Bambina

43. Changing times

He settles back into his chair, leaning forward slightly as if preparing for a speech.

"You're adorable. Go change. It's chilly outside," he begins, his voice taking on a silky quality that draws me in immediately.

"But it's sunny," I pout.

"Bambina, go change. Now." 

"Fine, Mr. Crabs."

"Excuse me? Mr. Crabs? I'm nothing like that red little fucker," he says, stern and gruff, exactly like Mr. Crabs.

"Hate to spoil it, daddy, but you are," I shrug, tiptoeing out of the room to do as told. I'm already on a thin line for having said that. But it's true. But he's got one thing though, he's handsome, and in that sense, he is nothing like Mr. Crabs.

I quickly change into something warmer, though I still protest internally against his demand. Back in his study, I find him sitting exactly where I left him, eyes fixed on the screen of his Macbook.

"Better?" I ask, flopping onto his lap.

"Much," he replies, eyes twinkling, but there's something else there too, something I can't quite put my finger on. Better not ask then.

"Will you tell me where we're going now?" I finally ask, unable to hold it any longer.

"Patience, bambina," he warns, giving me is best strict daddy glare. 

Whoopsi. I sigh. "But I wanna know," I say, crossing my arms over my chest defiantly.

He chuckles, a sound like warm honey that soothes the sharp edges of my disappointment.

"Alright. Just a clue. Deal?" 

I nod,"spill it," I demand, leaning forward eagerly, hungry for any scrap of information he's willing to give me.

"Teacups," he says.

What? Teacups? Are we going to visit his grandma? Isn't she dead? 

"That doesn't tell me anything" I whine, curiosity burning hot in my veins.

"It's gonna be obvious when we get there," he smirks.

"You're unfair," I pout angrily.

"If you don't lose that pout, you're gonna end up with a pretty red ass. And then we're not going anywhere. Daddy doesn't reward brattiness, bambina." 

I lower my head, "I'm sorry daddy. I'm just excited. And I hate surprises."

"I know you're excited, baby. But brattiness is not the way to show it."

"I-I'm sorry" I whisper, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes.

"Bambina," he begins, drawing circles on my back, "no tears. It's okay," he repeats.

I sniffle, wiping away the tears with the back of my hand. "I just... I just want to know," I admit, my voice shaky.

He pulls back slightly, looking at me with those warm, understanding eyes. "I know, baby. But you just gotta trust daddy. You know daddy would never hurt you. Surprises aren't alway bad, baby."

I nod, feeling a little embarrassed for my outburst. I chew on my bottom lip, "kissies?" I ask. That's the best apology right? 

He smiles gently, pulling me close again. "Daddy would love one of your kisses."

I smile, leaning in, planting a kiss to his lips. "I'm sorry for being a brat, daddy."

He chuckles softly, "well, all is forgiven when you give me kisses like that. But no more whining or pouting, understand? This time I won't hesitate to spank you."