by Asha Daniels
In the last moments of the night, Travis had hunted me down, finding me alone once again. His words had been laced with such venom. They’d also been a promise.
“You will belong to me and you will follow my rules. My. Rules. There will be no compromises.” His smile held a sense of accomplishment as he leaned down, whispering the last words, the basic threat, into my ear. “I can’t wait to own every inch of you. Imagine my cock buried deep inside your sweet pussy. Imagine sliding under my desk, sucking my cock. You will learn through discipline as well as intense punishment. Keep that in mind.”
The slap issued from my hand had shocked him and his reaction had been anticipated. The man refused to learn. After grabbing my wrist, yanking me against the heat of his body, he’d crushed his mouth over mine.
I fisted my hands, pushing them against my jeans. The moment had left me sickened.
And wet.
“What’s wrong?” Jamie asked in the same sweet and non-condescending voice she’d always used.
“I’m just tired,” I was forced to answer. I didn’t want to ruin the trip for the rest of them, even though I was terrified of what I’d come home to. My daddy had said nothing else, barely acknowledging me this morning, but I’d seen his intense gaze. A deal had indeed been struck with Travis. I knew this was about keeping me quiet, but for what reason other than my father believed every man should be in control of the household. My guess is the concept of a spanking had been preplanned.
Jamie squeezed my hand, her gentle touch meant to comfort. I looked into her bright eyes, knowing this was as close to luxury as she’d get, at least during this portion of her life.
“We’re going to have fun,” Jamie insisted.
“We’re going to have a blast!” Pepper corrected.
Becca leaned over, drops of champagne falling onto my jeans. “We’re going to find boys. You know those hot ski instructors.”
All three girls laughed. I cringed. Boys were the last thing on my mind. I’d had the same intense dream, the naughty images waking me at three. Yet, they’d been different, even more powerful and dark, ushering me into a world of total domination. How could I think that way after the experience with Travis? But I had.
And I craved.
Unable to go back to sleep, I’d pulled my vibrator from my suitcase, envisioning the man of my dreams as I masturbated. He was my relief, the only way I could rid myself of the reality. Unfortunately, I hadn’t been able to come. The nervous tension had stolen away any chance of relief. “We will.” Yeah, as if my voice held any level of conviction.
I stared out the window, pushing away the tears threatening to give me away. I didn’t want to spoil their adventure.
“What about a mountain man?” Becca swirled the champagne in her glass, her smile coy and inviting. She brushed the tips of her fingers down her neck, cooing as if a lover was standing in front of her.
“What?” Jamie asked, laughing as if the concept was a joke.
“I’m serious. Oh. My. God. I could do one of them in a heartbeat.” Becca fanned her face. “All muscle from hard work. Rough and tumble. Oh-so dominating. Yummy.”
“I hear they are grizzly,” Pepper quipped as she gave Becca a sinful look.
Mountain men. The concept was… “They don’t exist,” I insisted.
Jamie remained quiet for a few seconds then wrinkled her nose. “They’re demanding in all aspects, hungering in a way that’s so controlling. I can imagine being tied to his bed, unable to move unless he commands me to pleasure him, suck his cock and spread my legs for him.”
The words seemed to linger and at least three of the surrounding passengers issued a disgusted sound.
“Wow. I like the idea,” Becca finally said, her eyes unfocused.
“Those kinds of men only exist in fantasy books and movies.” I heard my words, the sound of utter conviction and the other girls chuckled.
“You would know, girlfriend,” Pepper whispered in my ear.
“Come here, princess. I’ve missed you.”
I could even hear my mystery man’s voice, rugged and full of excited anticipation. I could imagine him commanding me to undress and come to him, kneel down as he removed his belt. I could hear my soft cries as he struck the thick leather against my naked ass, the whipping a reminder of his utter domination. Closing my eyes, I allowed my thoughts to linger for only a few seconds.
“Hey. I have a question for you,” Becca half whispered.
“Uh-oh. Another one of her infamous questions,” Jamie muttered under her breath.
I willed myself to stay out of the conversation because I knew the kinds of questions Becca liked to ask.
“Go on or we’re never going to hear the end of this,” Pepper stated.
“Have you ever been spanked by a boyfriend?”
As soon as Becca asked the question, I could swear the men in the seat behind us perked up, leaning forward as if gleaning every word.
“Uh, no. Why would I let a man turn me over his knee?” Pepper chortled.
“No brush or ruler? Wooden spoon or even his belt?” Becca cooed.
I was growing increasingly uncomfortable, my nipples hardening. Where in the hell had this come from? By this point, my eyes were wide open.
“Is it getting hot in here?” Jamie managed, her face flushing.
I knew that Jamie would have the basic white picket fence kind of relationship with the perfect husband and three beautiful children.
Becca leaned further over, her voice now almost a whisper. “Imagine if he asked you to remove his belt, sliding the thick leather through every loop. Can you smell the leather? Can you see the look on his face, so authoritative? Then he asks you to undress so he can spank you completely naked? Mmmm…”
One of the men behind me fell into a coughing fit.
“You’re serious?” Pepper finally asked.
“Very much so. What do you think, Megan?” Becca pushed against me.
I realized I’d been holding my breath, my mouth dry. “Discipline can be effective.” I had no idea why I even muttered the words. I could swear all time stood still around me. Then all three girls laughed.
“I don’t know if I could ever allow a man to touch me that way. I might have to cut off his dick.” Pepper went on and on about being equal in a relationship and all I could think about was how much I longed for a firm hand. The conversation as well as the idea was ridiculous.
But you crave it. You long for a firm hand, a powerful touch.
I was shivering all over with the realization alone. However, Travis would never be in the picture.
Barely twenty minutes later, the plane was ready to land. There was nothing but clouds, the white puffs enveloping the mountain range. The landscape was so beautiful, as if the various houses, structures and snow covered trees were a mere creation from God, or an oil painting, crafted by a fine artisan. I had an ominous feeling, that sick knowing moment that the trip wasn’t going to be as much fun as everyone hoped. Maybe skiing would break my horrific mood. I was determined to enjoy, to let go. Yes. I had to. Then what would I face upon my return? I knew my father would exert his level of authority in some egregious fashion. I was determined to outguess him.
“I’m so excited I could pee my pants,” Becca huffed and grabbed her purse, pulling out her bright, pink lipstick.
“We still have to check in. I doubt there’s going to be any hot men at the airport,” I chastised, unable to help myself.
Becca rolled her eyes and no matter the turbulence threw the plane back and forth, she managed to fill in her lips, her perfectly shaped kissable lips.
I’d have the damn shit all over my face at this point. She was going to have a date by the end of the night. Of that I had no doubt. I gripped the arms, my heart racing as the plane landed, bumping along the runway given the level of wind. The moment the plane rolled into the gate, I made a promise to myself that I’d be the fun girl, the party animal at least two of my friends believed I should b
e. For a few days, I could relax.
Then the nightmare would begin.
“All right, let’s grab our bags and get out of here!” Pepper took the lead, striding through the airport as if she had an important meeting to go to.
By the time we were comfortably on the shuttle, a hint of sun was high in the sky, highlighting the incredible display of festive lights, encompassing the majority of the buildings in the quaint but polished town. Every store reeked of money from jewelry to leather, art galleries and restaurants of famous chefs. This was how Daddy preferred living – the high life. The girls oohed and aahed as the bus rolled down Main Street. I sat back, worried and confused, unsure of every aspect of my life. Why did my father want me with a man eight years older and someone I could never fall in love with? Money? An exchange for good favors in the company?
Or perhaps Travis was the heir apparent. Certainly, no woman would ever be good enough to take over his enterprise.
“Hey, we can check in and at least take one run down the mountain,” Becca half squealed as she gripped and shook my hand.
“Sounds good.” Enthusiasm. I needed to pump myself up. I closed my eyes, willing the ugliness to disappear and when I finally glanced out the window, I had to admit, the view of the resort was breathtaking. Nestled at the foot of the mountain, the chalet style estate appeared to be at least two blocks long. The views, even from the cheap seats of the bus, were incredible. Thick clouds were covering the tops of the snow laden mountain peaks, but even with the almost foggy effect, everything was majestic, magical.
Maybe this was a place I could find solace. Perhaps my soul. I was already in a much better mood by the time the rugged and handsome driver helped us with our luggage. I noticed Becca hanging back, flirting with the muscular man, her hand lightly touching his arm, his shoulder and finally his chest.
I shook my head and grabbed my suitcase, moving toward the entrance.
Becca caught up with us seconds later, her face flushed and not from the cold.
“Oh. My. God. I have a date tonight with Mr. Hottie. We’re going to have a drink at the lounge and he even mentioned there’s a very private hot tub he has access to. Isn’t that exciting?” Becca was humming.
Jamie glanced in my direction, rolling her eyes but she was the first one to congratulate our friend.
“Be careful. I hear the men are ferocious beasts here,” I couldn’t help but spit out.
“That’s only the illusive mountain men.” Pepper’s words were said proudly, as if she knew every kind of man in Vail.
“Mountain men. I already told you, there are no such things,” I countered again and greeted the desk attendant with a fake but very warm smile.
“They do exist. There’s even a show on the History Channel about them. All rugged, completely ignoring civilization. Living their life the way they want to in the wilderness.” Jamie didn’t look at any of us as she relayed her wealth of information.
“Women?” Pepper dared to ask, chiding Jamie.
“They take what they want and never accept no as an answer. They are the true epitome of a real man, not these pretty boys slathered in cheap cologne and two thousand dollar ski outfits.”
You could have heard a pin drop. I allowed the words to reverberate, to linger in the back of my mind. Maybe that was exactly the kind of man I needed. Take charge. Dominating. Possessive. I realized I was suddenly wet and aching, my nipples hard. “Sounds perfect.”
“Mmm… Yes,” Jamie whispered, the sound more like a purr.
From that point on, I’m not entirely certain how we got up to the room, a suite with four bedrooms, a living room complete with a stone fireplace and even a small kitchen. The marble floored bathroom, complete with a whirlpool tub and separate shower, was bigger than my bedroom at home. The suite had to have cost a fortune. The balcony off the fourth floor had a direct view of the ski slopes. I stood staring out the French doors as I thought about Jamie’s idea of a real man. Dear God, my pussy was clenching.
“This is fabulous!” Becca rushed into every room, opening the doors with a solid push. “And this is my bedroom. Remember, if the door is locked, don’t come a knockin’.”
Pepper laughed as she tumbled into another room, dropping her bag. “Okay, girls, I have the lift schedule in my hot little hand. We have fifteen minutes to get ready. Come on!”
I heard the excitement in her voice but couldn’t take my eyes off the mountain. The snow was pristine, creating a picture-perfect moment in my mind. What an incredible place for a romantic getaway. I moved out onto the balcony, gazing at the activity below. How many lovers were here, enjoying time alone, savoring every moment shared, memories made? I’d never find happiness or the kind of man I could adore. Submit to. When my mind went to that place, the place where all men were powerful, dominating and took charge of every aspect of a woman’s life, I shivered all the way to my toes.
Travis. There was no way in hell I could submit to the man. I abhorred him.
“You’re not happy being here, are you?” Jamie asked as she eased out beside me.
Shrugging, I kept my eyes pinned on the clouds. “I’m thrilled to be here with you guys. It’s just…”
“Your father showing off?”
“Yeah, I guess. He doesn’t have this kind of money, not really. He has no idea that I know how in debt he is, both personally and with the business. I think he assumes everything is going to be all right.” I wasn’t going to tell her about the criminal side of his activities.
“Your father is tenacious. That much I know about him.” Jamie’s voice was quiet, almost stilted.
“He’s an asshole.” The words slipped from my mouth. “The worst kind. Nasty. Bitter. Violent. You don’t have any idea.”
“He’s misunderstood and actually, I think he’s kind of sweet.”
Sweet? That was a word never used for my father. I twisted until I could look at her face, her lovely but forever sad hazel eyes. “Wait a minute. Did something happen with my father?”
She did something I’ve never seen her do. She shifted her expression to one of longing. Nausea floated into my stomach. My father? There was no way. None.
“Are you sleeping with my father?” I realized the words were harsher than I would have wanted but the shock furrowed into every cell in my body. Becca or Pepper? You bet. I could see either one of them in a compromising situation but intelligent, witty, creative and unassuming Jamie? No fucking way.
Laughing, red crept along her jawline and up along her cheeks. “No, silly. But I will say he’s very sexy, you know? He’s so influential and the way he handles business is amazing. We could all learn a lot from him.”
She was lying. My best friend in the world was lying to me. I had no idea what to say. Hell, I had no idea how to react. Did I care? I had no answer. But Jamie? My father would use her in every manner and when he was through, he’d leave her a broken woman. I was shivering from head to toe, furious with myself for not seeing it. This didn’t make any sense to me. None.
“I’m sorry if that upset you,” Jamie insisted.
But she was unable to look at me. “Not upset. He can do what he wants with his life just as I’m going to do with mine but be careful of the polished façade. He believes women are commodities.”
“I know what you crave,” she said quietly.
I gave her a hard stare, almost a nasty glare. Yes, she did know everything I wanted in a man, but to throw my father in my face could mean the end of our friendship.
“Don’t look at me that way. There’s nothing wrong with a dominating man.”
“Dominating is fine, but he’s dangerous.” I was furious. I was incensed. I was… Terrified for her. The warning wasn’t strong enough but who would believe me? What occurred behind closed doors would forever stay there. My friends didn’t want to hear about the ugliness. What was I supposed to say?
Jamie opened her mouth then just sighed, her face pinched.
The tension was unusual, but I
had nothing to say that wouldn’t create an argument.
“I agree with you, by the way,” Jamie half whispered.
“About?” I had a feeling her admission had nothing to do with her desire for my father.
“Discipline. I honestly believe that for a relationship to be happy, the man must be in charge, doling out punishment as necessary.”
I couldn’t even believe I was hearing the words. This was the very first time she’d ever said anything that would lead anyone to assume she was a submissive, or simply preferred a domestic discipline relationship. “I guess.”
“I know that’s what you believe and I’m not telling Becca or Pepper, if that’s what you’re worried about. You’ll find the right man one day.”
I shifted my head, studying her face. She was dead serious. “I’m not looking for a man right now.”
“But when you do.” Jamie sighed, the same flush cresting on her cheeks. “He’ll be the one requiring absolute and total submission.”
There was a litany of things I wanted to say to her, or maybe just questions I wanted to ask. I didn’t have a girlfriend to share my most intimate thoughts with. Not like this anyway. Becca and Pepper would have me committed.
“Your father is a very authoritative man,” she continued. “Controlling. He expects complete obedience.”
Oh my God. They had been intimate, if for no other reason than discipline. I was completely thrown, sweat beading down both sides of my face.
“Come on, you two. Time is of the essence.” Becca’s voice was lilted.
I was unable to get the notion of my best friend and my father in an intimate relationship out of my mind. The rather vivid images floating through my brain were chilling. I knew my father was dating. I never asked any questions. The topic was forbidden. How long had he waited after my mother died? How long did he grieve? There had always been women, concubines or consorts escorting him to every event, servicing his dark proclivities. Even my mother had let me in on the family secret one night after a particularly nasty argument with my father. She’d seemed so resigned as she drank her wine, sipping as only a lady should do.