She swallows. “Because the plan was for me to go about my usual routine so you could observe. I’m ruining it.”
I slowly smile. I lean down to kiss her gently on the lips before responding. “The only thing you’re ruining is the likelihood that I might have eventually lost my mind and punched a hole in the nearest wall from watching you perform with another man. If anyone should apologize, it should be me.”
She giggles. “You wanted to punch a wall?”
“At least one.” I smirk. “Don’t let my possessive jealousy go to your head. It’s not very responsible of me. I should have been able to observe without putting off vibes so strong that Davis had to call me off like a pack of rabid dogs a few times.”
Her face is lit up and she reaches her arms toward me.
I pull her into my lap and hug her closely, nuzzling her neck. “I’m sorry, baby.”
“Me too.”
I lean back a few inches so I can see her face. “So, we need a new battle plan. And this is totally unfair and irresponsible of me too, but can you live with people at the club believing you met me recently and we’ve entered into a D/s relationship?”
Her smile melts me. “Yes, Sir.” She flushes. “I mean you can’t stop that train now. It left the station. People saw what happened with Owen and people are aware you and I are sitting here together right now.”
I take a quick glance around to make sure we are still alone, stroke her cheek, and search her gaze. “I’m no less concerned that someone here might be watching you.”
“Surely you don’t still suspect Owen?”
“Not really, but if people are watching you, there’s a good chance one of them is inside this club either planted recently or even an older member. I’ll feel much better if I always have my eye on you.”
“Okay.” She sounds very little when she says that one word.
“I have a question.” I hold her gaze, hoping she won’t be offended by my inquiry.
She widens her eyes. “What?”
“How come Owen was allowed to call you Evelyn?” I need to hear her tell me.
A slow smile spreads across her face. “Because, silly. I was in trouble. Didn’t your mama call you by your full name when you were in trouble?”
I chuckle. “Yes.”
She shrugs. “If you ever call me Evelyn, I will know I’ve been very naughty.”
I stare at her in awe before giving her pigtail a tug. “I’ll keep that in mind. Also, I took the liberty of letting Davis book us a private room. He’s going to monitor me so I can spank your bottom until it’s a delicious shade of pink and you’re squirming off the bench.” I grin.
Her eyes light up. “Tonight?”
“Yes.”
She claps her hands together.
“And you don’t even have to pretend to misbehave. The list of reasons why you deserve a spanking from me is long from the last few days.”
She giggles. “Okay.” That one word is a whine.
I lift my usual brow.
She corrects herself. “Okay, Sir.”
I pat her bottom. “Good girl. Now, I have another question.” I set her on her feet as I speak.
“What?” Her brows furrow with curiosity.
I pinch the edge of her dress. “Is this a twirl dress?”
She smiles broadly. “Yes. Want me to show you?”
“I do.”
She takes a step back and then excitedly spins around and around. The hem of the dress flares out so wide that I can see her panties and even her belly.
When she’s about to topple, I reach out and grab her around the waist, pull her against my chest. Since the hem of her skirt gets caught up high on her waist, I take the opportunity to tickle her tummy, making her squirm and giggle.
She is truly delightful.
Chapter 19
Evelyn
Colt escorts me back to the daycare even though I’d rather stay with him. He says he needs to do his job, which means he needs to wander around paying close attention to everyone in the club. He can easily do so under the not-fake guise of learning the ropes of the community since he’s a guest of the club and a potential new member as well as being a newer Dom. My Dom.
I pout anyway when he returns me to the daycare. He sits me down at the same table where I was coloring earlier, sets his hands on the surface, and leans in close. “Pull that lip back in, baby. I can’t focus on my job if you’re tagging along with me.”
“Yes, Sir.”
He nods toward the entrance to the daycare. “Don’t look, but did you notice the large man at the entrance?”
“Yes. I don’t know him.”
“Roman hired him to keep you safe. You can trust him.”
My eyes go wide. “Seriously?”
He nods. “Yep. Not just you, baby. He needs to know that everyone in this club is safe. It’s in his best interest.”
“Okay.”
“As long as you can see Craig, you’ll know nothing is going to happen to you.”
“Yes, Sir.”
He taps the coloring book in front of him. “Color me a picture. When it’s our turn in a private room, I’ll come get you.”
I smile. I’m beyond excited about this plan. So excited that I bounce in my seat.
He kisses the top of my head and leaves me in the daycare.
Lucy is still nearby and she joins me at the table. “How did your scene go?”
I wince. “It didn’t.”
“Why not?”
I sigh. “I couldn’t get into it. My headspace is filled with Colt.” I’d told Lucy about my weird relationship with Colt earlier.
Lucy beams. “That’s so fun. I’m excited for you.”
I lower my face. “It’s also scary and I’m sad because it’s temporary. As soon as he finds the man trying to sell me, he will be gone.”
Lucy cringes. “Why? Why does he have to leave just because he solves the case?”
I shrug. “It’s his job. He works mostly undercover.
