Please Me Daddy (Gracie) novel Chapter 97

**Across Distant Skies Lies Hope Waiting To Be Found by Kade Rowan Flint 97**

It’s time for you to be punished.

**Grace**

I found myself fixated on my phone, tilting my head as if the glass screen might somehow unveil the answers I desperately sought. But it remained obstinately silent, offering no clarity. No matter how many times I replayed that call from the previous night in my mind, the meaning eluded me like a shadow in the dark.

There was no mistaking the slurred words of Charles; his drunken rambling was unmistakable. Yet, why had he chosen to reach out to me out of the blue, professing his love only to hang up without another word?

It was utterly baffling.

But then again, nothing about Charles or his chaotic family ever adhered to the logic I clung to. For the sake of preserving my sanity, I had vowed to myself that I would no longer dwell on their existence. Yet, the memory of that call haunted me, a persistent echo in the recesses of my thoughts.

What was even more unsettling was the eerie silence that followed. Not a single one of them had attempted to contact me since. Mr. Grayson had granted me a day to ponder his offer, and despite my failure to respond, my phone remained devoid of his usual barrage of calls, angry texts, and ominous threats.

My gaze drifted around the room until it landed on Mr. Reed’s window, a surge of anxiety tightening my stomach. Could it be him?

Had Apollo intervened? Had he warned Charles and his family to steer clear of me?

Was that the reason behind Charles’s unexpected call?

A groan escaped my lips as I pressed my forehead against the cool surface of the table, my head swirling with an overwhelming tide of questions. I felt lost, utterly disoriented, and trapped in a whirlwind of uncertainty. Yet, one revelation pierced through the fog: if Grayson, a man I had long believed to be one of the most dangerous individuals alive, had retreated because of Apollo, then perhaps I had misjudged the true source of my fear all along.

Maybe it wasn’t Grayson I should dread.

Perhaps it was Apollo Reed.

The realization sent a shiver down my spine, prompting me to cover my face with both hands in disbelief.

“Miss Grace?”

I froze, my hands dropping to my sides as I turned to see Austin standing at my desk, a friendly smile gracing his features.

“Oh—good morning,” I stammered, forcing myself to sit up straight.

“Good morning,” he replied, his smile widening, exuding warmth.

I returned his smile, though my nerves still buzzed like a live wire. “Thank you for yesterday, Austin. The food was absolutely delicious.”

Delicious felt like an understatement; I had nearly inhaled everything after leaving Apollo’s office, my hunger insatiable.

“Haha, you’re welcome! It’s one of my favorite spots. A bit pricey, but definitely worth every penny,” he said, his enthusiasm infectious.

I nodded in agreement, the memory of the meal still tantalizing my taste buds.

“Oh, before I forget, Mr. Apollo asked for you,” he added, his tone shifting slightly.

“Me?” I exclaimed, pointing at myself in disbelief.

Goodness.

I couldn’t help but admire his tall stature and those broad shoulders. I wasn’t one to fawn over a man’s physique, but there was something undeniably captivating about him.

“Will you ever stop staring, Miss Grace?” Apollo’s voice broke through my reverie.

My tongue darted over my lips, the words “Will you ever stop being hot?” almost spilling out, but I managed to restrain myself. I quickly averted my gaze, murmuring, “I’m sorry, sir.”

For a moment, silence enveloped us as he continued to observe me. Finally, he turned, his gaze sweeping over my form, and I felt an overwhelming vulnerability wash over me under his intense scrutiny.

He began to walk toward me, his steps deliberate and unhurried.

“Don’t apologize,” he said, his voice low and smooth. “It’s perfectly normal to stare at someone you’re attracted to.”

Before I could fully process the weight of those words, he was right in front of me, his hand resting possessively on my waist. He lifted me effortlessly, placing me down on his desk, and my eyes widened in shock as he leaned in closer, positioning himself between my knees.

“Just like how I can’t look away when I stare at you,” he added casually, his words sending a thrill of excitement coursing through me.

He leaned even closer, his breath warm against my ear. “Is that clear?”

I swallowed hard, my heart racing, and nodded quickly.

“Good,” he murmured, pulling back just enough to meet my gaze. His expression remained unchanged as he said, “Now that we’ve addressed that, it’s time for you to be punished.”