by Wehr, Mary
“Dammit, Ross!”
“Excuse me?” he demanded sternly. “What did I tell you about that short temper of yours?”
Before she could apologize, he smacked her ass. It wasn’t as hard as it had been last night, but she felt it nonetheless. He rubbed her cheek only to smack her again. He’d smack and rub the sting away. The fire in her womb began to build once again and Mia rose up to meet his hand.
He stroked her inner thighs and moved further so he could tease the swollen little nubbin nestled at the top of her sex with slow lazy circles. Her breathing became faster and harder. She didn’t care that she acted like a sex-starved woman. She hadn’t felt this rush of pleasure in such a long time. Her scream came out long and loud.
* * * * *
Ross turned on the water and waited until the bathroom filled with steam before he went back into the bedroom. Mia was sprawled on the bed in a very wanton fashion. His gaze zeroed in on the thatch of curls between her legs. The pink skin glistened with her cream and he licked his lips. He’d love to glide his tongue through her moist folds, but they had both worked up a sweat.
“Aw, baby, I know I promised to wash your back, but if you don’t get up by the time I count to three, I’m going to attach my mouth to that delectable pussy of yours and stay there until the morning.”
He smacked her ass as she stomped by him.
“Ouch.”
“There’s more where that came from if you don’t hop into that shower, pronto.” He dove for her and she squealed.
Ross kept his gaze on Mia as he took off his clothes one piece at a time. He stepped into the tub and pressed his body against her softness. He took hold of her shoulders and gently pushed her toward the pulsing spray. Standing directly behind her, he grabbed the soap and worked up a lather. He massaged her shoulders, along the nape of her neck and down her back. He slipped his hands to her waist, glided over her belly and inched upward to cup her breasts.
Her swift intake of breath spurred him on and he strummed each nipple with his thumb and forefinger. He pinched and pulled at her nipples until they stood at attention before continuing downward to her belly. He spun her around so that she was facing him and dropped to his good knee. “Place your hands on my shoulders, Mia.”
“Oh, Ross your knee.”
He slapped her ass hard and she yelped. He was pleased she cared so much, but the fact that his face was level with her pussy made his throat convulse. Her pink lips were plump and her clit poked out beneath its hood, begging for his mouth. He finally managed to croak. “My knee is fine. Just sore is all.” The rest of his body was strung as tight as bowstring.
He swallowed hard and switched his attention to her delicate ankles and feet. Fuck, even her toes were sexy. He bent his head and soaped each toe and she giggled. “I forgot you were ticklish.” Shit. He should have kept his head down instead of looking up and grinning at her like an idiot. The water ran in rivulets down the front of her body, pooled in her navel and nestled in her pussy fur. He blew softly at those curls and her fingernails dug into his shoulders.
“Oh God, Ross, please…” she whimpered.
“Please, what? Tell me what you want, Mia,” he commanded hoarsely, drunk on her woman’s scent. “We promised to tell each other exactly what’s on our minds, and that goes for sex too. If you want me to do something to your body, you must tell me. I can’t read your mind.” She was breathtaking. Full breasts swung inches from his mouth begging to be suckled. Her long hair tangled about her face and her mouth fell open. She’d better say something soon or he’d forget all about his rules and take her right here in the shower.
“Please fuck me.”
Ross stood up and grasped her waist. He moved her away from the spray of water and whispered in her ear. “Hands on the wall, spread your legs.” He dropped to both knees being careful not to put his full weight on his bad one and spread her ass cheeks with his hands. He buried his face in her softness and tongued her from behind, licking, sucking, reeling from her scent. He swiped his tongue along the crack of her ass and then delved into her pussy. He ate at her, inhaling her woman’s fragrance. He couldn’t wait any longer. “Keep your hands on the wall and your legs spread. If you move, I’ll spank you.” Ross retrieved the condom from his pants pocket. Clasping her by the hips, he rammed his cock inside her hot body.
Chapter Ten
Mia woke up the next morning with a pounding headache. Her mouth was dry and her skin felt clammy. She stumbled out of bed, went into the bathroom and splashed some water on her face. She returned to the bedroom just in time to see Ross set down a tray on the nightstand. Her sense of smell caught the aroma of eggs and bacon immediately. Slapping her hand to her mouth, she swung around and darted for the bathroom.
Ross stood behind her and kept her hair from falling into her face while she retched, then lowered the toilet seat cover so she could sit down. He soaked a washcloth, wrung out the excess water and patted her face with the cool cloth. “Feel better?”
She smiled weakly.
“Come on, get back into bed and I’ll fetch you a glass of water.” He saw her settled under the covers and made good on his promise.
The water was cold and immediately soothed Mia’s burning throat. She handed him back the glass. “Thank you. I have to get dressed. Cheap Shots is at The Dirty Dog Salon today. I promised Jody I could help. You know, like we did yesterday?” Her hand shook as she wiped her brow. “I feel crappy and my joints ache.”
Ross placed one hand on either side of her hips in order to brace himself as he leaned over to press his lips to her forehead. “You’re burning up with fever. You’re not going anywhere. Stay put.”
As soon as he disappeared into the hallway, Mia reached for the jeans she had folded over the back of the chair next to the bed. She was hopping around on one foot when Ross came back into the room holding a bottle of pain pills in one hand and a glass of orange juice in the other.
He set the items on the nightstand and folded his arms across his chest. “Mia Adams, what part of stay put didn’t you understand? Get back into bed.”
“I can’t. Debbie’s sick, I told you, and Jody needs help.” She brushed past him and made a beeline for the closet, but Ross snagged her arm and steered her in the opposite direction. Before she knew it, he had her pants off and she was in bed under the covers.
“You aren’t going anywhere. I’m sure they can get along without you.”
“Honestly, Ross, I’ll be fine.”
Her protests fell on deaf ears. He bent over so they were nose to nose. Fierce determination darkened his eyes to a deeper blue. “No you won’t. You need to rest. Now take your medicine.”
Mia knew she wouldn’t win the argument. She took the pills then sagged against the pillows. “I guess you’re right. By the way, are you planning on selling your aunt’s house?”
Ross sat on the edge of the bed and raised a questioning brow. “More than likely, I guess. Why, do you like the place?”
Mia yawned. “It is a lovely house. The lilacs smell so nice in the spring and the roses are gorgeous. Your aunt really loved her roses.” She stifled another yawn. “I’ll rest for a bit and maybe I’ll feel better.”
Ross eyed her sternly. “I need to go through some of Aunt Maggie’s important papers and make sure things are being done the way she had wanted. You stay in this bed until I get back, do you understand?”
Mia agreed all too quickly and he frowned. “I mean it Mia. If you’re not here when I get back there will be hell to pay.”
Mia waited until the roar of Ross’s truck faded into the distance before she flung the covers aside and got out of bed. She held onto the bedpost until the room stopped spinning, then slowly dressed herself. She didn’t want to go against Ross’s wishes, but she had made a promise to Jody first. He’d just have to live with this tiny act of rebellion.
* * * * *
Ross collected the papers he needed and grabbed some empty boxes from the basement. Accordi
ng to the will, the house was his to do with as he pleased. He had planned to sell it and buy a different, much bigger house, but Mia had expressed her love for the cozy ranch style home. With Mia by his side, he could live anywhere. He’d give her whatever she wanted—within reason, of course.
Ross went into the kitchen and studied the crack in the ceiling. As a kid, summer vacations had been spent flipping houses with Jason and his dad. He could easily do any repairs that were needed by himself, and he’d give Jason some business in the process. The fenced in backyard was big enough for a couple of kids and maybe a pet.
Whoa, back up a bit, buddy. No point in getting ahead of himself. He’d take it slow this time around. Earn Mia’s trust and convince her of his love before he asked her to marry him.
Ross sighed. While he was here, he should pack up his aunt's clothing and drop the boxes at the Salvation Army as per her instructions, but his thoughts were focused on Mia. So he locked up the house and went back to the apartment. He swore when he didn’t see Mia’s car.
Damn woman. She’d regret disobeying him.
Inside the apartment, he’d been flipping through the phone book hoping to find the address to the Dirty Dog Salon when he heard a car door slam. He opened the door and Mia stumbled inside. She smiled weakly and fell into his arms.
* * * * *
Mia opened her eyes and winced.
“Ah, you’re finally awake. The next step would have been the hospital.” Ross dabbed her forehead with a cool washcloth. “Feeling better?”
Mia nodded. “Much better, thank you. What time is it?”
“You mean what day is it. It’s ten o’clock Monday morning.”
Mia’s eyes widened and she flung the covers aside. “Oh no, I’m late for work.”
“No you’re not. I called you in sick.”
Mia bristled at his blatant audacity. “Ross Garrison, you had no right!”
“That’s funny, because the woman who answered the phone remarked that it was about time you let someone take care of you.” Mia’s glower at his words didn’t seem to faze him one iota. “Mia, you’re weaker than a newborn babe, for God’s sake. Give yourself another day to recoup. Am I asking for too much?”
No, he wasn’t asking for too much and she still had that washed out blah feeling in her body. Another day in bed would probably help. Mia snuggled under the covers and searched his face intently. She saw the tired lines at the corners of his eyes. “Did you stay up all night watching me?” He nodded. “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me yet,” he warned her sternly. “We have your disobedience to address once you’re up and moving around.”
“What are you talking about?”
“You disobeyed me, Mia, and you need to be punished. What if you had passed out while driving? You could have been killed.” His expression was adamant, his demeanor unyielding. “I will not tolerate such brazen disobedience, especially when it concerns your personal welfare.”
Even though her intentions had been honorable, she had disappointed Ross, and that bothered Mia. She remained sullen for the rest of the day. The possibility of passing out while driving hadn’t crossed her mind. She could have easily caused an accident, resulting in a serious or fatal outcome, not only for herself, but an innocent person as well.
Ross hardly left her side the rest of the day. He kept the liquids coming and timed her medication to the last minute. Mia had never been this pampered in her life and she thanked Ross every chance she got. But, by late afternoon, she was ready to jump out of her skin. “I need to get up and move around.”
“You need to rest in order to get better,” Ross argued.
Mia jutted her chin and folded her arms under her breasts. “I have to stretch my legs. I’m stiff and sore from lying around all day.”
Ross relented and helped her to the bathroom. She eyed the shower longingly and he sighed. “Come on, off with this nightgown and I’ll help you into the tub so can shower.”
Mia patted his stubbled cheek. “You’re so good to me.”
He expelled a sarcastic snort. “Remember that when you’re over my knee getting the strapping of your life for disobeying me.” He switched the faucet on and tested the temperature of the water. Satisfied, he offered her a hand and she stepped into the tub. Mia showered quickly. Her legs were still a bit rubbery and she smiled her thanks when Ross wrapped her in a large towel and picked her up. He carried her to the bedroom and went in search of some clothing while she dried herself off.
Dressed in a pair of sweatpants and sweatshirt, Mia persuaded Ross to let her sit on the couch and watch television while he made them both something to eat. Mia nibbled on a piece of dry toast and drank the cup of tea he set down in front of her. He ate a tuna salad sandwich and insisted Mia relax while he filled the dishwasher. Later, he came into the room and sat beside her on the couch. He wore an apron around his waist and a dishtowel was carelessly tossed over one broad shoulder. Mia couldn’t keep a straight face and burst out laughing.
“What?”
“The man not only has a soft spot for animals, but even wears an apron too.” She giggled again.
Ross eyed her sternly. “There’s nothing wrong with a man knowing how to cook, young lady. It's known as basic survival skills. I learned to do my own laundry too.”
Mia groaned when he felt her forehead for what had to be the hundredth time. “Geez, Ross will you give it a rest. I feel much better. As a matter of fact, I’m going to work tomorrow.” His jaw tensed and she said, “I’m fine.”
For the next couple of days Ross worked on fixing up the house he hoped to call home, but made sure he was at the apartment at least an hour before Mia got home from work. He cooked dinner and spoiled her relentlessly.
Her belly full with the most scrumptious lasagna she had ever tasted, Mia relaxed on the couch while Ross propped her legs in his lap and rubbed her tired feet. “Hard day at work?”
“No, quite pleasant as a matter of fact.” She wiggled her toes. “I like knowing you’re here when I come home, but you don’t have to cook dinner all of the time. I can throw something in the crockpot before I leave.”
He squeezed her toes. “I love taking care of you. How are you feeling?”
Mia stretched her arms above her head. “Like a spoiled princess.”
“You’re not tired?” She shook her head. “Do your muscles still ache?”
“Nope. I feel like a new woman since you’ve been taking such good care of me.”
Good.” He lifted her legs from his lap and rose to his feet.
Mia pouted. “Where are you going?”
“To get my belt. Once we get your punishment out of the way I can rub your feet all you want.”
Mia swung her legs to the floor and they stood toe to toe.
“What punishment?”
He clicked his tongue in a condescending manner. “Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten.” He shook his head sadly. “You went to the Dirty Dog Salon after I told you not to.”
Mia’s jaw dropped. “That happened several days ago. Surely, you’re not going to punish me now. It’s too late.”
Ross chuckled. “There’s no statute of limitations on a spanking, Mia.”
Her eyes widened as he unbuckled his belt and pulled it out of the loops. She covered her butt with her hands and stepped backward bumping into the couch. “You’re not really going to use your belt on me, are you?”
He folded the thick leather in half. “I’m afraid so. It’s the only way you’re going to learn what I say goes.”
Mia swallowed hard. His hands were strong of that she had no doubt, but with a belt, she was afraid he’d really hurt her.
“Mia, you need this chastisement just as much as I need to see your soft flesh punished.” He held out his hand.
Mia hesitated, then stepped forward and placed her palm in his. He led the way to the bedroom and stepped aside, motioning Mia to enter first. He closed the door. “Take off your clothes.”
Trembling, Mia pulled her sweatshirt over her head and shimmied out of her sweatpants. Ross sat down on the bed and patted his lap. “Come here, Mia.”
Mia bowed her head and did as she was told. She stood solemnly at his right side. Ross guided her across his lap. “Give me your hands, sweetheart.” He took hold of her wrists and placed them at the small of her back. “I know you’re scared, but I won’t give you more than you can take, okay?”
Mia nodded and tensed her buttocks.
“Relax, Mia. Stiffening will only cause you more pain.” Mia took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Ready?”
“Ready.” No warm up this time. She heard the snap of the belt before it connected with her bare skin. Fire blazed a trail across her right cheek. Mia didn’t have time to draw her breath when another stroke landed on her left buttock. Ross was relentless and punished each cheek alternately. Every stripe lit into her skin. Despite the intense pain, she suspected Ross held back the full power behind his arm. She gritted her teeth. Surely, he had to stop soon, before her cheeks began to smoke. He switched the strokes to her sit spot and that’s when she wailed.
“Mia Adams, you will stop this caterwauling at once.”
The last smack hit and then he stopped. Tears flowed down her cheeks, soaked the flowered bedspread and although she thought the sting would never go away, a rush of peace invaded her body. For once in her life, she felt loved and secure.
Mia crawled to her side of the bed and lay on her stomach. She sighed in relief while he rubbed cool aloe into her skin. Soon she was fast asleep.
Chapter Eleven
Mia pushed the shopping cart down the dairy aisle for a gallon of milk. Sunday was grocery day and Ross had given her some money earlier in the morning so she could do some shopping while he went to see Jason. The man sure drank his fair share of milk.
On her way to the checkout counter, she noticed a thin, bedraggled woman bent over near the bread, picking up some loose change that had apparently spilled out of the change purse she clutched in her one hand. Nickels and pennies were scattered in every direction.
