Page 28 of Leland

“Good girl. You’re such a good girl,” he praised. “You can do this. You don’t have to react in anger, baby.”

“I’m sorry, Emily. I love you very much, I am just having some hard feelings right now. I am okay. I was attacked last night. I have some bruises, but Leland is taking good care of me. He’s my Daddy now. I-I’m a Little. Do you think we could talk when I’m feeling better, please?” My body shook with anger and my tone was still sharp, but I was so proud of myself. I didn’t stomp off or shut down. I really was going to get through this.

***

Leland

I was so fucking proud of Rouge. She’d used her words to ask for a break. No screaming, no storming off, just growth.

“We will absolutely give you a break, Rouge. Thank you for telling us what you needed. How about you call us when you’re feeling up to chatting, okay?” Onyx asked. From what I had heard, he’d been on the receiving end of her temper a few times himself.

Rouge looked back at me and I nodded, thankful she was seeking me out for advice.

I walked the couple out, promised I’d keep them updated, and then headed back to my babygirl.

“I’m so proud of you, sugar.”

“I still said a curse word at Emily.”

Stroking her cheek, I leaned forward and kissed her forehead.

“Yes, but you also told her you were sorry, and said that you needed a break. That is huge progress, Little one.”

She smiled. “Itwasprogress.”

Before I could say anything else, she yawned.

“How about a nice, snuggly nap?” I asked her.

“I am really tired.”

“Your body is healing. It needs the rest. Do you want to finish your pancakes before your nap?”

“No, my tummy is so full.”

She’d eaten most of what I’d put on her plate and I was satisfied with the amount.

“Okay, baby, let’s get you back to bed.” I started guiding her back to the bathroom.

“Will you take a nap with me?”

Her sweet request melted my heart. “Of course I will. I need to get you some more pain medication first, though, okay? After I get you snuggled in, I’ll fix you some juice and grab your meds.”

“Yes, Sir.”

I raised an eyebrow at her answer and she grinned. “Yes, Daddy.”

“Much better. I think I’m going to make you call me Daddy all the time.”

“All the time?”

“Yes, even at work. I think Mr. Boss Daddy has a great ring to it.”

“Okay, Mr. Boss Daddy.”

Chuckling, I ruffled her dark hair. “Sassy Pants.”

“Daddy, I don’t even have on pants.”

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