Bruce hummed, nodding in agreement with the Mayor, who he was on a video conference with, along with several other elected officials. His hands combed through your hair as you sat on the ground beside his chair, out of site.

When he finally was through with the call he looked down at you, sitting on the cold floor with hardly anything on. His lips tugged down at the pitiful sight. "You were very good," he praised, still stroking your hair. "Didn't whine once like I know you want to."

Of course not. You might be bratty but you weren't stupid. Making a peep while he was on that call would have him punishing you for the next three months.

You tugged at the collar around your neck, looking up at him. "Can I take it off, then?" You asked hopefully. This was humiliating, no matter how much he enjoyed it.

Bruce shook his head. "Not yet, sweetheart," he replied, taking pity on you. "But since you behaved you can sit in my lap for a little bit."

He chuckled, seeing your easily accept, getting off the floor and sitting on his lap. His hands found your waist and he brushed the hair from your face, admiring you with a small hum.

"How much longer?" You asked softly.

"As long as I say," he responded. "Until I think you've learned your lesson, really. But keep your chin up, darling, you can sit here for a bit and then we'll eat dinner." You perked up for a moment, before he added: "You can beg for scraps at my side."