chapter 5

Once again, Max gave me a measured look. One of a fierce warrior

given a reason to be a warrior. “She will be protected. I will not be reckless

with my life, Papa.”

“Good. Now. Are you ready for your punishment?”

Max turned his back to Victor. “I am, Papa.”

Victor brought out a crop. “Step out of your pants and place them on

the chair across from Jacob.”

“Yes, Papa,” Max murmured. The man was completely submissive

without looking submissive. I got the feeling that, in the right circumstance,

unless Daddy or Max’s papa was on hand, the man would be the dominant

in the room. Especially with me. Daddy obviously had plans for Max.

While I wasn’t sure if I was going to like Max or not, I trusted Daddy. If he

said we needed Max for something, then I’d do whatever he told me to. And

I’d welcome Max with open arms.

“Count your lashes,” Victor ordered.

Max did. While the strikes with the crop reddened Max’s ass, he

never flinched or in any way indicated his punishment hurt or that he was

angry with his papa for the punishment. In fact, once the last of his twenty

lashes was done, the man turned and knelt at his papa’s feet. Looking up at

Papa Victor, he said, “Thank you. Daddy.”

I, on the other hand, winced every single time the crop landed on

Max’s ass cheeks. More than one errant tear tracked its way down my face.

Victor looked more pleased with Max’s response than I expected. It

was as if Max had conceded much by calling the other man “Daddy”

instead of “Papa.”

“You’re quite welcome, Max. Come sit beside me while Jacob and I

talk.”

Max took his time getting situated on the cushion. His ass had to be hurting, but he gave no sign of any discomfort. My own bottom ached in

sympathy and I shifted my weight so I sat on my hip. I still clung to Daddy,

but I now studied Max. And he studied me.

“Kitten is so empathetic,” Victor said. “She seemed to take Max’s

punishment harder than Max did. I will refrain from further punishments in

her presence. I have no wish to cause her distress.”

“My Kitten is strong. She may not like it, but I believe she

understood the issue and wouldn’t have wanted the outcome Max

envisioned. Besides, I’m certain Max wouldn’t want to cause Kitten

distress. I have no doubt he will act the part she set for him. King of his

pride.” Max looked at Daddy with dignity and a fierce pride. He did seem a

little startled but lowered his chin in acknowledgement.

I studied Max as the conversation continued between Daddy and

Victor. Papa Victor. I knew I needed to remember that, should I need to

address the man directly. He wasn’t my papa, but he was Max’s. Which

made him Papa Victor in my world. Anything less now wouldn’t be

appropriately respectful. And I liked Victor. He was just as compassionate

as Daddy and had helped me ease into my role as Daddy’s pet when I’d

anticipated being his little girl. Now that I thought about it, I was much

better suited to being Kitten than Baby Girl.

Max was as intent on me as I was on him. I wondered what had

happened to him, but I knew it wasn’t my business. He sprawled lazily next

to his Papa, both legs bent, one on the cushion he sat on, the other up so he

could rest one forearm on his knee. He’s gaze never wavered from me as he

seemed to be sizing me up. Trying to figure out what my angle was. I could

have told him my only angle was making Daddy happy. I owed him so

much and loved him more than anything. No matter what he asked of me,

I’d do my best.

Papa Victor reached toward a bowl of fruit and snagged an apple.

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