Carla’s sex wept even more with that as she let out a small groan
“Naughty girl, you like the idea of that don’t you?”
He located his belt and used it to bind her hands and her breathing became more erratic. Desire burned from her eyes. Her total submission drove him wild. He had no idea what he had been missing, but he was now a convert. Once bound, he lifted her legs in the air and smacked her twice, afraid to give any more strokes on her already abused bottom. But she writhed with pleasure as each stroke fell and Kieran was petrified he would come, just from watching her reaction.
This was sex on a different level, something so base and primitive it was almost frightening to his inexperience. He went back down on her with his mouth, teasing until she was whimpering with need. Then he penetrated her with his fingers, pushing and thrusting until she shuddered over and over and finally was quiet and exhausted. He kissed her with the taste of her own essence still on his mouth before releasing her hands.
“No more until tonight,” he said cheerily. “First I’m bringing you to dinner, then you’re bringing me home, if that’s okay with you?”
Carla seemed stunned. “But you got nothing out of it. It makes me feel selfish,” she protested.
“I would be selfish to push it right now when you’re vulnerable. I got pleasure watching your pleasure. I want to give you time to think about whether you want to take it further.”
“But I know what I want.”
“No, you know what your body wants, but later your brain will kick in and I don’t want you to regret anything between us. You usually reject my attempts to get closer.”
“I thought you were too vanilla,” she whined.
“Perhaps I am. And I am also leaving in a couple of months. Maybe you don’t want a short term fling. I’ll pick you up at seven. You’ll have had time to think about it all.”
He rose from the bed and headed for the bathroom where he filled the tub with tepid water so as not to overheat her already scorched behind. He carried her in, placing her in it and checking she had everything she might need. Then with one last kiss, he left for home. He sure as hell hoped his gamble paid off and she would be back for more, but better take the chance of rejection than live with feeling like a shit for taking advantage of her submissiveness. His balls were aching, his head was full, but he had hope, at least until tonight.
Chapter 6
Carla decided she would rather have temporary than not at all, and what was left of the summer was passing in a haze of heady pleasure and sex. Kieran was practically living at her place, going home only to work or put in the occasional appearance with his family for form’s sake or to go on babysitting duties. She couldn’t get enough of him. And he was far from vanilla in bed even if he wasn’t quite as willing to go the strict head of house thing she craved. They had discussed the whole domestic discipline thing and Kieran said he would give it a shot but he wasn’t following through, much to her dismay. In fact, no matter how she teased or snapped with him, he seemed to let it pass. She even went to downright bratty at times to see if she could goad him. But he just laughed and said he knew what she was after and he was hardly going to reward her for bad behavior by giving her what she wanted.
He got her in other ways though. If she bratted and teased, then he teased her in bed, not letting her have her pleasure until she was nearly weeping. If she was snappy and short, he hurried their love making leaving her wanting more. And he always told her why he had done it, leaving her in no doubt that he was having none of her antics. When she behaved, he treated her admirably. Kieran sure did know how to make a girl feel special when he wanted to. He exerted control in unexpected ways but she did yearn for another spanking. It was as if the last one had opened floodgates, and she hadn’t expected the intensity of her need.
Carla tried to keep detached as she knew it wasn’t going to be a forever thing, and she was no stranger to the pain of break ups. But it was hard to resist him at times. He liked the things she liked, they shared a love of reading thrillers, laughing at bad horror movies and watching reruns of old British comedies and even older musicals. Exercising was more fun with two, and she had a reason to keep fit now as she wanted to be able to keep up with the bedroom antics.
He had created some automated computer programs for her and work was easier, freeing Carla up to spend even more time with him. Actually, on reflection work was easier on another level too, she no longer had a problem facing Jim. Thinking back, it was a good thing that Marcus had hired Cadence rather than Carla as she might never have gotten to know Kieran, and she still worked in the family business, even if her Dad had semi-retired. Her financial security was wrapped up in that business so she was glad to have an input. Besides, she was good at it and she knew it inside out. It was based far more in Corbin’s Bend now as Jim had finally relented to taking a unit for an office and she worked from there most days, only going to Denver once or twice a week. Life was good.
Ange looked surprised to see Carla when she responded to her knock on the door. As always, she had a wide smile and a warm welcome. “Come in, stranger. I hardly ever see you these days.”
“You might not be so pleased to see me when I tell you I’m looking for a favor. Will you teach me how to make that bread that Kieran’s always talking about? I know I could get it from you, but I want to try making it.”
“Of course I will. Are you trying to trap him through his belly? Always works with Jim!”
“I just want to do something nice for him. He’s always doing nice things.”
“It’s not too long before he is due to leave. Will you be okay when that happens?”
“I guess so. It’s not like I have much choice.”
“I know, it’s a pity he has to go. Jim was just saying he has never seen him so relaxed and happy. You’re good for him and he’s good for you. Does he spank much? Sorry, I shouldn’t ask that about my brother in law, but I can’t help being curious. He seemed so set against it.”
“Ah, that’s the only down side, only occasionally and erotically. I think in the long run that might have become a problem. This way I suppose it won’t have time to be an issue.”
“Personally, I think he’s head over heels in love with you and it’s going to break his heart to leave here.”
“I wish. He keeps reminding me how long until he leaves. It’s like he’s counting down the days to get home. But we never talk about after, so I guess we’re just supposed to make a clean break. Mind if I use your bathroom?” Carla felt in danger of tearing up as they spoke and the last thing she wanted was for Ange to see it and report it to Kieran. She knew the terms of the relationship right from the first moment, and she had agreed to them. She had no right to hope for more, and she wouldn’t allow herself to. She composed herself before re-joining Ange.
“I was married once,” Carla told Ange when she returned from the bathroom. She didn’t know what was prompting her to open up. She’d spent years hiding it from everyone. She saw Ange’s eyes widen.
“You were? What happened?” Ange asked.
“We married very young – ran off and eloped. You can imagine my mom’s reaction at being cheated of her big day. We were the dream team. Both athletes. And we both seemed set to qualify for the Athens Olympics. We held the world in the palm of our hands. It seemed life was perfect. We put everything on hold for those games: our honeymoon, starting a family, even what we ate was dictated by our coaches. But then as the qualifying season came in, my form dropped for no particular reason. I tried and tried, but in the end I missed qualifying for the team by two tenths of a second.” Carla paused, trying to control her emotions.
“Oh, sweet Jesus. That must have been awful for you. But you must have been some athlete to get that far. Did you try out for Beijing?”
“No. I’d already lost too much. I lost my place on the team to Sarah Pearson. But Matt made it. He went to Athens. I didn’t. Sarah got more than my spot in Team USA. She got my place in Mat
t’s bed too. It seemed he preferred the sweet smell of success to the bitter taste of a loser. Two tenths of a second shattered all of my dreams. I stopped running professionally after that. Shit, I don’t even know why I’m telling you this. I suppose it’s because of Kieran. I don’t expect him to stay. That’s what people do. They all leave in the end.” Carla could feel her eyes fill again. But she didn’t walk away this time. It felt good to let go of the past.
“Not everyone leaves, Carla. Some people are better than that,” Ange said gently.
“Like Jim, you mean. He’s a loyal one. You’re so lucky to have him, but you deserve him because you’re the same. You’ll never know how much I regret what I did to you two.” This was the first time Carla had the courage to actually mention what had happened with Ange since the event. Ange gave her a tight squeeze. For a small woman, she sure could hug tight.
“I know you do. But it’s all forgotten by now,” Ange reassured Carla.
“Not by me. I hope I never forget. I don’t deserve to. Are you going to Jonathan and Benjamin’s barbecue tonight?” Carla asked with forced cheer, changing the subject to safer territory.
“Try to keep Jim and Kieran away. Cold beer, lots of lads, bit of craic. Either we let them off on their own or we go to keep an eye on them and count their empties. You don’t know that pair when they’re let loose. I trust you’re going.”
Carla laughingly agreed she would. They couldn’t be that bad, could they? The truth was, she didn’t want to go. Kieran knew all the sordid details of her shady past, and although he had met each person she’d made a fool of herself over without her, this would be the first proper community night out as a couple and probably their last. She was eaten up with shame and terrified she would let her inner bitch loose. If he didn’t seem so averse to spanking, she would ask him for a warning one, to encourage her to behave, or in the very least, to de-stress her.
With the greatest of care, Carla picked out her clothes for the evening. She wanted something that made the most of the curvy bottom Kieran was so fond of, but yet not over accentuating it because she still hadn’t come to terms with the fuller figure look. In the end, she settled for three quarter length tight jeans and a feminine camisole. But over that, she wore an almost transparent chiffon tunic top to cover her butt, yet Kieran would be able to get an eyeful through the light top if he tried hard enough.
Carla poured a glass of wine before starting on her make up to settle her anxiety. She had sipped her way through it by the time she was done and still had another half an hour before Kieran was expected. She poured another glass while she waited. Fortunately, Kieran arrived just as she was contemplating a third.
When they arrived at Benjamin and Jonathon’s, Carla’s heart sank. As usual, many of the Taken in Hand’s formed one group, and the Head of House’s another. And Ange was stuck in a group including Cadence, Julie, (three ducks in a row, all women she had lost out to, she reflected bitterly), Ettie Thomas, the community news column reporter and gatherer of gossip, and Quincy Lauder, the community matchmaker that didn’t even seem to figure Carla worthy of her matchmaking schemes. Even shy, quiet Elly was in the middle of the group. Carla had been banking on her keeping apart and providing a means of escape. Jim called Kieran over almost as soon as they arrived and she was on her own. She grabbed a glass of wine and gulped it down before getting a refill and joining the others. She was clutching her glass so hard that Cadence remarked on it.
“Hey, it’s okay, Carla. We’re not going to take it from you. You can loosen your grip,” she remarked. Carla decided to let her have that one for free and laughed along with the others.
“I wouldn’t be so sure. Ange always says she’d sup it out of a dirty old sock when she’s on a roll,” she retorted.
“You’re safe enough tonight, Carla. Jim is looking like he’s going all out and someone has to get the kids up in the morning. I’m assuming their uncle will be otherwise engaged, as usual,” Ange replied with a laugh.
Spirits were high, the drink was flowing and the food was ready. The gaggle of TIH’s made their way to fill plates. Carla’s still weak ankle gave way in her fuck me heels and she swore loudly.
“Easy, Carla. Kids present,” Cadence pointed out gently, indicating Ava, Ange’s daughter and Buddy, Marcus’ son playing nearby. Strike two and you’re out, Carla thought, annoyed at the public correction.
“I should get a cane, like you, to help keep me upright,” Carla replied. She was still just about sober enough to notice Cadence stiffen and draw herself up to full height.
“Do you think you could find your own cane, or do you want to snatch one of mine? That seems to be your usual style. Perhaps you might find yet another supplier in Ireland who hasn’t heard of your reputation to date. But you better hurry, news travels fast.”
The whole place, which had been buzzing with noise only moments earlier, went deathly quiet. Carla saw Marcus grab Cadence by the arm at the very moment she felt Kieran doing the same to her. Both were marched out through a silent mob, but had the indignity of hearing the chatter rising as they were led away, and knowing they were the topic of the conversation. For a fleeting second they were united in their misery, but still managed a glare off as they parted at the gates. Carla knew with absolute certainty that everyone assumed she was in for a spanking. As if. She almost envied Cadence as Marcus led her away.
They walked to Carla’s house in total silence. Not one word. He strode along, forcing her to keep up regardless of her ridiculously high shoes without as much as linking arms to support her. Even as she fumbled to find her door key in her purse, Kieran just extricated it from her hands and searched himself without talking or recriminating. Once the door was shut behind them, he took hold of her arm again and led her to her bedroom. Finally he spoke.
“You’re half cut. Go to bed. We’ll deal with this tomorrow.” With that, he left to let her stew in her own bile. Not knowing when he would return. Not even sure he would. Nobody to blame but herself and her own nasty tongue. She kicked off her shoes and pulled off her clothes, letting them lie where they fell. Carla didn’t have the focus to brush her teeth or find a nightie, so she just fell into bed. She couldn’t help being bitter that he didn’t even care enough to verbally chastise her. Misery made a poor bedfellow until the alcohol sent her into oblivion.
“Shit, bloody shoes,” Kieran swore, waking Carla with a start.
“Jesus, you scared the life out of me. How did you get in?”
“I took your door-key. You were in no fit state to worry about locking up, so I did it on the way out. Do you ever pick up after yourself? I nearly broke my neck on those ridiculous heels.”
“My house, I’ll leave my stuff where I want.”
“We’ll see about that. I wouldn’t be throwing out attitude if I were you. You have no idea how much trouble you’re in.”
Kieran climbed in beside her all the same, and wrapped himself around her. A sense of peace washed over Carla. She felt secure in his arms. Her earlier fear of rejection slipped away. She could take his punishment with pleasure, as long as he kept coming back to her.
When Carla woke, she was alone in the bed. For an awful moment, she was afraid she had dreamt he was there, but the sounds of dishes clattering in the kitchen soon reassured her. She groaned at the memory of the previous evening. What had come across her? She knew how hard life was for Cadence. She’d lost her career as a dancer, and her dreams, after her accident. At that moment Carla hated herself. It was a feeling she had once been so familiar with, but Kieran had helped her see past it all, and things had been going so well in the community. She had to go and dig another hole for herself. She picked up her phone and texted Cadence a heartfelt apology, asking if she could go and give it in person later. Carla wouldn’t blame Cadence if she told her to go to hell, but Carla felt she had to at least try.
Kieran seemed to be making much more noise in the kitchen than was strictly necessary. It was obvious he was mad as hell. Sh
e got up to face the music. Her mouth felt like she had eaten sandpaper and tasted of stale wine. After pulling on her dressing gown, she brushed her teeth. On her way out of the bedroom door Carla almost fell across her shoes. No wonder Kieran had walked on them, they were just inside the door. Oh well, it was just another crime to add to her already long list! Kieran hated how messy she was. He was forever telling her Jim’s kids were tidier than she was. She took a deep breath and joined him in the kitchen.
“Good morning,” Carla said, tentatively kissing his cheek.
“Not for long, sweetheart. You can go straight back to your bedroom, remove that robe and anything else you happen to be wearing, and kneel at the wall. I will deal with you when I finish cleaning your mess. Oh, place your paddle on the bed. No, better yet, place your hands above your head, and hold the paddle up. It will concentrate the mind on what’s coming.”
He left her waiting like that for twenty agonizing minutes. Her arms were exhausted and her knees were aching. She had plenty of time to regret her actions. Dammit, this definitely was not the type of spanking she craved. When she craved punishment, her mind played tricks on her. Fooled her into thinking she would have an intimate over the knee, easy warm up gradually increasing until that delicious heat filled her bottom. An erotic affair. But the reality was punishment spankings were crap. Guilt overrode anticipation, and that nice, loving warm up phase just didn’t happen. But yet, her body refused to listen to rational thinking and she was fighting her arousal lest Kieran notice it.
“Come here,” he demanded. He settled himself at the foot of the bed. Carla stood and reluctantly shuffled over to him and waited at his feet, looking down. Even though she was towering over him as he sat, he still managed to make her feel only about three feet tall.
“Look at me, Carla,” Kieran said firmly. She found it hard to look him in the eye: she knew what she would see there. Disappointment.
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