Page 12 of Protect Me Daddy

I nodded, grateful for his patience. As we sat there, his thumb tracing gentle circles on my palm, I felt a sense of safety I hadn't experienced in years. It was terrifying and exhilarating all at once.

"Thank you for trusting me with this," I said finally, meeting his gaze.

Dwight smiled, and the warmth in his eyes made my heart skip a beat. "Thank you for listening, little one. Now, how about some dessert?"

I took a deep breath, my fingers tracing the soft fur of Red Rabbit as I found the courage to open up.

"I've always had to be the responsible one," I confessed softly, eyes downcast. "My folks are kind of . . . not really in my life. I tried to work my way through nursing school, taking care of everyone else. Had to work a job to pay the fees. I never let myself be . . . vulnerable. Didn’t have the time. Then, it got too much. I flunked out. Only thing left is my debts and the job at O’Malleys."

Dwight's hand found mine, his touch grounding me. "That must have been a heavy burden to carry," he murmured.

A lump formed in my throat. "It was. I always knew the bar was a rough place, but I felt weirdly safe there. But then, Earl . . ." I swallowed hard. "His attack shattered everything. My control, my safety. But you . .." I finally met Dwight's gaze. "You've shown me another way."

His eyes were warm, understanding. "Sometimes we need to let go to truly find ourselves."

I nodded, hugging Red Rabbit closer. “Maybe I’m just a childish, weak, baby. That’s who I need to let go of?”

Dwight's lips quirked in a gentle smile.

"You know, your attachment to Red Rabbit isn't childish," he said. "It's a part of who you are—just like your love of fairy tales."

Heat rose to my cheeks. "You don’t think it’s lame?"

"Most certainly not. It’s the same with how you look to me for guidance." His voice was kind, not mocking. "These aren't weaknesses, Tilly. They're beautiful aspects of your personality."

I blinked back tears, overwhelmed by his acceptance. "I've always felt so different. Like I didn't fit anywhere."

Dwight's hand cupped my cheek. "You fit here, little one. Just as you are."

My heart swelled with emotion as I leaned into his touch.

Dwight reached for a thick manila folder on the coffee table. My heart fluttered with anticipation and a touch of nervousness.

"I've prepared something," he said, his voice a soothing rumble. "A care agreement. It's comprehensive—twelve pages."

My eyes widened as he opened the folder, revealing neatly typed pages. "Twelve?" I echoed, both impressed and slightly overwhelmed.

Dwight's lips curved into a reassuring smile. "I believe in being thorough, especially when it comes to wellbeing." He began pointing out different sections. "Safety protocols, communication requirements, boundaries and limits . . . "

I leaned closer, fascinated by the level of detail. My fingers traced over the headers: Discipline Methods, Aftercare Needs, Emergency Procedures. A warmth spread through my chest at his thoughtfulness.

"You've even included a section on maintaining my independence," I murmured, touched by his consideration.

Dwight nodded, his eyes serious. "Your autonomy is crucial, Tilly. This isn't about controlling you, it's about creating a framework for mutual care and trust."

We settled in, the hours slipping by as we pored over each point. Dwight's voice was patient as he explained, "Daily check-ins are non-negotiable. And unless we discuss it beforehand, I'd like you home by 10 PM."

I nodded, feeling a mix of comfort and excitement at the structure. "What about . . . safe words?" I asked hesitantly.

"Excellent question," Dwight praised. "We'll use the traffic light system – green, yellow, red. Green means you're comfortable, yellow means slow down or check in, and red is an immediate full stop."

His thoroughness both impressed and reassured me. As we discussed discipline methods, I felt a flutter in my stomach.

"Corner time, early bedtime, privilege removal," Dwight listed. "But never, ever physical punishment. And, if you’re into it, we can explore physical punishment. Spankings and the like."

I let out a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding. "Thank you," I whispered.

Dwight's hand found mine, squeezing gently. "Remember, Tilly, your consent can be withdrawn at any time. This only works if we both feel safe and respected."

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