Page 25 of Daddy's Firm Hand

Pausing outside the nursery door, I took a deep breath, trying to calm the butterflies in my stomach. I smoothed my skirt and blouse, suddenly self-conscious about the lace collar. Too juvenile?

Pushing open the door, I was instantly enveloped by the comforting sights and scents of the cozy space—the soft pastels, the hint of baby powder. My nerves began to settle. Then I saw him.

David stood by the window, his broad shoulders silhouetted against the sunlight streaming in. As he turned to face me, a genuine smile spread across his chiseled features, his blue eyes conveying a warmth and affection that made my breath catch. Was it me, or was he a little more tan than before he’d left? Where on earth had he been?

"My goodness, you’re a sight for sore eyes," he said softly, his deep voice caressing me like velvet. “Damn, Candy, you look amazing. That outfit is stunning on you.”

A surge of happiness propelled me forward and I crossed the room in quick strides, throwing my arms around his solid chest. He wrapped me in his embrace, strong and protective. Ibreathed in his scent, an intoxicating mix of expensive cologne and something distinctly David.

"I've missed you too, Daddy," I murmured against his crisp shirt, the title slipping out naturally, saying so much in that single word.

He ran a gentle hand over my hair, letting it rest against my cheek. I looked up at him, seeing the tenderness in his eyes but also something more intense flickering in their blue depths, hinting at the dominant side of him that thrilled and unsettled me.

"Tell me, little one, have you been a good girl for me while I was gone?" His tone was light but I sensed the undercurrent of authority.

I bit my lip, thinking how to respond. The truth was, I had missed our playtimes desperately and may have resorted to some unruly behavior—letting my accounting reports pile up, "forgetting" to do up the buttons on my blouse, even going sans panties to a meeting. Technically being bratty, but in a way I knew would please him.

Should I reveal my misdeeds and accept the consequences? Part of me trembled at the thought of punishment, while another part ached for his firm discipline. I knew I could trust him implicitly, that he would always keep me safe even when pushing my limits. And after weeks apart, I craved his dominance, to submit to his will and feel the depth of his control.

My answer would be the first step in rebuilding our intimate dynamic. In this space, I could shed my underappreciated accountant persona and he could cast off his enigmatic billionaire mask. Here, we were simply Daddy and his little girl. I took a shaky breath, gazing up at him from beneath my lashes.

I took a deep breath, gathering my courage. "To be fully honest, Daddy, I may have been a bit . . . naughty while you wereaway," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. I fidgeted with the hem of my skirt, avoiding his gaze.

David's eyebrows rose slightly, his piercing blue eyes studying me intently. "Is that so, little one?" he asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and disapproval. "Tell me more."

I squirmed under his scrutiny, feeling a familiar heat rising in my cheeks. "I . . . I let my work pile up," I confessed, my words tumbling out in a rush. "And I wore inappropriate things to the office, like . . . like no panties to a meeting." I bit my lip, awaiting his reaction.

A flicker of amusement crossed David's face, quickly replaced by a stern expression. "That is quite naughty indeed, Candy," he said, his voice low and controlled. "You know better than to neglect your responsibilities and dress improperly."

I nodded, a mixture of shame and excitement coursing through me. "I know, Daddy. I'm sorry," I whispered, my eyes downcast.

David stepped closer, tilting my chin up with his finger. His touch sent a shiver down my spine. "Look at me, baby girl," he commanded softly. I met his gaze, seeing the warmth and affection mingled with dominance. "I understand you missed me, but that's no excuse for misbehavior. You'll have to be punished, so you learn to be a good girl even when I'm not around."

My heart raced at his words, a thrill of anticipation mixing with nervousness. "Yes, Daddy," I breathed, ready to accept whatever discipline he deemed necessary.

David's expression softened slightly. "But first, let's spend some quality time together, shall we? I want to hear all about what my little girl has been up to." He took my hand, leading me to the plush rug where an array of coloring books and crayons awaited.

As we settled down, the earlier tension melted into a sense of comfort and security. We colored together, exchanging stories and jokes, our laughter filling the room. David didn’t go into much detail about his trip, instead saying that it was boring and very technical, and largely to do with consolidating his property portfolio. He wasn’t exactly evasive, but equally, I felt like he was holding back.

Maybe he really didn’t want me to think he was boring!

The very idea was ridiculous. I could never think of him as boring. Ever.

As the afternoon progressed, the playful energy between us gradually shifted. David suggested putting on some soft music, and the gentle melodies created a serene backdrop, enveloping us in a cocoon of tranquility. We moved to the comfortable sofa, sinking into the plush cushions. David took my hands in his, his touch warm and reassuring. "There's something I've been wanting to tell you," he said, his voice earnest, his piercing blue eyes locking with mine.

I felt a flutter in my chest, a mix of anticipation and vulnerability. David's presence always had a way of stripping away my defenses, leaving me exposed yet safe. I nodded, encouraging him to continue, my heart thrumming with each passing second.

"While I was away, I couldn't stop thinking about you," David began, his thumbs gently caressing the back of my hands. "Our relationship has grown so much, and I've come to realize just how important you are to me, Candy. You've brought a light into my life that I never knew I was missing."

As he spoke, I felt a swell of emotion rising within me.

"I feel the same way," I whispered, my voice trembling slightly. "You've changed my life in ways I never could have imagined. Your guidance, your care, your unwavering support . . . it means everything to me."

“I’m glad.”

“I missed you a lot, but I also practiced a lot of the self-love you taught me.”

“Self-love, eh?” he asked, waggling his eyebrows.

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