by Alta Hensley
She crossed her arms in a pout. “I don’t want to be spanked.”
Vance smirked. “You know there is more to my belief than just spanking. If you truly get it, as you say, then you know the reasons I strongly live by it. The same reasons your brother does and so many others.” He moved in and lightly kissed the tip of Coley’s nose. “I think you know that this idea works. You see it, you understand it, and I think that deep down you want it too.”
“I know it works for some. I just haven’t ever lived it. Well, except for my overbearing brother. Truth… it scares me.”
“I understand completely. Just know that I would never hurt you, I would never make you uncomfortable—”
“That’s funny. Spanking does hurt! It does make you uncomfortable,” Coley interrupted with a giggle. She knew she was making light of the subject, but she couldn’t help it.
Vance smiled. “Okay, so you got me there. But I think you know what I mean. I would love you, Coley. I would love you like no one has ever loved you before. But I need you to want this, and for this to be consensual. I won’t force you or force the idea. To me, that would just be an abuse of power.”
Coley tilted her head and examined the rugged good looks of the man before her. “So, why do you think if I agree to being spanked, it isn’t abuse?” Coley knew the answer. She had never really believed that spanking was abuse, but she still wanted to hear Vance’s answer.
“This is a dynamic that we create. That we form. The only way this will work is if we both want it. If it’s against your will or done out of anger or loss of control, then it is abuse, plain and simple. Do you think it is abuse? Do you think Caine abuses Neely?”
“Of course not.”
“Then why are you even questioning me on that? You know as well as I do that spanking isn’t abuse when done in the correct relationship.”
Coley sat in silence, taking in the information that Vance was so easily able to give.
He continued, “I respect you, Coley. I respect your wishes, your desires and your wants. There is no real easy answer, other than reassuring you that I would never hurt you. The act of a spanking is not meant to abuse, just as a way to reestablish the power dynamic. To reclaim, and remind both of us who the alpha in the relationship is.”
Coley crossed her arms against her chest. “And what if I want to be the alpha?”
Vance smiled. “Then you would land yourself across my knee more times than not.” He paused, taking in Coley’s reaction. “Is that what you want? Do you want to be the alpha in the relationship?”
“No,” Coley replied quickly.
“Why?”
Coley shrugged. “I don’t want a weak man. I want the strength, but… well…” She blushed before adding, “I don’t like spankings. I have a low threshold for pain.”
Vance chuckled.
“I’m serious!” she said with a giggle.
Vance pulled Coley into his arms and placed gentle kisses into her hair. His hand rubbed her back softy, melting her inner core. Never had an embrace filled her with so much security, so much comfort.
“I think I should go. I don’t want to pressure you into this. Take your time to think it over.” Vance pulled away and lifted Coley’s chin so her eyes met his. “Just know that I would make you happy. I would wake up every morning with the goal to see that gorgeous smile never leave your face.”
Before Coley could protest, Vance got up and walked out the door.
Chapter Five
Coley walked the backyard taking in the Chinese lanterns and lights that had been strung for the engagement party. The engagement party that suddenly became the most romantic wedding she had ever attended. She couldn’t believe her brother had shocked everyone by announcing that the surprise wedding was going to take place tonight. It was just like her brother to do something so rash, so impulsive, but so absolutely loving. He loved Neely. It was obvious in every action and every look he gave her. Coley’s eyes filled with tears at the memory of the way Caine and Neely looked into each other’s eyes. The love she saw was more powerful than she thought possible. Her brother had finally found the love of his life. Her best friend, Neely, had finally found the man of her dreams. Coley’s heart soared knowing they were both so happy. A surprise wedding was a perfect way for the two of them to get married. She couldn’t have written a better chapter to the love story herself.
“Do you know how beautiful you look tonight?” Vance complimented as he came up behind her.
Coley turned around, startled to find the most stunning man she had ever laid eyes on. There was no doubt in her mind that he exuded authority. Power oozed from his pores. Even as he stood in silence, he had the ability to make you stop and listen. Vance towered over her with his broad shoulders and masculine build. She could smell the scent she had longed to smell again since last night when he left.
Vance walked a little closer and cupped her cheek with his work roughened palm. “Coley, watching you tonight made me want you in my life more than ever before. I could see how you watched with longing in your eyes at the way Neely and Caine declared their love. I want to be the man that gives you everything you long for.” He paused for a moment as if he could hear the thoughts of her soul. “I’m not one for usually being so free with my thoughts and emotions. But I sat back in silence long enough. Saying nothing kept us apart all this time. If I hadn’t been such a damn fool, that could have been you and I saying our vows. I’m done being the strong and silent type.”
“I liked that about you. The strong and silent type can be sexy,” she teased.
“The strong and silent type end up alone. I’m done playing games. From this point on, I plan on telling you exactly how I feel. No holding back.” He smiled. “Besides, you’re a writer. Words are important to you.”
Coley looked into Vance’s hazel eyes that were brightened by the surrounding lights. “I like hearing that. I haven’t been able to get you out of my mind since last night.” She smiled, revealing how pleased she was that Vance had sought her out.
Vance lightly kissed her cheek. “Be with me. Be mine. Give me that chance and I will never let you down. You will never want for anything, you will never be without. Let me love you, Coley.”
“Yes, I want that. I do. We’ve wasted enough time as it is.”
Vance leaned in closer to kiss her when the magical spell was broken by the back door opening with Sara and Travis walking out.
Coley groaned. “I hate that nut job. Why on earth would she be here?”
Vance placed his hand on the roundness of Coley’s ass. She knew what the gesture meant. She had been around this group long enough to know it was a silent warning to behave. She wasn’t sure how to feel about it. Part of her relished in his touch, his hand pressed firmly against her behind. Another part of her wanted to run. She knew this was Vance, and if she wanted Vance, she would have to accept this side of him.
“Shh, don’t start anything. Not tonight,” Vance soothed as Sara and Travis made their way out of eyesight.
“I won’t.” Coley turned to Vance and wrapped her arms around his neck. “You know, if I remember correctly, placing your hand on my ass is something reserved for a couple,” she said as she flirted.
“Yes, that’s right.”
“So, is this your romantic way of asking me to be your girlfriend?” Coley teased.
“No.” Vance kissed Coley’s hand, and ever so softly kissed her lips. “I’m asking you to be more than that. I want you in my life, Coley. Not casual, not temporary, but forever. You’ve been in my life for years and I wouldn’t want to mess anything up unless I was positive that you and I are meant to be. So, yes, I want you, but I want all of you. I want more than just a girlfriend.”
Coley’s heart beat so hard it was working its way out of her chest. “Vance, I want that, too. The thought of you and I, makes me happy.”
“Then tell me that you will embrace my belief, that you will accept my love and devotion. Tell me that you will
let me love you each and every day we live.” Vance placed each hand on the sides of Coley’s face and looked deep into her eyes.
Coley paused before speaking, taking in the moment. She stared into his eyes so full of love, hope and desire. She wanted Vance. She knew that she had always wanted Vance since being introduced so many years ago. All she had to do was say yes. All she had to do was accept Vance and his beliefs and she could find the type of love she had always hoped for. She needed to trust in this man and let go. Let go of feeling like she needed to be in control. She needed to let go of the feeling that she had to live in a fantasy world if she really wanted a hero in her life. She needed to allow this man to be her hero. Allow this incredibly sexy man to sweep her off her feet. All she wrote about was possible, if she could just allow this first step and let him love her.
“Yes. I’ll accept everything about you. I’ll live this lifestyle if you promise me one thing.” There was a long pause. “That you will always love me.”
Vance curled one of her curly locks around his finger before replying, “With all my heart.”
He leaned in and touched his lips to hers. The light around them seemed to illuminate even brighter. Instant light between them. Their lips brushed and tested as they explored the growing love. The connection of their lips was soft, unsure of what was to come. This kiss seemed as if their souls were combining. Coley took in Vance’s breath as he took in hers. They paused and took a moment to look into each other’s eyes. Coley could feel the kiss. She could feel the most wonderful moment of her life. She could see it in his eyes. She could see the love. She could finally see the light.
“I don’t want to wait another moment, Coley. I want you in my life now and never want to be apart,” Vance admitted.
Coley looked past the forming tears in her eyes. “Let me breathe for you, and you breathe for me,” she whispered. She had finally found the hero who could deliver the kiss, the kiss from the man of her dreams. “Come closer. Kiss me again.”
Chapter Six
Vance softly laid Coley’s nude body down on the bed. The drive home had seemed excruciatingly long, when all she wanted to do was make love to the man who she knew she would spend the rest of her life with. The feeling was powerful, strong and overwhelming, but she had never wanted someone so much in her life. Not just in a physical way, but she wanted the intimate connection. She wanted to fully and completely be his.
She was not one to jump into relationships. She didn’t believe in love at first sight or instant chemistry. Even in her own writing, she hated to rush the falling in love part. The chase could be just as fun as the falling. But this was different. She knew Vance. He knew her. Years had passed with them doing nothing at all. In her mind, the chase was long over. She was ready to fall.
“The way your hair lies on the pillow, the way you smile with love in your eyes, and the way you look nude before me makes my knees weak,” Vance admired as he slowly removed his clothing. “I’m the luckiest man alive to finally have you.” She admired how he tried to woo her with words. She loved how he tried to lace his statements with as much poetic charm as he could muster.
Coley watched in awe as the man she lusted was about to be naked before her. His chest gleamed in the candle lit room. His tight stomach distracted her vision for a moment until her eyes cast on his hard cock, ready before her. Her heart stopped. This was the moment where she would truly be his, truly submit to his love. Making love would be unlike anything she would ever experience. She knew he didn’t go into this lightly. She knew she was allowing him to make her, his… forever.
“God, Coley. I have never wanted anyone as bad as I want you right now.” Vance lowered his body slowly on top of hers.
His lips lightly touched her neck, her collarbone and then her breast as he made his way down the length of her body. Softly licking her nipple for a brief moment, he continued his descent to her stomach. Placing gentle kisses along her abdomen, Vance let out a deep moan before tenderly spreading Coley’s legs.
Coley tightened in anticipation, as a gasp escaped her lips.
“Shh, let me please you. Allow me,” Vance cooed.
Coley spread her legs the remaining distance, allowing Vance full access to her waiting pussy.
Without hesitation, Vance moved his mouth to her clit. Taking it in between his lips, he sucked and licked, causing electricity to multiply throughout every nerve in Coley’s body. As Coley moaned out, Vance thrust one finger deep inside of her, causing the moan to escalate even louder. Adding a second finger, Vance continued to dance his tongue into Coley’s writhing core.
“I want you. I want to feel you deep inside of me. Closer than we have ever been.” Coley sat up eager to wrap her arms around his muscled back, desperately pulling his body to hers. She needed him now. She wanted nothing more than to feel him deep within her.
“I want you, too. I want you so bad,” Vance admitted as he worked his body on top of Coley’s.
Ever so gently, Vance eased his hardness past her wet entrance. He spread her, conquering her desire. The immediate connection was unlike anything she had ever experienced. Tingles of pure ecstasy coursed through her.
Coley looked up into the eyes of Vance. “Is this us? Are you and I finally together?”
Vance lowered his lips to hers as he drove deeper within. “Yes, baby. This is us. This is the way it should’ve always been. This is how it will always be.”
He thrust his cock in and out of her pussy at a slow and steady pace while placing erotic and tantalizing kisses along the top of her shoulder and the edge of her collarbone. Coley closed her eyes and focused on the orgasm that was closing in. Her body responded to every thrust, to every kiss. She moaned as the energy built from her inner depths.
“Yes, baby. Come for me. Come around me. I want to feel your pleasure squeeze my cock,” Vance murmured.
Coley’s moans became louder. Her desire grew with each steady push. She wrapped her arms tighter around his back, pulling him even closer as the orgasm washed over, taking her breath away.
“That’s my girl. Come,” Vance directed as he pressed his cock deeper and harder.
“Oh, God! Vance!” Coley screamed as the orgasm built to an intensity that shook her entire body.
Vance pressed harder with every plunge, harder, faster. His breathing turned frenzied and his moan turned to a growl as he drove his cock deep within, filling her with his completion.
“Coley! Yes, Coley,” he groaned as he pumped his seed forcefully inside her satiated pussy.
Their bodies remained intertwined, relishing in the bliss of truly making love. Truly feeling the way sex should always be. Allowing the love, feeling the true, pure and everlasting passion they both only imagined.
“This is love, right?” Coley asked as she snuggled against the crook of Vance’s arm.
“Yes, I have no doubt,” Vance replied with a soft and reassuring kiss to the top of her head.
* * * * *
Coley woke to the steady breathing of Vance. Opening her eyes to find him sleeping beside her made her heart melt. Happiness, excitement, and then fear filled her body. She couldn’t help but wonder if she made the right decision. Giving her heart to him was not something she was used to, or comfortable with. She could get hurt. Escapism wanted to kick in.
Vance began to stir and rolled over to encircle her in his warm embrace. “Good morning. Did you sleep well?”
His sleepy voice, disheveled hair and his loving touch made Coley want to curl up against his chest and milk up the affection. Yet, there was still the self doubt that loomed.
Coley took a deep breath. “Vance, I’m wondering if we moved too fast. I mean, we were pretty intense last night, and maybe we just got caught up in the moment.”
Vance positioned his body so he was leaning up on his elbow so he could clearly look into Coley’s eyes. “Do you really mean that? Because last night was pretty amazing. I meant every word and every action made.”
Coley ha
d opened the door, the door of doubt. Nothing good ever came out of it once she did.
“It just seems fast. Too fast for us to have such intense feelings don’t you think?”
Vance’s sleepy features turned into a frown. “No it doesn’t. Coley, we have known each other for years. We just never acted on our feelings. I don’t think this is fast at all.”
The door of doubt continued to open.
Coley sat up in the bed. “And I uh… well… I know I said I could accept your lifestyle. But I’m second guessing that. I’m not sure this is something for me. You said it yourself, I’m independent.”
Vance sat up and grabbed both of Coley’s hands. A look of concern washed over his face. “Don’t do this. Don’t try to stop this, Coley. You and I have something really special. I know it with everything I have. Don’t let your worries get in the way.”
Coley shook her head. “I think we both just got wrapped up in the romance of the wedding. I really don’t think I can give you what you want.”
“Coley—”
“Vance, I just am not going to be able to allow you to spank me. I can’t be the submissive girlfriend that I know you want,” she interrupted.
“Coley, I don’t want you to be anyone you aren’t. I want you, the way you are.”
“Can you give up Domestic Discipline?” Coley asked.
“No.”
Coley knew the answer. It’s why she asked it. Domestic Discipline had nothing to do with this. Not really. This was about her fear, her doubt and her inability to just let something good like this happen. She knew if she used his lifestyle, it would be her easy ticket out.
“Well, I can’t give you my submission.”
And with that, Coley had just opened the door of doubt, walked through it, and shut it behind her.
“Bullshit!” Vance got out of the bed and quickly pulled on his pants. His muscled chest captured Coley’s attention for a split second until the fury in his eyes pulled her glare to his.