Page 31 of Arrow

“Fantasies and reality aren’t the same, but there is a place where they meet, and life is very good. I can’t promise to be a perfect Daddy, but I can promise to work on it and give you my very best. Our relationship, like all relationships, requires work.I’m willing to put in the work if you are. I’m willing to carry the weight of the responsibilities and make it look easy, as long as you will allow me to lead.”

“I’ve wanted this life for years. I gave up, thinking it was out of reach. It was an internal struggle I locked behind the mental walls I built. I wouldn’t be disappointed in not having it if I ignored the desires and pretended they didn’t exist. You opened up this world for me and I know I couldn’t ever go back to simply playing it twice a month at The Citadel. It’s a part of me. I’m scared of being hurt.”

“I get it. I want you to ask all the questions. We can negotiate and renegotiate. Our relationship will grow over time. We’ve spoken a lot about boundaries this week, I will always honor your boundaries and hard limits. I will only push them within the confines you’ve given. We both hold equal value and importance in this relationship. While I am in control, your worth isn’t diminished; in fact, it is enhanced. Your submission is a gift I don’t take lightly. All I can ask is to give me one day at a time, Kitten.”

“I can do that, Daddy.”

“Good girl.”

“Daddy?”

“Yes, Kitten?”

“I am really sorry for how I behaved today.”

“I know, Kitten. Daddies are allowed to give grace to their littles.”

“Grace?”

“Yep. I already punished you tonight and I don’t think you need any more punishment. You will abide by the no sweets rule for the week. Grace is when I forgive you for your misdeeds without requiring payment for them. Now, I won’t do this often, I believe in paying for your crimes, but occasionally, if I feel you’ve learned your lesson and don’t need any morepunishment, I will give you grace. Tonight is one of those times. You don’t need another spanking. I think you need me to hold you and tell you everything is going to be alright.”

“I do, and I really am sorry.”

“I know you are, Kitten. Come here.” He opened his arms, and she wasted no time flying into them.

CHAPTER 13

EMILEE

Emilee traced the lines of Arrow's tattoo with a fingertip, the digits of the date his comrade fell in combat were etched into his skin like sacred text. “I bet you were the most badass soldier,” she murmured, her voice tinged with playful reverence.

“Airman and badass enough,” Arrow replied, the corner of his mouth tipping up in a half-smile as he watched her exploration. “But I've got a new mission now.”

“Keeping me in line?” Emilee quipped, glancing up at him through thick lashes.

“Something like that,” he chuckled, enveloping her small hand with his. “You know, Daddy's got to make sure his little girl is taken care of.”

“Does Daddy have any special missions for me today?” Her tone was teasing, eyes shining with mischief.

“Maybe later,” Arrow teased back, giving her a gentle squeeze. “But right now, you've got that get-together at Day & Night with Trinity and Delilah.”

Emilee rolled her eyes playfully. “Those girls don't get me like you do, Daddy.”

“Give 'em a chance, Em. You might be surprised.” Arrow's voice held a note of encouragement, but his gaze was all-knowing.

“Fine, but I'm holding you to that special mission,” she said, rising on her tiptoes to plant a soft kiss on his cheek before stepping back and twirling around, her skirt fanning out. “How do I look?”

“Like trouble,” he grinned, admiration lacing his words.

“Perfect.” She flashed a grin, then turned toward the door. “See you later!”

The atmosphere at Day & Night was thick with laughter and the scent of coffee. Emilee hesitated by the entrance, scanning the room where other littles chatted in clusters. Taking a deep breath, she squared her shoulders and strode in.

“Hey, Em,” a voice called out from the group. It was Delilah, and her friendly tone extended to her eyes. She seemed genuinely happy that Emilee came. It was Little’s Brunch. Several of the faces in the room were familiar from The Citadel’s Little Playdates. She tried to relax. So far, she hadn’t seen Catie or her friend Mia. Trinity reassured her that Catie almost never attended and Mia worked on Tuesdays.

“Hey,” Emilee responded, trying to keep her own voice light.

“Was wondering if you were going to show,” Trinity said, coming around the corner and giving her a giant hug. “What can I get you to drink? I’d offer you one of the awesome baked goods we have but…”

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