by Kara Kelley
Chapter Nine
He shoveled the area where he chopped wood first, clearing the snow from the stump. If he waited, it would be gone in a few days, but he wanted to get back to chopping. It was his favorite chore and even a few days away from it made him edgy. He found satisfaction in the rhythmic, mind-numbing task, each crack and split echoing across the mountain. Rocky showed up and lumbered around the doghouse for a bit before digging his paw in and clearing out some of the snow that caved in. He gave up quickly though and went exploring instead, or perhaps hunting.
He needed to do some hunting himself, but not until he’d dealt with Avery—dealt with her and comforted her, and gotten her settled. What came after that he didn’t know. He was falling for her, he couldn’t deny that, but he also couldn’t figure out why. He hadn’t felt this way about a woman since—well, ever. And worse, he hadn’t wanted to. He still didn’t; it was easier being a recluse, but his heart refused to listen.
He swung the shovel with more force and worked off his thoughts of her. He wanted to head to the library later too. Look through news reports to see what he could find out about Avery’s situation. Maybe he’d find something, even if it was a long shot. He could go to the police station and get help, but neither of them was ready for that step.
He cleared the area in front of the shed and shoveled the porch and steps before he saw her come out the door still wrapped in the blanket. His breath hitched at the sight of her.
He leaned the shovel onto the porch railing and went to her. His hands were numb from the snow. She held out a mug, looking through her lashes at him, and he took it, feeling the warmth before he even touched it. It seeped into him, and he closed his eyes for a moment, enjoying it.
“What’s this?” he said, peeking in the steaming cup.
“Coffee.” She smiled shyly. “For energy.”
His brow lifted. “Energy?”
“Yes, energy. You’ve been working like a madman out here, and I figured if I didn’t interrupt you, you’d shovel the whole mountain.” She looked down. “I also saw you put everything out on the bed. I figured you’d need some energy for… that.”
“Ah, yes.” He took a sip of the coffee and wrapped his arm around her hips, giving her a pat as he led her back inside. “Are you feeling better?”
“No, I mean, yes…” She nibbled her lip a moment before continuing. “I feel terrible for what I’ve done and I don’t know what telling you means for me, so I’m still scared, but I guess I’m a little less shaken up.” He pecked the top of her head and turned her to face him, but she kept her eyes downcast.
“I feel safer and less alone.” She looked up at him. “Or I will after you’ve forgiven me.”
“I’ve forgiven you already, baby. Did you eat the slice of pie I put out for you?”
She nodded.
“Then let’s help you forgive yourself. Shall we get started?” He cocked a brow.
She nodded and he took her chin between his thumb and forefinger. His eyes scanned her face before he spoke.
“Go into the bedroom and wait for me, little girl. You’re in some serious trouble.” His voice was low and stern and brought her insides squirming to life. She chewed her lip and nodded again, swallowing hard as she went to the bedroom, tingles scattering across her bottom and thighs.
He took another drink of his coffee and watched her go. She had her head down, and he wanted to scoop her up and hold her just because she was so adorable, sweet, and brave, but he couldn’t afford to go too easy on her now. What she had done was wrong. He understood it, but that didn’t make it right, and putting herself in danger constantly was something he needed her to fix. He couldn’t lose anyone else. Maybe that was selfish, but that didn’t make it any less true.
There were so many reasons this moment was important for her. She couldn’t do this alone, and he’d be damned if he was going to let her. She needed to know there were people in the world she could rely on, now more than ever, because no matter what else was going on, there was trouble brewing. He’d seen more tracks like the ones at Annie’s—up close this time and they hadn’t been made by an animal. Plus, deep down he knew she wouldn’t feel forgiven until it was over. Most important, this was for her.
He waited, drinking the coffee, making sure he allowed her time to think about what was coming and why. He needed the time for himself as well. He still didn’t quite understand what was happening between them. It was a weird dynamic, and he didn’t quite know how he felt about it. With the final swallow of strong brew, he set the cup down and headed to the bedroom. She looked up, nervousness prevalent in her rounded eyes.
“Young lady,” he greeted her as he entered, knowing it would make her feel contrite and submissive. Her hands twisted in her lap. He wondered at that moment how old she was. He knew so little about her and yet so much. He knew her spirit, just not all the worldly tags that came with it. He didn’t know where she had come from or how’d she lived, but he knew her.
He pulled the chair out and sat on it, leaning his elbows on his knees before motioning with his chin at the items on the bed. “Those the things you stole?”
“Y-yes,” she stammered and blinked at them. “From you anyway.”
“For now we’re only dealing with what you took from me, honey, and only because you seem so focused on it. I was only planning on spanking you for risking your life again.” She nodded, her eyes welling and she lowered them to her lap. “I’ve hurt so many people. I hate that.” He leaned forward to touch her knee with his hand, and she looked up at him. “I deserve to be punished for that.”
“Here’s what’s going to happen, little one.” He leaned back and crossed his arms. “I’m going to put you over my knee, bare that bottom, and spank you, and then I’m going to give you a strapping with my belt. Some good hard stripes across your bottom should help things sink in.”
Avery swallowed audibly, and the pink of embarrassment blossomed on her face. “And when your backside is good and sore and you’re sorry, you’re going to take each item on that bed…” he pointed at them, “and put it away. Understand?” His brows rose.
She bobbed her blonde head, her curls bouncing around her shoulders, and licked her lips. He rose and shifted the chair back. “Let’s go, little girl. Get those jeans off and get over my lap.” He watched her as she removed the jeans. The loose thermals underneath drooped on her. He patted his thick thigh and she moved toward him on shaking legs, dawdling in his opinion. He grabbed her and pulled her to his side swiftly.
“I’m not fooling around. You’re getting it good now for wasting more of my time. I should be out hunting, Avery, not in here spanking your bottom red.” He wasted no more time and yanked her over, dropping the seat of the long johns.
“I think these will be coming right off for the strapping, got me?”
She nodded toward the floor, her long curls sweeping across the hardwood. Mike gave her a good sharp spank and she yelped, not prepared for it, curling her feet up.
“I expect a yes, sir here. Or a yes, Daddy since you’re such a little girl and in need of discipline. Understand? You forget that and I’ll add five more than I planned with that belt, Avery.”
“Yes, Daddy.”
He sighed and tucked her closer to him.
“I’m sorry we have to do this, but we do.” He shifted her so her bottom was even higher and the long johns exposed her full cheeks. His palm made a cracking sound as it landed, and she called out again. He’d meant it when he said he wasn’t fooling around. It was a satisfying sound that echoed in the room. He felt a slight sting in his palm, and he had her attention already, but he didn’t care. He was starting out hard for a reason. This was serious, and he wanted her to feel it. He’d already spanked her for this—not the stealing, but the blatant disregard for herself—and she hadn’t learned.
He went fast then, swatting continuously despite her squirms and hollers. Her pale cheeks flushed pink quickly.
“Stay still. Th
is is nothing yet.”
She apologized, and it sounded wet, although she wasn’t crying freely. He wanted her bottom hot and sore, and crying would not only release the stress she was holding but allow her to completely submit and therefore trust him to take care of her. He paused his swatting palm. She needed to trust him; she needed to know he’d protect her.
“You feel how disappointed I am, Avery?” he asked, but didn’t wait to hear her response; he carried on with the quick strikes that bounced off her chubby cheeks. His hand stung something fierce, but he kept at it. She would be good and sorry as he’d promised, even if it meant his own hand was raw and his heart ached for her.
“Yes, Daddy, I don’t want to be the kind of person—” she choked through a particularly hard swat, “that steals and lies!” Her legs kicked in small scissored movements. “Or that runs off without thinking.”
“And you won’t be. I’m going to help you out of this mess and keep you safe, but you can damn well expect an ass-blistering if you run off again or don’t listen to what you’re told. And remember, this is mostly about you taking off and jeopardizing yourself. I care way more about your life than I do about my damn money or anybody else’s.”
“You do? Y-you care for me?” She hiccupped as his hand stilled on her hot flesh. She sounded surprised, and it sliced straight through to his heart like a blade. Had no one ever cared for her?
“And you’re really going to help me, Daddy? Keep me safe?”
“Yes, Avery. I care, and I’m going to help you. Now up you get.” He helped her up and stood himself, tipping her chin since he towered over her. Her eyes were glossy and her chest heaving, but her face was dry. Not for long. She would let go; he’d make sure of it.
“Get those long underwear off, little girl.”
* * *
Panic welled inside her as she watched him unbuckle his thick brown belt. His brow rose, and she whimpered. She had so many emotions running through her. He was going to help her? After what she’d done? And he didn’t hate her—not like she hated herself.
“Should I have you pick a switch, too?” He gave a quick hard tug, and the belt sliced out of the loops and whispered through the air. “Six good stripes across your bottom with a switch might cure your hesitation.” He folded the belt in half and let it dangle as he crossed his arms. She scrambled to remove the warm waffle knit one-piece. She shivered, covering her chest with her arms when it dropped to the floor in a heap. He grabbed a gray sweatshirt from the drawer straightforwardly.
“Arms up.” She lifted them, exposing her breasts with their hardened buds. He didn’t gawk, just slipped the sweater over her head. Her nipples tightened further as the material brushed across their sensitive tips in a no-nonsense manner. Heat blasted her core despite the punishment. Her mountain man daddy was so damn sexy, so damn caring, and so damn authoritative.
* * *
“Better?” he questioned her sternly, but with concern, and she nodded. “Turn around and lean over the bed.” She didn’t hesitate at all this time, so he gave her bottom a soothing rub. It was hot to the touch, and he was sure it was throbbing. The sweatshirt hung loose and wrinkled at her wrists like elephant skin.
“Good girl. That shows me you’re learning.” He soothed a few more seconds and then stood by her side. “Keep as still as possible, so I don’t strap anything but your bottom, eh?”
When she remained silent, he reached back and let go a searing stripe across the lowest part of her bottom where it met her thighs. She squealed and squatted so her bottom rested on her heels. He took a handful of her hair and buried his fingers in it, not gently but not too harshly either.
“Ah, God, that… Jesus! Daddy!” The last word trailed out in a whine, and when he turned her head so she was looking at him, tears pooled in her eyes.
“Do you want every stripe to land there?” he asked, holding her head in place so she couldn’t look away. “Avery, how do you respond to me?”
“Yes, sir. I say yes, sir.” She tried to shake her head, but he still held her head. She sniffled. “No, Daddy. I don’t want every stripe to land there.” He stooped and set his lips against her temple before releasing her. She righted herself and leaned back over the bed. He gathered a breath.
“That’s five more now.” He touched the inflamed red stripe, pressed his lips together, and shook his head. “You need to listen, little girl.”
“I know, Daddy. I’m sorry,” she whispered out her response, and he closed his eyes, feeling empathetic. He patted her lower back to comfort her. Knowing he was in charge would take away her burden, he decided to reassure himself.
“Okay, I’m going to go fast now so we can get this over with. I’ll give you a break after five.”
“Yes, Daddy. Thank you, Daddy.” She sniffed, her knees trembling a bit, causing his heart to stutter in his chest. He reminded himself this was for her.
The belt whizzed through the air and cracked again, but before she could let out a strangled cry, it landed again, leaving another welt across the fullest part of her globes. She was shivering by the fifth. He gave her time in between as he promised before he switched sides and doled out the next five. Her shivering was her way of controlling her emotions. He needed her to let go, so he gave the last two with a little more force.
She collapsed to her knees as soon as he stopped, finally releasing the emotion she’d been holding. He sat beside her on the bed and rubbed her back. He gave her five minutes to weep into the mattress before he stood again.
“Last five, Avery. Up you get.”
“Please, I’ve learned, I’ve learned.” Her last word trailed on with a sob. He took her hips and lifted her up and back into position.
“Five more, as promised. You need to know I’ll always do what I say, whether that’s spanking your bottom or saving your life. I am a man who sticks to my word, sweetheart.”
She covered her face and shook with sobs, before gathering her breath and composing herself. She stilled, stuck her bottom out, and swallowed audibly.
“I’m ready, Daddy. It hurts but I can handle it because I know you’re disappointed in me, and I’m disappointed in myself.”
His own eyes misted. Both her vulnerability and strength moved him. She trusted him. It had been a long damn time since he’d had someone’s trust. He adjusted the belt again and stood at her side, putting his left palm on her lower back. He swung the belt and let her holler and stamp out her pain as more stripes blossomed pinker across her already rosy cheeks. He gave her four more swats, fifteen in total, the last five far less severe than the rest because all he wanted to do was hold her and make all her pain go away—the pain of loneliness, the pain of fear, and the pain of disappointing herself.
When he was done, he dropped the belt with a clink and grabbed her around the waist, pulling her back against him. She turned her head to lay it on his shoulder and let him hold her against his front. He spun her after a moment and held her chest to chest.
“Come here, little girl. Let me hold you now. We’re all done.” She sniffed into his chest, and he soothed her. He didn’t let her get too comfortable though. She wasn’t done yet. As soon as her hiccupping sobs quieted, he spoke again.
“Now, I want you to take that naughty sore bottom and put everything back where you got it.” He sat on the bed. “When you’re all done, you can come snuggle.” He patted his chest. “Daddy’s saving this spot for you.”
She wiped her eyes with the heel of her hands before reaching behind her to rub. Mike was sure it was scorched, and that rubbing eased some of the burn.
“I’ll even do that for you.” He winked at her, nodding to her hands moving on her backside. “Now get going. No more rubbing, young lady. And don’t bother getting dressed. There’s no one here to see you but me, and I love what I see.” And he did. Her reddened cheeks peeked out beneath the sweatshirt as she left the room, hardening him instantly.
* * *
Instead of feeling embarrassed by her nak
edness, Avery felt desire coil deep in her belly. She ignored the heat building in her as she collected the things from the bed and put them all back exactly where she’d gotten them. She was supposed to be thinking about her actions after all. She took extra care with the pictures, putting them gently back in the now dented lockbox. They meant something to him. Avery stared a moment at the two women, wondering who they were.
When she returned to the room, he was lying on the bed with his arms propped behind his head.
“Right here, baby.” She felt his voice as much as she heard it. He opened his arms for her.
She climbed onto the bed and immediately tucked into his side and buried her face. He enveloped her and she sank into him, feeling boneless after his spanking had drained all the tension from her.
“Did you mean it when you said you’d forgiven me?”
“Of course I did, honey.” He trailed his fingers gently along the skin of her shoulder and arm.
“And when you said you’d help me?”
“I won’t let you down, Avery. We’ll get through this together.” He gave her head a peck and then his hand drifted to her bottom where he began massaging. It should have hurt, but instead, it felt glorious. She let her lids drift closed, listening to his heartbeat. She could worry later, she decided. There would be time to discuss what was to come. She trusted him to take care of her. The blonde and the sickly thin brunette in the pictures were on her mind though.