The first time I saw Professor Arnalt there, I nearly fainted. I was mortified that he might see me in my Little attire in the daycare, so I quickly escaped and went home. The fact that he was there, however, only caused my daydreams about him to increase in intensity and frequency. It didn’t take long for me to determine he’s a Daddy. But the man is not my Daddy, and approaching him at the club would have been monumentally inappropriate.
It’s like the two of us have this giant elephant sitting between us. He knows I’m Little. I know he’s a Daddy. But we’ve never discussed it or even exchanged looks in the club. And we certainly didn’t acknowledge it at school.
“Hello? Earth to Simone,” Natasha says, waving a hand in front of my face.
I reach over and grab a handful of popcorn. “Sorry. I was in my head.”
“Shall we start the movie?”
“We better, or else we won’t finish it before your bedtime. What time does your Daddy run your bath these days? Seven?” I tease.
I’m totally exaggerating and kidding, but her cheeks flush pink. I know she doesn’t go to bed at seven, which means her Daddy probably does, in fact, give her baths.
I’m so jealous.
I stuff more popcorn into my mouth and reach for the sippy cup of juice Edith fixed for me. Mr. Hoffman definitely doesn’t let us have sodas. He doesn’t permit Natasha to have caffeine at all.
He’s strict. He’s overbearing. He’s dominant. And he adores Natasha.
She’s so fucking lucky, and yeah…I’m jealous.
Chapter 1
Two weeks later…
* * *
Camden
* * *
I’m sitting in the den channel-surfing when my phone rings. It’s kind of late. No one besides Jameson would call this late, so I’m not surprised to see his name in the caller ID on my cell when I grab it from the end table.
“’Sup?” I ask as it occurs to me that he’s supposed to be out of town with Natasha. They went south for some sun. Even though it’s June, it’s been dreary in Seattle for weeks.
“Hey. Got a problem.” His voice is strained.
I sit up taller and reach for my loafers to slide them on. I assume I’m going to need to leave the house for whatever has come up. “What’s going on?”
“It’s Simone. Someone attacked her.”
All the blood drains from my face. I can’t breathe. Simone… “Where is she?” I’m on my feet, jogging toward the kitchen to retrieve my wallet and keys.
“At the university medical center.”
My heart is racing as I rush to my SUV. “What do you know?”
“Not much. The emergency contact on her phone was Natasha, so the police called her. Neither of us has spoken to Simone. The officer said she was conscious but distraught.”
“So you don’t know how she is?” I’m already pulling out of the garage behind my home.
“Not a clue. Natasha is a wreck. We’re so far away. I’ll look for a flight back as soon as I get off the phone with you.”
“Why don’t you wait until I call you back? Maybe it’s not that bad. No need to derail your vacation just yet. Let me assess the situation.”
I can hear Jameson’s deep inhale. I can also hear Natasha whimpering. He’s probably holding her in his lap. “Okay. Call back as soon as you know something.”
“I’m on it.” I end the call and pick up speed. My house isn’t far from the university medical center. I’m not surprised that’s where they took her since she still has an apartment near campus.
