“They are beautiful. Are they allowed in the house?”
“Once housebreaking gets better. In case you didn’t notice, we have white carpet.”
What I did notice was he used the word “we”.
Jace opened the gate wider and stepped aside to let the girls out. They fell over their fat little tummies in an effort to explode from the kennel, their semi floppy ears and tails making good targets for each other’s little puppy teeth. Jace rubbed their tummies and looked over at me. “Why don’t you take a walk with them around the estate? Everything is fenced in except the beach stairs on the deck. “
“What are their names?”
“I’ll leave that up to you. Please be back in and washed for dinner by seven. Don’t be late.” With a perfunctory kiss to my cheek, he started walking towards the house.
The grounds were amazing, extensive, and full of places to explore with two curious, high-energy pups. I sat on a boulder, watching them splash and play happily in a shallow, man-made stream, growing saddened since I was sure that it was only a matter of time before I would lose this wonderful fairytale. I was resigned to enjoying it as long as I was able, but was firmly determined not to become too fond of anything that came attached to Jace Jordon.
Jace was visibly pleased that I made it back on time and that I had taken care of feeding the pups and putting them down for the night. He praised me, genuinely gladdened with my efforts.
I felt a flush of embarrassment run through my body. I had never been praised like that in my entire life, and it felt good.
He stood over me protectively as I climbed into my new bed and even bent over to kiss my forehead, once again telling me how glad he was that he’d found me. I closed my eyes, remembering the feel of his lips on my skin and the sincere care that came with that gesture. I prayed it wouldn’t end too quickly.
* * *
“Okay, kiddo, it’s Monday and time to get started on a real schedule,” Jace said, opening the door to my bedroom and turning on the lights.
Groaning, I glanced at the clock. It was 7:30. “Isn’t it early for you to be up?” I asked groggily, hiding my head under the pillow. We had spent the last two weeks hanging out, getting to know each other and spending time with the puppies.
Jace pulled the covers off me, tickling me while I groaned.
“Why the fuck are you in such a good mood?” I demanded.
WHOOSH! His large hand landed squarely across my PJ covered backside. I shrieked, staring at him in shock.
Jace shook his finger at me. “No swearing, young lady. Now get up and get dressed. You need to have breakfast before your tutor gets here.”
It wasn’t until after he left my room that I reached around to rub my stinging bottom. He probably thought he was funny, but did he realize how strong he was? Jace was a fitness freak, had a black belt in karate, and constantly worked on hardening and building his body. He still reminded me of a jungle cat, muscular, lean and fast. And predictably unpredictable.
The doorbell rang at eight o'clock and Jace escorted an older, sour looking woman into the kitchen. It was instant mutual dislike and my glare behind Jace’s back let her know I planned on challenging her with every step I took.
“I have the office for you two to use,” Jace said. “And, of course, anywhere else you would like except the recording studio and my bedroom.”
The women distastefully inspected the wood paneled office with its adjoining fireplace to the living room, cherry wood bookshelves and matching English desk, burgundy leather studded chairs and the display of African Art sprinkled around the room. She sniffed, noticing the sliding glass door that opened to a tiny courtyard with a fountain, bench and wood chimes.
“This will do, Mr. Jordon. This patio must go to avoid distractions. I HAVE reviewed her files and have been made aware of her history and legal issues by her case worker.”
Jace bristled a bit, but remained calm. “Madam,” he said in a low voice. “I hired you to tutor her in subjects, not judge her for past mistakes. I would also appreciate you informing me, and me alone, if you have any difficulties. It is no longer Ms. White’s concern or her business, and I will not tolerate one of my employees talking about my family behind my back. Am I understood?”
Did Jace just grow to be seven feet tall? He was obviously annoyed that Ms. White continued to meddle in his affairs. The tutor, Mrs. Franklin, met his eye and then nodded with a frown. “Very well, I will agree to that. Now, if you would excuse us? I need to administer some tests and see what damage has been done with her education.”
“I’ll be with the puppies.” Jace left with a quick kiss to my forehead and whispered, “She needs some Preparation H.”
I giggled with pleasure, realizing that he had protected me. Nonetheless, I needed to be rid of this old witch and started contemplating various means of her disposal. My mind drifted as I sat at the comfortable student desk that Jace had bought for me and stared out at the courtyard, the sunshine, the hummingbird…
“…to complete these. Any questions? Are you paying attention, Young Lady?!” Mrs. Franklin snapped.
I slowly turned to look at her. “Yes, I have a question. How long have you had your hemorrhoid problem?”
“WHAT?!” Her face turned bright red and her fists clenched.
Good, that was easy. I stayed calm, casual, nonchalant… “You know, the varicose veins of the anal sphincter. Have you seen a doctor for them?”
“Start your test!”
“Oops.” I knocked my bottle of water over the papers. “Oh my, I’m sorry.”
“You did that on purpose!”
“Now, why in the world would you say something so accusatory? I spill my water all the time. I’m a bit of a klutz,” I said innocently, watching the woman’s face turn several different shades of purple. “I’m ready to start,” I commented as I picked up the pen and touched it to the wet papers and watched in feigned shock as the ink started to run.
The sour old hag started shrieking, calling me evil and demanding I be put away from decent society for the rest of my miserable life. All because of wet papers! She yelled so loudly that Jace came running in with a look of fear on his face.
“What’s going on? I heard yelling.”
I pointed to the hag, still sitting quietly in my chair. “I’m not certain, Jace. I accidentally spilled water on her tests and she’s calling me names.”
Jace’s eyes sharpened, honing them on the flustered woman. “Is this true?”
Mrs. Franklin gathered her things and pointed in my direction. “She has a rude mouth, a lousy attitude and really should be sent far away to nothing less than a boarding school for incorrigible women. She doesn’t deserve any better than that. If I were you—”
“Good thing you aren’t. Good day, Mrs. Franklin. Let me get the door for you. Celeste, stay here, please.”
I nodded with a sense of satisfaction of having ridded myself of a problem in record time. After tossing the useless papers and wiping off the desk, I waited patiently for Jace’s return, smirking to myself with pleasure at my success. I looked up with a smile when he came in.
Unfortunately, he was not returning it. Pulling up one of the big leather chairs, he sat down in front of me with a stern look on his face. “Well, Young Lady? Would you care to tell me exactly what occurred today?”
“I told you. She has anger issues. You heard her.”
“And you didn’t do anything to provoke it?”
“Of course not.” I blinked my grey-blue eyes back at him, looking innocent. “Why would I do that?”
Jace drummed his fingers in annoyance, not once breaking eye contact with me. “Do you remember the house rules I gave you two weeks ago?”
“I haven’t broken curfew or…”
“Regarding respect and back talk.”
“Jace, I swear I did not talk back to her in any way. That would have required her interacting with me, which she did not do. All I did was ask some innocent questions to
which she took offense.”
He simply stared at me with a dangerous glint deep in his eyes. He obviously wasn’t buying my excuse, so I attempted a different approach. “What did she tell you I said?”
Jace repeated the hemorrhoid comments and added the reply I had given regarding spilling the water. He finished with, “Care to comment?”
“She’s out of her mind. Why would I say something like that?”
“Perhaps as an addition to the one I whispered to you?”
I felt the color drain out of my face. Jace shook his head. “Disrespecting an adult, lying to me… Anything else?”
I shook my head, looking away from his beautiful blue eyes which held nothing but disappointment. A knot formed in my stomach as an odd, and very new, sensation came over me. Guilt?
Jace was quiet for a moment. “Celeste, I need you to go up to your room and wait for me while I decide what I need to do with you.”
Soundlessly, I departed from his presence. My self-fulfilling prophecy was coming to pass and I loathed myself for having allowed any semblance of hope to complicate my life. I pulled out my backpack and began shoving the old clothes I had hidden in the back of the closet for this predictable occasion.
Several minutes later, Jace tapped on my door. “What are you doing?” he asked with a frown.
“Packing.”
“May I ask why? Are you going somewhere?”
I looked up at him. “Back to the unit. I knew this wouldn’t last,” I said, trying to sound brave.
Jace’s frown deepened as he sat on the edge of the bed. “Come here, baby. I want to talk to you.” His command was soft as he reached his large hand for mine.
Reluctantly, I accepted it, allowing him to pull me to sit next to him. I clutched my hands together tightly in my lap and stiffened as he wrapped his arm around my shoulders and drew me snugly again his strong chest.
“I knew there would be an adjustment period for us, but just because we have some obstacles does not mean we aren’t a family.” He kissed the side of my head. “It’s going to take you some time to really believe it. I’m never going to send you away. I promise. Try to believe me, okay?”
He continued, seeing my slight nod. “I need to show you that I truly care and honestly want the best for you. I am not going to ever make you feel like you are ignored, disposable or unwanted. I am going to have to punish you, though. Your behavior was unacceptable.”
“You aren’t going to take away the puppies, are you?” I panicked.
Jace shook his head with a slight chuckle. “Heck no; those little mutts are here to stay, too.” He paused. “No, I’m afraid I am going to have spank you.”
“What?!” I stared at him in horror. “Are you nuts? I’m 18 and way too old to be treated like a baby. You can’t do that. It’s child abuse! You promised never to hit me!”
He stayed calm. “Make up your mind; are you 18 or a child? And I promised to never bruise your face. I said nothing about your bottom.”
I was mortified! I had to talk my way out of this. “Listen, let’s be reasonable; it’s my first offense and…”
“Are you planning on becoming an attorney? Because if you don’t finish school, you don’t have a shot. Now get across my lap and let’s get this done with.”
I did not budge. There was absolutely no way I was going to humiliate myself by following his direction. Jace sighed loudly before reaching for my earlobe and effortlessly guided me across his lap. I fought to escape his tight grip before employing another means of escape. I sunk my teeth into his thigh.
“Ow!” he yelled “Damn it, Celeste! I was going to spare you this time, but now you’ve done it.” Without hesitation, he yanked down my sweat pants and panties and pushed them down to my knees.
My mortification grew in leaps and bounds, knowing he could see every nook and cranny of my personal space. “No! Please, I’m sorry! I swear, Jace, I’m so sorry!”
The only response was the swoosh of his hand followed by the echoing crack of flesh meeting flesh. I howled as the searing pain traveled across the breadth of my bottom. His hand started to rain down hard, exacting spanks upon my bare flesh from one side to the other, up and down, covering every inch of my posterior. Each stroke burned and stung as the intensity rose, the heat building upon itself as he deliberately landed several swats to the exact same area before moving on.
I fought back tears as I wildly kicked and flailed. He pinned my legs down under his right knee, holding me flat by leaning his elbow across my upper back. His rhythm was slow, methodical, and swiftly turned my poor bottom and upper thighs cherry red.
Despair set in when I became cognizant of how helpless I was in this position. Unable to protect myself… Unable to escape his iron-grip… unable to run for the first time in my life… I was stuck here with Jace as an unwilling recipient of an admittedly well-deserved spanking on my bare bottom for being a brat. Reality dawned on me. Everyone else sent me away as though I was disposable, but Jace—still spanking my deep red backside—kept me here. He wouldn’t let me go no matter how much it hurt either of us.
A wail escaped my lips and the years of pain, anger, and fear rose to the surface and were released with my tears. Jace lightened the blows, but did not stop the spanking, allowing me a full degree of catharsis. When I ceased my struggles and accepted my discipline, he considered the spanking to be over. Held securely across his lap as his hand rubbed my back, a new flood of tears were released.
Finally, several minutes later, I slid to the floor and cried into my hands.
Jace joined me on the carpet and held me tightly against his broad chest. I could hear his heart pounding. “Shhh, baby, it’s all over. It’s a new beginning, little one. I promise that I will do whatever it takes to prove to you that you have a home, and a family, to come to. You will never be alone or abandoned again.”
“I’m so sorry.” I cried into my guardian’s shoulder, “I really thought you would send me away.”
“Never, although,” he tweaked my nose, “You might want to send ME away after a while.”
“Then who will cook dinner?” I asked, finally allowing myself to relax in his arms and experience the feeling of being safe, loved, and protected. “Jace?”
“Yeah, Babe?”
“I really, really am sorry.” The apology came with my repentant sniffles.
“I know. And we will find you a different tutor.”
“Okay. I don’t like women, just so you know.”
“Oh really?” Jace sounded amused. “Well, you need to know I’m not into dating men.”
I never considered the possibility he had a girlfriend and my heart sank.
He smiled, seeing my expression. “Good thing I’m single. I have the perfect opportunity to focus on my one girl and show her how much I care for her.”
“Thanks,” I whispered, truly meaning it in every sense of the word. For taking me in and giving me a chance… for accepting and loving me… for teaching me the power of hope. I was finally home.
Chapter Two
Band Practice
“Celeste! You up there?” Jace’s deep voice bellowed from downstairs.
I conveniently ignored him and pretended to be engrossed in studying the algebra assignment given to me by my new tutor, Mark. I adored him. We had met while he was at the house rehearsing drums with Jace and had intervened when he saw me struggling with some math problems. In minutes, I understood the concept and my interest was sparked. He explained that he worked as a substitute high school teacher and was immediately offered a full-time position as my tutor.
“Hey, I was calling you,” Jace said, barging into the office.
“Oh? I was doing homework. What do you want?”
“The band is coming over this evening for practice. We're getting ready for that Vegas gig and need to tighten up. Can you help me straighten up a bit?”
“Why don’t you get a maid?” I grumbled, standing slowly.
Jace tugged at my lon
g red ponytail. “What? And take away what you love most? Cleaning?”
“I hate cleaning as much as I hate math. And so do you,” I sassed back teasingly.
We made our way to the recording and rehearsal studio located under the garage where I looked around in disgust. “Why the hell can’t you and your friends throw trash in the trash can instead of on the floor? You know, like normal people do? This is gross,” I scolded, distastefully picking up a used napkin.
Jace shrugged. “We’re artists and it’s too much effort. Besides, look at the fun you and I have doing this together. Just don’t touch any of the equipment, it’s all dialed in for recording.”
It took less than fifteen minutes to clean up the place and dust. Eyeing the sound board and feeling foolishly rebellious, I turned the switches and dials to high.
“Wanna take the puppies down to the beach?” Jace asked, dismissing me with a playful smack on the rump.
That gesture induced two feelings… one was joy at the attention and other fear, remembering our last ‘incident.’
I started regretting my prank, but felt trapped since I couldn’t correct anything without confessing. After two hours on the private beach, Jace carried the exhausted puppies back up to the house and rinsed the salt from their fur in fresh water. Laughter bubbled from my throat as he scolded them for immediately rolling in the mud.
I loved the light, playful and relaxed side of this man. I leaned back against a tree and studied his handsome features, the thoughts of kissing his warm lips playing havoc on my mind and my body.
I sighed loudly, knowing that the attraction was purely one-sided and that he was focused on the role of a guardian, nothing more. I dismissed my feelings, knowing that there was no harm in fantasizing. Besides, the crazy man spanked. That would never be anything I would adjust to or accept as normal. My bottom started to tingle with a warning of what might come that evening, but I had set the events in motion and was too afraid to say anything.
The small band started arriving at about 7:30 and I flushed with embarrassment when Jace promptly sent me upstairs to finish my homework after dinner, reminding me in front of everyone that it was a school night and that meant early bedtime. All regrets of my pranks vanished as I raced up to my room, angry with the childish treatment I received, and the raucous laughter that followed my humiliation.
Guardian Domination Page 2
