Punishing The Players (Spiritual Discipline Book 1)

by Ivy Barrett

  She nodded. “I had myself tested after my last fling. He used a condom, but I knew he slept around so I wasn’t taking any chances. I was clean then and I haven’t had sex since, so you’re safety circle is still intact.”

  Unable to resist the urge a moment longer, he buried his fingers in her hair and paused for a lingering kiss. “Our safety circle will expand to include you as soon as you’re ready to accept the position.”

  “What about babies?” Chase’s voice was oddly hushed.

  She turned toward him with a smile. “Do I want them, or am I protected from creating one unintentionally?”

  “Both.” Josiah’s voice was nearly as throaty as Chase’s had been.

  “I’d like to have children within the next five years, not the next nine months. Which is why I took control of my reproductive system a long time ago. There won’t be a baby until I’m ready for there to be a baby.”

  “Good to know.”

  Time seemed to pause as she stared into his eyes, open and vulnerable, then she blinked and a barrier appeared, separating him from her emotions. “That’s obviously a spanking bench, but what in the world is that?”

  Part bed, part chair, operated by an elaborate cable and pulley system, Josiah’s favorite piece of equipment allowed him to restrain his partners in any position he could imagine while still giving him access to whatever body part he desired. “You’ll find out soon enough, but I have something simpler in mind for tonight.”

  “All right.” She averted her gaze for just a moment until she composed herself enough to relax.

  “Lose the robe.” He looked at Chase and added, “Assistants are naked too.”

  It took her longer to unknot the belt and shrug out of the robe than it did for Chase to set his wineglass aside and shuck his jeans. Josiah watched them both as excitement zinged through his body. Chase had an all-American appeal that drew people to him in droves. He was friendly and made people comfortable with warm smiles and an easygoing manner. His compassionate nature soothed Josiah and made him grateful Chase had finally come to terms with their attraction.

  Katie, on the other hand, still had a long way to go. Emotional potential radiated from her passionate soul, but she was cautious, unsure. That was why this lesson was so important.

  “I can make your body respond to me. We both know that’s true. I think we’re ready for the next level, but we’ll never get there without trust.” When he said nothing more she simply nodded and her arms crept up toward her breasts. “Don’t. You’re mine to look at, mine to touch. Your body is no longer yours.”

  “As long as you follow my rules.”

  She sounded almost panicked, so he gentled his response. “I’m well aware of your hard limits and I have every intention of respecting them.” His cock jerked against the confines of his jeans. He might still be required to wait for the snug grip of her pussy, but no one was leaving tonight until they were all sated. “When and if we fuck, you’ll be more than ready for anything we do.”

  Her arms slowly returned to her sides and she took a deep breath. His gaze naturally gravitated toward her chest. She really did have amazing breasts, plump and round, the deep rose nipples begging for attention. He closed his hands into fists, not yet ready to surrender.

  “This lesson is about trust.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out the long strip of black satin. Her eyes rounded as he moved behind her, arranged the material over her eyes, then tied it at the back of her head. “We often depend too heavily on sight.” He took her by the shoulders and maneuvered her toward the spanking bench. It was a simple, but sturdy wooden system. One padded shelf was meant for her knees, the other would support her torso as she leaned forward and lay across it. Rather than having her kneel, he lifted her and placed her bare butt on the higher, larger area. “Now scoot right to the edge and open your legs.”

  Her feet dangled several inches off the floor and she looked adorably uncertain. “I don’t like this. I can’t see what you’re about to do.”

  He chuckled. “That’s the point. You have to trust that I know you well enough to challenge you without pushing you too far.”

  She nodded and hesitantly adjusted her position as he’d directed. Her legs angled out, her silky thighs framing her flushed pussy.

  Josiah motioned Chase closer to the bench as he went and retrieved his favorite flogger. When he returned, Chase looked at the flogger with obvious concern. The leather falls were soft and supple, so they could be applied without much pain, or they could sting like a bitch if that was his desire. It was all in how the flogger was used.

  “Katie, reach back and grab the other side of the bench. Chase go stand behind her. Make sure she doesn’t go tumbling off the bench.”

  Chase did one better. He stood behind her and let her lean her shoulders against his chest.

  Josiah raised the flogger meaningfully, but Chase just glared at him. Fine. If a few stray strands found their way to his bare chest, the stubborn fool would quickly learn not to disregard his partner’s warnings.

  With a practiced flick of his wrist, Josiah sent the falls dancing across her belly. She gasped and jerked away. “Wait a minute. Why are you punishing me? I haven’t done anything bad?”

  “This isn’t punishment, Katie-cat. I’m just waking up your senses.” He flicked with a slight upward arch and the flogger fanned out across her torso, several strands connecting with the underside of her breasts.

  She cried out, shuddering violently, but her nipples tightened, forming compact peaks surrounded by velvety areolas. The sight was so arousing, Josiah momentarily forgot what he was doing and palmed her breast, rubbing the now-hard nipple with his thumb.

  “Relax, love,” Chase urged. “It hurts less if you surrender to the pain.”

  That was right. He was showing her how easy it was to find pleasure in pain. Josiah swung from the side this time, hitting her breast directly for the first time. She yelled, twisting away from Chase’s light hold. “That sure as hell felt like punishment,” she objected.

  “Your body is mine,” Josiah reminded, refusing to back down. “That means it’s mine to hurt, if for no other reason than it pleases me to watch you suffer. Now settle down and accept what your masters give to you.”

  Chase smiled when he heard the word masters, but he still soothed her with caresses and whispered words.

  Josiah took his time, enjoying the quiver of her breasts and the telltale gleam that soon gathered on the folds of her pussy. He wasn’t really hurting her, just using the flogger to startle and titillate.

  When he’d finished with her torso, he drew Chase’s attention. “Pinch both her nipples and don’t let go until I tell you to.” With some reluctance, Chase reached around and clasped both nipples between his thumbs and forefingers. “Harder.” Chase increased the pressure and she cried out, arching her back. The response sent a wave of dark excitement curling through Josiah.

  He started with her dangling feet and worked his way upward, lightly flogging each inch of her flesh until her skin began to turn pink. She gasped and wiggled, curled her toes and flexed each muscle as he migrated ever upward.

  Finally reaching his destination, he stopped to enjoy her progress. There was no sound except her soft panting. Her pussy was already flushed and obviously moist. Regardless of her emotional conflict, her body responded to pain just as readily as pleasure.

  Again, he drew Chase’s attention and motioned for him to release her nipples. Chase lifted his hands and Josiah swung the flogger, slapping her pussy with moderate force. Katie screamed, arching wildly as her body processed the harsh stimulation. Chase gently rubbed her breasts, soothing and calming her. Josiah did the same, touching her thighs and pussy with light, relaxing caresses. It was hard to tell if she actually came, or if she’d stubbornly fought off her release. Either way, Josiah had indulged their dark sides long enough. It was time to move on to softer forms of sexual expression.

  He slowly pulled off the blindfold. “D
id you come?”

  She lowered her gaze and nodded.

  He curved his fingers around her chin and tilted her head back until their gazes locked. “Why does that upset you?”

  “I don’t want to be one of ‘those’ women, but obviously I am.”

  Chase chucked, but wrapped his arm around her waist and pressed against her back. “I’ve been thinking that same thing since Josiah first kissed me back in college.”

  She looked back at him and smiled. “You don’t want to be ‘one of those women’ either?”

  He pinched her but with a playful glower. “You know what I meant.”

  Glad that her playful mood was returning, Josiah helped her off the spanking bench, then set his flogger down and led her a short distance away. “I know you’re a curious little thing.” Hoping to reinforce his thinning control, Josiah delved deeper into his mentor role. “I’ve decided to indulge your curiosity, so we’re going to play a game.” She tensed and her gaze suddenly shifted to some point beyond him. “You seem resistant to the idea. Explain your reaction.”

  “I’m tired of games.” Her gaze didn’t return though her tone revealed her sincerity.

  “Then think of it as a challenge.” He waited until she looked at him to go on. “You can ask us questions and we’ll answer honestly for as long as you resist the urge to come.”

  Understanding unfurled within her eyes and a smile slowly parted her lips. “And what are you two allowed to do while I ask my questions?”

  “Anything we want—within the limitations you’ve outlined.” He added the last with a lazy smile.

  “And you’ll truthfully answer any question I ask?”

  He nodded. “Until we make you come.”

  She licked her lips, then glanced away. “And do I get a turn to challenge you?”

  “You think you can snap my control?” He chuckled, pleased by her desire to try. “I welcome the opportunity to question you.”

  Chase shook his head and placed his hand on the middle of her back. “He’ll learn your entire life’s story long before you make him lose control.”

  “Not if you help me.” She turned toward Chase, and Josiah could no longer see her face. “You know him better than anyone.”

  “I’ll help, if he’ll let me, but you have to answer his questions. He already knows all my secrets.”

  She shrugged then pivoted a half turn so she could see them both. “I have nothing to hide.”

  “It’s settled then,” Josiah said. “I’ll go first and I’ll allow Chase to help you. I’ll even allow you to end the round as soon as you realize it’s pointless.”

  She gasped and placed her hands on her hips. “You arrogant jerk. Have you forgotten how stubborn I can be?”

  He laughed, loving the sudden surge in her spirit. “Bring it on, Katie-cat. I’m more than ready for the challenge.”

  Chase and Katie huddled together, obviously discussing strategy. Josiah kicked off his shoes and pulled off his socks, but left the rest. If they wanted him naked, they’d have to undress him. She’d been remarkably candid during their brunch date, so he felt like he knew her pretty well already. Still, this opportunity was too good to pass up. Besides, having her try to seduce him should be entertaining.

  They broke apart with conspirators’ grins and approached him boldly, Katie in front, Chase in back. She untucked his T-shirt and slipped her hands inside, her warm fingers playing over his taught abdomen. “Arms up.”

  He chuckled. “My cooperation comes at a price, sweetheart. You answer a question then I’ll take off my shirt.”

  “Fine.” She huffed though her hands slid onto his chest, bunching his T-shirt up in the process. “Ask away.”

  “I know your house originally belonged to your grandmother. When and why did you come to live with her?”

  “‘When’ is one question, ‘why’ another. A complete explanation will cost you your shirt and your pants.”

  “And any underwear you might be wearing,” Chase added.

  “I’m negotiating with the lady.” He seldom wore underwear, so the point was moot. Still, it felt good to empower Katie. He took off his shirt and handed it to her. “I’m listening.”

  “You really can’t help it, can you?” She took the shirt from him and neatly folded it before she set it on the counter near their wineglasses. “You have to issue orders even when I’m supposed to be in charge.”

  Her tone was playful, her bearing relaxed, but he needed her to understand a fundamental truth. “This isn’t roleplaying for me. I dominate my lovers because it’s my nature to do so. Any other approach would be dishonest.”

  “But you’ll indulge us from time to time?” She returned to him and unbuckled his belt as she waited for his answer.

  “I’ll indulge you as often as you need to be indulged. I want all of us to have everything we need.” He reached back and pressed his hand against Chase’s lean hip. His attention might be focused on Katie, but he didn’t want Chase to feel like an observer.

  “Right now I need you naked.” Not bothering to take off the belt, she unzipped his pants and pushed them down past his thighs.

  “I’m undressing, but you’re not talking.” He stepped out of the bunched-up pants and watched as she bent and retrieved them from the floor. Her breasts quivered and her position highlighted the sleek curve of her hips and ass. He couldn’t wait to feel those strong legs wrapped around him while he moved deep inside her.

  “My biological father died while I was still too young to remember him. Mom married again two years later and the only person who didn’t object to her choice was Gran.” She folded the jeans and set them on top of his T-shirt. Was her neatness for his benefit or was she always this organized? Pleased either way, he decided not to interrupt her story. “Mom was your classic family-loving, God-fearing, Southern lady. The only exception to the stereotype was her attraction to the wrong sort of men. Both my biological father and my actual father were hard-drinking, hell-raising Southern boys.”

  “If her second husband was so wrong for your mom, why did your grandmother support the match?” Josiah remained where she’d placed him, wanting to see how assertive she’d become.

  “Gran knew my Mom’s deep dark secret. She was all sugar on the outside, but inside she craved a bit of spice.” Katie returned to him and began a tactile examination that would have impressed someone born blind. She started with his shoulders and gradually worked her way down his body, touching every millimeter of his flesh until he was breathless and squirming. And all the while she talked, her soft voice washing over him in caressing waves. “The only way Mom could maintain her good-girl image was to be a regular hellion behind closed doors. She only indulged herself with her husband, but she went all out.”

  Chase pressed in close, his larger hands blazing their own trails across Josiah’s body. “Your mother only had two lovers and she was married to each?”

  “I know it’s hard to believe, but even the rumor mill confirmed the contradiction. Sweet Miss Mandy was wild enough in bed to keep even the badest boy coming back for more.”

  “Must be where you get it.” Josiah groaned as her curious fingers finally curved around his aching cock. He closed his eyes and savored the sensation. He’d imagined her hand there, stroking him, teasing him until every detail was clear within his mind. And still the fantasy hadn’t lived up to the reality of her touch.

  “You said she was a Southern lady.” Chase reached around and cupped Josiah’s balls, his back pressed snuggly against Josiah’s back. “Where was this? How far south?”

  “Tennessee, a tiny rural town no one has ever heard of.”

  Josiah leaned his head against Chase’s shoulder, absorbing the sensations without surrendering to them. “When and why did you leave Dixie?” He didn’t want to rush her, but he was anxious to reverse their roles, to have her pressed between him and Chase, trembling with desire.

  “Jeff, my actual father, smoked like a train, but it was Mom who
ended up with lung cancer. She died fourteen months after her diagnosis and Dad was never the same. He blamed himself and became really withdrawn. Gran didn’t think it was a healthy environment for a fourteen-year-old, so she brought me to Colorado two months after Mom died. Dad eventually worked through his grief and we still keep in touch, but I’ve lived here ever since.”

  Without explanation, Chase took Josiah by the hand and led him across the playroom. “Do we need to restrain you, or will you keep your hands on the bar?” He motioned to the horizontal bar suspended from the ceiling.

  Josiah reached up and grasped the bar. “I’ll behave.”

  The entire playroom was carpeted with gym mats, but Chase quickly found a cushion and placed it near Josiah’s feet. Katie knelt on the cushion and looked up at him, mischief gleaming in her eyes. “I really want to suck your cock.” She bent and circled the tip with her tongue, then lifted her head. “But I need to be able to answer your questions, so I suppose I’ll have to find a different way of challenging you.”

  Lust tore through his gut like a ravenous beast as he realized what she had in mind. Chase appeared with a bottle of massage oil in one hand and lubricant in the other. Why the hell did he need both? Before Josiah could figure out Chase’s intention, Chase drizzled the oil over Katie’s chest then set down both bottles so he could rub the oil all over her breasts. She arched her back and offered him free access to the generous mounds. He left the fullness sleek and shiny while he worked her nipples into tight red peaks.

  “And best of all,” he bent and licked one of her nipple. “She tastes as good as she looks.”

  Chase sucked one side, and then the other, carefully angling his head so Josiah could see his lips working the delicate tips. Then he moved behind her and guided her forward. Josiah held his breath as Katie placed his cock lengthwise in the valley between her breasts. Chase pressed her breasts together, enfolding Josiah in warm, slick flesh.

  “Why so quiet?” Katie teased as she moved up and down, creating a hint of oil-smoothed motion. “Isn’t this what you wanted, to ‘fuck my tits’?”