Once Upon a Contract (Once Upon #2)

Chapter Thirteen

Daphne

I don't remember the drive back to Ezra's house. I'm glad I was able to hold in my sobs until we reached the car, but the moment we pulled away from the restaurant, the flood gates opened. I vaguely recall Ezra comforting me as best as he could while he was driving, but the emotions of the last few days were too much and have taken complete control.

It isn't until Ezra scoops me out of his car that I realize we are back at his place. He carries me inside then carefully sets me on his bed. I know I must look like a mess, but the only thing I see in Ezra's eyes is adoration and pain.

He takes my heels off then guides me to stand so he can get me out of my dress. The dress was too tight, and the material showed my panties and bra, so I went commando for dinner. I'm standing completely bared to him right now, not only physically but emotionally. I can't hide the pain and doubt that my mother's words sowed in me tonight.

I'm staring off into space when Ezra's fingers on my chin, guide my face up. He's searching my eyes, but I have no idea what he's trying to find. I'm sure he's second-guessing whether he made a mistake by choosing this arrangement.

"I'm so sorry that is the woman who raised you, but I am so fucking proud of how well you handled yourself tonight—"

I scoff and try to turn away, but Ezra just tightens his grip on my face, making me maintain eye contact.

"And for how amazing you are in spite of her being your mother."

"You're insane if you think I handled myself well. I didn't handle anything. I shut down and let her bulldoze me, like she does any time I don't agree with her or she finds me lacking, which is pretty much every damn one of our interactions."

"Maybe you didn't call her out for being a shit person, but you also held your head high and didn't let her see you cry. That took so much strength."

"No, what you witnessed was a learned reaction from years of having to deal with her. There was nothing brave about it. If she made me cry, she would be relentless about how weak I am, so I stopped crying and started shutting down.

"Can we please stop talking about my mother? I just want to go to bed." I remember I'm standing here stark naked with every single flaw on display, so I cross my arms over my chest and curl my shoulders in. I can't stand here for another minute with Ezra scrutinizing me. It won't take long for him to see how much I'm lacking.

"Of course, love." Ezra leans down and kisses me on the forehead before letting me go.

I walk to the bathroom to wash my face and take out my contacts. I don't remember bringing my bag in, so I'm assuming Ezra grabbed it before we came inside. I brush my teeth, avoiding the mirror the entire time, then throw on one of Ezra's t-shirts and head into his room.

I find him in his bed, chest bare, the covers up to his waist as he leans back against the headboard. He's got a book in his hand, and if tonight were any other, I wouldn't be able to resist him.

I hesitate at the end of the bed, sighing. I'm irritated that my mother made sure to kill any hope of the evening ending on a happy note.

"Come here." Ezra lifts the covers up.

I climb in and lie against his chest as he holds his book in one hand while the other draws circles on my hip. I'm afraid I won't be able to sleep, but the emotional warfare with my mother has completely wrung me out, and I'm passed out in seconds.

It's been a week since the dinner with my family, and things still are a little strained with Ezra—to no fault of his. I just can't wrap my head around why he would want to be with me with all of my flaws and a mother like mine.

Ezra has been super busy at work, so I don't think he's picked up on my negative energy. It's helped that I've had late-night appointments, and he didn't want me driving to his place so late. But I can't avoid him forever.

Tonight, we are having dinner at Camilla's house, along with her husband and Matty, to talk about the event for our foundations. I'm nervous to spend the entire evening with Camilla, knowing she's going to see right through my crap. I'm just hoping the guys will have her focused on our plans so that she can't mother-hen me all night.

" Mija ! I'm so glad you could make it. Where's that handsome man of yours?"

"Hi, Camilla. He and Matty planned on riding over together after a meeting they had this afternoon. I'm sure he'll be here soon."

"Good. That gives us some time to catch up. How are you? How are things going?"

"I'm great. Everything's great."

" Mija …" Camilla crosses her arms and gives me a glare. I try not to squirm, but there's no way I can hold up under her scrutiny.

"Okay, fine. Things really are great, I'm just…" I try to tell her I have no idea why Ezra would waste his breath on me when he's incredible and could have any woman he wants, not some basket case with serious self-confidence and mommy issues.

"You're just, what? Brilliant, kind, hardworking, dedicated, loyal…" Camilla fills in, an eyebrow arched as if challenging me to refute her.

"I'm just me. Awkward, shy, and unfitting for someone like Ezra. As much as I hate it, he needs a woman more like my mother who has no issue schmoozing at uppity fundraisers. I—"

"You knock that off right now. I will not stand for you talking about yourself that way. I thought you were doing a lot better with your self-worth, especially after Ezra came around. What brought this on?"

I grimace, not wanting to tell Camilla about dinner with my parents and Ezra. If it were socially acceptable, I'm positive Camilla would have tried slapping some sense into my mother many years ago. She's my fiercest protector, and even though I was dreading bringing this up tonight, I need to hear her words.

"Ezra and I had dinner with my parents the other week. To say it ended on a bad note would be a bit of an understatement."

"What did that puta say this time?"

I gasp at Camilla's choice of words for my mother. I can only count on one hand how many times I've heard her cuss in all the years I've known her, and she was seriously pissed off on those occasions. I know she's not my mother's biggest fan, but I didn't realize she might genuinely hate her.

"Your mother is a vile woman who has no idea how blessed she is to have you as a daughter." Camilla cups my cheek as her anger shifts to love, making my eyes glassy. "I don't want to know the specifics of what she did or said because I don't think I can hold my tongue anymore if I do see her. I need you to know that it was all lies, though. She is a bitter woman, unhappy that she is older and becoming increasingly insignificant with every day she ages. Your father won't be in office forever, and I'm sure that's adding to her 'charming disposition.'

"You are a bright light in my life, and in that of anyone else who you let see your true self. Don't let that idiota steal any of your joy."

Tears are rolling down my face by now, and I can't help the shaky breath that escapes my mouth. I wipe them away as Camilla smiles up sweetly at me, then I send a watery smile back her way before leaning down to give her a hug. I stay in her embrace until the doorbell announces Ezra and Matty's arrival.

"Oh, that must be your handsome man. I can't wait to meet him." Camilla moves so fast that I have a hard time keeping up with her.

I stand off to the side while everyone shares introductions, but Ezra cuts it short as soon as he sees me. He strides right past Camilla, who's mid-sentence, to get to me.

His eyes are concerned as they search my face.

"What's the matter? Are you okay?"

He's right in front of me now. His chest is pressed to mine as his hands slide into my hair and cup the sides of my face.

I close my eyes and sigh, content to be back in Ezra's arms. His lips brush my forehead, and I can't fight the small smile trying to break free. Nobody has ever cared for me the way Ezra does.

"Love, you're killing me here. What's wrong?" Ezra's face only inches away, looks worried when I open my eyes.

Raising my arms, I wrap them around Ezra before and kiss him. He's hesitant at first, probably confused as hell about what's going on, but within seconds he's deepening the kiss. We finally break apart when someone clears their throat.

I bury my face in Ezra's neck embarrassed, which only makes him laugh harder as his hands run up and down my back.

Camilla is smiling like a cat that caught the canary, and Matty is smirking at us.

Ezra guides my eyes back to his as they demand an answer to his questions.

"I'm okay. I promise. Camilla and I were talking, and the dinner with my parents came up. It made me a little upset, but I needed to talk about it with someone who knows my mother. Honestly, they're more happy tears than sad."

"Good. I'm glad you had someone to talk about it with. Does that mean I get my girl back, or are you still processing everything?"

Leave it to Ezra to see through my bullshit but let me try to figure it out on my own.

I shake my head at him in disbelief.

"Well? I asked you a question."

Matty has followed Camilla further into the house. Knowing they can't hear me, I turn back to Ezra as I bite my lip. "Yes, Daddy."

Ezra growls, his pupils dilate, and his cock hardens against my belly, making me squirm. I hold it together, seeing as I want him to be the one that's squirming.

"Everything should be fine going forward."

"That was very naughty, love. Anyone could have heard you." He glowers at me as I fight my glee at goading him. "That being said, I'm glad we can move forward. I've missed you this week. Please tell me we get to spend the night together."

"I've missed you. You can't keep me away."

"Good. Now, let's go eat some delicious food and talk business."

"Sounds good to me."

We head into the dining room, and I introduce Ezra to Camilla's husband. His eyes get huge when he sees the spread of food, which makes Camilla and me laugh. Her husband loves to cook and went all out for us tonight.

This is my first time meeting Matty, but it's quick to see why he and Ezra are friends. He's really funny, super kind, and I can tell he's very intelligent. But the best part is that he's just as down to earth as Ezra. Both of the guys showed up in jeans and tees, and had no qualms about eating a home-cooked meal for a business meeting when they're both used to eating at Michelin-star restaurants. In fact, I think Matty would let Camilla adopt him if he could.

"I think this has the possibility of being a brilliant opportunity for both fundraisers and an even better chance for new relationships," Camilla exclaims with a twinkle in her eye after Matty gets done telling her about his idea for our first event.

"Phew, that's a relief." Matty exaggeratedly wipes his forehead like he's trying to rid it of sweat. "I was nervous. I've heard you can be quite the ball-buster, Miss Camilla."

"Oh, drop the 'miss'. But you're not wrong. I absolutely am a ball-buster. You have to be when you run a foundation as not only a woman but a woman of ethnicity. I'm glad I didn't need to bring that side out tonight," she teases Matty, but none of us miss the little glare she shoots Ezra's way before softening.

"We will always do our best to stay off your bad side, Camilla." Ezra's deep voice smooths her ruffles over even more.

I have a feeling they're both talking about me instead of the foundation at this point.

"Santiago, please tell me you're looking for a son. I don't think I've eaten this well in a long time." Matty steers the conversation in a lighter direction as he dramatically rubs his belly with one hand and dishes more food onto his plate with the other, making us all laugh.

" Sì , my home is always open to anyone who wants to come eat. I love to feed people, and it makes me muy contento when people love the food I've made them." Santiago smiles at Matty.

"Is he being serious, Daph?" Matty looks excited at the possibility of more meals here.

"As a heart attack. I come over for dinner a couple of times a month, and it's always this good. I usually go home with leftovers, too."

Matty's eyes get wide as he takes in the leftover food on the table. I smile as he groans on his next bite.

"Please tell me you're going to bring me to the next dinner. As Ezra's best friend, that makes me your defacto besty. You can't leave me hanging here."

"Sure, I can let you know the next time I come over. But I wouldn't be surprised if Camilla beats me to asking you."

Matty whips his head to Camilla, who is smirking. They are like two peas in a pod, and I know Camilla will be seeing more of Matty. She can't help but mother anyone who will give her the chance.

"You have no idea how happy you just made him. Matty lost his mom when we were thirteen. His dad was a mean son of a bitch, but Matty stayed, taking his anger, to make sure his little sisters were okay. He hasn't had someone fuss over him like this in a very long time," Ezra whispers in my ear.

I fight the tears that are dying to spill over. Matty and Camilla are talking animatedly, and I don't want to do anything to bring the mood down.

"Santiago, you really did outdo yourself tonight. Thank you for making some of my favorites."

" De nada, mija . You know I can't help but spoil you. I don't know if I've ever seen you eat that much. It made my heart happy."

My cheeks flush at being called out for my eating habits. My mother would be insanely mortified if she were here. Good thing that will never happen and I can eat to my heart's content.

"That's because your food is so good. It also might be because I got busy and forgot to eat anything today." I shrug sheepishly.

These two are used to me getting lost in my art. Camilla has had to drag me away from a canvas more times than I can count, to either handle business or to feed me.

What surprises me is the little growl that comes from Ezra. My eyes widen, and I look around the table to see if anyone else noticed Ezra's reaction. Relief floods me when I see that they're still talking, unaware of the caveman sitting beside me.

"Hmm, and I thought you've been a good girl lately," he breathes into my ear as his finger pushes some hair behind it before trailing down my neck. "What is one of your rules, love?"

Swallowing, I fidget in my seat at the reminder of breaking a rule. Ezra's hand has slid under my hair, behind my neck where he squeezes it gently.

"Answer. Me."

"I need to eat every meal, and not get lost in my art or work and forget."

"Exactly. What happens when you break Daddy's rules?"

"I get punished."

"That's right. I'm so tempted to take you into the bathroom and punish that sweet ass, but there's no way they won't know exactly what we're doing. I think it's time to go home," he growls.

I nod in understanding, clear my throat, and straighten my shoulders in an attempt to get myself under control before addressing the table. "Santiago, dinner was lovely, but I think I'm going to head home. It's been a long day, and now that I'm stuffed, I'm starting to get tired."

"It was my pleasure, mija ."

"Do you need any help cleaning up before I leave?" I turn towards Camilla, but before either of us can answer, Matty chimes in.

"I'll help clean up. It's the least I can do after this amazing meal, and that will let Camilla and I pin down some more details."

"You just want all of the leftovers to yourself," Ezra teases Matty with a punch to his arm.

Both men start laughing.

I can't remember having nights like this before Ezra. I'm going to miss this so much when we break up.

It takes us another fifteen minutes to say goodbye. Anticipation is making me fidgety as I drive us back to Ezra's house. His hand on my thigh isn't helping anything. We're both silent the entire way until I park the car.

Ezra squeezes my leg, grabbing my attention before I can get out of the car.

"You are to go inside, get naked, and be on your knees when I come to join you in our bedroom."

I gulp as I try to hold his eye contact.

"Do you understand?"

"Yes, Daddy."

"Good girl."

Ezra gets out of the car, heads to my door, and opens it. I silently let him guide me into the house, where we both kick off our shoes. Ezra pushes the small of my back towards his bedroom before veering off towards the kitchen. I shake out my hands beside me and head down the hall and do as I've been told.

It feels like I've been kneeling at the foot of the bed for hours when Ezra finally joins me in his room. I want to look up so badly, but I keep my eyes downcast until I'm given permission. I'm excited about my punishment, but I'm also really fucking nervous. This is the first time Ezra is enforcing it, and I have no idea what to expect.

I gasp when his hands glide into my hair, tipping me back to look at him. His face is devoid of any emotions, but his eyes are blazing. I'm surprised when he puts my hair in a high ponytail, but I shouldn't be since he did have a little sister growing up and I know they're very close. When he guides me to my feet by pulling my ponytail, it makes more sense.

Ezra doesn't say a word as he sits on the end of the bed and positions me over his lap. He's turned to the side a bit, so that my head can rest on the pillow beside him. I've never been this vulnerable with a man, but judging by the wetness running down my thighs, I can't wait to see how this feels and where it goes.

"It makes Daddy very unhappy when my girl doesn't take care of herself. You need to eat, love. You need the sustenance to take care of this beautiful body and gorgeous brain. I think we will start out with ten spankings tonight and see how it goes."

Ezra is stripped down to his boxers. Hs hard length digs into my stomach, letting me know how turned on he is as well. I'm startled when a light sting covers one cheek as Ezra's palm makes contact.

"Count."

"One." My breath rushes out light and shaky, and I couldn't help it if I tried.

Ezra shifts from cheek to cheek with each strike as they progressively get harder, making the pain and my arousal grow with each smack. It's getting more difficult to sit still, but I try so hard to be a good girl for my Daddy. His praise is a huge motivator to take my punishment.

"Two more, love. These are going to be harder. I still want you to count. Remember your safe word if this is too much."

I nod in understanding, the ponytail still wrapped around his fist.

"Words, Daphne. I need to hear them."

"Yes, Daddy. I will use my safe word if I need it."

"Good girl."

The next slap is hard as hell, making me cry out. I wobble out the number as Ezra soothes my sore skin with his hand. He's been varying the time before each strike so I can't prepare for the next. The last one comes with a surprise crack, making tears slide down my cheeks as I mumble, "Ten."

Ezra scoops me up in his arms, cradling me to his chest. His cock is bumping my center, making my need unbearable. I start grinding down on Ezra, even though my bottom is on fire.

Ezra runs his hands down my back before one slides to my aching core.

"Fuck me, you're soaking my boxers. You need Daddy to fill this greedy cunt?" He shoves three fingers in my aching heat.

I come on his third thrust, shocking both of us.

Not waiting another minute, Ezra lifts me and puts me on my hands and knees on the bed. He thrusts into me hard, sending my top half collapsing on the bed. Ezra's pace is relentless, and it's not long before we're both coming undone.

Completely sated and content, I sprawl on the bed. Ezra cleans me up, then scoops me into his arms and moves me up the bed to lie down. I still feel boneless, so when Ezra tugs me into his side, I nuzzle in and fall asleep.

I know the past week as been rough, but Camilla and then Ezra, have helped bite back the doubts my mom filled my head with. All I can hope is that it stays that way, and that Ezra doesn't realize he can do so much better than me.