by Stella Moore
“Hands behind your back, young lady. You know better.”
Rolling her eyes, she crossed her arms behind her back, then nearly cried at Paul’s next words. “Two more for rolling your eyes at me. Want to keep going?”
“No, sir,” she replied meekly. Well, she’d wanted things to go back to normal and she was definitely getting her wish. “You know, maybe you could feel a little bad about this,” she muttered.
His chuckle brought a reluctant smile to her face. “Too late, little bird. You and our friends did an excellent job of convincing me that I was doing the right thing all along.”
“Yay us.”
“Want me to double that count, young lady?”
“Ugh. No, sir. I’ll be quiet.”
“I’ll believe that when I hear it. Your ten minutes doesn’t start until you are.”
Elisa clamped her mouth shut and stared resolutely at the wall. The burning in her bottom reminded her she had more coming, and she didn’t want to make it any worse. The seconds dragged into minutes, and she could hear him moving around behind her. Finally, he called for her again. This time, when she turned, she felt her stomach drop to her knees.
There was a paddle lying on the bed. But it wasn’t the small, light paddle he’d bought her as an engagement gift. No, the paddle on the bed was huge and wicked-looking. The gleaming wood was large enough to cover her bottom in a single stroke, and she knew from the single experience she’d had with it that she’d feel every swat right down to her toes.
Paul tapped the bedspread. “Bend over. Arms out in front of you.”
Dragging her feet, she slowly arranged herself as instructed. The bed was high enough, or she was short enough, that her toes barely touched the floor.
“If you move even an inch out of position, the swat doesn’t count.”
“How many?”
“That’s for me to know. The no moving rule starts now.”
The paddle took her breath away. There was a second where she only felt the impact, before the pain exploded in her backside. “Oh, shit,” she breathed, tears stinging her eyes. It stung, more than any of the other implements they owned, and the ache went deep into her flesh.
“Language, Elisa. That’s the only warning you’ll get.” The paddle connected again, and she hissed out a breath through her teeth, forcing herself to stay in position.
“The next time I tell you to do something, you will do it. No back talk, no procrastination.”
Again the paddle slammed into her, and she couldn’t help herself. Her feet flew up to cover her bottom, a desperate attempt to protect herself from any further punishment.
“Feet on the floor.” He didn’t raise his voice, but the authority was unquestionable.
“I can’t! It hurts!”
“Now, Elisa. And that one didn’t count.”
Whimpering, she slowly lowered her feet to the floor. The next two swats were practically right on top of each other. She howled with pain, burying her face in the comforter.
“You will not try to manipulate people to get what you want.”
“I won’t, I promise, just please stop!”
“Not yet. You asked me to teach you a lesson you’d never forget and that’s exactly what I’m going to do.” He brought the paddle crashing into her bottom again and she wondered if she’d ever sit comfortably again. The sting covered every inch of her exposed skin and the ache seemed to radiate down to her bones.
The tears came hot and fast, soaking the comforter. The next swat dragged a long, plaintive wail from deep in her gut.
“I’m s-sorry, sir! Please!”
“Will you do as you’re told, when you’re told?”
“Yes, always!”
“Liar,” he said with a soft laugh. “But I appreciate the sentiment. Last one, baby.” This time when the unforgiving wood cracked against her skin, she screamed into the bed, drumming her toes against the floor. Seconds later, a pair of strong, familiar arms scooped her up, cradling her as he stretched out on the bed. She curled into his comfort, her tears soaking his shirt as she sobbed.
“Shhh. That’s my good girl.” His praise washed over her, and her cries began to quiet.
It was, without question, one of the worst spankings she’d ever gotten, and sweet Jesus she was glad it was over. Then she remembered she had four more with the cane coming and her sobs began anew.
His arms tightened around her, his hand running up and down her back soothingly. “What’s wrong, little bird?”
“I d-don’t want you t-to cane me!” she wailed, burying her face in his neck.
“I know, baby.”
Which didn’t mean she wasn’t getting out of it, but his soothing voice helped her calm down again in spite of the fact. Resigned to her fate, she sighed and snuggled deeper into his embrace. She didn’t realize she’d fallen asleep until she woke again a few hours later, still cradled in her husband’s loving arms.
“Hey there, sleepyhead. Have a good nap?”
Suddenly and inexplicably embarrassed, she nodded silently. “You didn’t have to lay here. How long was I out?”
“Almost two hours. And I didn’t mind. My arm went numb about twenty minutes in, so I can’t even feel how heavy you are.”
“Well if you weren’t so old, it wouldn’t be an issue,” she said, earning herself a playful smack that had her hissing at him as she rubbed her bottom. “Meanie!”
“Brat,” he shot back, laughing. “I hope you’re hungry because I’m starving. And we have some more to talk about. Up with you.”
“What’s left to talk about?” she asked, following him to the kitchen. She stood at the counter and watched him work, unwilling to risk the hard, wooden chairs at the kitchen table.
Paul began putting together sandwiches, and she noticed with relief that he seemed more relaxed than he had in several months. “It’s been too long since we talked about the rules. Is there anything in particular stressing you out? Anything you feel needs to be tweaked?”
They hadn’t had this talk since they’d moved in together after college, and she’d just assumed that they wouldn’t have it again. Surprised and touched, she leaned on the counter and propped her chin on her hands as she thought. “Having a schedule during the day. I feel like I’ve done a pretty good job of proving I can get my writing done, and it would be nice to not have to bother you at work whenever I want to change my schedule for the day.”
He looked up and she was grateful for the smile on his lips. “I thought that might be the case. It so happens I agree. With two caveats.”
“Color me surprised,” she said dryly.
“I’ll color your bottom red again, if you want to get smart,” he replied with a grin. “I’m willing to forgo the daily schedule, but I want to check in with you weekly and see how things are. If I don’t think you’re keeping up on your own, I’ll put you back on a schedule.”
She’d figured as much. “I’m good with that. The second?”
“Goes along with the discussion we just had. If I tell you to do something, it gets done that day unless you discuss it with me.”
“That’s fair.”
“Anything else you want to talk about? Anything I can help you with?”
Elisa shook her head. “I think we have all the bases covered. I know where you live if I need anything.”
“Yes, you do.” He leaned over the counter to press his lips to hers. “Lunch is ready.”
“Can I eat here?”
“Not a chance. Butt firmly on the chair, little bird.”
Groaning, she walked over to the little kitchen table and lowered herself to the hard, wooden chair. It pressed into her bruised flesh and her eyes filled with tears at the fresh pain. “It hurts,” she whined, shifting in search of a somewhat comfortable position.
“I’m sure it does,” Paul replied, setting her plate in front of her.
“You’re such a bully,” she said, but her heart was lighter than it had been in months. She didn�
�t care what anyone else might think. She’d missed her strict, no nonsense husband.
“And you’re a brat,” he teased back. “I guess it’s why we go together so well.”
Grinning, she bit into her sandwich. “I’m sorry I was such a shit about everything.”
“I appreciate the apology, but not so much the swearing. You were warned, Elisa. That’s another two with the cane. Next one, I’ll wash your mouth out, too.”
“Sorry,” Elisa mumbled, taking another bite of her sandwich.
“It’s okay. I owe you an apology, too.”
Surprised, she looked up. “You do?”
“I do.” Paul reached across the table to link his hand with hers, his serious eyes locked on hers. “You needed me, and I wasn’t there for you. I’m supposed to be your rock, your protector. And I let you down. I locked you out instead of talking to you and listening to you. I’m sorry for putting that kind of strain on you and our marriage.”
Her heart swelled in her chest. “Every time I think I can’t love you more, you prove me wrong. You’ve been all of those things for me, and more. You’re allowed a rough patch here and there. Nobody’s perfect, not even you.”
“I should double the cane count for that,” he said, lifting her hand to press a kiss to her knuckles.
“I’ll take whatever you need to give me.”
“That’s good to know. Because there’s still the issue of you running away to deal with.”
Chapter 32
Elisa dropped her gaze to the table. “Oh.”
“I know it was partly my fault that you ran. I know you were hurt and upset and overwhelmed. And I will never be able to apologize enough for my part in that. But I’ve told you before, I won’t let you run from me.”
“I know. I’m sorry.”
“Are you?”
“Huh?” Her head snapped back up. “Of course I am.”
“Elisa, this isn’t the first time we’ve had this discussion. This has been a habit of yours for a long time. It needs to stop.”
“I know,” she said. “I don’t know why I do it.”
“I don’t, either. Which is why we’re going to keep going to Dr. Johansson. You need to learn to face your problems head on and not run when things get hard.”
“So you’re not going to spank me?”
“Oh, my sweet little bird. That’s not at all what I said.”
Elisa pulled her hand away and slumped in her chair. “I was afraid of that.”
“Finish your lunch and we can get on with it.”
“Not hungry.” She crossed her arms over her chest, glaring at her plate.
“What did I say about arguing with me, young lady?”
Considering she was already looking at six of the best, she did not want to see any part of that doubled. Grabbing the sandwich off her plate, she stuffed it in her mouth. “Happy?” she asked with her mouth full.
“I’d be happier with less attitude from you. Do you really think you don’t deserve this?”
It was hard to chew when all she wanted to do was cry, but Elisa eventually swallowed. “No. I know I do.”
“Good. Then we can skip the corner.”
Elisa finished off her sandwich and looked over to find him watching her. She had the sudden realization that some people went their entire lives searching for someone who looked at them the way Paul looked at her. She considered it her own personal miracle that she’d never really had to search. He’d always been right there, waiting for her.
“I’m ready, sir,” she said quietly.
“Good girl.” He stood and held out a hand, and she allowed herself to be pulled up and led into the living room. “Bend at the waist and touch your toes. If you break position, I’ll whip your thighs. Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir.” Feet together, Elisa bent and touched the tips of her fingers to her toes. The sound of his belt buckle coming undone never failed to send a shiver down her spine. When the belt lashed against the lowest part of her bottom, she immediately cried out, squeezing her eyes shut against the pain. She hated the belt, and on top of the pain from the paddling it was already unbearable.
He whipped her harder and faster than he ever had before. She couldn’t seem to catch her breath between strokes, and could only whimper in response as he mercilessly strapped her.
She’d lost count by the time he stopped, and her tears were silently dripping onto the hardwood floor, her breath coming in ragged gasps.
“Do I have your attention, Elisa?”
She closed her eyes and let out a shaky breath. “Y-yes, sir. I’ve learned my lesson.”
“Your lesson has just started, young lady.”
She’d been afraid of that. Very nearly biting her tongue in half, she kept her protests to herself. “Yes, sir.”
He started once again at the top of her bottom, and she jerked forward, catching herself before she moved out of position.
“You will not run from your problems.” The belt cracked against her skin again, a line of fire that burned deep into her flesh. “You will not run from me.”
“I won’t! Please!” Elisa screamed when the thick leather bit into her flesh yet again.
“Am I really getting through to you, little bird? Are you starting to understand what it does to me, and to our marriage when you run away? How much it hurts?” Two more strokes, one after the other, finally broke her. Elisa fell to her knees, sobbing.
She waited for him to tell her to get back into position, and her stomach quivered at the thought of another round on her tender thighs. But to her surprise, she found herself lifted into his arms as he carried her to the bedroom. Silently, he stretched out on the bed once again with her cradled to his chest.
They lay together, with Elisa’s broken weeping the only sound in the room. Eventually, as the pain in her backside lessened from hellfire to simple agony, her sobs began to quiet.
“You’re such a good girl,” Paul murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “I’m so proud of you, baby.”
“You are?” His words stunned her. She’d moved out of position without being told, and he hadn’t finished her punishment. Her stomach twisted into knots again at the thought that he’d lost his nerve.
“Of course. I know I was hard on you, but you were amazing. My little bird, who can take a whipping better than someone twice her size. I love you.”
“But I-I didn’t think you were finished.”
“Your punishment is over, baby. I promise.”
“Oh, thank God.” Elisa burrowed into him, clinging to the comfort his strong arms provided. “I’m so sorry. Are you still mad?”
“No, baby. I was never mad. I worry about you, and I want you to know I’m here for you.”
“I know that. I’m sorry I’m so stupid about the emotional stuff.”
“Looking for another trip over my knee already, naughty little girl?”
Elisa shook her head vehemently. “No, sir.”
“I didn’t think so. You’re not stupid. We just need to help you find a better way to deal with your emotions when they get too heavy. I’m sorry I never pushed you to do it before. That’s on me, for not taking better care of you.”
She wanted to argue, but she was too tired. Spankings always took a lot out of her, but she supposed the emotional stress of the past few months was also taking its toll, because she couldn’t keep her eyes open.
Paul frowned at his wife asleep in his arms. She hardly ever took naps, even after harsh punishments. The idea of her taking two in the same day concerned him. Maybe they needed more than a weekend away. His project at work was wrapping up, and he had some unused vacation time he needed to use in the next few weeks. He’d talk to his boss about taking the week after Christmas and he’d sweep Elisa off somewhere tropical.
Gently slipping his arm out from under her, he let her sleep and went to set up her surprise.
Chapter 33
Elisa awoke alone a few hours later. Sitting up, she win
ced when her bottom pressed into the bed. It had been years since she’d earned herself a punishment like the one he’d just given her, and she still had a session with the cane left to go. Pushing up off the bed, she walked to the bathroom, her movements stiff thanks to the welts across her bottom.
In the bathroom, she twisted around to study her backside in the mirror. The skin was still bright red, with deep, crimson spots she knew would bruise. She pressed her fingers to a particularly nasty looking spot, unsurprised to find the skin stiff as leather. Jesus, Paul had done a number on her. She’d deserved it, every swat, but it still hurt like hell.
Pulling on some leggings, she went to find her husband. He wasn’t in the kitchen or the living room, so she decided to try the back deck. When she walked outside, the sight that greeted her took her breath away. He’d strung the fairy lights she loved so much along the edges of the awning. The patio table was draped with a white tablecloth, and a bouquet of pale pink roses sat in a vase in the center, with twin candles on either side.
Paul was standing by the table, pouring wine. He looked over, and his smile threatened to melt her into a puddle right there in the doorway.
“What’s all this?” Elisa asked, stepping over the threshold.
“This weekend isn’t just about punishing you.” He picked up the glasses and walked over to hand her one. “It’s a fresh start for us. I haven’t given you enough romance, and I can’t blame that on Franklin.” He walked back to the table and picked up a small black box she hadn’t noticed before. Setting his glass down, he turned and knelt in front of her. “Elisa Marie Davenport, will you spend the rest of your life with me? Again,” he added with a quick, charming smile.
He flicked the box open, and she gasped at the ring sparkling up at her. It was almost an exact replica of her engagement ring, only larger and significantly sparklier. “Paul, it’s gorgeous. But you didn’t have to do this. I loved my old ring.”
“I know. I wanted to. You haven’t answered my question.”
Laughing, she held out her hand. “Of course I will, you moron. Now give me my ring.”
