Finally, the spanking was over. Her ass was probably black and blue and swollen to three times its size.
She stayed over the edge of the bed while he threaded his belt back through the loops of his jeans. Only when his fingers touched her ass did she move.
“You’re going to be sore in the morning, but it’s what they’ll expect.” He sat next to her on the bed with a heavy sigh. “But more than that, you deserved that spanking, Ariana. I can’t protect you if you fight me the entire way. I know this world. I understand it. You need to allow me to truly be your daddy and take care of you the best way I can. Stop thinking you know more than me. I’m doing this for you. For us.”
She sniffled and turned her head to the side to see him. The action caused her head to spin a little and her vision went foggy for a moment before clearing up.
“I know, Daddy. I’m sorry. I didn’t think it would turn into a huge brawl.” She wiped the back of her hand over her cheek, trying to ignore the little ringing in her ears.
He frowned. “Get your pajamas back on and get under the covers. I have to get back downstairs to the other Daddies. They’ll be finished with their girls soon,” he said and patted her back.
“You aren’t going to make me feel better?” she asked, pushing herself to her feet.
He chuckled. “You deserved every lick, and you’ll feel every one of them until the morning at least. But you can go on and tell me what was so important you had to get a bunch of girls in trouble.”
“You think they all got spanked?” she asked with wide eyes.
Costello narrowed his lids and turned his head to the side. “Ariana, are you feeling okay?”
“Of course, Daddy,” she said and picked up her gown from the foot of the bed and slipped it over her head. The cotton rubbed against her sore bottom, but she didn’t complain.
“We’re alone now, you don’t have to keep your voice high pitched like that.” He pulled the quilts back on the bed and she hopped in, wiggling until she was comfortable. She rolled to her side to keep her ass from touching anything more than it had to.
“I know.” She nodded. “What I wanted to tell you was I heard Nanny Nancy talking to Uncle Johnny. At least that’s what Shelby said his name was.” She thought a moment. “Yes. That’s his name. Uncle Johnny.”
“And what did Nancy say?” he asked, more curious now.
“She was talking about effienc…effective…no…productivity! That’s the word. It would be more productive to have us girls dosed and sold. He doesn’t like us here,” she said, pulling the quilt up to her chin.
“Oh, no?”
“No. He said we cut into the bottom line and it would be better if Frank, I mean Uncle Frank, would listen to him or get out of his way.”
Costello squatted down in front of her at her bedside. “Is that what he said, Ariana? Frank should get out of his way?”
She thought about it real heard. “Yes. He said Frank should just get out of his way and Nanny Nancy agreed. She said he’s too soft. He doesn’t see the potential like Uncle Johnny does.”
Costello’s frown deepened.
“Anything else?”
“No.” She shook her head and yawned. Her body was getting used to the early bed time. “See. I told you it was important.” She snuggled into her pillow. “Daddy?”
“Yeah, Ariana?” he asked, brushing her bangs from her forehead.
“I feel sorta weird. Kinda like I’m flying, but that can’t be. I’m right here in my bed.”
“It’s okay. You’re just sleepy. Get some rest. We’ll talk more in the morning.” He pressed a warm kiss to her cheek which made her smile.
Daddy was nice.
When he wasn’t being mean.
Costello checked in on Ariana after breakfast. She played quietly in the dayroom with some Barbies.
“How is she?” Costello asked Maria quietly as they stood near the door.
Maria glanced at Ariana before answering. “Honestly? Perfect. I haven’t seen her this relaxed since she got here.”
Costello’s jaw tightened.
“Did she have the same dose this morning as usual?” he asked, concern filling him fast.
“Nothing’s changed. Yeah.” Maria’s answer only sent his worry into a tailspin.
“Okay. Thanks. I have a meeting in the city in an hour. I’ll be gone until dinner time. If she needs me, let her call me, okay?” He watched Ariana pick up a small brush and start working on the doll’s hair. She looked completely at home in the dayroom.
His stomach twisted.
“Sure. Not a problem. Is everything all right?” she asked, glancing back at Ariana playing quietly by herself.
“Yeah. Fine,” he reassured the nanny. After taking another moment to watch Ariana play with her doll, he left the dayroom. She hadn’t even noticed him being there. When he’d gone into the breakfast room, she’d been eating her oatmeal and laughing with the girl beside her. She never looked up to find him like she normally did.