The Art of Discipline: Running Toward Trouble (The Mockingbird Chronicles)

by Stardawn Cabot

  “Well, mia bambina, I think it’s time that you know a little bit more about your past. Perhaps you will come to understand why you run…” Frankie started.

  * * *

  Dani slowly tiptoed up the stairs. She’d excused herself to use the bathroom, but didn’t really have to go. She was desperate to see Emma, and with the new information that her godparents just shared with her, she needed Emma’s touch now more than ever. Entering the bedroom, she closed the door quietly and crawled onto the bed next to her girlfriend. Wrapping her arm around her, she sighed in contentment as Emma unconsciously shifted so that they could both get more comfortable. Smiling, she couldn’t help but feel her eyelids suddenly become heavy, as she fell back into a light sleep.

  * * *

  Opening her eyes, Emma groaned. She was in a strange place, but it had a familiar feel. Noticing the arm wrapped around her, she smiled before kissing Dani’s arm. Rolling over, she then kissed Dani’s forehead. “Hey sweetie, wake up,” she encouraged.

  Smiling a little, Dani opened her eyes as well. “Hey there,” she said shyly. “I hear you got in this morning.”

  Emma propped herself on her elbow and pushed a piece of Dani’s hair from her face. “Yeah. Nothing like a middle of the night drive to wear you out.”

  Looking at the comforter, Dani frowned. “I’m sorry, Emma.”

  Sitting up rather gingerly, Emma leaned over to kiss her once again. “It’s okay, Dani. I knew where to find you.”

  Dani sat up and crossed her legs as well. “Can we talk? I have some things I need to tell you, and then we can talk about everything else. Okay?”

  “Sure, sweetie,” Emma agreed. Shifting again, she leaned her back against the headboard and invited Dani to curl up next to her. “What do you need to tell me?”

  Dani took a deep breath. “I had a really long talk with Frankie and Toni this morning and they told me a little more about my parents, and how they died.”

  Emma pulled Dani toward her in a one-armed hug. “Oh?”

  “Yeah. I was there, Emma. I was in the house when they were killed.” She paused and took a deep breath. “Frankie said they found me hiding in the playhouse between our houses.”

  “What do you mean, between your houses?”

  “Back then, my parents were neighbors with Frankie and Toni. They put a big playhouse right on the property line. Apparently Nick and I liked to play there, and it was enough of a walk that my mom and Toni felt like they were getting some exercise.”

  “How long were you missing?” Emma asked quietly.

  “They aren’t really sure; they found me still in my pajamas wearing bloody socks and carrying Mr. Cuddles. Apparently I was hiding in a corner crying for my parents. All I could tell Zio Frankie was that the bad man hurt them.”

  Holding Dani close, Emma rocked her as she crumbled and started to sob. “I don’t remember,” she confessed. “Why would I forget? It wasn’t my grandparents who hid them from me, it was me. I did it.”

  Not knowing what to say, Emma just let Dani get it out. She rocked her gently, letting the tears flow as long and as hard as Dani needed. After a long time, Dani was able to settle down as the sobs turned to sniffles and hiccups. “I’m a chicken,” she confessed. “I betrayed them. It’s why I run, Emma. I get scared and I run.”

  “Oh, honey, you were a child. You’re not a chicken. There was nothing you could have done. If you hadn’t run, you could have been killed too.”

  “I wish I had been,” Dani admitted in a whisper.

  Emma sat up, startled. “Danielle Elizabeth Ryan, do you want me to pull you over my lap right now?”

  Dani blinked. “No…” She started to cry again.

  “Danielle, you listen to me and you listen good, young lady. I love you. I love you so much that it hurts. My life was empty before I met you. If whoever took your parents’ lives, also took yours, that would have never happened. And I never would have realized what it really means to love. So, young lady, I better not ever hear you say anything like that again. Or I swear, you won’t be sitting for a month of Sundays!”

  Dani chewed her lip for a moment before sniffling. “I’m sorry,” she squeaked.

  “You better be,” Emma scolded, her stern face melting into a smile as she gently tapped Dani on the end of her nose. “I’m sorry too, Dani. I’m sorry you’ve been through so much. It’s more than any one person should have to bear, but you need to know, there’s no more reason to run. I won’t let anybody hurt you again.”

  “I know.” Dani could only nod as she relaxed into her girlfriend as deeply as possible.

  * * *

  Entering the kitchen, Emma smiled as Dani took her hand. “Zia Toni?”

  Turning, Toni waved her wooden spoon. “You, young lady, disappeared on us,” she said sternly to Dani before breaking into a grin, her dark eyes sparkling. “But I guess I can forgive you; have a seat and I’ll get your lunch.”

  Walking to Toni, Emma gave her a hug. “Thanks for everything and I’m sorry I just showed up on your doorstep like that.”

  “It’s no problem,” she answered, shooing Emma toward the table. “You do anything for family.”

  Taking a seat at the table next to Dani, Emma yawned. “I still can’t believe it’s already lunch time.”

  “Where is everyone, Zia Toni?” Dani asked as a platter of sandwiches and a bowl of chips were placed on the table.

  “Frankie had to go to work, Nick has his own place, but is probably at the restaurant, Vinnie lives on campus, and Giuliana is at school.” Putting a can of diet soda in front of Dani, she grinned. “Now eat your lunch,” she added, placing a small plate of raw vegetables and dip on the table as well.

  Dani looked down at her plate, blinking in surprise.

  “Something wrong, piccolina?”

  “No, Zia Toni,” Dani began. “I just didn’t expect a soda after that milk you gave me for breakfast.”

  Emma smirked. “Milk? Did you drink the milk, Dani?”

  Dani wrinkled her nose. “No, I had water instead.”

  Emma looked at Toni and grinned. “Next time, just add some chocolate syrup; she’ll manage to drink it that way.”

  Toni laughed. “Still loves chocolate, huh?” She smiled at her goddaughter. “And still needing to use tricks to get you to eat. Really, Dani, I’d hoped you’d have grown out of that.”

  Dani blushed as she filled her plate. Catching Emma’s eye, she motioned toward the soda, grinning when Emma gave her permission by returning the gesture.

  Toni paused, looking between the two women who were now eating in silence. “Why do I get the feeling that there’s more to this soda thing than meets the eye?” Toni asked.

  “Probably because there is,” Emma answered before focusing back on her lunch.

  * * *

  Hugging her godparents once more, Dani got into the car. “Thanks again and we’ll see you in a few weeks for Sunday dinner.” Waving, the women pulled out and settled in for the long drive. The car was quiet until Emma pulled onto the Indiana toll road. “Emma?”

  “Hmm?”

  “Just how much trouble am I in?” Dani asked quietly.

  “We’ll talk about it later, Dani,” Emma answered.

  “Fine, but I think it’s only fair to point out that this really is all your fault,” Dani said matter-of-factly.

  “Excuse me, how is this my fault?” Emma took her eyes off the road for a second to glance at her lover.

  “Well, if you just would have told me why Stevie caned you, then I wouldn’t have gotten upset, or blackmailed Anna, or been rude to Stevie, or run off.”

  Emma unsuccessfully tried to hide a smirk. “So everything you did is because I wouldn’t tell why I was caned?”

  “Yup, glad you’re seeing it my way.”

  Emma started to chuckle and took a quick glance at her partner. “I lost a bet, Dani,” she announced.

  “What?”

  “I lost a bet; the cane strokes were the pe
nalty.”

  Dani shook her head. “So all of this was because of some stupid bet? I swear, Emma, I should paddle you myself,” Dani threatened.

  “Actually that thought crossed my mind,” Emma admitted, “but I don’t think we can go there, not yet. I’m sure Stevie will act well as your proxy in that department, though,” she winced.

  “Good,” Dani couldn’t help but add. She then grimaced. “Sorry, that was a little harsh. I love you, Emma, but I think I’m starting to understand why you’re so hard on me.”

  Emma couldn’t help but chuckle. “I’m glad my backside could serve as such an object lesson for you.”

  Dani rolled her eyes. “So, what exactly was this ‘stupid’ bet about anyway?”

  Emma blushed. “Nothing.”

  “Still not going to tell me?”

  “It’s not that I don’t trust you, Dani, I just…”

  “Emma, maybe it’s time we added a few new rules to our relationship.”

  Emma raised an eyebrow. “Oh, like what?” she said stealing another glance at her girlfriend.

  “Like if you get spanked, I get to know why.”

  “Danielle,” Emma warned.

  “I’m serious, Emma Renee.”

  “Hey, you don’t get to use my middle name,” Emma scolded.

  “Why not? After all, it’s part of you. And I love every part, from your name to the bruises on your backside.”

  “Dani,” Emma scolded again as she blushed and Dani smirked. “Okay, I must be lightheaded from lack of sleep or something. I give. From now on, I’ll confess the reasons, if I’m spanked as a punishment.”

  Dani narrowed her eyes at Emma’s wording, but for the moment decided to let it go. For now, at least, she was comfortable enough knowing that Emma wouldn’t shut her out again. “So, what was it then?”

  “Stevie bet me that I couldn’t go a week without regretting that I let you get Matilda,” Emma quickly blurted out.

  Dani snorted, and began to chuckle. “You actually took that bet? I wouldn’t have taken that bet!”

  “I told you it was a stupid bet,” Emma huffed, as Dani’s chuckles turned into giggles, and suddenly a full belly laugh. Emma rolled her eyes as Dani melted into a full-fledged laugh attack, complete with tears and the occasional snort.

  “Danielle, you stop that right now,” Emma scolded. “I mean it.”

  Dani tried, but after a moment, collapsed into giggles once again.

  “Danielle? Do I need to pull this car over?” Emma threatened.

  “God, yes!” Dani cried.

  “What?” Emma asked, Dani’s answer confusing her.

  “I’m gonna pee my pants,” Dani cried, holding her belly, and letting out another round of laughter.

  Emma rolled her eyes again. “Stupid bet,” she muttered.

  “Emma, I’m serious. You need to get off the freeway.” Dani’s voice suddenly turned dire as she began to squirm in her seat.

  “Just had to get that giant soda before we left Chicago, didn’t you?” Emma scolded.

  Dani shifted, turning toward Emma and, making sure she could see her, Dani promptly stuck out her tongue.

  “You are such a brat,” Emma scolded as she pulled off at the next exit.

  Chapter Ten

  Trailing Dani into the apartment, Emma grabbed both of their bags and walked toward the bedroom. Not hearing Dani follow her, she shook her head. It was late and they were both tired, but she knew that she had to deal with Dani tonight. It had already gone too long, but they could both benefit from a few minutes to settle in before they talked.

  Emma let Dani have some space while she busied herself with unpacking the bags. Putting the last of the dirty clothes in the hamper, Emma headed back down the hallway, pausing at the open door to the study. Peeking inside, she couldn’t help but smile. Dani was curled up in the leather chair, Atticus and Tilly both on her lap in an uneasy truce as she petted them.

  Perching on the arm of the chair, Emma reached out to scratch both felines behind their ears. “Ready, Danielle?” she asked.

  “If I say no, would we postpone?” Dani’s sapphire eyes looked up at her with hope.

  Emma shook her head. “No, I’m still going to follow through, young lady.” Standing, Emma extended her hand and waited for Dani to join her. After a long minute, Dani sighed and stood, shooing both pets to the floor. Taking Emma’s hand, she allowed her to lead her to the bedroom.

  Crossing the threshold, Emma made sure neither cat followed them before closing the door. The last thing she wanted tonight was an interruption of the feline nature. She then sat on the edge of the bed, before patting the spot next her in an invite for Dani to join.

  Putting her hand around Dani’s shoulder, she gave her a supportive squeeze before addressing her. “Alright, Danielle, this is what is going to happen,” Emma began as Dani leaned her head on her shoulder. “You will be getting a spanking tonight as well as at least one more every day for a week.”

  Dani shifted. “At least? Emma, it’s too much,” she whined.

  “It’s just enough, Danielle,” Emma paused. “I want you to remember this for a very long time and the reminder spankings will help do that.”

  Dani sniffled. “Something tells me that’s not all.”

  “No, it’s not. You still need to apologize to Stevie for your attitude, and you’re still grounded.”

  Dani nodded miserably. “I don’t wanna spanking, Emma,” she whined.

  Emma smirked. “I know, Dani. If you did, it wouldn’t be punishment, would it?”

  Dani watched as Emma stood before pulling out her pink pajamas with the cartoon cat out of the dresser. She then let out a whimper as Emma proceeded to strip and redress her as if she were six years old.

  “I can dress myself,” Dani continued to whine, as Emma instructed her to step into the pajama pants.

  “Not tonight, sweetheart. Tonight you are not in control.” Giving the now fully dressed Dani a gentle pat on the backside, she instructed, “Alright, Danielle, it’s time for you to wait for me in the corner.”

  “Emma,” Dani pleaded, her blue eyes already tearing.

  Emma shook her head, resolving herself to the task at hand, but also stayed gentle in her promptings. “It’ll be okay, Danielle, go on, get in the corner,” she directed softly, placing a kiss on Dani’s cheek.

  After Dani managed to drag herself to the corner, Emma pulled down her box from the closet, and found herself sighing as she rummaged through it. Making her decision, she extracted the ping-pong paddle before closing it and returning to the bed. Sitting back on the edge of the bed once again, Emma watched Dani shift from foot to foot. She knew corner time was akin to torture for Dani, but she still wanted to make a point. Looking at the bedside clock, she relented; fifteen minutes should have gotten her point across. “Danielle, come here,” she directed quietly.

  Turning, Dani wiped the tears from her eyes and slowly walked toward Emma. Sniffling, she stood in front of her, eyes downcast, as Emma grasped her hands gently.

  “You know that I love you, Danielle?”

  Dani nodded.

  “Well, with that love, comes responsibility, and it’s my responsibility to make sure you know that you’re loved and protected. And I plan to make sure you feel my love for quite some time,” Emma finished before guiding Dani over her lap.

  Emma helped Dani slowly adjust her tall frame so the bed was supporting her torso, but her bottom was directly centered across her lap. She then inserted her fingers into Dani’s waistband, waiting for Dani to raise her hips slightly, assisting in the removal of her pajama bottoms. She then watched as a sniffling Dani reached for a nearby pillow and placed her face in it. Emma frowned, knowing that Dani was already crying. Putting her hand on Dani’s pantied backside, she gave it a supportive rub, giving Dani that extra moment she needed to settle.

  Emma continued to rub for a few seconds, until she felt the tension leave Dani’s muscles. Relaxing just enough, Dani wince
d as Emma raised her palm before bringing it down on her left cheek. Confused, Dani looked over her shoulder, questioning why the swat hadn’t been full force.

  Catching Dani’s eyes, Emma raised an eyebrow, bringing the next swat down quite a bit harder. Dani grunted, and squirmed as the pain assaulted her senses. Emma then began a steady regimen of the softer swats, keeping them even, constant, and just slow enough so that the sting would climax just in time for the next swat to occur.

  * * *

  Dani hugged her pillow and groaned. The swats almost felt good; the steady rhythm lulled her into a sort of hypnotic state. The sensation though, was misleading, for it didn’t last long. Dani found herself starting to squirm as the heat continued to build. The constant attack, although softer, was unrelenting, and before Dani knew it she was gasping and curling her toes, just trying to keep herself in position.

  Then, as suddenly as the attack started, it stopped. Dani briefly gave a sigh of relief until she felt Emma’s fingers in her waistband, as Emma pulled her panties down to her knees. Dani couldn’t help but tense again as she felt the cool wood from the ping-pong paddle rub against her cheeks.

  “Danielle,” Emma said quietly. “I love you, and I know it’s not easy, but I want you to remember that as I continue.”

  Dani felt herself nod and then tense as Emma shifted and tightened her grip around Dani’s waist. The swats began once again, this time with the paddle, but with the same speed and force that Emma had employed with her hand. Dani shifted and grunted as higher pitched pain continued to stoke the fire already simmering on her posterior. One minute turned into two and two into three as the slow and steady assault continued. By the time the fifth minute passed, Dani was starting to get desperate. She was moaning, shifting, and wincing with every blow of the paddle. When Dani finally allowed the dam to break and Emma heard the soft sobbing into the pillow, she paused again.