“How are you doing, baby?”
“H-hurts, Daddy.”
“I know, teeny,” he said with sympathy. “And we’re only part way through, I’m afraid. Is anything else hurting? No numbness? Dizziness?”
“No, Daddy,” she replied.
“Next ten.”
She was sobbing and kicking her feet as he delivered these next ones. She had to fight hard not to reach back and cover her poor sore bottom cheeks as he wailed into them.
By the time he stopped again, she had soaked the coverlet with her tears. Her sobs filled the room.
“Just ten to go, teeny,” he told her with regret.
The smack of the paddle sounded harsh in the room. And she cried with each slap. By the time it had finished, her bottom felt like it was on fire. She wished she could rub away the pain.
“Shh. Shh. Shh.”
Linc turned them both so they were lying on the bed. He was on his back with her pressed to his side, her head on his chest.
“Hush, baby. It’s all over. You’ve been punished and forgiven. It’s all done. Good girl. Good girl.”
He held her until her sobs died and she was relaxed against him.
“How you feeling, baby?”
“Like I’ve just been spanked and paddled,” she replied dryly.
His chest moved as he laughed. “Fair enough. Ready for the rest of your punishment?”
“Daddy, don’t you think I’ve been punished enough? I’ve learned my lesson. Honest.”
“Glad to hear that, teeny. But this will just help solidify it. Come on. Fifteen minutes in time-out then afterwards, Daddy will let you do some crafting.”
“Can’t Princess Nana do this part?”
“And why should Princess Nana be punished when you were the one who was naughty?”
“’Cause I’m a princess,” she explained.
“Do you think that a princess doesn’t get punished when she’s naughty?” he asked as he helped her sit up. She winced and immediately jumped onto her feet.
“Well, obviously that’s not the case,” she replied as she rubbed her sore bottom.
“Uh-uh, no rubbing,” he said sternly.
“Drat.” She crossed her arms over her chest, giving him big eyes. “But Daddy, I don’t think a princess should hafta do time-out. She should be able to tag in.”
“Tag in?”
“Yeah, like in wrestling.”
“You watch wrestling?” He raised his eyebrows.
She blushed. “Sometimes.”
“I’m surprised. I didn’t think you’d be interested in the sport.”