Page 31 of Forever His Brat

When the silence went on too long Sam kissed her forehead. “Sweetheart, you’re mine and that’s never going to change if I have anything to say about it. Being your Daddy has been the best thing in my life and I’m not giving that up either.”

“You’re sure?” Was that soft tentative voice hers? It sounded so fragile, like a child desperately in need of reassurance that the monsters weren’t real.

“I’m positive. There are going to be times when life sucks the energy right out of us. There are going to be times when we have to fight to keep our relationship strong—but it’s worth it to me to put up that fight.You’reworth it, Charlie girl.”

She hadn’t realized how much she’d needed to hear that until just then. And then she was crying, tears bubbling up and pouring down her cheeks as the relief hit her like a physical blow.

Charlie had tried everything to fill up her hours so she wasn’t dwelling on her fears. She’d cooked enough food to feed half the state and submerged herself in the kitchen like some 50’s housewife. But all she’d really needed was to know that they were just fears, not facts.

He rocked her in his arms, whispering sweet things into her hair as he held her through the sobs. Every time she thought the crying would stop it would surge again. “I’m s-so s-sorry. I’m ruining everything,” she said, sniffling and trying to catch her breath.

“You’re not ruining anything, Charlie. You needed to let all of that out. I imagine you’ve probably still got a lot more stuffed down in there too, but this is a start.” He snorted a laugh. “I admit I wasn’t expecting this tonight. I figured it would happen in a week.”

She hadn’t expected it either and it felt like the tears had stolen all her energy as they poured out of her. She slumped against him, limp and tired. “I’m not sure what triggered it except—except it’s been a good day. I mean…” She stopped, frustrated.

She wasn’t sure how to explain it. It wasn’t what she’d normally call a ‘good day’; it was an average day really. But the old average was a lot better than what they’d had recently. There had just been so much relief to feel things shifting. “I’m just glad things are moving in the right d-direction, I think.”

“I know what you mean, sweetheart. I get it. It’s been a rough time, for both of us. Itwillget better.”

It will get better.

Sam had been telling her that for weeks. It was what she’d been holding onto, but she hadn’t believed it. Not really. Not until that moment.

Sometimes it took tangible evidence of improvement. She had that now.

After her breakdown he’d put off his plans for the rest of the evening. She felt bad about it, guilty for ruining things, but she was relieved that it wasn’t even a second thought for him to put aside his own desires.

Charlie needed comfort more than anything else and he provided it, wrapping her up in his arms and snuggling down in the blankets with her. They fell asleep in increments, lightly dozing at first, but then finally sinking into a deep restful state.

She wasn’t sure when, but it hadn’t been very late. Sam tended to go to bed early since he was up before the sunrise, but even for him it was earlier than usual. That was probably why they found themselves awake just after midnight.

The need to pee had disturbed her. She’d untangled herself from Sam and the blankets and tiptoed to the bathroom. By the time she came back to bed he was starting to wake as well.

They traded places and she curled up in the warm blankets to wait. When he returned, they realized they’d somehow lost the sleepiness. Cuddling turned into kissing and touching. She found that she hadn’t killed the mood with her tears, only delayed it a few hours.

It didn’t take much to stoke the excitement again. Hunger surged with need, and she welcomed it when Sam rolled her over on her belly and smacked her ass. “Up on your knees, Charlie.” The order was a growl against her ear, and it sent a thrill through her body.

She would have complied eagerly, but Sam didn’t wait. One hand slid into her hair, gripping tight against the base of her skull as he tugged demandingly. He guided her up onto her knees and positioned her exactly where he wanted her.

He licked and nibbled at her neck and down her spine. One arm looped around, tugging her up tight against his body as it delved between her thighs. He found her already wet and ready for him.

“This is better than a midnight snack,” she murmured, delighted with where this was going.

“Youaremy midnight snack, darlin’—but I believe we have some punishment to deal with.”

By punishment he meant fun play disguised as punishment, or at least she hoped so. She had a feeling the appointment they had a week away would deal with a lot more punishing aspects than this late-night adventure would.

“Oh, we can skip that. I’ve learned my lesson, Daddy.” She made the words deliberately seductive and wiggled her backside as she spoke. She was rewarded by a low growl and a hard spank that rocked her forward.

“I don’t think so, Charlie girl. You’ve been awfully uppity lately. Thinking you’re in charge. Trying to mother me.” Each sentence was punctuated by another hard swat.

She could feel a distinct handprint from each one, fiery and stinging. A hissed breath in through her teeth, was all she gave him in response. It was too early to be dramatic.

“I thought we’d cleared that up when I got home from the hospital but nope. A man can’t be at the top of his game all the time, girl. That doesn’t mean I’m not still your Daddy and the boss of you. Do you understand me?”

By the time he got to the question at the end he’d picked up the speed and his hand was smacking down nice and steady. It wasn’t a frantic or unbearable pace, nothing she couldn’t handle easily. The burn built slowly enough that she could feel the heat sinking in and spreading out across her ass.

“Yes, Daddy!” was the only acceptable answer and she gave it.

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