Total pages in book: 248
Estimated words: 236036 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1180(@200wpm)___ 944(@250wpm)___ 787(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 236036 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1180(@200wpm)___ 944(@250wpm)___ 787(@300wpm)
He held me close to him, one hand on the back of my head as if he could hold all my broken pieces together. We sat in the quiet comfort of his room without speaking until my tears dried.
“So, you forgive me for the impromptu wet-shirt contest? Which you won, by the way.”
He chuckled despite the seriousness of the conversation. “Of course I forgive you, all you needed to say was that you were sorry. But we’re still going to address your behavior.”
His tone flipped something inside my belly and I pressed my hand to it. “We addressed it. Lesson learned.” I forced a smile.
“While I appreciate everything you shared, the reasoning behind your actions and your fears, we have not yet addressed it. But we are going to. Strip to your panties.”
I lowered my feet to the floor, but I hated the implication behind the order. I stripped down, mustering the courage to face the music. At least I’d worn my thong this time around and not those boring granny panties.
Callum hadn’t given me a strict set of rules, but respect and communication were a given. He had the final say in all decision-making. I’d thought his decree gave him carte blanche on running the ranch, but it only covered decisions about our relationship not business matters.
He stood up, removed his damp flannel and peeled off his t-shirt leaving him in only a gray A-line tank with his jeans. The sight had me drooling.
Callum unbuckled his belt, tugging it through the loops, the leather whipping through the air. He wrapped his hand around the buckle, the belt dangling freely. “Bend over the bed. Head down.”
“Your belt didn’t make it all the way off your body, Sir.”
“No, babygirl. It doesn’t appear it did. Bend.”
I bit down on my lip, the realization of how he was going to respond to my attitude slowly seeping in. “Yes, Sir.” I bent over, spreading my arms out to curl around the conveniently placed blanket at the edge. It gave me something to hold on to.
“That’s a good girl. You’ll get six.”
“Six? Is there a significance there or did you generate it from one of those online number pickers?” I asked, my nerves prickling with apprehension. He had spanked me more than once, but never with anything other than his palm.
“I haven’t touched my phone in a while, sweetheart. No, not an online app. Six is a lot when I haven’t used a strap on you before. But it should be bearable. Uncomfortable? Yes. Stingy? Yes. If you’re overwhelmed physically or otherwise, what do you say?”
“Um, stoplight? No. Red. Red like a stoplight so you know it’s over my pain threshold.”
“Very good. I’ll count this time,” he explained while dancing my pink thong down my legs with one hand and then off completely. I thought about what my ass looked like against the dark-gray comforter and mused that it was about to look a lot pinker by the time he was done.
“Are you ready, Quinn?”
“Yes, Daddy,” I said though I doubted the words as I spoke them. I thought I was ready, but my ability to stay quiet and not squirm was another matter.
“That’s my good girl. One.”
The first stroke had the leather belt kissing my upper thighs. I yelled into the comforter. The sting was much worse than the one his palm left.
Callum ran his hands through my ponytail. “Breathe, babygirl. We’re not finished.”
“I hate your belt!”
“I didn’t think you’d like it. Breathe in through your nose, out through your mouth. Keep breathing through it.”
I nodded, moving my hand up to my mouth so I could bite my fist.
“Drop your hand, beautiful. I want to hear your reactions, it’s important to gauge where you’re at during this. Biting your fist will muffle your voice,” he explained. “If you say red, I need to stop immediately. Hands at your sides.”
I listened to the soft cadence of his voice, gentle and calming even with the knowledge that he was not done punishing me. My behavior had been a cry for attention and he was replying in the way I’d agreed to. I dropped my arms to my sides, and let my body relax into the soft mattress underneath me. “I’m breathing.”
“Good girl, nice and even for me. Two.”
Callum landed the next one across the full expanse of my ass. I jerked, cursing. It hurt so much worse than the first one. “Fucking hell. That fucking hurt! What the fuck?”
“Whoa. Easy there. It’s not supposed to tickle, little girl. It’s supposed to remind you of what we are building here. And it’s also going to leave a lasting impression. Even when we’re apart, I’m paying attention. I care about you. I don’t want you to spiral when you’re left to your own devices. I’m on your side.”
“I don’t think your belt is on my side, Sir!” I took several deep breaths and let them out in gasps.