by Kara Kelley
“Maybe I’m not done exploring.”
He snorted and grabbed her arm. “Let’s go before I pick a switch and show you what a bastard I can be.”
“No way! You aren’t smacking me with a stick,” she growled.
“You’re getting spanked, baby girl, don’t doubt that, but if I have to pick a switch you’re going to seriously regret it. I’d keep my mouth shut if I were you.” He gathered a breath and released her arm to take her hand. “You’re lucky I have no love for switches, or you’d have stripes across your ass tonight.” He looked down at her and paused, turning to cup her face with his rough palm. “Every swat I give you will be for your own good.”
She nodded as much as his palm would allow, and all thoughts of fighting him vanished. She wanted care, even if it came from an ex who broke her heart ten years earlier, even if it came in the form of a spanking. He was right, she was a boulder about to break into gravel, but hanging onto Drew was keeping her whole.
“I care about you. I want you safe.”
Again, her only answer was a nod. Her head was full of thoughts about how wrong it was to let a man spank her, but her heart and pussy didn’t give a damn about right and wrong.
“That’s better. I like my baby girl agreeable.”
Chapter Seven
Drew
They walked in silence after, making it all the way inside her cabin before speaking. His mind had been too busy imagining disciplining her and warring with himself over it. She needed it and they both knew it. He could tell she was aroused. Her face was flushed, and she kept wiggling and pressing her thighs together.
“Wait here, Addianna. I’ll get you something for dinner before we deal with your spanking.”
Her flushed cheeks seemed to pale. “You’re leaving?”
“Only for a few minutes.”
“I don’t want to sit in my cabin, alone, waiting for you to come spank me whenever you feel like it. Is there something you’re hiding from me, Drew? Is there some reason I need to stay here?” Her eyes narrowed, but he noticed she kept her poking finger holstered in the belt loop of her capri pants.
“Don’t push me, baby girl. You’re staying in your cabin because I said so. And because you seem to find trouble when you’re out of it. And because if I catch you anywhere else, I’ll find that damn switch.”
“Is that what biker daddies do? They lock their little girls up and spank them when they’re displeased with them?” There was something in her voice he didn’t recognize—something feral, sexy, and tinged with malice.
Was she flirting? Angry flirting?
He leaned toward her, smirking. He brushed a piece of loose hair back from her face, his hand lingering by her cheek. The smell of her, citrus shampoo or body wash mingled with pine needles, intoxicated him. She turned her face toward his left palm, allowing him to cup her cheek.
“That’s right, baby girl. That’s exactly what biker daddies do. They keep their little girls safe, healthy, and happy—even if that means punishing them. And honey, you’re getting punished.” Drew’s free hand rose and landed with a whack on her backside. Her eyes burst open wide in shock before fluttering closed as he was sure the heat from his hand sank in. Another swat branded her other cheek and she gasped, but kept her eyes closed. His left hand, still cupping her face, was meant to comfort, while his right heated her backside. She needed the spanking, but she needed comfort too.
“Lower your pants, baby girl. Daddy’s spanking your bare ass tonight.” When she only breathed, he released her face and undid her pants himself. He lowered them along with her panties. His hand cupped her left ass cheek, kneading, squeezing and pulling her against his front while his eyes pinned her in place with his intense stare. He released her bottom and a few swats landed on her bare skin. She hissed at the difference.
“You’ve been asking for this, babe. Since the moment you got here. Now Daddy’s going to take his time with you.” Another swat landed, burning his palm but surely sending vibrations through her. Against her, his cock was hard. She grasped his shoulders to hold herself upright.
“What about Layla? You were obviously angry with her today. Is she getting punished too? How many little girls do you have, Daddy?” Her last word was full of contempt. The arousal in her eyes turned hotter with anger.
He ground his teeth and dragged her by the upper arm to the bed. He dropped onto it and pulled her across his knees roughly. It was obvious she needed more than a few swats.
“Honey, you’re the only one I care enough about to spank, and I’m going to prove that right now.”
His hand landed harder this time—unforgiving, not sexy like before—and she squealed. His next swat was hard enough to make her lurch across his hard thighs. There was no sensual pause, no gentle caresses between. He spanked her relentlessly, again and again, knowing his hand ignited a fiery burn with every new branding.
“Ah, no, please.” She squirmed, twisting her hips instinctually to avoid his landing palm. He hoped the severity of swats helped her realize her mistake in baiting him. She’d learn to hold her tongue in the future.
“No more poking, babe. No more lying, no more sassing, and no more wandering off. Got me? And Jesus, baby girl, no more jealousy over that twit, Layla.” His hand landed in a splat across the middle of both her cheeks so hard she wailed and pelted the bed with her fists.
“Okay! Okay! No more!”
“If you cross me, little girl, you’re going to find yourself across my knee again and next time I might not go so easy on you.” He pulled her up and sat her on his knee, scooping her legs up so her hot bottom shifted between his open legs. He cradled her while she breathed in and out in little gasping breaths. Her pants were strewn across the room, as were her panties.
“Easy?” she huffed and let a whimper trail from her wobbling lips. “You’re not very nice, Mr. Biker!”
He cupped his hand against her cheek. He rolled his eyes skyward and chuckled, but when they came back to hers, his thoughts were no longer on her naughtiness, or how adorable she was. His thoughts were carnal. He wanted her. Her thighs clenched and he smirked.
“I can be, sweetheart. I can be very nice.” He leaned closer, looking from her eyes to her lips and back again. His lips pressed against hers, lightly at first and then harder until his teeth took her bottom lip and dragged off it.
“Daddy’s going to get your dinner and then he’s going to hold you until you fall asleep, you got me?”
“Yes, Daddy.”
“Good girl.” His hand left her face and scooped behind until he was cupping her head. He drew her in again and kissed her sweetly, but once more it was only gentle until it wasn’t. It morphed quickly, becoming hot, wet, and eager. It was a pirate plundering her for treasure, it was a robber stealing her wits, it was Adam and Eve tasting forbidden fruit. God, he still loved this woman.
He thought about confessing his love right there and then, but drew in a breath instead. Clenching his jaw, he lifted her, stood and set her on the bed. And then he spun and left her sitting there. He couldn’t tell her he loved her. Because they could never be together when his past was always chasing him, it was better she not know.
At the last minute, he turned back. Her mouth was agape, her nipples hard peaks, and her slightly open thighs shiny-slick in the lamplight.
“Don’t you dare leave this cabin, Addianna. Consider yourself grounded until I return.”
* * *
He jogged through the forest, avoiding the stumps, dips, and roots. He knew this forest like he knew the back of his hand and he needed to burn away the ache that filled him, first for the love he couldn’t give her freely, and second for the trust he didn’t deserve. He’d left her once and he’d do it again. He’d do anything to keep her safe.
Dammit! He’d thought it would be fine. He’d thought he was strong enough to resist the temptation of her, but he wasn’t. He wanted her more than ever. She needed to let go, share her grief and fears, but once she did,
there would be a bond between them so strong it would kill them both when he ended it. And it would end.
The Skull Grinders would find him eventually. They seemed to be getting closer. His father had told him countless times he would hunt him down if he ever ran. He would never stop searching. And once he found him, he would be punished for his sins against his brothers. People, places, and things—everything he cared about would be destroyed while he watched. That’s why he’d broken Addi’s heart. It’s why he told her she meant nothing to him.
It was the same with Ray, and the camp. Being sent to Tonalonka to work as a camp leader was part of his release. And it was the best thing that had ever happened to him.
As soon as his full release came due though, they’d come. The roar of their bikes had made his legs itch to run, but Drew knew his father would hurt Ray for information. There was only one option. He had to make his father and the Grinders believe he hated everything about the camp. Addi showing up at his cabin only made things worse. The way Mauler looked at him forced his hand. He had to prove in a big way that Addi, Ray, and the camp were not only just a stepping stone to getting back to his place with the Grinders, but that he’d despised being there.
It was better having the camp destroyed than having Addi and Ray assaulted or worse.
Maybe he convinced them when he had the place destroyed. Maybe they believed he hated it there. Then again maybe they were letting him get comfortable. That was another of his father’s tricks.
Either way, he had to stay away from Addi. But Ray…
“Damn you, Ray!” he yelled into the treetops with a roar of anger. He stopped then, slamming his fist into the tree in front of him, before he bent, grasped his knees, and caught his breath.
“She deserves better, Ray. She fucking deserves someone as good as she is. Someone untainted by evil.” Drew pulled Ray’s letter out of his pocket and unfolded it, letting his body slide down the tree. His hand burned and his knuckles bled but he ignored it. Sitting with one knee bent and his throbbing hand propped on it, he read.
Drew,
I guess I damn well bit the dust if you’re reading this. I’ve been nothin’ but a pain in the ass lately anyway. And I bet there’s good fishing up here. And my wife. Damn, I’ve missed her. I’ll also finally get to meet my son who, as you know, died with my wife.
I’ve been dawdling on the sale of the camp for some time. I can see you rolling your damn eyes! The reason is my business, so don’t expect a damn answer in this letter, Andrew!
You and Addi are like my own children, and since the sale didn’t go through, I feel the camp belongs to both of you.
No matter what happens, the house on the cliff is yours (you built it after all) and five acres around it. However, it cannot be sold or given away. It must remain in your possession for your lifetime. You’ll also remain caretaker of the camp, but all big decisions must be agreed upon by both you and Addi, as you are equal owners.
I’d love it converted back into a kids’ camp, but I can’t force that on either of you. It will however be given to charity if either of you try to break up the property or want out.
Suck it up. These are my wishes and since I’m dead, you can’t go flappin’ your gums at me.
Love you, son. Take care of my little girl, and damn it, let her take care of you, too. You belong together. You always have.
Ray
He hadn’t noticed the P.S. before, probably because his eyes had been swimming at that point in the letter. He swallowed the lump in his throat and finished it.
P.S.
Since I was nothing but a front for these anyway, I’ve left all the art and control over all charitable foundations to you. No more hiding behind me, Andrew. It’s time the world knew how truly good you are—not just artistically gifted, but a good man too! I’ve never been prouder of anyone, Andrew. You define yourself by one moment in your past that wasn’t even your fault. You were just a child. It’s time you look at all the other amazing things you’ve done in your lifetime. Come clean to Addi. She deserves to know the man who’s been in love with her all these years.
You have my blessing to marry Addi. In fact, if you don’t I’ll personally make sure Saint Peter kicks your ass when you get to the pearly gates.
He straightened his leg, still breathing heavily and shoved his hair back. Inside at the bottom of the envelope was a ring. Ray’s deceased wife’s engagement ring.
“Jesus, Ray. Jesus. Why?”
He rose, rolling his shoulders and flexing the hand he’d punched the tree with, still arguing with himself for being weak and kissing her. He shoved the letter back in his pocket and scrubbed his good hand over his face while heading for his trailer. Damn, he’d known she’d let her guard down for him. Just the thought of it made his furnace burn hotter. Jesus, she had a hold on him. Sweet Addianna.
“She’s not yours,” he said aloud, angry with himself for the slip.
The burgers he’d made earlier were in the fridge, so he took one out and heated it in the microwave. He’d made a Caesar salad to go with it and portioned some out into a plastic bowl. He had no idea what Addi ate on a burger, so he took the little dish he kept in the fridge with ketchup, mustard, and relish packets in it and plopped a few on the tray. He put lettuce and sliced tomato on a plate along with the now warm patty and a bun. He covered it with tinfoil to keep the bugs out.
It was dark, but he didn’t need a flashlight. He didn’t really want to face her after he’d fucked up and kissed her, but he’d promised he would. And he’d spanked her. She needed comfort and care. It had been wrong of him to leave her, but if he hadn’t, they’d both be naked and tangled in her sheets.
She was sitting on her bed looking a bit stunned when he got to her cabin. “You okay, baby girl?”
She shook her head and tears welled in her eyes.
“Aw, honey, come here.” He set the tray down and held open his arms for her. She wasted no time wrapping hers around his waist and tucking into him.
“I shouldn’t have left you here after I spanked you. I’m sorry, sweetheart. I should have taken you with me.” He smoothed his hand down her hair. She felt so tiny to him, especially since she was tucked in so tightly.
“I felt so alone, Drew. I am alone. So, so alone.”
He hushed her when the sobbing started, and rubbed her back, giving her squeezes of reassurance to let her know she wasn’t alone.
When the sobbing ebbed, Drew undressed the rest of her, once again pulling off his own shirt for her to sleep in. He kept constant contact with her, whether that was running his hands up her ribs to remove her shirt or simply holding her hand.
“Babe, even with tears streaking your face, you look sexy as hell in my t-shirt.” He wiped the tears from her face with his thumbs and took her hand again.
She smiled and sniffled. “It feels good. It feels like you’re holding me.”
“I am holding you.” He pulled back the bed covers with his free hand and nodded for her to climb in. She turned, putting her knee up and when he wouldn’t release her fingers from between his, she pulled him in with her.
With the lamp out, and silence except for the sounds of nature outside, he could hear her deep breathing. She was asleep within minutes. Her adventure and the spanking had probably exhausted her.
“You’re not alone, baby girl. You’re always with me right here.” He tapped two fingers over his heart. Tucking her hair back, he kissed her temple and then gently climbing from the bed that was too small for the two of them, he headed for the door. With his t-shirt wrapped around her sweet body, he’d probably be a feast for the mosquitoes, but he didn’t care as long as she was comfortable.
The evening was cooler than it had been the week before, and as he walked back to the trailer he felt the bite of it against his bare skin. Knowing he’d never sleep now, he went to the cabins he’d been remodeling before Addi had arrived. He couldn’t hammer, saw, or grind without waking Addi, but he could paint the walls.
He longed to go to his house—not the caretaker’s trailer, but the one on the cliff, the one with his paintings. But he needed to be close to her.
He entered the cabin he’d been last working on and looked at the fresh white walls. He’d already primed them and they were his to paint however he chose. He chuckled, imagining the faces of the guests if he painted his Addianna mid-spanking. The way her mouth formed an O of surprise when it both stung her ass and heated her core. He’d known at first the slow spanking had aroused her, and like him, she’d wanted more, but she had opened her mouth and proved she’d needed something a little harsher than some sexy slaps on her ass. That girl needed to know he cared for her and not just because she revved his engine like no other.
He cursed. “Stop thinking about her!” he hollered to the white walls.
He got to work, setting up his paints, deciding this cabin should have a mural of the marsh. Dragonflies, frogs, and a heron fishing with fish swimming beneath and hiding behind rocks and reeds. He’d paint blues and green on the other walls and the beds.
He worked, almost in a trance, losing track of time, stopping only when the mural was complete and daybreak peeked through the windows. He smiled, his paint-splattered hands on hips looking over his work. He could imagine the children that would sleep here, with their eyes growing droopy as they counted the fish and other hidden wildlife.
Drew washed the brushes in his trailer and put them away; after a quick rinse in the shower to get the paint off, he threw on his workout gear and went for a run. He knew running wouldn’t take him any farther from his demons, but it would take his mind off them for the moment.
Chapter Eight
Addi
Dawn peeked into the little cabin and the sound of loons echoed off the lake. She took a moment to stretch in the cozy bed before hugging Drew’s shirt and reminding herself of the night before. Her mouth watered and her pussy clenched.