Rosa jumped in her chair when the door opened. She didn't turn her head, not really concerned that she'd get into more trouble—hell, she was in enough trouble already. Knowing that she had most likely gotten Bess into trouble as well only made her guilt more consuming. But it was having to see Grant's and Valerie's faces that was making her heart ache. Though she wanted to scream that she was sorry, get down on her knees and beg for their forgiveness, explaining that she had changed her mind, that she hadn't been going to drink the iced coffee, she knew it wouldn't truly matter—not at this point. All she could do was accept the fact that she had royally screwed up and pray that after she got spanked—okay, blistered—they would forgive her, cuddle her, and, most importantly, keep her.
Grant didn't speak as he pulled the chair back from the wall and took her hand. He had enough experience to know that sometimes silence spoke volumes. Without the distraction of words, Rosie could continue to imagine all sorts of scenarios. She could guess for the rest of her life and he would bet she'd never come close to picturing what was about to happen. He didn't bother to explain Valerie's absence either.
They walked from the Nursery, Rosa blushing furiously as other Littles, their parents, and staff watched her take what she thought of as the walk of shame. Then she felt her eyes well with tears as she discovered how hard it was to walk with a heart that was breaking.
Instead of going to the corridor that led to their rooms, Rosa realized they were approaching Master Marshall's office. Her heart stammered—was Grant returning her? Had he decided that she simply wasn't worth the effort? She had broken their trust; had lied about accepting the lesson with her discipline in the cafeteria. Grant had already spanked her over her coffee addiction, and might be the sort of man who didn't tolerate having to constantly repeat his discipline over the same issue.
"Dad—"
"Hush, Rosie," Grant said sternly. "I do not want to hear a single word right now."
Rosa nodded, feeling like she was the most ungrateful, most devious, and the naughtiest girl on the planet. When he told her to take a seat on the bench, she immediately climbed up, her hands in her lap, fingers twisting together.
Grant knocked on the door and Rosa heard it open and close. Tears began to slip down her cheeks and she angrily swiped them away. When had this become more than role-play? She had signed up for a couple of days, maybe an additional two, to submit to whomever bought her. No happy ever after ending had been promised. Clients came to the Castle to have a good time; they didn't come to spend large sums of money for submissives who just made their lives difficult. This was her own damn fault. It was time to pull her big girl panties up and deal with it. No matter what happened, no matter if it broke her heart, she would accept Grant's decision.
Too soon, the door opened again. Rosa took a deep breath and forced herself to look up. Grant stepped out. "Rosie, Master Marshall will speak with you now."
Hearing him say 'with you' told her all she needed to know. She slipped off the bench and walked up to him. Before entering the office, she lifted her hand and put it on his chest. "I'm very sorry, Dad-Grant. Thank you for everything. I hope your next girl knows how lucky she is. I hope she knows not to screw up something so wonderful. Please, tell Valerie that… that I'm so sorry." With a sob, she ran into the office, throwing herself down into a chair, her heart breaking into a million pieces at the sound of the door closing on the most wonderful Daddy in the world.
Marshall stood by his desk. He had originally thought that perhaps the two girls had simply been playing a prank—collaborating so that Rosa could be caught 'bratting' in order to earn a spanking. However, after Bess's confession—also given with tears and apologies—and now seeing Rosa sobbing as though her best friend had died, his mindset shifted. How many times had he opened his door to find a submissive client giggling and blushing because she had been sent to Master Marshall's office, knowing she'd be leaving with a spanking at the very least? They did not come into the room, curl into a chair and sob their hearts out. Plucking a tissue from a box, he walked over to her.
"Rosa, sit up." He waited until she sat straighter and handed her the tissue, then a few more as it became obvious it would take several to staunch the flow of tears. Leaning against his desk, his arms and ankles crossed, he began. "Can you explain what happened?"
Rosa forced herself to get it together. Using one of the tissues to blow her nose had her tears continuing, remembering her Daddy doing the same for her only that morning. Wiping her cheeks with another, she tried her best to explain. As soon as Marshall had finished speaking, she looked up. "I've been such a fool. I have ruined the best thing that ever happened to me—all because I thought I'd die without coffee. Not only have I driven Grant and Valerie away, I've probably lost a friend. Bess might never forgive me." As a new thought occurred to her, she paled. "Have… have I lost my job as well?"
Marshall didn't answer right away, but when he did it wasn't what she expected. "Rosa, of course you haven't lost your job—you'll have a job here as long as you want it. You are a wonderful employee, but, honey, I'm beginning to believe you're an even more wonderful Little." Seeing the confusion on her face, he continued. "Rosa, you've been around Littles for the past year. You know all Littles act out, play pranks, and do things to get themselves into trouble. It's part of the dynamic, and allows their partner to provide the discipline the Little craves and the parent enjoys providing. Granted, you pulled quite the doozy today, and unfortunately, drew Bess into your naughtiness… but I assure you, you did not force her to take part. In fact, she admitted that she not only knew better, but actually returned to the kitchen to remove the thermos—only to have Cook Connie inform her that Grant had already picked up the basket. I promise, you have not lost a friend."
Rosa felt relief flood through her at the knowledge that Bess didn't hate her. "Thank you, Master Marshall. I'm so glad Bess didn't get into trouble…"
"I didn't say that, Rosa," Marshall corrected. "I can guarantee you she paid a price here in this office, and I'm pretty positive she's even now paying another in Mr. Collins's office. But I didn't ask to see you alone because of Bess. I must say, I am extremely impressed that it appears Grant has no idea that you are employed here. You have kept your word about your identity and your knowledge of the Castle, and for that I thank you."
Rosa shrugged, as if it no longer mattered. "Well, I suppose he'll find out soon enough if he and Valerie bring their next girl to the Nursery."
"Why do you say that, Rosa?"
"Well, Sir, if it's all the same to you, I'd rather return to work now than to spend the next few days in my room. I'd… I'd like to keep busy. If you want, I'll try to keep out of their sight."
Marshall nodded, then sighed. "Rosa, are you telling me that you no longer want to continue as a Little? Are you pulling out of the commitment you made to participate in the auction?"
Rosa shook her head and gave a soft moan, "Oh, God, I keep forgetting… of course I'll make it up to you. You-you can take the cost out of my salary. I know it will take a long time, but I'll reimburse Grant and Val. I know I let Don down but… even if I said I'd try to be a Little for someone else to fill the time left, I… I don't think I'd do a very good job."
"What kind of job do you think you'd do for your Mommy and Daddy, Rosa; for Valerie and Grant?"
Her face was priceless, her eyes beginning to clear and the hope she couldn't help but embrace seeming to light her from within. "Mommy, Daddy… do-do you mean… God, please, Marshall, don't-don't say that if…"
"It's Master Marshall, little Rosie," Marshall reminded her. "I don't understand why you thought Grant and Valerie didn't want you…"
"I thought he… he asked you to get them a new girl, a better girl—"
"No," Marshall interrupted. "Your parents were perfectly prepared to leave it in my hands after speaking with Mr. Collins. Rosa, I asked to see you, and your Daddy was kind enough to allow it. Now, I need you to tell me the truth. Do you want to stay with—"
"Yes, oh God, yes," she squealed, jumping up and throwing herself at Marshall. "Oh, thank you, thank you… oh, I'm so happy! I-I thought… I'll never be naughty again, I swear!"
Marshall had to fight the urge to laugh as he disentangled himself from the ecstatic girl. Pushing her gently away, he replied, "Don't make promises we both know you'll be unable to keep. Now, your Daddy is waiting outside—but you and I both know there is another matter to attend to before he deals with you, don't we?" Rosa nodded her head eagerly, and again Marshall had to stifle his grin. "All right then, bend over the end of my desk."
She raced to obey, bending over and actually lifting her skirts and petticoats before Marshall moved behind her. She didn't make a single sound of protest as he pulled her panties down and picked up the ever present paddle. Though he gave her three hard swats, she didn't make any other sound than a soft gasp. Replacing her panties, he guided her to stand, and led her to the door. Just before he opened it, he looked down at her.
"You do know that your Daddy is going to give you quite the thrashing, right? Is your answer still the same?"
"Oh yes, Sir. I deserve it! May I go to him now?" At Marshall's nod as he opened the door, she remembered to thank him before dashing outside to throw herself into her Daddy's arms.
Marshall watched as the large man picked her up, cuddling her close before giving him a nod. As Grant turned and walked away, Marshall couldn't help but think of Kaylee and his own relationship; how they had found love neither had really expected. After talking to both Rosa and Grant, he thought that he might have to begin looking for a new Nanny soon. The thought didn't trouble him, and he finally allowed the smile he had fighting for the past several minutes to appear.
Rosa's happiness continued as Grant carried her to their room. Even when he patted her bottom and told her that she would be eating dinner standing up, she nodded contentedly.
Grant shook his head as she tucked hers into his neck, knowing that she was about to get another huge surprise. Opening the door, he saw that Valerie had finished the preparations. He locked the door and then set Rosie onto her feet, smiling as she raced to Valerie to give her a hug.
"Thank you, Mommy, thank you for keeping me," she breathed.
Valerie returned the hug and then turned her back to her Daddy.
Grant took her back into his arms, squatting to be on the same level. "Let's get one thing perfectly clear. Rosie, we will always want you. There hasn't been a single moment since we first saw you that we haven't wanted you for our very own. Even when you are naughty, even when you throw tantrums, even when you run, and even when you pull really stupid stunts, we will always want you." He allowed her another big hug before he set her away. "But let's get another thing clear as well. Just as we will always want you, we will always punish you when you do those naughty things. I warned you this morning that if I had to spank you again today over this coffee business, you'd be one very sorry little girl."
Rosa nodded her head, accepting his words.
Grant continued. "Just so you know, Mommy and I both realize that you changed your mind and decided not to drink the iced coffee. But, Rosie, that does not change the fact that you plotted to be naughty. I hope you understand that you aren't being punished simply because of coffee." He paused. "Do you understand?"
Rosa nodded. She had spent several minutes considering everything she had done. "Yes, Sir. I broke your trust and I am very sorry."
Grant was pleased that she had answered without hesitation. "Good girl. We trusted that your lesson this morning was the end of it, and yet discovered that it wasn't. You'll find that deliberate disobedience calls for a harsher punishment. Though you have your safeword, we do not expect to hear it when you are being punished—though I promise we will stop if you do. However, we expect you to accept the lesson, no matter how much your bottom burns. Have I made myself clear?"
Rosa didn't even hesitate. "Yes, Daddy, crystal clear. I know I deserve to be punished. I'll do my best to accept whatever you and Mommy need to teach me never ever to pull a stunt like that again."
"That's all we can ask," he said. "Now, go to Mommy. She's going to help you get ready." He turned her back to Valerie, giving her bottom a pat. Rosie ran to her Mommy, taking her hand, and the two women disappeared into the bathroom.
Grant removed his tie, coat and cufflinks, rolling up his shirt sleeves until they were above his elbows. He walked to the bed, even though he knew that Valerie would have prepared everything correctly. The item they had asked to be kept downstairs had arrived. Valerie had left Grant to fetch Rosie while she called Guest Services to ask for the large box to be brought to their room. Then she'd opened it and followed Grant's instructions. It wasn't the way they had envisioned this happening, but perhaps it was better to simply accept that fate obviously had different plans. Grant stood at the end of the bed and waited for his wife to bring their little girl in.
In the bathroom, Valerie stripped Rosie completely. She placed her on the potty and Rosie didn't make a single complaint. After washing her hands, she brushed out Rosie's blonde curls and pulled her hair into two pigtails. "Rosie, I want you to know that I'm proud of you. I know Daddy has told you, but I wanted you to hear it from me as well. Honey, this won't be easy. When Daddy has to truly punish a naughty girl, he holds nothing back. I have faith that you will be our good girl, and I want to tell you, just as Daddy comforts me after he has to discipline me, he will comfort you when it's over. I will always be here to comfort you as well."
Rosa nodded and swallowed hard. Even though she knew this was going to be a lot more uncomfortable than her two spankings of yesterday, or her spanking in the cafeteria, she was truly only now acknowledging that it was likely to be the worst spanking of her life. Hearing Valerie admit to being under Grant's discipline as well had her both intrigued and a little nervous. The assurance of comfort helped alleviate at least a slight portion of her fear. Suddenly, she remembered the day's events. "Are… are we still… can we still go to the Ba-Ball, Mommy? I know I was really bad, but—"
"Sweetheart, you weren't bad, you were naughty. You are too good to be bad. Of course we are going to the Ball. You probably won't be as comfortable with an aching bottom, but Rosie, once you've been punished, you'll be forgiven. That's the good thing about being a Little. We will never allow naughtiness to go unanswered, but once it's over, it's over. Now, let's not keep Daddy waiting any longer."
Rosa nodded and, with another deep breath, followed her mommy back into the bedroom. She might not be wearing any real panties but, in her heart, she had pulled her big girl panties on and was ready to face the music.
Well, she may be ready to face the music, but she was certainly unprepared for what caught her eye the moment she saw the bed. Though her Daddy was standing by the end of the four-poster, it was what was in the center of the bed that captured her attention. Was this some sort of joke? What was a giant, furry bear doing sitting on the bed?
"Are you ready, Rosie?" Grant asked, as she turned back to him. He was aware of her confusion, and also aware that she seemed unconcerned that she was totally nude. Evidently, the bear had captured her attention enough to overcome her shyness over her body.
"Um, yes… yes, Sir," she said. "Daddy, why is that there?"
"That is a present for you, Rosie."
"Oh, I-I don't deserve a present, Daddy, but thank you." Rosie felt her heart fill as she remembered that the couple liked bears, and his reference to the three of them as bears earlier. Her hand went to the small charm on her collar. "It's awfully big." She spoke the truth; the bear would probably be taller than she if it were standing instead of sitting. It was a chocolate brown color, with lighter, tan paws. A large pink bow was tied around its neck, its dark eyes seeming to be looking at her, and she swore the look conveyed sadness. Though she felt an almost irresistible urge to jump up on the bed and hug the huge stuffed animal, she truly didn't feel worthy.
Grant was ready. "Rosie, this is Mr. Bear.
He's going to help you."
"Help me? How?"
"Let me show you. Mommy, if you'll help?"
Grant and Rosa watched as Valerie slipped off her pumps and climbed onto the bed. She untied the bow, unwound the fabric several times from around its neck, and then positioned the huge animal to lie on its back. She dropped the ends of the bow's ribbons to let long lengths of the pink cloth lie in puddles on each side of the bear. Kneeling, Valerie then looked up at her husband and Rosie.
Rosa had no idea what to think about the long ribbons, but she almost giggled when she spotted the huge stomach that hadn't been obvious when the bear was sitting. She could just imagine how soft it must be.
"Okay, Rosie, up onto the bed please," Grant said, offering her his hand. After she had climbed onto the bed, Grant reached out and patted the bear's big tummy. "I want you to lie over Mr. Bear; Mommy will help position you."
Any desire to giggle evaporated instantly at his tone. Though he was by no means yelling or lecturing, she knew that he was not going to take any more crap from her. She didn't bother to ask questions; instinct telling her that none were really needed. As a Little, it wasn't up to her to do anything except to mind her Daddy. On her knees, she made her way to the center of the bed, then moved awkwardly to do as she had been instructed, moving between the bear's legs, feeling the fur brush against her skin. The bear was as soft as she had thought, but she discovered it was quite firm as well. Her weight had very little impact on the bear's tummy.
"A little more forward, sweetheart," Valerie said, taking her hands and helping her to move forward.
Once her torso slid towards the bear's head, understanding flooded through Rosa. Her bottom was now very elevated, supported by the bear's stomach. Heat flooded her face and she looked up to watch Valerie lift her arm to wrap one end of the tie around it and the bear's huge arm several times—until Rosie's hand was in the bear's paw, her entire arm snug against the bear's fur. Valerie passed the end of the ribbon to Grant. Rosa felt the ribbon wrap around her upper thigh, her knee, her calf and her ankle… and then felt her entire leg coming into close contact with the bear's as the tie was tightened, her foot touching the soft suede of the bear's paw. She buried her face in the bear's soft neck as the procedure was repeated on the other side. By the time her Mommy sat back and Grant adjusted the bear's legs into a wide straddle, Rosa was securely tied to the large bear, its body supporting hers, its belly elevating Rosa's bottom and its position lewdly displaying her pussy, which to her shame, was moistening with arousal. Despite knowing the bear's purpose was to support her for her imminent punishment, Rosie felt inexplicably comforted, as if being hugged by it, as she gripped its large paws with her hands, her face cushioned by its soft furry neck.
When The Gavel Falls (Masters of the Castle) Page 51
