Saving His Runaway Bride (Dark Embrace Book 2)

by Sue Lyndon

  “Thank you, sir.” Calling him by his first name still doesn’t feel right. If being called sir bothers him, he gives no indication. I lift my chin and take a deep breath. “Are we to sleep together tonight, before the wedding takes place? I mean, that’s fine with me, sir. I won’t object. I was just wondering about your plans for this evening.” I speak so fast, the words run together in a ridiculous jumble. Tremors shake my hands, and I clasp them together in an effort to hide my nervousness.

  He lifts an eyebrow at me, an amused lilt in his voice. “I have no intention of claiming you before we are properly wed, Nora.” He closes the distance between us in three large steps. “I ought to add to the punishment you already have coming for suggesting such a thing. Naughty, naughty little girl.”

  A heated wave steals through me. I duck my head, my face burning. “Forgive me, sir. I only wish to please you. I didn’t mean to disparage your character by suggesting you would partake in pre-premarital se-sex.” My face flames hotter. I’ve never said the word sex aloud in my life.

  “Were you trying to seduce me, Nora, in hopes that I would forget about your punishment?”

  “No!” I hold my hands out in a gesture of innocence. “I promised to submit to my punishment, and I intend to keep that promise.” I feel frantic and cornered. He stands directly before me, looming over me with his wide shoulders squared and his nostrils flaring.

  He grasps my hands in his and pulls me forward until my knees brush his legs. Then he moves his grip up to my arms, holding me in place as he peers into my eyes.

  “Are you a virgin, Nora? Your stepfather insisted you were an innocent girl, but your forwardness has me wondering if you’ve given up your maidenhood to another.” His voice hardens. “Is that why you ran away? Because you wished to marry another?”

  “You have it all wrong, sir.” I tremble. God, how I tremble. “I was honest with you before, I swear it. I ran away because I feared marrying a stranger, and I didn’t wish to leave Gerrardsville. That is all. I’m a good girl! I promise I’ve never been with a man.”

  He relaxes, if only slightly, but he maintains a secure hold on me. “I hope you are not lying to me, Nora. May God have mercy on you if you are. You don’t want to find out what happens to little girls who tell lies.”

  I gulp and make a mental note to always tell him the truth, even if the truth gets me in some sort of trouble. Maybe he wants me because he desires a virgin. Maybe the women in Marystown have a propensity for premarital relations. I’m grasping at straws as I try to decipher his motives toward me, but nothing else makes sense.

  “I will make you my wife, Nora, even if you aren’t a virgin. I simply do not like being lied to. Lies can destroy the foundation of any relationship.”

  He’s been hurt, then. A woman has lied to him, wounded him. I tried to imagine his past and what happened to turn him into the commanding, fearsome man he is today.

  “I promise to never lie to you, sir.” I force a smile and nod, trying my best to be sweet and submissive. It isn’t difficult, and I needn’t pretend. I feel hopelessly surrendered to him already, though he’s yet to lay a hand on me.

  His assessing, dominant gaze bores into me. “I am going to examine your privates before I punish you, Nora. I want to be sure the maid did a proper job of shaving you bare, and I also intend to find out if you’ve ever had a cock between your thighs.”

  Chapter Four

  LUKE

  She’s nervous. Those blue eyes that have haunted me now look to me beseechingly. She’s afraid of what’s to come, but that can’t be helped. Actions have consequences, and Nora is about to get her comeuppance right here and now.

  I try to ignore the twitching of my cock when I envision glimpsing her naked for the first time. Tonight is about punishment. The outline of her hardened nipples is tenting the front of her nightgown, and I must resist the urge to rearrange my now throbbing length in my trousers.

  “Take off your nightdress, Nora.”

  NORA

  For several long moments, I’m frozen in place. I can’t move. I can’t follow his command to disrobe…I just can’t.

  “I said to take off your nightdress, Nora. Don’t make me repeat myself again.”

  I stare at him, my open mouth no doubt portraying my deep shock. He crosses his arms and leans against the foot of the bed, my discomfort seeming not to move him. In fact, I could swear a glint of desire sparks in his dark gaze, and his nostrils are flaring again. I want to argue that we aren’t married yet and this isn’t proper, but I fear his reaction if I resist.

  If only I hadn’t run away. We could’ve had our wedding and started our marriage pleasantly. Instead, I am to be punished by my husband-to-be the night before our nuptials.

  “Yes, sir,” I mumble, forcing myself to draw the nightdress over my head, though in my nervousness my movements are slow. I hold it bunched up in front of me, keeping my nudity concealed from him. I can’t help it. This is the first time I’ve ever been naked in front of a man.

  His gaze trained on mine, he pushes away from the bed and takes off his jacket, placing it over the back of a chair. With a determined look, he removes his gold cufflinks and rolls up his sleeves.

  I quiver, still using my nightdress as a shield. The silk fabric trails against my freshly shaven cunny with each quick breath I inhale. I feel especially sensitive and achy between my thighs. My nipples grow tight and tingle, as if begging to be touched. Shame heats my face, and I hope he gets my punishment over with soon. But, at the thought of my impending examination, I grip the nightdress and back away from Luke. Surely he can’t mean to examine me down there.

  He frowns and lunges forward, ripping the garment from my hands. I’m not wearing underthings, since the maid didn’t provide a pair, and I instinctively move my hands in front of my center and stare at the floor, too ashamed to peer into Luke’s eyes for a moment longer.

  Does he know I’m achy between my thighs? Does he realize embarrassment isn’t the only cause of my flushing?

  “Get on the bed, Nora, and lie down on your back, with your knees bent and your legs spread.”

  Somehow, I obey. My body hums at his nearness. He stands tall beside the bed, watching intently as I got into position, his hands on his hips. His size intimidates me as much as his commanding presence.

  He sits on the bed and thrusts my legs open wider. The cool air hits the insides of my exposed privates. I put my hands over my eyes and shudder, willing him to get on with it and make it fast.

  “You have a nice, large clit, Nora. Tell me, do you ever stroke yourself?”

  “I don’t know what—”

  “Remember what I said about lying, little girl. Think very carefully before you answer me. Do you ever stroke your pussy and make yourself feel good?”

  I whimper behind my hands. “Yes, sir. I touch myself…on occasion.”

  “Look at me, young lady. You will not hide from me during your examination.”

  I uncover my face, forcing my hands to my sides. I grip the covers and meet his eyes.

  “Good girl. Now,” he says, placing his fingertips atop the nubbin I caress on occasion, “your pussy is mine. You will never, ever touch yourself without permission.” He raises his hand and brings his fingers down on my clit, delivering one firm slap that has me gasping and thrashing about on the bed. But he holds me down, keeping my thighs spread.

  “Please, sir. That hurt.”

  “It was supposed to hurt and serve as a reminder.” He glares at me from over my shamefully exposed privates. “Should I discover you have touched yourself without permission, I will spank your pussy long and hard. Do you want a pussy spanking?”

  I shake my head. “Please, sir, no. I promise not to touch myself.”

  “Good. Now, let’s have a better look at your smooth, pink parts.” He lowers his head and stares at my privates, pulling my lips apart as he conducts a thorough inspection. He spreads me wide from every angle and leaves no area of my cunny untouche
d, taking his time as he strokes and examines my smooth nether lips. Finally, he straightens and gives a nod. “The maid did a fine job of shaving you bare. You will be kept shaved smooth just like this at all times, Nora. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Good girl. Now, it’s time to find out if you were lying about being a virgin.” He cups my privates, pressing the heel of his hand against that sensitive nubbin he’s just slapped. “For your sake, little girl, I hope you aren’t lying to me.”

  Though I’ve never so much as kissed a man, my eyes widen and fear clenches my stomach tight. How can he discern whether or not I’ve ever had a cock between my thighs? My lower lip wobbles, and I hold back a sob.

  “I’m going to push two fingers into your cunny entrance, Nora. If you’re a virgin, I’ll be able to feel your hymen.”

  My what? I want to ask him to explain, but the words strangle in my throat.

  He swirls his fingers through my growing moisture, circling my nubbin for a few moments of shameful bliss. To my absolute mortification, I moan and lift my hips as he touches me—oh yes!—on that extra sensitive spot.

  I cry out as he slaps my inner thigh. Somehow, the disapproving look he gives me leaves me quivering and throbbing, increasing the slickness where he’s just been rubbing. I flush hard.

  “None of that, young lady. You will be very still for this inspection. First, I must lubricate my fingers in your naughty wetness before thrusting inside you. If you are indeed a virgin, your cunny will be especially tight. I don’t want to cause you unnecessary pain.”

  I nod. “Yes, sir.” God, how I ache. Staying still while he resumes the firm caresses and touches to my clit becomes an exercise in self-restraint. Tears of frustration well in my eyes, burning and blurring my vision.

  Moving to the opening of my cunny, he pushes into me with slow thrusts, creating a delicious friction that has me clenching my teeth to keep from moaning. I grip the bedcovers in an effort to obey him. My inner thigh still stings where he slapped me, reminding me what will happen if I attempt to meet his plunges.

  He pauses and places his free hand on my lower stomach, his dark gaze searching mine. Inside me, he pushes deeper and deeper. I whimper and tense at the sudden uncomfortable intrusion. I’ve never had anything inside me before, not even my own fingers.

  A look of immense satisfaction crosses his features. The corner of his mouth turns up, and he lifts his eyebrows, leaning over me with an air of authority. “I can feel your hymen, your maidenhead, Nora.” He shoves a tad farther, and I wince.

  “Please, sir. It’s starting to really hurt.”

  He continues to prod me, thrusting in my cunny with shallow drives, only to occasionally push deep enough to make me cry out as he hits the part of me that apparently proves my innocence. If a mere two fingers inserted in my privates causes pain, how will I manage to accept his cock on our wedding night?

  He’s so tall and solidly built, I wonder if the length and girth of his manhood corresponds to his body’s size. Despite my fear, a fresh wave of heat suffuses my cheeks.

  “You have a pretty pink cunny, Nora. Nice and tight, too.” His eyes tangle with mine. “Tomorrow morning after we speak our vows, I’m going to put my cock inside you and pound you hard. I’m going to fill you with my seed, and you’re going to be an obedient wife and take it. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, sir.” What else can I say? Please, sir, don’t pound me with your large cock? I think not. I will close my eyes and think of Gerrardsville to make it through the pain.

  He withdraws from my pussy, causing my heartbeat to pick up. My bottom tingles at the thought of a spanking. Or a whipping. The gold buckle on his belt winks at me as he shifts on the bed. Perhaps he’ll thrash me with the thick leather.

  Swallowing past the fear constricting my throat, I pray for the strength to obey him during my punishment. I’ve promised to submit, and, however much it hurts, I remind myself that he rescued my four companions from the slavers’ wagon. It seems silly to think I owe him my compliance, but that’s exactly how I feel.

  At least this once, I owe him my complete surrender.

  “Now, Nora, your body belongs to me. I will lie with you whenever I desire you. Your cunny is the hole I will take most often. However,” he says with a lustful gleam darkening his eyes, “sometimes I will claim your bottom hole.”

  “Sir?” Surely, I’ve misheard him. Please God, let me have misheard him.

  “Especially if you have been naughty.” He touches my backside hole then, pressing the fingers coated in moisture stolen from my cunny to my most forbidden entrance. “Wives who disobey their husbands don’t just get spankings, Nora, they get taken in their bottom holes as punishment.”

  “Sir, please don’t touch me there. I…” Gasp after gasp leaves me as he forces those same two fingers deep in my secret entrance, easily holding me down in the process. “Oh, it hurts!”

  “I just have two fingers inside you, little girl. Imagine how it would feel with my cock shoved in your tightness.”

  Oh, I imagine, all right. I imagine it will be the worst kind of torture, and I vow not to cross Luke ever.

  He pulls out of my bottom hole and strides into the bathroom, leaving me panting and squirming on the bed. I hear him shuffling around and the sound of running water. He appears in the doorway moments later, his hands working open his belt buckle.

  My stomach drops. So I am to receive a whipping, after all. I take a deep, steadying breath and will myself to be strong. A whipping is nothing compared to what would be happening to me right now had Luke not rescued me from the slavers.

  He draws the thick leather length from his pants and folds it in half. A quiver of trepidation mixed with desire slices through me. Though preparing to punish me, he looks rather stunning with his jacket off and his sleeves rolled up. I’ve always been attracted to strong, dominant men, and Luke most certainly fits the bill. But, in my girlish fantasies, the man of my dreams also has a tender side. I glimpsed my husband-to-be’s tender side on the journey to Marystown, when he fed me and kept me warm, and I long to feel his caring gentleness again.

  I rise up on my elbows and stare into his intense eyes. “Shall I bend over the bed, sir?”

  “No.” He moves to my side and sits on the edge of the bed. After placing the belt between us and patting his leg, he says, “Place yourself over my lap like the naughty little girl you are.”

  I obey, turning over and crawling to get into position over his firm thighs. He arranges me so my bottom is thrust high in the air over one of his knees. My dangling legs are soon covered by his free leg, and he next secures my wrists together at the small of my back, holding them down in one hand. With his other hand, the hand that will punish, he cups my bottom and rubs my cheeks.

  “As your husband, I will tolerate no disobedience from you, Nora. I realize you ran away before we were wed and, technically, you were disobeying your stepfather, but he’s not here to deal with you. I am. Tell me, would your stepfather have disciplined you for being a disobedient girl, for putting yourself in danger and leaving the safety of Gerrardsville?”

  “Yes, sir. Papa would’ve likely taken a strap to me.”

  He squeezes my cheeks, pulling them apart every so often to expose my privates. I imagine I look quite the sight, with my bottom thrust up and my legs parted to reveal my glistening, smooth pussy lips.

  “You will never behave so carelessly again, Nora. You risked your life by running off in the middle of the night. I realize you thought you’d make it to your cousin’s compound without meeting any trouble, but you still risked your safety and ought to be ashamed of yourself for worrying your family.”

  The tears gathering in my eyes slide down my face. I sniffle. “I am ashamed,” I say quietly. “And I am so sorry.”

  “You deserve a hard spanking on your bare bottom, don’t you, Nora?”

  “Yes, sir, I do,” I answer breathlessly, anticipating the first crack of his hand
with terrible curiosity. I like the intimacy of being secured over his lap, rather than bending over the bed.

  “I want you to ask for your spanking, Nora. Say, ‘I’ve been a naughty little girl, and I deserve a hard spanking on my bare bottom.’”

  I gulp with difficulty, feeling faint. A harsh squeeze to my left cheek encourages my obedience. “I-I’ve been a naughty little girl…” I begin.

  “And I deserve a hard spanking on my bare bottom,” he says sternly.

  After a shuddering sigh, I say, “And I deserve a hard spanking on my bare bottom.”

  “Good girl. After your spanking, you will stand in the corner with your punished red bottom on display.”

  His scolding tone sends heated waves straight to my feminine core. I ache for him the way I suppose a wife longs for her husband’s touch. Wetness seeps from my pussy and onto my inner thighs. My hopes that Luke won’t notice are quickly dashed.

  “What’s this?” He trails a finger along my thigh, smearing my leaking arousal across my leg.

  I bury my face in the covers, hiding my deep shame. Please just spank me. Please get it over with.

  “Are you aroused right now, you naughty girl?” He whacks my bottom when I don’t respond. “Answer me. Why is your pussy getting so wet?”

  “Please, I don’t know,” I sob.

  He probes my slit and discovers the extent of my illicit excitement.

  “This is so naughty, Nora. You must be entertaining some very inappropriate thoughts. Yes, I believe you are very much in need of correction.”