"And now? Do you still want to feel it as a punishment?"
"I'm not sure. It's scary."
"I'm going to give you three cuts of the whip, but your punishment for trying to manipulate me will be something different. Are you ready?"
"Yes, Sir," she muttered, her voice filled with trepidation.
Her bottom was red and ready for the strict discipline, and though he had no intention of landing the crop with any significant force, a sub had once told him there was nothing more frustrating than a spanking that wasn't hard enough.
Amelia wanted to feel the dressage whip, and she wasn't going to be disappointed.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
James landed the first strike lightly, but he knew it still carried a sting. Amelia's yelp confirmed it, then waiting a moment, watching the red stripe come to full bloom, he tapped the whip about an inch below the mark.
"This will be a tad harder."
"The first one stings. It stings a lot, Sir."
"Remember that old saying, Amelia? Be careful what you wish for?"
"Especially with you."
"Bear's remembering," he said with a chuckle. "Are you ready for the next?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Take a breath and hold it," he ordered, then whistled it slightly harder against her bare bottom.
"Owww. Ooh, Sir."
"Indeed. Take as much time as you need and let me know when you're ready for the third."
"How about one day next week, Sir?"
James couldn't help but laugh out loud.
"You're being awfully cheeky for a girl with two red stripes on her bottom."
"I'm ready, Sir."
"Hold your breath!"
Swishing down the thin crop he gave it a little more bite, and she buried her face in her pillow as she yowled. He had held back with each lick, but her reactions had confirmed the nasty pain the whip carried. The three stripes had delivered a strong message, but he wouldn't have used it had she not wanted him to.
"Please, Sir, will you rub it?" she bleated, raising her head. "It stings terribly."
"I'll be happy to, but I'm going to remove your blindfold first. You need to enjoy the sting for a minute."
"I'm not sure I'd say it's enjoyable."
"You're being punished," he said firmly, taking off the black silk scarf and laying it on the nightstand. "You must have really wanted to feel that whip."
"I did," she groaned. "What's wrong with me, James?"
"That's a question every dominant and every submissive asks themselves at some point, and usually more than once. I've come to the conclusion there's nothing wrong with me, and it's those in the vanilla world who have the problem. Maybe believing that will help."
"Ooh, that feels good," she moaned as he began to rub her scalded skin. "I like what you just said and I'm going to thinks that way too. Regular sex, ugh, talk about boring. When I'm having regular sex, I think about contracts. It's the only way I can get through it."
"You can be very entertaining sometimes," he said with a sardonic grin. "You may have missed your calling. You could have been a comedy writer."
"Does that mean you'll let me off the other punishment?"
"What? Good heavens, no!"
"But I've had enough."
"I'll be the judge of that, young lady, as well you know."
"Please will you fuck me now?"
"You are truly unbelievable! In fact, I think you, Amelia Campbell, have just won the grand prize."
"What's the grand prize?"
"You get to decide on the fourth punishment, and that is because you're such a…"
"A what?"
"I don't know what to call you. Rapscallion, perhaps? You're a brat wrapped up in a gorgeous body with an equally attractive mind."
"Is that bad?"
"Heavens, no. I wouldn't change anything about you, not for a minute."
"You said I could decide on my last punishment. How do I do that?"
"Since it's the fourth punishment you'll have four choices. You can write out one hundred times—I will not try to manipulate James; receive another cut with the whip but harder; have a long, drawn-out dinner at a nice restaurant—"
"Yes, that one," she said hastily, cutting him off.
"I haven't finished describing the dinner."
"What's the last option?"
"You don't want me to describe the dinner?"
"No, Sir, what's the last option?"
"The last option is great sex, but you won't be allowed to come."
"Aargh, no, that's horrible. I'll take the dinner."
"Amelia, you haven't heard the details. That wouldn't be fair to you."
"I'll take the dinner. Please, Sir, I'll take the dinner."
"You're sure."
"I'm sure, yes, I'm sure."
"And you don't want to know why that dinner will be a punishment?"
"No, I, uh, well, darn it! Now I'm not sure."
"You're digging your own grave," he sighed. "You've got five seconds to decide which punishment you want, but because you're once again pushing the envelope, the details about the dinner will remain a secret. If I reach five and you haven't made up your mind, I'll make the choice for you."
"Do you mean I can tell you after five, or must I tell you at four?"
"Good grief! Before I say five! One-two-three-four-"
"The dinner!"
Her outburst didn't surprise him, and neither did her decision. In her heart she was a risk-taker. It was her nature. She wanted the thrill of the unknown.
"Right, that's settled. It's time to fuck you senseless."
"Oh, thank God. I need it so badly."
She wasn't the only one. His cock was positively bursting.
Removing the spreader bar, he quickly stripped, donned a condom, and climbed on the bed behind her. As her glorious backside with its glowing red stripes stared up at him, a surge of energy pulsed through his loins. Gratefully clutching her hips he thrust into her soaked channel.
Stroking with abandon he knew there would be no edging, just a vigorous ride to their mutual orgasms. She was panting with hunger and he was just as aroused. When she arched her back and hissed in the air he knew she was at the brink. Moments after he accelerated, their orgasmic cries filled the room.
A short while later he felt her snuggle next to him. He'd dozed off, and as he pulled the covers over them both, he realized Amelia was becoming very special to him. It was unexpected, and he wasn't sure how he felt about it, but he couldn't deny the warm feeling in his heart, and a soft smile that crossed his lips as he gazed down at her.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
It was late in the afternoon. Since she had to change for dinner, Amelia had returned to her hotel, but she'd been gone almost an hour. James was starting to worry. When the buzzer finally sounded, he felt a wave of relief, and a wicked smile curled his lips.
"You look lovely," he remarked as he helped her remove her coat. "I'm pleased you remembered to wear a dress. Put down your bag and come into the bedroom."
"Why do I think I'd rather not?"
"Because you know it's connected to your punishment?"
"Because I've learned you've got a very wicked mind," she quipped.
He had to laugh. His unpredictable princess was having second thoughts about stepping into the unknown.
"This was your choice," he reminded her. "You wanted to roll the dice."
"The other three things you suggested didn't appeal to me at all, but now I wish I hadn't been so reckless."
"You were being Amelia."
"What does that mean?"
"Taking a risk, enjoying the thrill of the suspense. Come on, admit it, you know I'm right."
"I suppose that does ring true," she agreed reluctantly, "but that doesn't mean I'm enjoying it now."
"Oh, stop it. You're loving every minute, and now you have another choice to make."
"Noooo! I don't want any more choices."
"And that's precisely why you have them.
"
"But, James," she softly whimpered, "I like it better when you're in control."
"Amelia, I am in control. I'm completely in control. I have ultimate control. Can't you feel it?"
"Ooh, yes I can, and it's such a turn-on. I'm going all weak."
"Take a look on the bed. See the towel?"
"Yes."
"Lift if off."
Hesitantly, she pulled it back, then gasped as she saw the display of butt plugs and dildos, and the length of cotton rope lying innocently next to them.
"Select the one you want to wear for the evening."
"Excuse me?" she squeaked, turning around and staring at him in disbelief.
"One of those will be up your backside, and a rope harness will be taking the place of your knickers."
"You can't be serious. I've never, uh…"
"I guessed as much, so I made sure your choices were appropriately sized."
"Fuck!"
"I'm not sure cursing will help your cause. I could always add a quick sharp spanking into the mix."
"No, no."
"Then hurry up and take your pick. We have to go."
"If I must do this, will you tell me which would be the best?"
"By the best I assume you mean the most comfortable, but none of them will be. That's the whole point."
"Good grief. Then, uh, that one, I suppose."
"Are you sure?"
"No, I'm not sure! How the bloody hell can I be sure?"
"I think it's time for a wetness check. Spread your legs."
"James! Oh, dear God."
As her head fell against his shoulder, he placed his arm around her waist, then moved his hand under her dress and slipped his fingers into the gusset of her knickers. He wasn't surprised to find her deliciously drenched.
"Shamelessly soaked," he purred, "just as you should be."
"James, you make me feel things I've never felt before," she murmured breathlessly. "It's as if I've been drugged."
"You've been waiting a long time to experience all this," he said softly. "I'm glad I'm the one lucky enough to share it with you."
"Me too, but do I have to, uh, really wear one of those things?"
"You know the answer to that," he replied, withdrawing his hand. "Pick one so I can harness you and we can leave."
"Harness me?"
"Amelia, look at them carefully and choose!"
Turning her head back to the display, she studied the selection for a moment, then pointed at a long, slender pink dildo.
"Good. Bend over the bed."
With her eyes begging him to change his mind, and her face flaming a fiery red, she slowly bent over the mattress.
"You have to relax," he said gently as he slipped off her knickers and generously applied the lube.
"Fuck."
"Amelia!"
"Okay, okay."
She groaned loudly as the unwanted intruder slid home. After allowing her a moment to catch her breath, he helped her straighten up.
"Lift your dress and hold it around your waist."
"This is so weird," she mumbled as he tied the cotton cord around her middle. "How am I supposed to get through dinner?"
"Apparently, that's something you're going to find out," he replied, drawing the rope down between her cheeks.
"Oh, my gosh!"
"Hush, I'm almost done," he declared, nestling it between her pussy lips. "Shuffle your feet apart."
"This is unbelievable, totally unbelievable."
"One day I'll lace your entire body," he promised as he pulled up the cord and tied it off at the front of her waist, "but I don't think you're quite ready for that."
"No," she said, shaking her head. "I'm not even ready for this."
"Of course you are, and remember, it's not supposed to feel good. You're being punished. Are you ready to leave?"
"You've got to be kidding!"
"I'll take that as a yes," he said with a smile, and kissing her lightly, he took her hand and led her down the hall.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Sitting across from Amelia at dinner, James was captivated. She was oozing a smoldering sensuality, her voice was smoky, her lust obvious, and she was radiating happiness. A spectator would see a beautiful woman with a slightly flushed face and sparkling eyes, but James could feel her energy, and in her gaze was the joy of unfulfilled needs finally being met. He was immensely proud of her. She wasn't just coping with the lewd punishment, she was embracing it. They were halfway through their main course when she laid down her silverware, placed her elbows on the table, and locked her fingers together under her chin.
"Such a breach of perfect English manners," he scolded with a grin. "We shall have to discuss that when we get home."
She laughed a laughed. It was so bright it was contagious.
"Memories of childhood," he chuckled. "I'm sure yours was very proper."
"You're right. Nanny would have made me stand in the corner if I'd done this as a little girl."
"Standing in the corner can be arranged," he said, raising his eyebrows, but he sensed she had something on her mind. "What's running around in that brilliant head of yours?"
"James," she murmured, fixing him with wide blue eyes, "I…uh…"
"Be brave," he pressed, leaning across the table and lowering his voice. "What's the worst that can happen?"
"I'm not sure. Perhaps that's why I'm anxious. My father always said, never ask a question, the answer to which you may not wish to hear, or, the answer to which you don't already know."
"Sage advice, especially in our business."
"The thing is, I'm not going to ask you anything so it's not entirely appropriate, but there is something I want to say to you."
"Amelia, you showed up at my door at two-thirty in the morning demanding, in a very sweet, sexy way, of course, that I spank you," he whispered. "You must know it takes a lot to shock me. Is this a fantasy you want to tell me about?"
"No, no, nothing like that. It's…"
He waited, but there was only so much pushing he would do. She either wanted to tell him or she didn't, but just as the thought floated through his head, she abruptly dropped her hands, sipped her wine, then looked at him intently.
"Okay, here goes! James…"
"Yes, Amelia?"
"You're my handsome prince. I don't know how else to say it. You haven't judged me, not once. You've been everything I've ever wanted. I mean, you are everything I've ever wanted, and I've been sitting here looking at you with this blasted thing inside me, and all I can think about is how amazing this all is. How can I ever thank you for putting up with me, especially in the beginning? I didn't know how to be me. I guess that's what I'm saying, that you're the first man who has let me be who I am. I feel safe with you, and I've never felt that before, not with anyone. Sorry, I didn't mean to ramble on."
"Don't do that," he said softly, reaching across the table and taking her hand. "Don't ever apologize for telling me how you feel, but I can understand why you were worried about sharing that with me. You just made yourself totally vulnerable, and being vulnerable isn't something you do. When I met you, there was a wall of concrete around you ten feet thick."
"I, uh, I guess there was," she murmured, "but I mean it, James. I care about you…a lot. You've made me so happy."
She was telling him she'd fallen in love.
He felt a strange churning in his stomach. He cared about her deeply. Suddenly he felt like a coward. She'd been brave enough to spill her guts out, and he was sitting there wanting to tell her the feelings were mutual, but having a hell of a time finding the courage.
"You're being awfully quiet."
He could hear the fear in her voice. Kicking himself for not having spoken up immediately, he squeezed her hand, then taking a deep breath he summoned his missing backbone and locked her eyes.
"I feel exactly the same. You've become very dear to me."
It was a special moment, and he felt an overwhelming need to ho
ld her, but they were in an elegant restaurant.
"Bugger it," he suddenly muttered, and pushing back his chair, he rose dramatically to his feet.
"James…?"
Like a gallant hero in a romantic movie he stepped stridently around their table, grabbed her elbow, pulled her to her feet, wrapped her in his arms and kissed her. Not a peck, or a quick brush of the lips, but an ardent, passionate kiss, then moved his lips to her ear.
"You can go to the powder room and take that blasted thing out. Take off the rope as well."
But she didn't move away from him and head off to the ladies room. She stared up at him with happy tears brimming in her eyes.
"I think I need to sit down for a minute," she whispered. "You just made my knees weak."
As she settled back into her chair, and he began to move back to his, he glanced around at the neighboring tables. There were no reproachful glares, just approving smiles.
"Besides, I don't want my dinner to get cold," she added softly as he sat down. "I'm not sure how long it will take me to undo all those knots."
His heart full as he looked back at her, he realized if she'd left it would have broken the spell of the very special moment, one that was still in the air. She'd known it, and she had just saved it for them both. She was amazing. In his head that became his new name for her.
Amazing Amelia.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Once back in his apartment, James led Amelia straight into the bedroom and slowly undressed her, but he didn't tie her up or spank her. He laid her on the bed and kissed her softly, languidly gliding his lips over hers, gently sucked her nipples, and played between her legs. She was drenched. Laying on top of her, he slid his cock inside her wonderfully warm, wet pussy, stroking her until she was making the gorgeous gasps that told him she was going to orgasm. Falling asleep, he felt as if they'd crossed an invisible line, and when he woke up the following morning, he was filled with a deep happiness, but to his dismay he couldn't act on his feelings. They both had to bolt out of bed and dash off to their respective steel towers.
The days became weeks, and James had no complaints. Sometimes he'd stay in her luxury suite at the Four Seasons, but most nights they would be together at his place. Though she'd made progress locating a psychiatrist who specialized in sleep disorders, she often told him she'd never slept so well in her life, and he could sense she was questioning her need to seek help.
DESIRE UNLEASHED: Sexsomnia: A Psychological Romance Page 5