Chapter 41

Diego

I tenderly stroke her head, my thumb working gently to wipe away the wet streaks on her cheeks. "It's okay now, Mama," I murmur, pulling her close to my chest as sobs wrack her body. Her tears permeate my shirt, leaving it damp, but in this moment, I couldn't care less. Her needs outweigh any concern for the clothing I'll likely need to change out of anyway.

She stays silent, and I resist the urge to push her into speaking, even though I know I could. Instead, I cradle her until her breaths even out, and she appears to be okay again, if only momentarily. Repairing the damage from today will take time, but we can do it.

She's strong enough.

"The first part of your punishment is over," I announce in a hushed tone.

Her eyes widen as she gazes up at me with bloodshot eyes. "T-There's more?" she whispers, her voice cracking.

I nod. "I went easy on you. The shit you pulled today could have easily earned you twenty spankings. Disposing of trash is expensive, you know. But we