“You don’t have to hide from me. Not your tears. Not your fears. Not your need. That’s mine now.” Her words sank deepinto my bones, making me shiver. “And I’ll take care of it. All of it.”
I swallowed hard, my throat tight with emotion. “Yes, Daddy.”
To prove her point, she licked away the tear that managed to escape. A shiver ran through me so deep, I wondered if she felt it. Lord, help me.
Her hand released my throat only to cup my cheek again, gentle after the control. Then she kissed the top of my head, pulling me into her chest. I melted there, against her heartbeat, finally quiet.
Daddy didn’t move for a long while. She just held me, let me breathe, let me calm. When she finally did, it was only to brush a stray strand of hair from my face. “Let’s get you fed, babygirl.”
I nodded. Whatever she wanted.
Chapter Fourteen
Seraphina
Saturday. Our first real date.
Daddy hadn’t told me the whole plan, only that I should be ready to leave my apartment by noon. My nerves had me pacing the room in circles until the sound of her knock jolted me out of my spiral.
She was standing there in slacks with suspenders, a gold chain hung at her hip, a crisp, white-collared short-sleeved shirt tucked in neatly, black-and-white sneakers on her feet. Her dreadlocks were pulled back from her face in a style that made her jawline look sharper than usual. My stomach flipped. Sophisticated, Polished. Effortless. Her eyes swept over me, and a slow smile curved her lips.
“Ready, little one?”
“Yes, Daddy,” I whispered, already warm under her gaze.
We didn’t head toward a restaurant or a play area. Instead, she steered us to the Ranch shop. I blinked at her, confused.
“I thought we were going out.”
“We are,” she said, her tone patient but deliberate. “But first, you need something to wear. Something that reflects the side of you that you’ve been hiding.”
My cheeks heated. “Age-appropriate?”
The corner of her mouth tugged upward. “Exactly.”
Inside, there was a tall woman with waist length wavy brown hair assisting a customer in the front. She smiled at us in acknowledgment, and continued what she was doing. I felt welcomed already. Racks and shelves covered with so many things. My eyes widened at the section she led me toward—graphic tees with band names and cartoon prints, pleated skirts in dark plaids, suspenders, chokers, even lace-up boots. The vibe screamed moody teenager. I didn’t feel embarrassed. I felt… excited.
Daddy crossed her arms, watching me. “Pick what speaks to you, little one. I want you comfortable, but I also want you to look in the mirror and see yourself.”
I trailed my fingers over the hangers, heart racing. A black pleated skirt, a striped tee with a cute skeleton holding a balloon, and a pair of chunky boots caught my attention. I glanced at her.
“Good choices,” she said smoothly. “Try them on.”
I did, my pulse thundering as I stepped out of the fitting room. Her eyes softened but darkened too, a blend of pride and possession.
“Mmm…” she murmured. “You look perfect, babygirl.”
I bit my lip, heat rushing through me.
I pulled out a pastel tee with a smiling unicorn, but she shook her head instantly. “Too soft. Cute, but not the energy I see in you.” Her lips curved into a knowing smirk. “You need a little edge.”
I ducked into the fitting room, heart hammering as I changed. When I stepped out, she straightened from the table, her eyes dragging down my body slowly. Heat rushed to my face.
Her gaze sharpened. “Nowthatis you. Dark, playful, but still innocent.”
“Daddy…” I said shyly.
“Spin,” she ordered softly.
