Page 45 of Controlling Natasha

I don’t think she has other close friends besides this rather recent relationship with Simone, and that only came out of the woodwork because Simone suspected Natasha was Little and confronted her.

Natasha narrows her gaze at me.“Really?”

“Of course.”I’m definitely an asshole.

“Are you going to hover and make me regret it?”

“Probably,” I confess, grinning.“But you like it when I hover, and I know you don’t care how much Simone knows about our dynamic.You’ve probably shared more with her than you have with me.”

She grins and gives me an adorable shrug.

I want to kiss her.I’ve wanted to kiss her since the night I met her, but it’s stronger than ever right now.We’re sitting in the dark car, which is slowly growing chilly without the engine on, staring at each other, smiling.

Whatever happened with Quinten, it can’t have been too horrible because she doesn’t look like she intends to cut off my balls and pack her bags.

“Okay… I’ll text her and see if she can come after class tomorrow.She can drive me home.”

I chuckle.“Nice try.Not a chance.”

“But, Daddy…”

The Earth stops spinning on its axis.All I can hear is the ringing in my ears.I can’t even blink as I stare at my Little girl whose cheeks are turning pink.She’s just as stunned as me.

“I—”

I lift a hand and cover her mouth.“Don’t say anything.It just slipped out.It’s okay.”

“I’m not sure that’s entirely accurate, Sir.”

My heart is pounding.What on earth did she discuss with Quinten?I’d never ask him, but I’m beyond curious now.It can’t be a coincidence that my Little girl just called me Daddy for the first time immediately after her session with a kink counselor.

“Let’s go inside, Little one,” I say softly.“I’m sure dinner is almost ready.”I open the door and hurry to her side of the SUV to help her out.It’s cold, so we hurry inside.

As soon as we’re in the foyer, I help her out of her coat.“Go potty and wash your hands, Little one.I’ll meet you in the dining room.”

“You don’t want me to change?”

I lift her chin with my finger.It’s one of the few ways I allow myself to touch her.“Not tonight.But leave your sweater upstairs.”

“Yes, Sir.”

As soon as she disappears up the stairs, I blow out a long breath and head for the dining room.I need to compose myself before she returns.I’m reeling from that one word that slipped out of her mouth.I can’t begin to think that it means anything.It just happened.

When Natasha rushes into the room five minutes later, she’s breathless.

“Were you running, Little one?”I admonish.

She sighs.“I’m sorry, Sir.”Instead of heading toward the side of the table where her place is, she comes to me and stops.She wrings her fingers together as if she has something to say, and it’s making her nervous.“Quinten told me not to bring up any concerns with you tonight because I should take some time to think about them, but I want to address one anyway because it’s bothering me.”

I turn my chair so I’m fully facing her.She deserves my complete attention.Hopefully, the fact that I’m sitting and she’s standing helps her to feel confident.I’m only slightly panicked.After all, the reason I wanted her to see Quinten was to work through any issues she has about us.I can’t be frustrated now that she has identified some.“Go ahead, Little one.You can tell me anything.”

She drops her hands and smooths down the front of her blouse.“This isn’t going to work, Sir.”

I know exactly what she’s referring to.I’ve been waiting for her to confront me on this since Tuesday morning.I’m surprised she made it two full days.If this is the most troubling thing she discussed with Quinten, I’m going to fist pump.

“I can’t wear training bras to class, Mr.Hoffman.I’m too distracted, and it’s hard for me to focus.I haven’t been able to listen to my teachers well for two days.”She says that last part dramatically as if her perfect grades might suffer because of her bra.

It’s hard not to laugh.“Tell me specifically what’s distracting about your training bras, Little one.”

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