Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 53081 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 265(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 177(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53081 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 265(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 177(@300wpm)
“Good. Is there anything else we need to discuss before going to dinner?”
“Oh! They’re all waiting for me,” she said, appalled.
“They’ll eat without us if they need to,” he assured her.
“Are they going to think you spanked me?”
“Probably. Remember that there are five other Littles at the table. At least one of them is sitting on a hot bottom. They’re not going to judge you. If you don’t have consequences and are out of control, they’ll consider it my failing as a Daddy,” he shared.
“Oh! I don’t want them to think you’re a bad Daddy.”
“Are you planning on being out of control?” he asked.
“No.”
“Then they won’t worry about me. Or you. Come on, let’s wash your face and hands.”
He lifted her to stand next to him before rising from the mattress. Taking her hand, Caesar led Isla to the bathroom. There, he turned on the water to warm as he retrieved two washcloths. After wetting one, he smoothed the soft fabric over her face to erase the tear marks before drying it with the other one.
Caesar leaned in to press a soft kiss to her lips. “Remember, Little girl, you can tell me anything—anytime.”
“I’ll remember.”
“Good girl. Let’s get you dressed and go eat dinner.”
“Will you help me?” she asked, studying his face. Would he step back into his Daddy role, or had she ruined everything?
“Of course. Let’s go pick out something from the playroom.”
A few minutes later, they stepped out of the elevator to find everyone just settling in at the table. Caesar guided her to two empty chairs. Everyone called their hellos and smiled at her. To Isla’s relief, no one looked at her funny. They just looked happy to see her.
“Sushi tonight, Isla. Do you like it?” Sadie asked.
“I like the kind without raw fish,” Isla answered hesitantly.
“Me, too. Wait until you see how pretty it will be. The restaurant brings in a sushi team for a special treat every once in a while,” Zara said as Kestrel pushed the cart close to the table. “Watch!”
With a flourish, Kestrel lifted the cover off the first platter. While everyone oohed and aahed over the beautiful arrangement of the delicacies, he handed the large dish to Rocco to place in the center of the table. Soon, all the empty space on the table was filled with gorgeous displays.
“It’s so pretty I don’t even want to touch anything,” Juniper said, clicking her chopsticks together.
“I have the talking spoon here. Who wants to start tonight?” Celeste asked, picking up the fancy utensil and waving it.
“I’ll start,” Phoenix volunteered when no one else spoke up.
“Perfect!” Lyra said, clicking her chopsticks in the air as if applauding.
The other women joined Lyra’s celebration. Tentatively, Isla picked hers up and quickly fit them into place in her hand. She clicked with the other women. Their grins, when she took part in their fun, made her lips curve upward in response.
As everyone helped themselves to a variety of sushi, Caesar filled Isla’s plate with her favorites—California, cucumber, and avocado rolls. Several people popped bites into their mouths to enjoy when Phoenix started talking. Isla noticed he held the spoon in his hand.
“What’s going on?” Isla whispered.
“This is our tradition. Whoever is holding the talking spoon talks about their day and alerts everyone to any problems,” Caesar answered quietly.
“Do I have to talk?” she whispered, alarmed.
“If it makes you uncomfortable, no. But it’s fun being part of the group.”
Tuning back to the conversation, she heard Phoenix finish.
“So, we need to consider adding an additional parking lot and boat docks.” Phoenix passed the spoon to Lyra.
“I’ve got it on the list,” Magnus said.
Lyra cleared her throat before announcing, “I have a new piece of music I’m working on. Remember, if the screeching of wrong notes causes you pain, I can go elsewhere to practice.” She looked meaningfully at Isla.
“That was you I heard playing last night?” Isla asked in awe as she connected the dots between the soothing music she’d heard upstairs. “You’re amazing.”
“The cello has something to do with it, but yes, that was me. Please, let me know if it disturbs you,” Lyra requested with a gentle smile. “Sadie, it’s your turn.”
Isla loved how Lyra handled the end of the conversation. That made her role so much easier. She didn’t have to respond. If she’d had a chance to pick more interesting women to connect with through this team of men, Isla knew she would never have chosen so well.
After a few more people talked briefly, Magnus handed her the spoon. She felt nervous and didn’t understand why this felt important.
“Hi! Thank you for welcoming me. I could have never imagined that I would travel across the globe to get to New Zealand on a quest and find more than I ever dreamed. I’m super discombobulated by finding Caesar…” She cleared her throat and corrected herself, “Daddy. Thanks for all your support.”