“Mara?” Sean called from the hallway.
“I’m home,” she called needlessly as he rounded the corner at the end of hall. Striding quickly toward her, she was in his arms the next second.
“I’m glad you’re home, nightingale. You had me worried.” His big hands cupped the back of her head and he kissed her, hard. His mouth opened over hers and his tongue dove inside, robbing her of breath and thought. When he lifted his lips several minutes later, he buried his head in her hair and held her in a crushing embrace. She clung to him, her legs weak and rubbery. If he hadn’t been holding her, she would have crumpled to the floor. Shaky in the aftermath, his strong arms were going a long way in easing her anxiety.
As the embrace went on, she glanced at the clock again. 3:43. He’d been holding her for six minutes without saying another word.
“I’m okay, Sean, really,” she assured, squeaking a little as the iron bands around her chest tightened. He must have realized he was squishing her, because his arms eased. “I’m exhausted and need a shower before bed, babe.”
“Good idea. It will help relax you for sleep,” he murmured against her neck.
“I’m sorry I worried you. I should have waited for an escort. It was pretty dumb, huh?”
His head came up. She could read the relief on his face, although the tightness of his jaw, the gathered brows and downturned lips told her he wasn’t happy with her in the least. Like a parent whose child had bolted out into the street without looking, he appeared unsure if he wanted to hug her more or throttle her.
“Um, no need to answer that,” she replied.
He tucked her under his arm and together they walked to the bedroom.
Twenty minutes later, fresh from a hot shower, Mara walked out of the bathroom, switching off the light. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the dark bedroom. When they did, she saw Sean sitting up in bed, his back against the headboard. A swath of moonlight from the window cut across his chest. It was bare and she could make out the top of his ripped abdomen, but not his face.
She walked toward him, ready to listen to the lecture she knew was coming. As she slid in beside him, his arms came around her and anchored her against his chest.
“Feel better?”
“Mm, hm.”
“Ready to go to sleep?”
“Not really. I should be, but I’m wired. Adrenaline I guess.”
“We’ll have our little chat now and get it over with then.”
She didn’t say anything, just sucked in a deep breath.
“You’ve already admitted you should have waited for an escort. That you didn’t was reckless and as a result you were victimized. Fortunately, it was a stolen wallet and not something worse, much worse, which scares the ever-loving shit out of me.”
“I won’t do it again.”
“I should hope not. I’d think that you’d learn from this, but there’s nothing to stop you from blowing off the rules the next time you have to work late and security is busy. I know it’s inconvenient to have to wait when you’re already tired. What happened tonight is exactly why you do.”
“I’ll definitely remember this the next time, and I promise not to blow off the rules again.”
“I’m going to give you a little more incentive to help you keep your promise.”
“Um, what kind of incentive?”
“Remember when we talked about a correction? You’ve earned one.”
Her head came up and she pushed against his chest, wanting to sit up and see his face, but he didn’t let her go.
“You mean you’re going to spank me?” Her voice rose in pitch with the question. He’d done it before when they played, especially when she was up on all fours or bent over the back of the couch or over the counter. Giving her a whack or two… or ten in the heat of the moment was something they both enjoyed. Regrettably, she didn’t think a playful spanking was what he had in mind.
“Yes, I’m going to spank you as punishment for your recklessness, Mara.”
“You’d think getting robbed, shoved to the ground and terrorized, would be punishment enough.” She muttered this quietly, though she knew he heard. She regretted the smart-ass comment within a second of it leaving her imprudent mouth. Doubly so when he flipped her face down across his lap as if she weighed nothing.
“Now is not a good time to get lippy with me.”
“I’m nervous, Sean. You know how I get.”
“I’d expect you to be nervous over your first real spanking, but mind that tongue. It won’t help your cause.”
“I know and I’m sorry.”
Once she was belly down, backside up and positioned to his liking over his solid thighs, he lifted her nightgown. It wasn’t difficult since the short flippy skirt barely covered her curves. If she knew this lie ahead, she’d have worn heavy flannel, better yet, freakin’ armor. Instead, the thin nightie and miniscule matching panties that he’d picked out as a gift, so naturally it was pink—the man really had a thing about her wearing pink—was all the protection she had.
In an instant, even that barrier was eliminated as he released the side ties with a tug and bared her behind. Knowing he was staring down at her uncovered cheeks ready to smack them to a bright hot pink, filled her with both dread and excitement. The former was ruled by her brain, spurring rational thought and feelings of self-preservation as it concerned itself only with the future state of her derriere. At the same time excitement ruled her lust-filled body, which roused her clit and awakened a response in various other girl parts signaling them to wake up, heat up or get wet, whatever the case may be because something interesting was about to happen.
Oddly, this methodical approach to a spanking turned her on more than when he smacked her butt in the heat of passion. She supposed it was because it was new, a bit taboo and he had taken complete control of the situation having physically put her where he wanted her. The slow undressing, unwrapping her like a present and exposing the body he considered his to touch, love and punish as he saw fit, was also a rush. He did it without asking her opinion or consent, obviously expecting her full cooperation, which she was giving 100%.
His hand smoothed over her bottom rubbing in warm circles. As he caressed and squeezed her, as if testing the pliability and resilience of her ass, the initial response she’d felt earlier became a full-blown blast of heat and desire between her legs. His fingers dipped between her thighs and she was certain he was going to explore the wetness he’d created. Instead, he pulled the loosened material of her G-string out from under her.
“Do we need to go over exactly why this is happening?”
“No. I think you already made it perfectly clear.”
While his hands squeezed and massaged her cheeks they separated allowing cool air to waft across her damp and aroused skin. “This isn’t play, Mara. Do you understand that?”
“Yes, but I’m nervous. You’ve only given me an erotic spanking before.”
“I spank hard for punishment. If you earn a correction, I want you to know it and to keep it with you for a while as a reminder. Any questions before we begin?”
“I don’t know what to ask. What if I don’t like it?”
“I wouldn’t expect that you would. You’re about to be punished.”
“What if I want to stop?”
“This is one of those times I told you about. Where I make the decisions and you follow the rules. Since you didn’t and placed yourself in danger, you have earned a correction. Do you remember the conversation?”
“Yes, but…”
“No buts, I told you a correction would come by my hand. Do you remember your reply?”
Remembering every minute of their interaction in vivid detail, she hesitated.
“Mara. You’re going to have to trust me to know what I’m doing because this is happening. You don’t really think I’d give you more than you can take or injure you in any way, do you?”
“No….”
“I’d cut off my arm befo
re harming you, Mara.”
“I know that and I do trust you, Sean.”
“Then tell me what you said about a punishment spanking.”
She sighed, the air rushing out with resignation. “It was doable.”
“Have you changed your mind about me being in charge?”
“No, Sir.”
“Good.” He patted her behind softly. “Let’s get on with it. I think the waiting is worse than the actual spanking.”
His hand came down as he spoke the last few words, the loud crack of palm meeting bare skin almost drowning them out. Heat exploded across her lower right cheek along with an incredible sting. It was matched on the left side the next second.
He paused, rubbing as he spoke a single word. “Breathe.”
She sucked in air, not knowing she was holding it. Only then did he continue with slap after smarting slap. Instinctively, she put her hand back.
“Ah, ah, no blocking,” he warned as his fingers wrapped around her wrist and pinned it to her lower back. Without another word, he resumed. Soon he’d painted a canvas of fiery heat across the entire surface of her ass. He didn’t stop there, however, moving down to the lower curve, where cheek met upper thigh and raining down more fire.
“Sean, please, I won’t ever leave unescorted again.”
“You better not, or you’ll get a paddling, which will make this seem like child’s play. In fact…” Abruptly, he shifted behind her still holding her in place. “Let’s give you a little preview.” She glanced over her shoulder seeing him reach toward the nightstand and pick up her hairbrush.
“I’ve learned my lesson. I swear,” she burst out in a rush. Applied to an already hot and stinging behind, she knew the brush, although made of lightweight hollow plastic, was going to light her up further.
He settled back into place, rubbing the wide plastic back against her inflamed skin. It felt cool, which was wonderful, but she doubted it would last long.
“I heard your fear through the phone. I wanted to hold you, protect you, instead I felt helpless. The only thing I could do was wait until you got home. I couldn’t stop thinking of what that bastard could have done to you.”
She sniffled as tears threatened. Rarely, if ever did she cry, learning long ago that they were a useless waste of time. These, however, were inspired by guilt over worrying Sean, rather than by some injustice done to her, and therein lay the difference. She blinked rapidly trying to keep them at bay.
“When I make a rule to keep you safe, you will follow it. Without question. It’s not arbitrary because I’m trying to control you, or I’m a hardass or a worrywart. It’s because I have legitimate concerns about your safety. The other reason is that I love you, Mara, and want you with me, full of sass and sweetness, for a very long time. Your butt is paying the price of disobedience tonight because I want to make sure there isn’t a second time where you pay with something more costly, like your life.”
“Oh, Lucky.” Her breath hitched, her words coming out with a stutter as a rare tear rolled down her cheek. It was followed by another and another, until a steady stream flowed and dripped off her chin. “You’re right; I was tired and put myself at risk because I was eager to get home. I thought I was invincible after going six years without an incident.”
“You also thought I was being overprotective.”
She nodded, wiping her wet cheeks with the back of her hands. “I’m probably stupid for admitting this, but I had another option. Brent offered to take his break early and walk me out. I turned him down.”
“The six and a half foot tall, two hundred fifty pound bruiser of an orderly I met at the employee picnic? Hell, Mara!”
“I told you to show how really contrite I am, Sean. I’m sorry that my selfishness caused you to worry.”
“I’m proud of you for being honest, and I can tell you are sorry. It goes a long way in easing my worry about a second offense. You’ll get ten with the brush as a reminder.”
The first swat colliding with the lower curve of one cheek said the time for talking was over. The impact was solid, the resonant crack echoing sharply off the walls and wood flooring. He applied it steadily with an alternating pattern syncopated by the moans and grunts that broke from her lips. By the fifth smack, she added her feet, thumping them in a flurry against the mattress. At the eighth, a sustained “ow” joined in and when he reached the tenth, a discordant “holy shit” burst free.
Two more spanks followed, harder than their predecessors, in a critique of her color commentary no doubt.
She heard a clatter on the nightstand seconds before his hands found her waist and he flipped her once again, setting her astride his thighs. Her hands flew back to her burning ass at the same time his hands cupped her face. “Can you tell the difference between a correction and play now, Mara?”
“Yes, Sir.” She bit back several sassy retorts because his emotions remained raw and it wasn’t smart to poke an already irritated bear.
“Good, I expect this lesson won’t ever need repeating.” He took her mouth in a fast, hard kiss, before cradling her against his chest. When his hands slid down to her bottom, he pushed her hands aside. “No rubbing after punishment, unless it’s by me.”
He proceeded to do exactly that, his big palms gliding gently, soothing the skin he’d just heated to a five-alarm blaze. Holding her close, he scooted down in the bed and slipped the sheet over them both. She relaxed against him and while the heat in her ass abated somewhat the fire in her pussy burned on. She wiggled against him. In this position, his erection was unmistakable, pressing huge and rigid against her thigh. She shifted, trying to align his ready cock with her equally aroused pussy, but he held her firm.
“No sex after punishment either.”
Her head came up and her jaw dropped. “Seriously?”
“Yes. This was not a game for me, Mara. If you think it was, I didn’t spank you enough.”
“You spanked me plenty,” she shot back at him softly. “I know it’s not a game, Sean. Still, I can’t help that it made me hot. I can feel you against me, you want it too.”
“I do not reward bad behavior and rule breaking with pleasure. Tomorrow, I’ll ride you until you can’t walk straight, if you’d like, but tonight, we sleep.”
He closed his eyes. She stared at him a moment, incredulous and most of all frustrated by the nearly unbearable ache between her legs.
“Well, hell! This really sucks. This is ten times worse than the spanking.”
The burn in her cheeks reignited as he squeezed her ass hard. “Thanks for the tip. I’ll keep it in mind for the next time.”
She gasped in alarm.
“Sleep, Mara,” he urged. “Unless you want more.”
“You have a lot of rules for spanking,” was her grumbled response as she settled back on his chest, her cheek to his pec as she picked up the steady thud of his heart.
“Baby, you have no idea.”
* * * * *
The next day was an off day for Mara, while Sean had to haul his tired butt out of bed bright and early. As he dressed, she looked on from her cozy place in their warm bed. On her stomach, her bottom tender from his attention only a few hours earlier, she propped her head on her hand and enjoyed the show. Despite her aching behind and the persistent throb between her legs, she’d drifted off to sleep fairly easily after the spanking. That both reminders continued to, uh, remind her, didn’t surprise her in the least. One worsened as her greedy gaze ate him up while he dressed. Sean was hot all the time; in his service blues, he set her body on fire.
Seeing Sean spit polished and neatly pressed, the crisp lines of the tailored blue uniform hugging his muscular body, making his broad shoulders appear wider and his already trim waist leaner. He was gorgeous, and the way he filled out his blue trousers, mm, mm. She understood the reason why women love a man in uniform. If she’d been wearing panties, the crotch would have been soaked through.
She’d seen him in a suit before, their first dat
e, for instance, but this was no ordinary suit and added an extra helping of appeal. As she pondered why, she realized it wasn’t the clothes so much as what they symbolized. He was like a modern day Superman, fighting for truth, justice and the American way of life and he embodied integrity, self-discipline, courage and not least of all conviction. No wonder he held her feet to the fire, or rather beat her butt to a blistering heat when she didn’t comply. His life was about adhering to order, structure and rules, and he was expecting the same from his woman. His woman. He used those words often and they always made her smile although she might have to turn in her women’s equality card if others knew how much she loved it. Especially, if anyone found out she let him spank her. Honestly, though, she didn’t care. She felt loved and cherished even when her man went all alpha male on her ass, and despite the prickle that persisted on her rear end, she wouldn’t have him any other way.
He was almost ready, straightening his tie in the mirror one more time. She scanned the length of him, all broad shouldered, mouthwatering, muscular, handsome as sin inch of him.
“I think today, after I call the bank and my credit card company, I’m calling People Magazine and telling them they got it all wrong.”
In the process of retying his tie which was a hair too short the first go round, he glanced up, his eyes seeking hers in the mirror. “How’s that?”
“You, Master Sergeant Sean O’Brien, are ‘the sexiest man alive’ and you didn’t even get an honorable mention. I’m going to lodge a formal complaint.”
He shook his head and with the ends of his tie hanging long down his pristine white shirt and open jacket, he came toward her. Placing a knee on the bed, he leaned over and yanked down the sheet. As his hand plumped up the cheek closest to him, he smacked it with a hot, wet kiss. She squealed in protest, not over the kiss, but the sudden cold. The room was freezing. It was fall and they hadn’t turned on the heat yet. This morning it was sorely missed.
She tugged at the sheet, which was pinned under his other knee. “Babe, I’m cold.”
Second Time Lucky (Club Decadence Book 5) Page 6