Page 24 of Bound to the Daddy

She blinks at me, as if the change in conversation is so sudden she can’t even properly process it. “What?”

“You told the officer you took medication and not drugs. What medication?”

Again, she worries her bottom lip as she refuses to meet my gaze. “I don’t remember the name.”

“Can you tell me what it’s for?”

“I’d really rather not.”

“And I don’t remember giving you a choice. You’re coming to me for help. Remember? I need to understand the depth of the situation before I determine which help to give.”

She mumbles a few words and hunches further down into her chair.

“What was that? You’ll have to speak up a bit louder.”

“They’re anxiety meds. Okay? Is that what you want to know? I’m a fucking mess. That’s what’s wrong with me. That’s what’s wrong with everything. I can’t even manage to go a whole day without having some sort of meltdown. Happy now? Is that what you wanted to know?”

“I am happy. I’m happy you brought me into your confidence. I’m not looking to harm you, Steph. Far from it. I want to help you. I want you to be happy and carefree. I hate seeing you so burdened.”

“Again, why do you care?”

I long to reach out and stroke her cheek, but I hold back. Soon enough. “Why shouldn’t I? I only regret I didn’t realize how bad it was sooner.”

“It’s not as if I broadcast it everywhere. Usually, if I’m lucky, I can have my meltdowns at home. Today was just one more addition to the shit sandwich that’s now my life.”

The car rolls to a stop, and the driver opens our door. Stephanie’s hand fits so perfectly in mine, so small, so dainty. She really is such a tiny little thing.

“When’s the last time you ate?”

She stops for a moment and looks off into the distance, her eyes unfocusing for a moment. “I… I’m not really sure. I honestly can’t remember.”

“Well, that is certainly unacceptable.”

Her cheeks pinken as she darts her gaze away. “Are you going to add that to my punishment?”

“Not this time. But I’ll certainly be watching you a bit more closely. Can’t have you malnourished.”

“You really don’t have to take care of me like that. I just need a job and a place to stay for a bit while I get back on my feet. I don’t need you to manage me.”

“I’ll be the judge of what you need. Now, no more talk about that. Not until we get to the office.”

“Where you’ll punish me?”

I glance over at her quivering frame as she nibbles on an already raw thumbnail. “Hands out of your mouth. Now. You’re going to hurt yourself if you keep that up.”

She shrugs but does what she’s told. “It hasn’t bothered me before.”

“Well, it bothers me.” I grab her hand and drag her over to a secluded bridge overlooking the tranquil water. “You’re really worried about these punishments. Aren’t you?”

“I just need to know how bad they are so I can tell my brain to stop thinking the worst.”

“Oh?” I lean against the weathered wood and give her a smile. “And just what is that brain of your concocting?”

“I don’t know. Like bamboo skewers under my nails. Waterboarding. Whatever it is you rich guys do to people who make you mad.”

My brow furrows a bit. “You think I’m mad at you?”

“Well yeah. Why else would you punish me?”

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