Family: Out of Business

Talked

Claire's bedroom

Claire's pov

"No, signore," I replied humbly, wanting to spare my bottom some pain.

"Very well then. Now that's settled, let's discuss you leaving in the middle of the night without telling me or your uncle, not to mention leaving your phone here as well."

"But, Dad..." I started to complain, until he quickly cut me off with a stern look and a slight raise of his hand.

"I'm not going to punish you, figlia (daughter), since this was your aunt's doing, although I am going to take your phone for two days as a reminder not to put yourself in a potentially unsafe situation again. Va bene (Okay)?" he stated more than questioned, holding his hand out, motioning for me to fork it over.

Reluctantly, I slapped it into his palm with some attitude, failing to hide my displeasure with his request. How is taking my phone for two days not punishing me? I rolled my eyes. God, adults are so dumb sometimes. He just doesn't get it. Taking my phone away is like the worst punishment. I'd rather get spanked. No wait! I take that back. Dad's spankings hurt bad, even worse than Uncle EJ's. Neither of them can hold a candle to Grandfather though. His spankings were the absolute worst. I shuddered just thinking about it. I don't think any punishment will ever top the whipping I got with his grandfather's strap when I left the grounds with Tuono last year.

"Watch yourself," Dad warned sternly, pinching my thigh as he brought me back to the here and now.

I was about to protest until I saw the look on his face, so I quietly muttered, "Ow," and rubbed the smarting spot on my leg. I learned the meaning behind that look quite quickly when I moved in with my father after Mom died. It's the look that means this is your last chance to keep from being tugged over my knee to get a thorough warming to your bottom so you better straighten up. Foolishly, I tested that look a couple times upon first living with my dad and each time without fail I ended up with a sore butt. My dad's not one to back down or go against his word. He means what he says and says what he means. A part of me though still can't help thinking that one of these times I'm gonna be victorious. I don't think today is that day, however, so I'm gonna hedge my bets and apologize.

"Mi dispiace, Padre (I'm sorry, Father)."

Father frowned, most likely unhappy with the amount of time it took me to respond.

"I don't appreciate the disrespect, mia figlia (my daughter). Dovresti sicuramente saperlo meglio (You should definitely know better). Shouldn't you?"

I nodded, ashamed and embarrassed to be put in my place by my dad. I hate when any adult makes me feel like a dumb little kid. I'm not entirely sure what he said since I haven't been real good about studying my Italian, in that I haven't studied it at all in the last ten days, but I'm almost positive whatever he said required my agreement.

"Perhaps I've been too lax in enforcing consequences for such misbehavior. I can easily remedy that if need be. Capiscimi (Understand me)?"

"Si signore (Yes sir)." Even I'm not dumb enough to piss my dad off anymore right now. He might not spank as hard as his dad but he still knows how to make a girl miserable.

"Let's get back to the matter at hand then." He shifted me onto his other leg. I guess I am a little big to be sitting on his lap at my age but I still secretly kinda like it. Dad makes me feel safe and special when he holds me like this. "Can you understand why what you did was unsafe, bambina (baby girl)?"

"No, not really, Daddy," I replied quietly. "I know that's not what you want me to say but it's how I feel."

"Sweetpea," he said lovingly, as he lifted my chin to meet his eyes. "I NEVER want you to lie to me and especially not because you think that's the answer I want to hear. Alright?"