Innocent Immigrant: Mail Order Bride: Ménage Marriage (Colonial New Zealand Romance Book 1)

by Jax Lusty

  I stood and excused myself, saying that I wished to retire for I was still weary from the day’s events. Both men stood and bid me goodnight, Griff handing me an oil lamp to light my way.

  In my room, I packed together my most important things. I was now one outfit short, for the daily help had taken it for washing. Again that was something I’d concern myself with once I was back in the company of my friends in Auckland. I counted out many minutes, and when I crept down the hallway and listened at the door, I heard the muffled conversation of the two men, so I took my chance to leave.

  The first problem I encountered was that I was unable to move my trunk. Although small, it was too heavy for me to carry. I would have to leave it behind and hope that when I reached my destination, Griff would forgive me and be gracious enough to forward it on.

  I walked cautiously to the closed drawing room door at the end of the hallway and listened again. Most certainly I could hear a conversation taking place, although I couldn’t discern their words. With my heart hammering, and the blood pounding so loud in my ears that I was sure they too could hear it, I crept towards the door at the back of the house. I released the latch and stepped into the moonlit night.

  The path along the side of the house was partially lit by the lamps hanging in the kitchen and living room. I took careful steps that became even slower once I found myself in complete darkness near the road. As my luck was running, the moon took a moment to slip behind thick cloud and the little light I had was gone. Inching my way forward, I took care not to trip myself on the ruts and small rocks that littered the way.

  Suddenly, a sound surprised me. A haunting sound that carried through the night like a baleful lament.

  Morepork...morepork.

  I bit my lip to catch my cry of alarm that would have given me away. What sort of creature called into the darkness in such a manner? Pushing the idea of some malevolent nocturnal monster from my head, I drew a steadying breath and summoned whatever calm remained within me so that I could continue on my way.

  The sound of the breaking waves seemed closer, and I could smell the briny scent of the ocean. In my calculations I decided I was almost at the rough track that served as the only road leading into the township.

  My sleeve snagged, stopping my progress. As I turned to free myself I felt a tug on the cloth at the back of my skirts and the more I struggled, the more entangled I became. Something scratched my face and then the back of my hand as I tried to push it away.

  “You’ve got yourself in quite a muddle there, young lady.”

  I screamed.

  CHAPTER 5

  GRIFF

  I would have preferred Katie had sat with us longer so that we could be certain she was agreeable to our plan, but Ari had placed his hand on my arm, restraining me when I had wanted to go after her.

  “If you follow her, she will feel the chains of imprisonment that will make her want to run. Let her think we trust her, and she’ll be more comfortable.”

  Ari was right in his reasoning. “She will attempt to run, I’m sure of that,” I told him.

  Just then, I heard a sound, and I hurried to lift the window sash to find Huhu, Ari’s tamed tui, tapping to gain entry. Most evenings, the bird stopped by for a piece of fruit or some honey, and this gave me an idea. I turned to Ari, and he nodded and smiled. Many times, words between us were unnecessary as we seemed to understand each other’s needs and meanings without speaking.

  I mixed some honey with water for Huhu and gave it to Ari to use as a reward for the bird. He needed to keep the bird’s interest in conversing while I went about my business. Once Huhu started to talk, I quietly left the room and stepped into the hallway just in time to hear the latch click on the back door.

  Our young lady was an escape artist...or so she thought. I stepped back into the living room and nodded at Ari’s questioning look before heading out the kitchen door and along the drive.

  I arrived at the main gate to witness Katie catch her dress on the tātaramoa, or bush lawyer, growing along the side path and up into the tall, spindly manuka. I smiled to myself. The climbing vine would perform my work for me. Its backward-pointing prickles on the stem helped it climb to the bush canopy, but it also snared the unwary and in seconds Katie would be captured. Without my help she would find it all but impossible to set herself free. She wouldn’t be harmed, but she would be trapped.

  She screamed when I spoke, and although my intention hadn’t been to frighten her, it had been to stop her in her tracks.

  “Don’t move, Katie. You’re caught in the tātaramoa plant. Stay still, and you won’t be scratched.”

  “What sort of country is this that has plants that capture people?”

  Her voice sounded as if it were attempting to be brave but the small catch, the high pitch at the end of her question, told me of her fear.

  “It is a country where you need to pay heed to the people who have the experience of living here. How many times do Ari and I need to explain the dangers of this place before you’ll believe us?”

  I wasn’t surprised she didn’t answer my question because trusting us was still something she was thinking through. She’d finally stilled, so I walked towards her. “Come now.” I gentled my voice. “Stay quiet, and I’ll untangle you.”

  I wished I’d brought a lamp with me although that would have given me away. But now, some light or a bush knife would have been useful as I attempted to free her.

  “You must remain very still. Every time you move, new barbs will catch hold of your clothing and hair.”

  I worked quickly to disentangle her, enjoying many opportunities to touch her and comfort her. I wished for Ari to hear my silent plea for light, but he was probably busy training Huhu in the art of parlour conversation. When it came to birds and animals, he was easily distracted.

  All the while, Katie remained quiet. I wasn’t sure if she was busy planning her escape once I’d freed her from the vine, or if she was thinking up an excuse for her behaviour. Once she learned what was coming to her, I was sure escape would appear to be a sensible idea.

  I had her clothing completely free, and now there remained only the tendrils of the creeper to extract from her hair. I was very close to her, the heat from her body exciting me in so many ways. “No moving, now,” I whispered close to her ear, “this will be the most difficult part.”

  She made a small cry as I snagged her hair, and I took the opportunity to hold her to my chest, to comfort and still her as I continued. She was like a wild animal in my arms, frozen in fear but ready to bolt the moment she was released from the plant. I slid my hand down to capture her wrist as I freed the last snare of barbs from her hair.

  I kept her tight against me, wanting her to feel my strength so that she might capitulate to her circumstances. “We’re returning to the house now, Katie, and you will be punished for your foolish behaviour.”

  “Surely I have been punished already?”

  “It hasn’t even begun. You are under our protection, and with that protection comes rules. There are always consequences, Katie, and you’re about to learn the ways of our house. Say no more; you will only make your situation worse.”

  “I—”

  “Katie!”

  “Please, you must let me go. I don’t need your protection, and I don’t want to be any trouble to you. I will return to Auckland.”

  “Auckland? Do tell me, what do you believe waits for you in Auckland?”

  “There are two women I travelled with. They will take care of me.”

  During this conversation, we walked towards the house. I kept a firm hold of her as she stumbled and hurried to keep up with my quick, long stride. “These women, did they come out to marry strangers also?”

  “Yes, that’s right.”

  “And you honestly think their husbands would welcome the liability of a single woman in their house?”

  “I am a friend.”

  “That matters nothing. Your companions are settling i
nto new ways, with their new husbands. Believe me, young lady, you will not be welcome and will find yourself on the streets. Auckland is even less safe than Kotuku for a single, pretty young lass. Your circumstances would be dire in a day. You will allow Ari and me to show you how to settle into your new life here, in Kotuku, the same as your friends are learning the ways of their husbands.”

  “Why must you punish me?”

  My little vixen dug her heels in so that I stopped short with her.

  “To teach you a lesson. I’m surprised you felt the need to ask. What sort of upbringing was it you had in England that allows young women to think they know what’s best for them?”

  “What sort of monsters are the men in this colony?” she retorted.

  “You’re about to find out.”

  I didn’t release Katie until we entered the drawing room. When I locked the front door, she had been startled, but I ignored her, tugging her with me.

  “What have we here?” Ari asked.

  “Just as we suspected, our Katie tried to make a run for town. Perhaps she thinks she would be better off with the drunks at the public house.”

  Katie’s chin was lifted in defiance. I had expected some sort of appeasement from her, but she was braver than I had given her merit.

  “You are a naughty girl, Katie,” Ari said.

  “Naughty girl,” repeated the tui.

  Katie’s head jerked towards the bird sitting on the arm of Ari’s chair, a look of understanding coming to her face. She had been tricked by the bird’s chatter into thinking I was in the room, conversing with Ari when she attempted to leave.

  “Katie, Katie, Katie.”

  “That’s enough, Huhu.”

  “That’s enough,” the bird replied.

  Ari stood and carried a small dish which he fitted into a puriri branch set up in the corner of the room. The bird followed, landing on the perch, taking sips of the prepared nectar. “Time for bed,” it said, scurrying to the edge of the perch near the window drapes that were still open despite the night.

  I studied Katie. Although her chin was held high, she fidgeted, clearly concerned about what was to happen, and so she should be.

  I sat myself in an armless chair, perfectly designed for what I was about to do. “Bring her here, Ari.”

  Katie shook her head, but Ari ignored her, taking her elbow and steering her to where I sat. He pressed her to me, her knees against my thigh, and placed a hand between her shoulder blades.

  “Over you go, love, across Griff’s lap.”

  I felt her resist in the tension of her legs as she pushed back against his hold.

  “I don’t want to force you, sweetie...unless of course you want me to.”

  “I don’t want any of this. I want to go home.”

  “Kneel, Katie. Now,” Ari ordered. His broad hand completely covered her delicate shoulder as he forced her to the floor.

  Finally, she complied, trying to hold herself away from my legs as much as the gap between her and Ari allowed. I took her chin between my thumb and the crook of my finger, tipping her head so that she had to meet my eyes.

  “And where might home be?” I asked.

  She met my gaze for the longest time until the fire in her eyes dwindled. Tears welled, and although they tugged at my heart I resolved to continue with her punishment. Her safety was at stake, and she had to learn about the consequences of her actions. No apology or tears of remorse would stave off discipline.

  Finally, she answered. “I don’t have a home.” It was a soft whisper, filled with sorrow.

  I almost relented. I wanted to take her in my arms and comfort her until she smiled again.

  “This is your home, Katie,” Ari said.

  “I don’t belong here.”

  I released her chin and, in a swift move, pulled her across my lap. She wriggled and fought, and I kept my hand firmly in the small of her back, pinning her to me. Of course, she tired before I did, but she certainly put up a game fight. With her legs flailing madly, she caught Ari directly below his knee with the heel of her boot. It was a wild kick, like a mule, and he laughed as he captured her feet when she lashed out with a fresh attempt.

  He easily held her ankles together. “Add another five to her spanking for being so ungracious.”

  “No!” she cried.

  “I’d keep that pretty mouth shut, Katie. Until you accept your spanking with grace and remorse, the tally rises. And don’t worry about Griff’s arm becoming tired, or his palm sore...I’m happy to take over while he takes a rest. I prefer the birch. Have you ever been birched, Katie?”

  “Yes...”

  “Oh? So disobedience is a character trait of yours. Well, trust me, the New Zealand version of the birch, made from young manuka sticks, is sure to be worse than anything you’ve experienced. It’s supple, quite whippy, and the tiny leaves add to the sting. It creates a fire on your bottom and thighs beyond compare. Lasts for hours, the girls tell me.”

  He lifted her legs high, tipping her more towards the floor. “That’s a good girl, just like that. Rest your forearms on the floor, and support your head on your arms. You might be in this position for some time.”

  Ari lowered her feet to the floor so that Katie lay draped across me, her fight vanquished. He lifted the hem of her skirt and passed it to me. The women often mistook Ari for the kinder of us, but when he was provoked, he was cunning in his punishment, and they soon learned they should never try to play him for a sap.

  I bunched the hem of her skirt in my fist, which still weighed against the small of her back. Reaching for her drawers, I paused to hear her inevitable protest, studying her prone form across my thighs.

  Her cry of alarm was sharp as I opened her drawers and exposed her bottom, but to her credit, she kept herself in place. Little did she know that her bottom and thighs would soon be as red and inflamed as the cheeks of her pretty face.

  I circled her buttocks with the flat palm of my hand. Although this was punishment, I didn’t know her and wanted her accustomed to my kind touch before I began spanking her. Once I started, there would be no further kindness until I was done.

  Of course we wouldn’t force her to stay with us if she truly didn’t want to, but once she understood that we were committed to an enjoyable life with the woman we took to be our bride, she might reach a different conclusion. What we hadn’t expected was that the seemingly right woman would turn up at our doorstep without us having to go in search of her. We had tried several times to find a suitable wife on our trips to Auckland, but our searches had not met with success.

  Ari’s faith lay with fate, and he would say we hadn’t found a wife earlier because we were destined to make our life with Katie. We had considered and discarded the idea of one of Pastor Mackay’s mail-order deliveries from England because we wanted to choose our own woman.

  Katie started to wriggle as I squeezed her flesh. My prick rose towards her belly, alert to the nearness of the exposed women, driven turgid by her unique scent that permeated the air around us despite her recent bath.

  “That’s enough of that,” I muttered, no longer certain whether I was addressing Katie’s squirming or my aching cock. I raised my hand and gave her a smart smack.

  She jerked in surprise but didn’t utter a sound.

  CHAPTER 6

  GRIFF

  I stayed with the same force, not so hard as to distress her but enough to heat and sting her light flesh. Her narrow bottom jiggled in a pleasing way, and a quick glance towards Ari showed me evidence of the bulge in his trousers similar to mine. He winked at me, and I winked back. Katie was gorgeous, and I’m sure he thought as I did of her in our arms, with us buried in her cunt, her mouth and her ass.

  She must have presented an inspiring sight to my friend, and I was determined to give both him a show and Katie a surprise. As her punishment, I would take her to the edge of bearable pain, and once done, I would turn her pain into pleasure.

  I slapped her harder this time, an
d she tried to lift herself. I gave her some time to process the sting, but instead of settling she stayed tense.

  “Don’t fight me,” I told her, “it will only hurt more.”

  “Damn you,” she spat out in an astonishing act of defiance.

  I’d been lulled into thinking she was accepting her punishment, but she was no more doing that than accepting our proposal of protection and marriage.

  I smacked her again, just as hard. “Cursing, my dear, is vulgar and beneath you. I am no longer counting the blows, but will continue until I see fit. Ari, I think you should find your birch.”

  “Not man enough to punish a woman on your own,” she challenged.

  “I think you provoke me intentionally, sweetheart.”

  I aimed my next blow to connect with the tender spot at the top of her left thigh. “Don’t worry,” I told her, following with an equaliser to the other side, “I’m man enough for you, and more than happy to prove it. The thin bite of Ari’s birch will make an interesting counterpoint to the broad burn and deep thud of the paddle that hangs behind the door. It will give you a small taste of what we have to offer.”

  “We make quite a team. You’ll find a number of women in Auckland’s brothels will attest to that,” Ari added.

  “You are nothing but colonial brutes.”

  “This is for your own good, Katie. We have boundaries because we care about you, but you will submit to us if you are to stay in this house. If you still wish to leave in the morning, we will assist you with your passage back to England. But you will not run from this house to wander single around Kotuku, Auckland, or any other part of this country when you are under our protection. Do you understand?”

  I punctuated the last three words with six hard blows. When I stopped, my own breathing heavy, I heard her muffled sobs. I’d taken her to a place of emotional release, but she needed more.

  “Five more. Count them for me.”