Daddy’s Firm Hand

2. Chapter 2

Chapter 2

I hurried out of David's office, his enigmatic words echoing in my mind. The once bustling room had settled into an early evening lull, with only a few straggling employees gathering their things to leave.

No one was looking, so I grabbed Geoffrey and stuffed him into my bag, before heading out.

My heels clicked against the polished floor as I made my way to the elevator. I jabbed the down button and waited, shifting my weight from one foot to the other.

What had David meant by "unusual discipline"? He’d looked at me with such intensity, like he was staring right into my soul.

The elevator arrived with a soft ding. I stepped inside the empty car and pressed the button for the parking garage. As the doors slid closed, I caught my reflection in the mirrored walls - chestnut hair coming loose from its updo, a bright bow slightly askew, Geoffrey's fuzzy grey ear peeking out of my bag. I looked younger than my 28 years, almost childlike.

Alone with my racing thoughts, I pulled Geoffrey out and gave him a squeeze. "What do you think he meant, Geoff?" I whispered. The stuffed elephant gazed back at me with his dark button eyes, ever the loyal confidante, but offered no answers. The elevator descended, my stomach fluttering with it.

Lost in my circling thoughts, I barely remembered the drive home. I pulled into the parking lot of my apartment complex just as the last sliver of sun dipped below the horizon. Stars began to twinkle in the purpling sky. Collecting Geoffrey and my bag, I headed inside.

Within the safety of my apartment, I shed my work persona like an ill-fitting coat. I changed into my softest sweatpants and a well-worn t-shirt, throwing my hair into a messy bun. The smell of chamomile tea wafted from the kitchen as the kettle came to a boil.

"C'mon Geoff, let's get cozy," I said, scooping up the plush elephant and my steaming mug. We settled onto the overstuffed couch, me tucking my feet up under me and Geoffrey nestled in my lap. Colorful throw pillows surrounded us and a crocheted blanket, made by my Grandma, lay folded over the back of the sofa.

I sipped the soothing tea and absently stroked Geoffrey's soft fur, my gaze traveling around my small but homey living room. Whimsical art prints hung on the walls, embroidery hoops with uplifting quotes scattered between them. A half-finished paint-by-number of a garden scene sat on the coffee table. Little pieces of the real me, the side I usually kept tucked away.

Cuddling Geoffrey closer, I let my mind drift back to David's office, to his deep voice and steady gaze. "Why me?" I whispered to the quiet room. "Why would he take an interest in mentoring me?"

I thought about the way I fumbled sometimes at work, always a beat behind everyone else. The times my youthful outfits earned disapproving looks. Did David think I wasn't cut out for the corporate world? That I needed a firm hand to guide me?

How was I meant to decide, when I knew so little about what he had in mind?

So I did what I always did when I needed advice. I called Molly.

She was one of my oldest friends, and one of the only people I could confide in. She had always been there for me, her unwavering presence a beacon of support and guidance in my life.

I dialed Molly's number—which was the only one I knew by heart—and listened to the familiar ring of the call connecting. After just a few moments, her cheerful voice filled my ear. "Hey, Candy! What a lovely surprise. How are you?"

"Hey, Molly." My words caught in my throat, hesitant and unsure. "Something happened at work today, and I could really use your perspective."

"Of course! I'm here for you, girl. You know that." The sound of rustling fabric in the background suggested she was settling in for our conversation, probably curling up on her couch with her favorite throw blanket.

I took another steadying breath before launching into the story, recounting the spilled coffee incident and David's cryptic proposition. As I spoke, I could hear the concern in Molly's voice, her questions probing but supportive.

"That's . . . unexpected," Molly said thoughtfully after I finished explaining. “This is the guy with all the rumors?”

“Yeah,” I said, biting my lip.

There were lots of rumors about David. Rumors that he had strange tastes and unusual impulses. There was even a rumor about some kind of sex dungeon, somewhere inside the huge office block. It was probably nonsense—people like to talk shit about their managers, especially when they didn’t talk much and were insanely successful.

"Interesting. So, what do you think he meant?"

"I honestly have no idea," I admitted, feeling vulnerable as I shared my confusion. "He said it would involve new guidelines and personal supervision, but it felt so . . . intimate. Like he knows something about me that even I don't understand."

"Wow." There was a pause as Molly absorbed the information, her mind no doubt racing with possibilities. “You must be going nuts!”

“Understatement of the year.”

The warmth of Molly's laugh washed over me like a comforting blanket. "Maybe he just thinks you could benefit from some one-on-one guidance," she proposed gently. "It could be a chance to grow professionally."

I hesitated, my fingers absently twisting a loose thread on Geoffrey's worn fur. "But it's so personal," I murmured, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. "And the way he said it felt . . . different."

"Well, only you can decide if it's something you're comfortable with," Molly replied, ever the voice of reason. "Just make sure you get all the details before agreeing to anything."

"Thanks, Mol."

“What does your heart tell you?”

I sighed. “Well, you know I’ve not exactly been loving work recently. Maybe this is like a test. If this can make me enjoy the job more, make me re-engage, then that’s great. And if I hate it, I can just quit.”

“Not a bad idea,” Molly said. “And if you need work, I can take you on in the café.”

Molly ran a little romance bookstore and café called Sweetheart’s Lattes . It would be a significant pay cut, but I was hugely grateful for the offer.

“Even though I spilled my coffee today?”

I could hear the grin in her voice. “Don’t worry, there would be extensive training before you’d be allowed to carry a coffee anywhere near my precious books!”

“I need it.”

“Whatever you do, you’ll be alright. Let me know what you decide.”

“I will. Thank you, love.”

"Anytime, Candy." I could almost see her warm, reassuring smile through the phone. "Good luck."

As I hung up, the silence of my apartment enveloped me once more, leaving me alone with my thoughts. Restless energy hummed beneath my skin as I paced the cozy space, trying to make sense of the whirlwind of emotions and possibilities that swirled around me. I'd been unhappy and unfulfilled at work for so long; maybe this could be the opportunity I needed to change that.

My gaze fell upon the childlike elements scattered throughout my home – coloring books piled high on the coffee table, whimsical decorations adorning the walls, and Geoffrey, always a comforting presence in my life. A thought crossed my mind: perhaps there was a side of myself I'd been neglecting, a part of me yearning to be acknowledged and nurtured.

I began to tidy my apartment, finding solace in the familiar act of organizing my surroundings. As I sorted through the clutter, each item seemed to tell its own story – the stuffed animals I'd collected since childhood, the pastel markers I used to doodle away my worries, the scrap of ribbon from a long-forgotten birthday gift. With each discovery, I felt a growing sense of recognition and longing.

As I stood amidst the scattered remnants of my life, I knew that I had a decision to make. It was time to face the unknown and take a leap of faith, trusting that the answers I sought lay just beyond the edge of my comfort zone.

When I’d been a kid, I’d been bold. Scared of nothing. I had to connect with that part of myself and be brave.

M orning came all too quickly, and I found myself standing in front of my closet, selecting an outfit that would make me feel confident yet comfortable. Settling on a professional yet soft blouse and skirt, I added a small pink clip to my hair.

Arriving at work early, I took a moment to compose myself before sending David an email requesting a follow-up meeting. To my surprise, his response came almost immediately, inviting me to his office. As I walked down the hallway towards his door, my heart pounded with anticipation, each step bringing me closer to the answers I so desperately sought.

"Good morning, Candy," David greeted me as I entered his office, his piercing blue eyes searching mine. "Thank you for coming."

I couldn't help but notice how impeccably dressed David was, even more so than the last time I had seen him. His tailored suit was a deep charcoal gray that complemented his silver-streaked hair, giving him an air of sophistication and authority that was hard to ignore. The crisp white shirt under his jacket accentuated his broad shoulders, and his tie, a subtle shade of navy, added a touch of elegance to his ensemble.

"Thank you for replying so quickly," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Of course," he said, gesturing to a chair facing his desk. "I don’t want our conversations to have an impact on the working day. Please, have a seat."

As I sat down, I reminded myself to remain strong, to be honest about my feelings and fears.

"Thank you for coming," he began, seating himself opposite me. "I know our previous conversation was somewhat vague, and I realize I may have been unclear." He paused, giving me a reassuring smile. "Allow me to elaborate on what I meant by 'unusual discipline.'"

I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. "I'd appreciate that."

David leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "I've observed qualities in you that suggest you might benefit from a different approach to personal and professional development," he explained. "I'm proposing we explore a dynamic where I provide guidance and support beyond the traditional employer-employee relationship. This would involve trust, open communication, and mutual consent."

I bit my lip, feeling my heart-rate spike.

"Have you ever felt out of place in the conventional structures of the corporate world?" he asked, his gaze intent on mine.

I hesitated, then admitted softly, "Yes, often. I sometimes feel like I'm not suited for it."

"It’s very brave of you to admit that. Many people struggle with the relentless pressures of modern life," he said gently. "Embracing one's more youthful, carefree side can be a form of stress relief and personal growth. Some find comfort in allowing themselves to be looked after and guided."

As David spoke, something within me stirred. A resonance with his words that tugged at the edges of my consciousness, yet I couldn't quite put my finger on it. I was intrigued but still unsure where he was going with this.

"Let me clarify further," David said gently, sensing my need for understanding. "There are relationships where one person takes on a caregiver role, while the other adopts a more youthful or 'little' persona. It is a consensual and legitimate lifestyle choice for many." He paused, allowing me to absorb his words. "It's called a caregiver/little dynamic. It's about providing a nurturing environment where one can express a more innocent and unburdened side of themselves."

My cheeks flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and intrigue as I processed what he was saying. "You think that I might... benefit from something like that?"

David's gaze softened, his piercing blue eyes radiating warmth and empathy. "I've noticed your attachment to Geoffrey and your dissatisfaction with your current role. My intention isn't to embarrass you, but to offer a supportive arrangement that could help you thrive."

A rush of emotions washed over me, leaving me feeling both exposed and relieved. Someone had finally seen the part of me I'd kept hidden for so long. Memories of countless hours spent seeking solace in childlike activities surfaced, making my breath hitch.

"I... I have always felt more at ease when I can let go of adult pressures," I admitted softly, my voice shaky yet sincere.

"There's nothing wrong with that," David assured me, his tone gentle yet firm. "It's about finding balance and happiness."

“Balance?”

“Of course. Candy, I have to confess that I’ve felt drawn to you ever since we first met. I felt this . . . irresistible urge to protect you. To nurture you.”

“You have?”

He nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face.

“I want to spoil you, too. Pamper you. Coddle you. I’m a Daddy Dom, Candy. Do you know what that is?”

I shook my head, trying not to feel totally lost.

"It's a role within the BDSM community that focuses on caring for and guiding a submissive partner in a nurturing manner. The dynamic involves trust, respect, and clear communication between the Dominant, known as the Daddy, and the submissive, often referred to as the Little."

My mind raced, trying to process this new information. The term 'BDSM' had always seemed distant and mysterious to me, something reserved for darker desires and unknown territories. Yet here was David, speaking about it so openly and with such sincerity.

"As a Daddy Dom, my focus is on your well-being, both physical and emotional," David continued. "I want to create a safe space for you to explore your more vulnerable side, to embrace your inner Little without judgment or fear."

“W-would it be sexual?”

“That depends on you,” he replied, quick as a flash. “It definitely doesn’t need to be. And I would find a non-sexual caregiver/little relationship with you to be extremely fulfilling. But . . . if you want to explore that side eventually, I’d be open to it.”

My heart was now beating so hard it felt as though it was going to explode.

"Any arrangement between us," David continued, "would adhere to the principles of being safe, sane, and consensual. Ensuring that all interactions are without harm, activities are approached with sound mind and judgment, and both parties fully agree to all aspects of the arrangement. It's crucial that you feel comfortable and in control at all times."

“This is . . . a lot.”

“Of course. Remember," he began softly, "any participation in this dynamic is entirely your choice. I don't want you to feel pressured into something you're not comfortable with." He leaned back in his chair, folding his hands on the desk. "Take some time to think it over, do some research on your own. Establish clear boundaries and discuss expectations with yourself before deciding."

"Thank you for being so understanding," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. "I will think about it."

“And don’t forget, if you don’t want to explore this, it won’t affect our relationship, or your job. Of course, you’d need to find a way to correct the mistakes that have been creeping into your work, but you’re smart—I’m sure that won’t be a problem. Or, of course, you might decide that a career change is what you need. You’d get an excellent reference from me, personally, so you’d walk into any other job you might like to try.”

“Thank you.”

“Think about it. Do some research. When you’re ready, let me know. And rest assured, you’re not trapped. Far from it.”

His handsome face was the picture of sincerity. As I left, he took my hand and shook it.

His skin was smooth and warm, and my hand felt small in his. I had a sudden, strange urge to throw myself at him, let him hold and protect me. But I didn’t. Instead, I just smiled a nervous smile and walked back to my desk.

It was hard to believe that I deserved all this. Had David really felt drawn to me from the very first time we met? I wasn’t that special, was I?”

The rest of the day passed in a haze. I barely spoke to anyone.

That evening, I found myself curled up on my couch, laptop balanced on my knees, chamomile cooling on the coffee table. The soft glow of the screen illuminated my cozy apartment as I delved into researching caregiver/little dynamics. My heart raced with each click, as articles, videos, and forums filled with shared experiences opened before me.

As I read others' stories, I felt a warm sense of belonging flood through me. There were adults like me who found joy and relief in embracing their 'little' side. It was as if the words on the screen were speaking directly to my soul, allowing me to finally understand a part of myself I had kept locked away for so long.

"Could this be what I've been missing?" I whispered to myself, my fingers hesitating over the keyboard. Doubts and fears still lingered in the back of my mind, but they were slowly being overshadowed by a newfound curiosity and excitement.

With every word, I felt the walls I'd built around my heart begin to crumble. And as I continued down this rabbit hole of self-discovery, I knew that no matter how frightening or uncertain this journey may be, the path to understanding my true self was one I needed to take.