing between us.
Our cooking lesson evolved into a deeper conversation over dinner, the comfortable silence filled with the sounds of our shared meal. It was then that I found the courage to voice a fear that had lingered in the shadows of my heart.
"I never thought I'd have a Daddy again after Finn... I thought that part of my life was over," I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper.
Daddy reached across the table, taking my hand in his. "Lina, you've brought so much joy into my life. After Bianca left, calling me controlling, I thought that was it for me too. But then you came along, and suddenly, everything changed."
His words were a salve to the wounds of my past, a reminder that we had both found solace in each other's presence.
"I just wish people would realize how important it is to find someone compatible, to avoid all the heartache of incompatibility," I mused, pondering the paths that had led us here.
Chapter 11: Lina
AS I OPENED THE DRAWER, THE SIGHT OF THE LETTER, its words scrawled in an all-too-familiar hand, sent a shiver down my spine. "There's nowhere you're safe from me," it read, Finn's threat echoing through my mind like a chilling whisper. Panic set in, my thoughts racing.
He's found me. How did he find me? What if he comes after me?
The fear was palpable, wrapping around me like a cold shroud. I couldn't let Daddy see the letter; I couldn't burden him with my fears. The last thing I wanted was to see worry cloud his eyes because of me.
Later that day, when Daddy returned home, he immediately sensed something was amiss. My attempts to act normal were futile under his observant gaze. "You seem a bit off today. Is everything alright at work?" he asked, his concern evident.
