Page 14 of Strict Daddy

Chapter 6

Days passed without aword from Byron. I tried to focus on my job at the supermarket, but my mind kept drifting to that intense moment in the gym when our lips almost met. Had I ruined everything by pushing too far, too fast?

In my free time, I found myself diving into research about age-play relationships. The idea of being a Little, of giving myself over to Byron's care and guidance, sent shivers down my spine. It terrified and thrilled me in equal measure.

When my phone finally buzzed with a text from Byron, my heart leaped into my throat. With trembling hands, I read his message apologizing for not being in touch and asking if I could come to the gym that evening. He was ready to continue our training.

Exhaustion pulled at every muscle after a grueling shift at work, but I typed back "Yes, Daddy," without hesitation. I had to see him.

Hours later, I dragged myself into the gym foyer. This time, Byron was waiting for me right there. I was excited to see him, and he gave me a warm, encouraging smile.

“Good to see you.”

“You too,” I said, before letting out a long yawn.

“Not bored already, I hope,” he joked.

We headed through toward Studio 99.

“Not bored,” I replied, “but I’m tired. Could we maybe just spend tonight in Little space? I’ve been doing research and I thought I could do some activities? I really need to color and play . . . really unwind."

Byron's eyes flickered with an emotion I couldn't quite decipher. "Well Poppy, since you’re tired, we can certainly do a shortened, less intense wor—”

“No fair!” I squealed out. I regretted it, as soon as the words left my lips.

“Poppy,” Byron said, with a stern look on his face. “I understand that you are tired, but shouting isn’t the right way to express that. Now, you agreed to come to the gym today, and my time is precious. We will complete a shortened routine, because you' are tired, but that’s the end of the discussion.”

His firm tone brooked no argument as he opened the studio. I had no choice but to follow, even as disappointment settled like a stone in my stomach. I craved his touch, his comfort, but once again, the gym beckoned.

I didn’t get off to a good start.

I half-heartedly went through the motions of the warm-up exercises, my mind elsewhere. Byron's piercing gaze tracked my every move, his disapproval palpable in the tense silence.

"Poppy, focus," he barked. "You're not giving this your all."

I flinched at his sharp tone, a flicker of defiance sparking in my chest. "I told you, Daddy, I'm tired. Can't we just take it easy tonight?"

In an instant, Byron was in front of me, his large frame looming over mine. "When you're here, you give me one hundred percent. No excuses." His voice was low, dangerous."Disobedience has consequences. I know that this might seem strict, but that’s who I am. I am strict, but I get results, little one."

My breath caught at the endearment, a thrill racing down my spine even as apprehension coiled in my stomach. Byron's hand gripped my chin, tilting my face up to meet his intense gaze.

"You trust me to push you, to help you grow. Refusing to put in the effort is unacceptable." His thumb brushed over my bottom lip, his touch searing. "Do you understand?"

I swallowed hard, my body torn between desires. "Yes, Daddy," I whispered.

A ghost of a smile crossed Byron's face, but it held no warmth. "Good. Now, over my lap. It's time for your punishment."

“Punishment?”

“I’m in charge here. You don’t question my methods. You do as you’re told. If you want it to stop, you use your safeword. Understood?”

“Yes, Daddy.”

The world narrowed to the pounding of my heart as I draped myself across Byron's muscular thighs. His hand caressed my backside, the gentle touch a stark contrast to the tension crackling between us.

"Count them out," he ordered.

The first smack landed with a sharp crack, pain blooming across my skin. "One," I gasped, my fingers digging into his calf.

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