His Passionate Pioneer

by Maggie Ryan

  Her hand flew to her hair and she flushed. Stepping back, she retrieved her brush and then held it out to him. She squealed as he lifted her from the wagon and swung her around before he set her onto her feet and hugged her tight. He led her to the quilt and sat down, pulling her down between his knees. She whimpered as her bottom settled, the pain returning.

  "You may kneel, honey, I know your arse must really hurt," he suggested as he reached to untie the ribbon in her hair.

  She gradually settled on her knees, trying to put as little weight as possible on her backside. As his hands began to run through her hair, slowly removing the pins, she relaxed. He had told her he loved playing with her hair and took his time separating the strands of her plait until her mane fell in a curtain down her back. The brush began to pull through her hair and she smiled as memories of her mother doing the same coursed through her. Just as it hadn't felt the same when Richard wielded the paddle or strap instead of her Pa, this didn't feel the same, either. Her stomach fluttered at each stroke of the brush, as he would then use his fingers to stroke her skin beneath her hair. Once her hair was flowing down her back, smooth again, he calmly braided it and then twisted it into a coil at the back of her head. She passed him each pin and he gently secured the bun. When he was done, she leaned back against him and he bent down to kiss her cheek.

  "I love you, wife," he whispered.

  "Not as much as I love you, husband." She couldn't suppress a small groan as he helped her to her feet.

  "Are you ready to apologize?" he asked gently.

  She flushed but nodded, "Yes, sir, but will you come with me please? I need you with me when I talk to Mr. Morgan."

  "Of course I will." He took her hand and then led her to the area where the wagon master's wagon was parked. She blushed and clung to her husband as they passed many other wagons where families were having their supper. Richard nodded hello to the men and women.

  As they got closer to their target, Anna tried to hang back, but Richard gently pulled her forward. They walked towards the fire, where several men were gathered. Her face burned with shame when she recognized that they were the same group who had witnessed the beginning of her discipline.

  When she didn't speak, Richard looked down at her, giving her hand a squeeze. "Sorry to interrupt, gentlemen, but Anna has something she needs to say." He turned towards his wife, who was keeping her eyes glued on her shoes. He waited a beat, then bent down and whispered, "Where's that strong spirit, little one?"

  His words told her that he might have punished her, but that he also believed in her strength. She'd failed in her obedience, she would not fail in making her apology. "Mr. Morgan, I need to apologize for disobeying my husband," she said. "I'm very sorry I went into town without permission. I'm sorry I purposefully snuck past James. It was wrong, and I promise I will never do it again."

  Zachary Morgan looked at the beautiful young woman, who was shuffling her feet, her eyes on the ground. "Thank you, Mrs. Andrews," he said. "I appreciate you making your apologies to all of us. I trust that from now on, when your husband or another who is protecting the wagons and the women and children tells you to do something, or simply to stay at the wagons, I can count on your obedience?"

  She nodded and then looked up, her spirit gaining strength as the guilt began to seep from her. "Yes, sir, I promise. Both you and my husband can rest assured I'll never do anything like that again."

  Zachary nodded. "Thank you. I wouldn't want anything bad to happen to you. I accept your apology and am certain you've learned a hard lesson. This time everything worked out, but next time, your husband might not be there to keep you safe. Bad things happen out here, Mrs. Andrews. I'd hate to lose you. I fully expect you to keep your promise. I'd hate to make an example of you in front of the entire train. Know this, I won't hesitate to do so if you put yourself in danger again. Is that absolutely clear?"

  She actually swayed on her feet, the reality that this man could indeed raise her dress, lower her drawers and punish her bottom, sinking in for the first time. She felt her husband's arm slide around her waist. "Yes, sir, I understand. Again, I'm sorry, Mr. Morgan."

  Zachary nodded. "Thank you, Mrs. Andrews. I know it took courage to apologize and, for that, I want you to know you have my respect. Try to have a good night."

  Anna was still embarrassed at having to apologize so openly, and yet his words eased her soul. Before she turned away, she saw the other men nodding, and smiles of support and respect appearing on the faces of their three hands.

  "I'm proud of you, Anna. You proved yet again that your spirit is strong," Richard said.

  As they approached their wagon, he asked if she wanted him to come with her to apologize to James.

  "No, you need to check the team. I'll be okay." She gave him a smile. "James is most likely upset with me but I doubt he'll threaten to spank me."

  He chuckled. "I think you're safe."

  She walked to their friend's camp site, where the small family were eating quietly. Charity looked up first and gave a small smile. Anna managed to return it and then flushed as James looked up. He immediately stood as she approached.

  "I'm sorry to bother you," she said. "I just want to apologize to you, Mr. Blakemore. I didn't think about how you would feel when I snuck around you and went into town. I'm sorry if I scared you. I didn't mean for you to get into trouble. Please forgive me." She blinked rapidly to keep the fresh tears welling in her eyes from falling.

  James nodded and moved to the wagon to retrieve the laundry basket. He passed it to her. "Are we no longer friends?" he asked. "It's James to you, Anna, and I have already forgiven you. I know you won't do it again."

  She managed to nod and then stammered, "Thank you, James, and thank you for not wishing to terminate our friendship."

  "Anna, people make mistakes, some that require painful consequences. You've paid the price and friendships can often strengthen with the shared knowledge that lessons have been taught and hopefully learned."

  His calm tone and soft smile allowed her to finally let go of the remaining tension. His forgiveness, given with such sincerity and his honest words, washed away the residual guilt. "Thank you, and thank you, Charity. It wasn't right that you had to finish my chores. I forgot about the clothes. I appreciate you getting them for me."

  "It was the least we could do," Charity said, her voice soft and comforting. "I also made enough dinner to share. Would you like to take some back to Richard?"

  Anna's heart swelled with the knowledge that this couple were not only her husband's employees. They were also becoming dear friends—friends who shared in the same journey, and friends who also shared in the same beliefs about choices and consequences. Her heart skipped a beat when two strong arms wrapped about her waist, pulling her against a hard slab. She relaxed when she realized it was her husband, and this time he wasn't angry.

  "That would be very much appreciated, Charity. Thank you," he said.

  Charity nodded and fixed two plates for her friends.

  At the sight and delicious aroma of the steaming dumplings, Anna gave a small sigh. "Oh, Charity, I didn't get to learn how to make these. I'm so sorry for all the trouble I caused today."

  The woman gave her a hug. "Don't fret about that, honey, I'll show you another time." Anna returned the hug, truly grateful she had made such a good friend.

  Richard took the plates and nodded at James. "Thanks again to you both. This looks delicious."

  "It is," James said, smiling as he sat back down, drawing his wife close as the couple walked away.

  After they'd eaten, Richard helped Anna into the wagon and told her to put the clothes away and spend some time writing about her first punishment in her book. She blushed, remembering reading from her earlier journals as Richard chuckled and teased—but he also reminded her that the misbehavior had deserved chastisement. Opening the book to the first fresh page, she penned an honest account of her fears, humiliation and the pain of her first paddling and
strapping. She acknowledged she had been disobedient and had earned her discipline. By the time she inscribed the date, she was truly exhausted. She removed her clothing, her bottom still throbbing as she climbed onto the pallet and turned onto her side. Her pillow grew damp with her tears as she felt the shame of Mr. Morgan's words flow through her and recalled the disappointment she had seen on her husband's face. She gradually calmed and, after gently rubbing one hand along her hot bottom, she curled up and fell into sleep.

  * * * * *

  While Anna was busy in the wagon writing about her discipline, Richard went to their fire and worked on his gift for a while. He wanted to surprise his wife and now knew his gift would be very much needed. After a couple of hours, he was finished, and put his carving tools away. He tucked one item into his pocket and took the other to the Williams' wagon. He gave the gift to Robert, who agreed to his plans.

  Richard climbed into the wagon and undressed. He looked down at his wife who was curled up on her side, looking so young and innocent in her sleep. God, he loved this woman—loved her spirit, loved her passion, and loved that she loved him. Lifting the quilt, he slipped in beside her. Anna shifted and then opened her eyes.

  "It's just me," he said softly, bending to kiss her. He knew she was exhausted, and was ready to just let her slip back into sleep. As he settled down and put his arm around her waist, she pushed back into him, snuggling as close as she could get. He held her tight and tried not to think about her naked skin against his.

  She moaned and whispered, "I'm sorry I was so naughty, and I'm sorry you had to discipline me. Richard, please don't give up on me. My heart will break if you stop loving me."

  He felt his heart clutch and pulled her even closer. "Anna, oh, my sweet girl. I will never stop loving you. I will love you until the day I die." He pulled her back against him, placing a kiss on her bare shoulder. Richard needed her to respect his decisions and obey his words, but he never wanted her to fear him—or fear she'd ever lose the love he had for her.

  "Honey, you are my life and my soul. I won't apologize for whipping your arse, but I pray that you understand that I punish you because the thought of losing you scares the very breath from my chest. My heart would shatter if something happened to you."

  Anna spoke very quietly. "I know I deserved the punishment—all of it. I know it hurt you to have to spank your wife as if she were a naughty child. I know it embarrasses you to have a disobedient wife and…" Her voice began to falter and he pulled her closer.

  "Shh, honey, I will never be embarrassed by you. You are my life. I might have to spank your little hiney but I will never, ever be ashamed to be your husband."

  She turned her face to his, tears shining on her cheeks. "Oh, Richard, I love you so very much."

  "There will never be a time, no matter how naughty you are, when I won't forgive you. And, my precious wife, there will never be a single moment of time in which I won't love you."

  He spent a long time gently stroking her arms and kissing her neck, her cheeks, her lips. Her tears stopped, the last vestiges of doubt gone. She began to moan and press harder against him. He had given her a paddling as well as a strapping, and he knew he needed to give her love as well.

  Richard kissed her again. "Lift your leg up, honey, I'm going to take you from behind." When she obeyed, he reached down and slid his fingers across her sex, finding it very wet. He smiled at the discovery. He might have had to be harsh earlier, but his wife still needed him, her cream giving evidence of her love; her obedience in following his order showing her desire for his lessons in lovemaking. Running his fingers through her copper-hued curls, he adored the soft moans she issued and the sharper gasp she uttered when his fingers slid over her clittie. His strokes were soft, becoming harder as he pinched the small swollen bud until she was breathing harder, her soft mewls hardening his cock into a steel rod. His large hand cupped her breast, his thumb running across a pebbled nipple as he slid into her wetness, pushing slowly as her body adjusted to his size.

  He felt her quiver and heard her groan as his groin bumped into her punished bottom. Richard paused and then slowly withdrew.

  "No, please, don't stop. I'm okay," she whimpered. "I need you. I need you inside me."

  "Shh, sweetie. I'm not through loving you. He rolled her gently to her back, instructing her to wrap her legs around his waist. "It will keep your weight off your arse." Once she had obeyed, he slid into her again, making love to her slowly. "Better?"

  Her answer was to moan and nod as she pressed her hips up. "Yes, but please, harder, please take me harder." As he began to plunge into her, her hands fisted into the mattress.

  Richard understood. She had been punished hard; she needed to be loved just as hard. He acknowledged her desperate need and took her harder than ever before, pounding fast and deep. He reached down and slid his fingers along her slick slit until he reached her pleasure button again. She bucked as he began to rub her clit in small circles.

  "Oh yes, yes."

  He loved how very receptive this woman was. She had come to him as innocent as a babe but was willing to follow his lead in every aspect of their lovemaking. He slipped his free hand to her breasts and took her nipple between his fingers. Then he began to pinch and tug on her nipples, continuing to rub her clit and stroke in and out of her. She was soon writhing beneath him.

  "Cum for me, Anna, cum now," he said softly, pinching her clit hard. She arched and screamed, this time in ecstasy. He groaned as her muscles gripped his cock deep inside her body as he gave up his own release. Bending forward, he kissed her deeply until she was moaning again. Pulling from her, he guided her to her hands and knees, instructing her to put her head and chest down and her bottom up.

  Anna gasped when he pulled one of her punished cheeks aside and tapped his finger against her puckered opening, her body tensing as if expecting his finger to enter her roughly. Instead, she was soon moaning as he simply stroked her cleft and around the rim of her anus.

  "I'm going to teach you how it feels to be loved here as well, Anna. Your bottom hole isn't just to be filled with my finger when you need a reminder." When she nodded slowly, he bent down and kissed her opening.

  "Richard!" she hissed, her body collapsing to lie flat on the mattress.

  "Yes?" he said, his tone teasing. "What, you don't like to be kissed by the man who loves you?"

  She turned to look over her shoulder, her cheeks flaming, only to see his grin. "It's not proper," she whispered.

  "Anna, when are you going to learn that I don't care what is proper when it comes to loving you?" He stroked against her tightly puckered opening again, feeling her quiver beneath his fingertip. "However, though you will never have a say in how or where I shall punish you if required, I shall give you this choice." His fingertip pressed against her pucker, not in an attempt to penetrate, just enough to have her mind focused on exactly where he was playing. "Tell me, my love, shall I stop or shall I continue?"

  "You'll not think me too wanton?"

  "Anna, I love both the angel you are and the wanton woman you wish to be. I love everything about you and, my love, I love every single inch of your body."

  She released the breath she had been holding and nodded, lifting herself back into the position she had been in before collapsing, offering her body to him. "Love me then, love me and teach me, for I am your wife and eager student."

  Richard bent down and pulling her buttocks further apart, kissed her opening again before he broadened his tongue and licked her from cunny to pucker. He continued to lick and kiss her as she quivered and his cock hardened. He replaced his tongue with his finger, stroking her back entrance as he pushed into her cunny. She submitted to him, her body tensing as his finger began to sink into her bottom.

  "Relax, Anna, this isn't for reminding—this is for pleasure. Push back, let me in." When she obeyed, he slowly pressed the full length of his finger into her arse, his cock sliding slowly in and out of her cunny. Once he heard her deep gr
oan and felt her pressing against his finger, he withdrew it slowly, only to press two fingers into her. "Relax. Just feel." It took a few moments but her pucker relented and her moan was of deep satisfaction as both sank deep within her back passage.

  "Beautiful," Richard whispered, moving his hips so that his cock was buried as deeply as possible. "I want you to just feel. Don't think of anything at all, just let your mind go."

  He fucked her slowly, the fingers in her arse and the cock in her cunny moving together in a synchronized rhythm that gradually gained speed until he was thrusting hard and fast. When she exploded, she did so with a piercing shriek, the walls of her cunt grasping his pistoning cock, and the velvet recesses of her bowels closing like a vise around his fingers. Richard roared his own release as her muscles continued to contract, milking his cock until his legs trembled and his heart was pounding in his chest. Neither moved for several minutes until their breathing calmed. Pulling from her, he gathered her into his arms, turning her until he could cradle her, his lips finding and fusing to hers.

  When he lay down, he kept her tucked into his side, her head on his chest. He kissed the top of her head. "God, I'll never stop loving you."

  "Nor I you."

  He watched as her eyes drifted closed, her long lashes lying against pale cheeks. There were no longer any signs of doubt or worry on her face. She truly looked like the angel she was. When she lifted a leg to lie across his own, he grinned, feeling the warmth of her sex against his skin. An angel who knew how to give herself in all ways—that didn't make her wanton, it made her the most precious gift any husband could ever desire.

  Chapter Twelve

  Anna woke up the next morning and rolled onto her back. She yelped and then immediately turned back onto her side. Looking over her shoulder, she saw that her buttocks weren't anywhere near as scarlet as they had been though she still had some faint welts. She flushed, remembering both the horrible punishment as well as the intense lovemaking of the evening before. Olivia was just a silly woman who had no idea of what true love felt like. She smiled as she thought about her cousin and her warning that sex was not a pleasure, just an expected chore. Were it to be a chore, it would be one that Anna never wished to shirk.