Kelly must have fallen asleep because the next thing she knew, Daddy was rubbing some ointment on her throbbing rear end. Even the application of the salve hurt, so she whimpered and tried to move away, but he held her in place.

"Shh. Lie still, little one, so I can finish applying this."

"It hurts, Daddy."

"Yes, I can see how red and inflamed your bottom is. Daddy was very, very strict with you, but this will help. You'll feel a lot better in a short while.

Kelly whimpered but did her best to hold still under her daddy's ministrations. A few seconds later, he sat back.

"There. We'll let that soak in for a bit, but it should take the swelling down as well as anesthetize the area.

"Thank you, Daddy."

He smiled. "You're welcome, kitten. Looks like Nanny-cook made us a pot roast and potatoes. I'm heating our plates up in the oven. They should be ready shortly. Hopefully, you'll be comfortable enough to sit at the table by then. If not, I'll come in here and feed you. In the meantime, just relax.

At her nod, he left to check on their dinner. Kelly tentatively reached behind her. Her bottom still felt warm, but not nearly as hot and tender as it had earlier. As angry as he had been with her for swearing, he truly didn't like seeing her in pain, which made her feel a whole lot better. Her new daddy wasn't cruel, just strict, but she absolutely hated that strap. That thing was wicked. If it wouldn't get her in even more trouble, she'd burn it the first chance she got.

He returned a few minutes later with what looked like a glass of milk. "Can you sit up?"

Wincing, Kelly managed to curl into a partial sitting position.

"Good girl. Drink this, first. Daddy has stirred in a bit of medicine to make you feel better. Once you've swallowed it all, put your panties back on and join me in the dining room. But leave your skirt pinned up. I want to check your bottom again before you sit down.

"All right, Daddy."

"That's my girl," he murmured placing a kiss on top of her head.

Once he left, Kelly drank the milk. It tasted sweeter than normal and gave her a mild buzz. She stared at the glass. Did her strict Daddy just put a shot of liquor in her milk? She wasn't a child, but she was still considered underage to drink. After consuming the last drop, she inched to the edge of the bed, stood, and pulled up her white cotton briefs with only a soft moan then trotted into the dining room.

Daddy was seated at the side of the table. The moment he saw her, he smiled. "There's my good girl." He patted the seat on his left. "Come here, Kelly, and let's take a peek at the damage."

She walked over beside him and turned around. "Put your hands on the chair and bend forward, little one, so Daddy can see better," he ordered, lowering her underwear.

Kelly obeyed.

"Yes, the area is far less inflamed." He pressed a finger into her flesh.

"Ow, Daddy."

"Still a bit tender, though. Think you can sit for dinner?"

Kelly nodded. "Yes, sir."

"Good." After raising her panties back up, he lowered her skirt. "Have a seat and take a gander at the scrumptious meal cook made for us."

Her pot roast had been cut into small bite-sized pieces, but it did smell heavenly.

"Daddy thinks you might be a big enough girl to handle your own knife and fork tonight. Want to give it a try?"

Relief washed through Kelly. Being allowed to feed herself was definitely a step in the right direction. "Yes, please, Daddy."

"Okay, tuck your napkin under your chin and use your utensils while Daddy watches."

The stainless-steel flatware he'd provided was a Disney set. All the items had white handles with Sleeping Beauty's three fairy godmothers lined up along the rubbery plastic in a column, starting with a different-colored fairy on each one. Not adult by any means, but still an improvement.

Kelly carefully picked up her fork and scooped up a bit of the meat with gravy. She took extra care realizing this permission was a privilege that could easily be taken away.

He gave an approving nod. "Good girl. Just take it nice and slow. You're doing fine."

A part of Kelly wanted to remind her "daddy" she'd been feeding herself since she was three, so she was pretty sure she could handle a simple knife and fork, but, as swiftly as that thought came, it floated away. The truth was, outside of the spankings, which she didn't care for at all, she rather enjoyed being pampered and cared for. He'd taken her shopping and bought her several outfits and shoes today. The fact they looked like little girl clothes didn't bother her. Not really. She couldn't remember the last time someone took her out to buy her something, and the pampering made her feel cherished and special.

Another thing she liked about her current situation was the extra cuddles he gave when she behaved as he wished. He didn't stint on offering affection, and she soaked it up. He also took exceptional care to ensure she was comfortable, wherever they were. She always came first, and that was another novel experience for her. When she considered the pluses and minuses, she had to admit she was far better off now than the night her daddy first approached her. She had trouble thinking of him as Graham White anymore. To her, he was, and always would be, Daddy.

But, as they ate, Daddy said something that made Kelly's stomach drop.

"I know today didn't go as well as I'd hoped, but I think you learned a valuable lesson, didn't you?"

Yeah, watch my mouth, and let Daddy take the lead in all things. "Yes, sir."

"I'm pleased to hear you say that, because I'm going to try taking you out again tomorrow."

"Really? Where?"

He clasped her hand and gave it a squeeze. "We're going to the dentist."

Kelly stared at him for a moment before she asked, "Why?"

"For a checkup and cleaning. I want you on a regular oral hygiene schedule and decided there was no reason to delay, unless you can't behave."

Realizing arguing would only get her in trouble, Kelly went back to eating her dinner. But the food that had tasted so wonderful moments before lay like bits of damp clay on her tongue.

She knew he watched her, so she tried not to show her dismay, but acting had never been her strong suit.

He put his knife and fork down. "Kelly, if you think this is going to be a problem, I need you to tell me."

"Is he a special dentist for Littles the same way the doctor was?"

"Yes, he is."

"What will he do that's unusual for a regular dentist?"

"Well, the chair will be a bit larger than you're used to, and they'll most like use kiddy flavors like bubble gum or strawberry. But everything else should be pretty much the same. They have all the latest modern equipment."

"So, what makes them different? For Littles only?"

"Naughty adult little girls get bare-bottom spankings. I would think your usual dentist's office might frown on that. Also, they are set up to treat adults as if they were children. That's the primary difference."

"Oh."

"So, do you think you can be a good girl for me, or should I reschedule?"

When Kelly hesitated, Daddy asked, "Are you scared of dentists?"

"No. But I don't like needles, and I had more shots today than I've ever had before. I really don't want another, but what if I have a cavity?"

"When did you last have a dental checkup?"

She shrugged, recalling the last time she visited a dentist. She'd gone for a toothache, and the harried gentleman was in too much of a hurry to put up with a little girl's shenanigans, so he'd pulled the tooth. And that had hurt. A lot.

"That's what I thought. I'd say you most likely have several cavities, and if you do, the dentist will fill them for you."

"Can he put me out?"

"No. But I'll make sure he deadens the pain. It won't hurt."

"But it will mean a needle and a prickly, cotton ball mouth."

"True. If you think you're not ready, I will reschedule. I just thought I would see to all your medical needs as soon as possible. Definitely before the month is up."

Realizing then that he truly was concerned about her health and well-being, she gave a nod. "I will try my best to be good, Daddy. Will you stay with me?"

"Of course. It's a Daddy's job to take care of his little girl. I will never leave you alone, Kelly, unless I am given no choice."

"Thank you."

* * *

Kelly had three cavities, and Daddy held her hand the entire time it took for the dentist to anesthetize her mouth and repair her teeth. She had whimpered when he gave her the shots, but his assistant had played with a stuffed animal to distract her while he used something that numbed the area first, so they didn't hurt, even if she didn't like them. The worst had been the cleaning. She'd squirmed so badly, Daddy had threatened a spanking if she didn't settle, but that only made her cry, which caused the hygienist a different problem. The woman told Kelly she needed to do a better job of brushing her teeth, and Daddy assured the lady Kelly would be most diligent going forward.

It turned out having teeth cleaned hurt. And now her gums ached so much, even ice cream didn't appeal to her.

So, Daddy took her home, gave her some pills, and put her to bed for the afternoon. When she woke up, it was dark.

Dressed in a T-shirt and panties, Kelly got out of bed and trotted about the penthouse in search of Daddy.

The place was a lot larger than she'd realized. He hadn't given her a full tour, since her activities took place in only one wing of the apartment. Fascinated by all the fine things Daddy owned, Kelly went exploring. One of the rooms she discovered was filled with all sorts of exercise equipment, including a treadmill, stationary bike, and weights. He must work out in there when she was sleeping, but the spotless room was currently unoccupied. Certain he wouldn't want her touching anything without his permission, she backed out of the room and continued her tour. The next door she opened was an additional bedroom decorated in neutral tones. A far cry from her lacy, pink palace. She finally found Daddy ensconced in a room lined with books. He was working on a computer and didn't hear her come in.

Not wanting to disturb him, she sat on the leather sofa and waited for him to realize she was there. As he typed, a line furrowed between his brows. She'd seen that expression before, and it meant Daddy wasn't pleased about something. He was pounding hard on the keys as well. Another bad sign. Kelly decided it might be best if she left him alone, and slipped off the couch when he said, "Kelly? What are you doing in here, young lady?"

Uh oh. That question didn't sound beneficial for her bottom. "I woke up and wanted to be with you, so I went looking."

"I see. What did I tell you about getting out of bed on your own?"

"I thought that was only at nighttime. I didn't think you'd mind during the day."

"I believe I said once you were put to bed, you should call me. Not go wandering."

"Oh."

He sighed then crooked his index finger. "Come here."

Kelly scrunched her face up. "I'm sorry, Daddy. I didn't do it to be bad. Honest. Don't spank me. Please. I won't do it again."

"Yes, I know you won't do it again, because it's Daddy's job to make sure little girls obey the orders they are given, and if they disobey…" He trailed the sentence off, indicating she should finish it.

"They get spanked."

"Correct. So, come here."

Her fate sealed, and her shoulders hunched, Kelly trudged over to stand beside him.

"Panties down, Kelly."

Kelly dipped her fingers beneath her waistband and gazed at him pleadingly.

"I'm waiting, young lady."

Once her cotton briefs were lowered, she gave a small sob and crawled over his lap. "I'm sorry, Daddy."

He stroked her bare bottom.

"I know you are. But you need to listen to what Daddy says. Will you be getting out of bed without permission again?"

"No, sir."

"Good girl." He brought his hand down three times, but not very hard. Kelly let out a small yelp for each one, but then he was rubbing again. "So, were you seeking me out for anything in particular?"

"I was hungry," she admitted, still stretched across his thighs but not minding the gentle stroking he gave her at all.

"How is your mouth?"

"It aches a little. I can tell where he gave me the shots, and my gums hurt where the lady did some digging to clean my teeth."

"Do you think you can eat, or would you prefer soup?"

"Maybe some soup. Could we watch a movie together after dinner?"

He chuckled. "Yes. I think we might possibly manage that. You do deserve a treat for being so good at the dentist's. Okay, up you go." He lifted her off his lap and placed her on the floor then tugged up her panties.

"Thank you, Daddy."

Giving her a nod, he tousled her hair. "You're welcome, sprite."

* * *

After dinner, Daddy cuddled Kelly in his arms while they watched a Disney movie. Though she had seen a few "G" movies, she'd never been big on animated features. However, as she rested her head against Daddy's chest and relaxed while he rubbed her back and legs, she found she rather enjoyed Beauty and the Beast. The music was fun, and she laughed at the magical antics of the enchanted furniture. But what she enjoyed most was being held and stroked. Daddy would quietly praise her as he ran his hands down her spine until Kelly glowed under his gentle approval.

When the beast turned into a prince and Belle became a princess, Daddy placed a kiss on Kelly's head. "Doctor Kent called me this afternoon with your test results. He said you're clean of any STDs. So, would you like to come into Daddy's room tonight, after your bath?"

She understood what that meant, and she hadn't been in his room since their first night together, which seemed like ages ago even though it was only the night before last. "Yes, Daddy."

"Okay, let's go get you nice and clean."

"Rather than a bubble bath, could I take a shower with you?"

He met her gaze. "I don't normally allow that."

"I'd like to try."

He gave a nod then led her into his room and bathroom. The moment they stepped onto the tiled floor, he drew her into his arms and crushed her to him. "Holding you tonight has been torture. All I've wanted to do since you so naughtily showed up in my study was drag you off to bed."

Kelly clutched his shoulders. "You never let on."

"No, because you were being my little girl, and other than the occasional nighty-night rub I'll dispense when I determine we can't or shouldn't be together, I don't like approaching my girls sexually when they're a Little. That doesn't mean when I look at you, I can't also envision the lovely woman shimmering just below the surface of the child. You've done well, Kelly. Much better than I originally thought you would." He kissed her again.

"Do I please you, sir?"

"More than you will ever know, my darling. Now let's get you out of that Daisy Duck T-shirt and into the shower with me. I intend to taste every inch of you tonight, before I sink myself deep inside your hot little core so I can hear those incredibly sweet moans of pleasure you make."

Kelly gave him a hug, then let him strip off all her clothes and take her into the shower where he promptly started to lather her up. When she was slippery and ready, he hoisted her up off the shower floor. "Wrap your legs around my waist, darling," he ordered huskily.

The moment she obeyed, he plunged into her. Her body had been well prepared for him, and she came almost right away. He thrust repeatedly then quickly withdrew and put her down as he came over her chest and tummy.

"I should have worn a condom," he murmured, his forehead resting on the top of her head. "That wasn't very responsible of me."

"The doctor said I'm clean, didn't he?"

"Not the point, sweetie. You're not on any birth control, nor will I allow you to take the pill, but I don't want you to get pregnant."

"Don't you want children someday?"

He lifted his head and smiled down at her. "You give me all I want, Kelly. I prefer adult children over the squalling, colicky ones."

"So, you don't plan to marry and have a family some day?"

"No. That's not what I'm after at all," he replied, rinsing them both off.

"Oh. May I ask why not?"

"Of course you may ask. You may ask me anything at any time. I may not always be able to answer, but you should never hesitate to ask."

"You won't think me impertinent?"

"As long as you are respectful in your queries, I won't accuse you of impertinence. However, some questions should be reserved for when we're in my suite. If you do ask me an adult question when you're supposed to be little, I will simply tell you to wait until you're older. I'll never punish you for wanting to know something. I want you to feel free to come to me with whatever questions or problems you have."

"So, why don't you want to marry and start a family?"

"I think if you gave that question more thought, you'd realize the answer yourself."

"Because you like adult little girls, which aren't exactly conducive to raising children."

Smiling, he extended a hand to help her out of the shower. "That's undoubtedly true."

"But it's not the answer?"

"Not entirely. No." He wrapped her in a warm, fluffy towel that was almost bigger than she was, and began rubbing her dry. Always putting her needs first, even though he treated her like an adult in these rooms.

Kelly thought about that for a moment. She could understand a wife being reluctant to play a Little, but some women would do it. He was handsome, in his own way, dominant, strong, yet he could also be tender and gentle. If he ever wanted to marry, he'd have a slew of females interested in being with him. So, what would keep him from wanting a committed relationship? Having one would cut down on all the training he had to do.

"You've trained five girls before me to be your Little, correct?"

"Correct." Once she was dry, he removed the towel and gave her bottom a light smack. "Into bed with you, sweet one."

She started to do as he asked then turned around. "You prefer your girls young."

"No younger than eighteen, but, yes, I do."

"If you stuck with one woman, she'd eventually grow old."

"As would I."

"But men age differently than women. You wouldn't find an older woman attractive, would you?'

"Unfortunately, no. I would not. Bed. I won't repeat myself. And I spank young women as well as little girls who don't obey me."

Lost in thought, Kelly gave an absent nod and walked into his bedroom. She slipped into bed and drew the covers up to her chin.

"Unh uh," he said, pulling them back down again. "When you're in here, I demand unlimited access to your nubile, young body."

She giggled then laughed and tried to twist away when he started nibbling on her tummy. "Stop. Please. I'm really ticklish."

"So, I've discovered." He lay beside her with a grin. "I think I've just found a new way to torture you, my darling."

Rolling to her side, she gazed at him. "Am I really?"

Facing her, he placed his elbow on his pillow and propped his head up with his arm as his other hand gently toyed with her breasts. "Really what?"

"Your darling?"

He tilted his head to give her a questioning gaze. "Do you doubt it?'

When she shrugged, he sat up. "You're honestly not sure, are you?"

"Should I be?"

"Yes. You definitely should be sure of my affection for you. I thought I'd aptly proved that already."

"But how long will I be with you?"

"We agreed you'd stay at least a month."

Nodding, she murmured, "I know. But what happens after the month is up?"

"We'll talk. Much as we're doing at this moment, except we'll most likely be dressed."

"Say I decide to stay. How long can I expect you to keep me?"

Reaching for her, he stretched out on the bed and pulled her on top of him. "I never realized you were a worrier." He gave her breasts a slight tweak, and she winced. "I think you're looking for answers to questions there's no need for you to be asking, yet. Are you worried I'll discard you like trash once I'm through with you?"

"A little," she admitted, earning herself a light smack on her thigh.

"I would never do that, Kelly. You will always be my little girl, and I will always take care of you."

"Is that what you told your 'other' little girls?"

He frowned at that question but answered, "Of course."

"So, where are they?" He reached between her legs and gave her a tiny pinch. "Ow."

"You're being a silly goose, Kellian Franklin. And I won't have it." With his hands firm on her waist, he lifted her up and entered her with one hard thrust.

Kelly closed her eyes and followed his lead. "You won't tell me?"

He stopped moving. "Look at me, Kelly."

She obeyed.

"Do you want an accounting of where everyone is and how they're doing? Is that what you need from me tonight?"

Though his words were soft, Kelly sensed the heat beneath their surface, and it wasn't from passion. She was making him angry. "I'm sorry, sir."

"No. You don't get to play that game with me. You started this discussion, and we will finish it. After that, I hope you will be satisfied I mean what I say." Lifting her off him, he put her aside and got out of bed.

"Graham—"

She cut her words off when he whirled and pointed a finger at her. "No. That is the one thing I will not allow, and I've told you that already."

Lowering her eyes, she gave a nod. "Yes, sir."

He strode out of the bedroom and returned with his laptop. "I keep close contact with all my girls, and I hear from each of them at least once a year, unless they marry. Their husbands take over all responsibility for them, then. And if a girl gets into trouble or needs help, I make arrangements to be with her." Lifting the computer's lid, he turned it on and glared at her. "You do realize I don't normally share this information, since I consider it privileged and private?"

Kelly placed her hand on his arm. "Don't. I believe you."

"Do you?"

"Yes, sir. I didn't mean to question your intentions or motives. I just can't help worrying I'll end up back on the streets again."

He put his notebook aside then held her face between his palms. "That will never happen, Kelly. Never. I would not allow it. Understand?"

Her eyes burning, she nodded.

"Sweetie, I will always take care of you, even if we should decide to separate. And if I believe you aren't doing right by yourself, I could well show up on your doorstep to give you a much-deserved spanking. Now, as much as I enjoy having you with me in here, this is not how I imagined we'd be spending our time."

"I can't really ask these sorts of questions at any other time, sir. Your little girl doesn't have these concerns."

"And nor should my adult girl, either. In any case, the mood is broken, so I'd say we're done playing grown-up for a while."

Kelly hung her head. She'd not only angered him, she'd ruined their special time together, and being in his room wasn't something he'd allow very often. Tears welled in her eyes. "I'm sorry."

He gave her chin a light chuck. "Don't apologize. I'm glad you came to me with your concerns rather than chew on them alone. Do you have any other questions for me?"

She shook her head. He was right. She was undoubtedly worrying over nothing. "No, sir."

"Okay, then. When you're ready, I want you to return to your own room. From that point on, you are not to get out of bed without my permission."

"You still won't let me stay?"

"No. Not tonight. I think we've had enough adult talk for one evening, don't you?"

She gave a nod because that was what he wanted. Slipping from his bed, she collected her discarded T-shirt and panties.

Put those in with the dirty clothes, Kelly. The staff does laundry on Tuesdays and Fridays."

"Yes, sir." She turned to leave but stopped when he called her name again.

"I don't like the thought of you feeling insecure. If you need me, I'll come and stay with you."

"Your bed is larger."

"I know. But my bed is for sex, not cuddling. If you want to be cuddled, I'll stay with you."

Realizing he meant it, she smiled. "Thank you, sir. But I think I'll be all right."

Then, departing his room, she returned to being a little girl.