I have stayed silent for years, guarding the fear that no one would choose to keep me. Then Josephine walks into my narrow entryway and takes charge without waiting to be asked.

She straightens my collar herself, and the first command comes before either of us mentions the paperwork. My niece depends on this housing approval, yet what I truly need is for Josephine to strip away my defenses and take control with the authority that turns my quiet obedience into something deeper.

One order from her could lead to the spanking that marks me as hers, hidden from every prying eye including my ex. The guardianship hangs by a thread, but the pull to submit grows stronger with each deliberate step she takes toward claiming me.