Page 7 of Alive and Kicking
Everyone looks at me like I’ve grown two extra heads that like to sing show tunes, and Viv bursts into a fit of laughter.
“You’re not moving. I’ve already had to set up my cameras twice. Please don’t make me do it again,” Nox says as he rubs his palm over his face.
Viv’s cheeks tint pink and she slaps her hands over them, muttering to herself about how she doesn’t blush. And I’m not sure who she’s trying to convince since we have all seen her blush enough times to know that she does in fact blush.
“You were just planning to leave without even talking to us first?” Sloane asks, his voice deep and husky.
Viv shrugs, looking unrepentant. I can’t blame her in the least. I can understand that she would want to protect the guys. I lean back in my chair, resting my chin on my fist. “So, was all that shit about wanting to be near me to feel safe a lie?”
Wide hazel eyes meet mine. “What? No, of course not.”
I raise my brows and pause for a moment. “Obviously it was. You obviously can’t feel safe around me if you think some criminals would ever have a chance of hurting my family.”
Her mouth drops open and she pauses. “I didn’t think about it that way. I just didn’t want any of you to get hurt.”
A puff of air escapes through my nose. “Come here,” I demand firmly.
Viv gets up without complaint and rounds the table to my side. I stand when she reaches me and grab the back of her neck. With my firm hold, I make her bend over the table, her cheek pressed to the wood.
“Hey!” Zane shouts as I pull my other hand back and land a firm smack to Viv’s ass.
A shocked squeak leaves her, and Zane’s face turns a deep red, looking like he’s ready to launch himself over the table at me. I don’t pay him any attention as I look down at Viv. The one cheek I can see has a rosy tint to it and her thighs shift against the edge of the dining room table. She’s enjoying this. God, she’s perfect. “You’ve been a very bad girl, haven’t you?” I ask her, rubbing my palm over where I struck her. Sloane grabs Zane, keeping him in his seat.
“Yes,” she whimpers.
Her body tenses when I pull my hand away from her ass, just for it to come back down on the other cheek. “Yes, what?”
She pauses. “Umm, Daddy?” she says, and then grimaces.
Hmm, not that I hate the idea of that, but I can tell it makes her uncomfortable. “What kind of books does Zane have you reading?” Nox asks with a smirk.
The pink tint to Viv’s cheek deepens, but I ignore him as I rub soothing circles over the sore spot I’ve created. “How about Sir, or Professor?” I supply.
Viv nods against the table. “Yes, Sir.”
I pull my hand back, and she doesn’t tense as much when my hand lands on her ass this time. “That’s much better. Have you learned your lesson?” I ask, leaning over her to look into her face. If she can feel my erection pressed to her ass, well that’s just a bonus.
“Yes, Sir.” She nods, her eyes full of heat as they focus on me.
“What was the lesson, princess?”
“Trust you and don’t try to run away,” she says with a tone of uncertainty.
“Good girl.” I let go of the back of her neck and let her stand up.
I don’t let her go far though, pulling her into my lap as I sit back down in my chair. Her body stiffens as I toss her legs over mine and tuck her head under my chin. After a moment, she relaxes into me and I run my hand up and down her spine soothingly. “You did so well. I’m so proud of you, princess.”
She melts into my arms, and I have to actively hold her to keep her from spilling onto the floor like a puddle. Zane’s furious eyes never leave where I’m touching her, and Sloane’s hand grips his shoulder tighter.
Nox frowns at me before turning his attention to Zane too. “Look at her. She liked it. Calm down. You can’t take something like that away from them.” Zane’s jaw tenses and he looks away from us, refusing to respond to Nox who turns his ire back to me. “And you. Never do something like that in front of Zane again. You know how he is, and you know that’s a big trigger for him.”
It's my turn to clench my jaw shut as I look away. “Okay. You’re right. I’m sorry.” I keep my voice soft as Viv snuggles even deeper into me. She’s a serious aftercare slut and I will be enjoying taking advantage of that whenever I can. Though only when Zane isn’t around. Nox is right, it was a shitty thing to do with Zane in the room.
“Good,” Sloane says firmly.
I find myself tucking my nose into the hair at the top of her head. When I look up, I find Zane watching me. “Why don’t you tuck her into bed? She’s had a long day,” I say, offering him the privilege even though I want to be the one to place her in bed and pull the blankets up around her chin. Hell, I want to crawl into the bed with her.
Zane nods his head and comes around to gently pick Viv up, making my hands open and close on my empty lap. I regret giving her to him instantly and almost snap at him to put her back. But somehow, I manage to restrain myself and watch as he carries her from the room.
