"How many times must I tell you," Jeoff lectured, his hand smacking with vigor across Piper's bared cheeks, "that arguing with me will always end up with your bare bottom perched in the air? Hmm? How many times, young lady?"
"That hurts! Jeoff, please! Ow! Owwww!" Piper wriggled and kicked. "Watch the bruise! You are too high! OWWW! That hurts!"
"I am nowhere near your bruise, so stop this fussing. Too high? That is no problem, I am more than happy to spank lower. How about here?" he asked, as he quickly reddened the undercurve of her cheeks.
"Stooooop! Owie! No more!" Piper wailed, wriggling in an attempt to escape his punishing hand.
"Where do you think you are going? Put those legs down. You are acting like a big baby." His reprimand continued as he heated up her sit-spots. "No reaching back."
"But I have to! Please, please, please …," Piper called out. "Let go of my hand!"
Jeoff clucked his tongue as he anchored her right wrist to the small of her back and continued to pepper her bright-red bottom. "I don't want your fingers getting smacked. The only thing that needs to feel my palm is this naughty little bottom of yours."
"It's not fair!" Piper begged. "I'll be good! I promise."
Jeoff paused, his hand in the air. "Are you going to mind me now, without sassing back?"
"Yessssss," Piper hissed angrily, glaring down at the rug resting several inches from her face. "Please, let me go."
Jeoff delivered three more solid swats before sitting her up and placing her firmly upon the couch. "You sit on that bare bottom and think about your behavior, little one. Do not even consider pulling those pajamas back up. You are behaving like a very naughty girl today, and I do not care for it. This will stop immediately, understand?"
"Yeah," Piper mumbled, facing the floor.
"What did you say?"
Piper gritted her teeth, unwilling to give him the satisfaction of a contrite, repentant, or meek response. "Yes, Sir …."
"Would you like to work on the Lego project?" Jeoff asked, tilting her chin up.
"No."
"How about coloring? I have mandalas and color pencils."
"What's that?" His suggestion spiked her interest.
He pointed to a picture on the wall with an Inuit totem design. "This is a mandala. Originally, it was a form of religious art, but is also a drawing that includes a geometric pattern. These mandalas are pretty complex," he said, opening the coloring book and pointing to the image, "but they are a lot of fun to color. Would you like to give it a try?"
"I like coloring," Piper admitted, taking the book from his hands and leafing through it.
"I have to run to the store and pick up something for dinner. Will you be all right by yourself for an hour or two?"
"I'm not a baby!" Piper snapped.
"Are you sure? You are certainly behaving like one," Jeoff said, patiently. He kissed her forehead tenderly. "Sweetheart, I know you are bored and that your ankle hurts, but this mouth of yours is going to get you into a world of trouble. I am asking you nicely to please guard your tongue."
"Sorry," Piper muttered, her eyes watering with shameful tears. "I didn't mean to be such a brat."
"I know you didn't. There's my sweet girl. Here are your crutches. I adjusted the height for you, but still be careful if you have to use them. Do you need anything before I go?"
"Crutches? Really?" Piper exclaimed. "Where did you find these?"
"I'm a sport therapist, remember? I am also a bit of a klutz. I have quite the crutch collection in the garage."
"Of course you do." Piper wrinkled her nose. "You probably have lots of torture devices hidden all over the place."
"You would be surprised. I plan on building a dungeon in the back part of the basement next summer for us." Laughing at the stunned expression on her face, he tugged her hair playfully. "I'll be back soon. Be good."
Piper scowled at the sound of his truck leaving the driveway, unhappy about being left alone to her own devices. She colored the mandalas for a few minutes more and then picked up her cell phone to check her messages. Her mouth hung open when she saw that there were thirty unread texts from Lyle and her mother—from numbers she had forgotten to block.
"I can't believe this! What the hell is wrong with them? Why can't they get it? Why won't they just leave me alone?" she choked, reading the comments and feeling fear seize her heart. By the time Jeoff returned home, Piper was weeping profusely into her pillow, clutched against her chest.
"Baby? What's wrong?" he asked, plunking his purchases on the kitchen table and joining her on the couch.
"Th—they aren't going to let me go," Piper sobbed. "They said that they are going to petition against the divorce and convince the court that I am a danger to myself and need to be under a conservatorship. I told you Lyle wouldn't let this rest! He's a sneaky, conniving little bastard who thinks he owns me and will do anything to get his way. He is not going to give away his property to anyone for any reason."
"Property? What the hell are you talking about? Let me see that," Jeoff demanded, grabbing the phone from her hands. His eyes darkened as he read the threatening messages. "Is any of this true?"
"None of it. I swear. He is just trying to invent a trail for the court to follow," Piper sniffed. "I don't know what to do. I can't fight this. My mother is obviously giving him the money for an attorney. Jeoff, he said he is going to let everyone know that I am suicidal and need his help. It's all a big lie to trap me. How can I defend myself against him ? We are divorced and he should not have any hold on me anymore. This is ludicrous!"
"Shh, it will be okay. I need you to calm down for a moment. Listen to me, Piper." He forced her to look at him. "He doesn't have a case. The law requires that he provide proof. These comments about you being incompetent and dependent upon him for your survival are purely speculative and based on a biased opinion with a conflict of interest. The fact that you moved cross-country by yourself, procured an apartment and a job, and enrolled in college without his assistance disproves his insinuation. Unless he has solid evidence to support that you are physically, mentally or emotionally unfit to safely care for yourself, this is nothing but harassment. If he does try to bring this to a legal proceeding, it is also perjury."
"Are you sure?" Piper looked at him through large, tear-filled eyes. "This is my fault. I knew I should have changed my number after I got this job, but I forgot, and …"
"I am positive, and this is not your doing. I want you to trust me. I've been through this crap myself and have a bit of experience with dealing with an obsessive psychotic. Granted, I wasn't married, but she was accusing me of some very ugly, and very untrue, things. It got to be pretty vicious."
"Mr. Howard told me," Piper admitted. "Your ex sounded like a manipulative little bitch."
"She was a broken, confused woman whom I loved enough to let go. I wasn't good for her, and she wasn't good for me. Sometimes it takes pain to make us learn a valuable lesson, and that was my wake-up call. Let's get this number changed now and cut off their means of contacting you."
"I just hate that you are being dragged into this," she sniffed, after he called her cell phone carrier and explained the situation.
"I am not being dragged. This is my choice, okay? There! Your new number will be activated in 24 hours. I am just going to forward these messages to my phone so we have them as evidence, if needed."
"Thanks, Jeoff. I feel so powerless right now. I don't like it. I should be strong enough to deal with shit on my own, and …"
"Piper? I want you to move in with me."
Piper stared at him. "No! Didn't you understand me? I am already feeling like I'm too weak to take care of myself, and that is exactly what Lyle is accusing me of. I can't give up my independence. Not now and not ever!"
"Whoa, kiddo! Hear me out," Jeoff said, his hand in the air to silence her. "I have a guest cottage behind the house that I use now and then for company. It's yours. It has its own kitchen and parking area, a great view
, and won't be accessible to anyone except us."
"No, thank you. I can't accept that. I don't need charity."
"Lord, child, will you please listen to reason? This jerk knows where you live. If he is as persistent as you say, he will be showing up on your doorstep every chance he gets. I am trying to protect you."
"I appreciate that, but there are some things I need to do on my own."
"I hear you, but I am telling you that this situation is not something anyone should handle alone. With your mother supporting him, it is essentially two against one. You need to balance the scales if you are going to achieve your freedom from them. Lyle cannot step foot on this property without trespassing, and if he dares to do so, it allows me the perfect opportunity to get involved. I can also assure you that he wouldn't be able to win against any lawyer I retain. I am pretty sure my bank account is a bit more solid than your mother's."
"I will not have you paying my way for anything, Jeoff. You got me a job. While I am so grateful for that assistance, you are not responsible for my household expenses and legal fees. The answer is no."
Jeoff slapped is palm against his temple. "Why are you so blessed stubborn? Any legal expenses that occur will be due to his violation of my personal space and encroaching upon private property. You can pay rent if that makes you feel better, and all the utilities are included. I won't even come in unless I am invited."
"Yeah, right," Piper snorted. "We both know that is a lie. You will be in there anytime I am, and we both know it."
"Maybe a little lie. I enjoy spending time with you, so yes, I would be visiting quite often," Jeoff grinned. He nudged her with his elbow. "There is a big brick fireplace. I'll even let you chop your own wood."
"Seriously? You don't even chop your own wood. You have it delivered and stacked. Try again." Piper's eyes began to sparkle through her tears.
"How about a clawfoot tub in the bathroom?"
"Does it have jets?" Piper asked, a little smile twitching on the corner of her mouth.
"No, sorry. You will have to come to the main house for that."
"Nope, that's a deal-breaker," she teased.
"You are such a brat. Think about it. Meantime," he handed her the phone, "call the sheriff and make a report. His name is Joe. Make sure you let him know that your number is due to be changed and give him every number you have that either Lyle or your mother might use. Also let him know that you had the messages forwarded to me if needed in the future."
"He will do that? I thought Lyle had to do something to me physically for me to make a report."
"Our guy is very good about this kind of thing. He doesn't sit back and wait for someone to get hurt before stepping in. I want to have a file in case we end up having to make this a formal legal thing. I told you—been there, done that, got a closet full of T-shirts. It's a big nuisance, baby, but that's about it."
"Lyle said he would take you out of the picture, too."
"I'm a big boy. It's hard to make me disappear," Jeoff promised, tapping her nose. He changed the subject. "I bought you a present."
"You did? Even after I have been such a bitch?"
"Sometimes you need to be reminded that someone is thinking about you, and that often is enough to make that cranky exterior disappear. Here."
Piper trembled as she clutched the little pink, stuffed pig to her chest and buried her face in its fluffy neck. "It has my name on it," she whispered.
Jeoff fingered the tag. Piper Piglet. "Yeah, I know. It's as soft and sweet as you are, baby. No more crankies, okay?"
"Okay." Piper smiled lovingly into his face. "I'm a rotten patient."
"You most certainly are. I also got you some ice cream and rainbow sprinkles for later."
"Is the ice cream for you or for me?" Piper asked, slyly.
Jeoff laughed. "Busted. Let me rewrap your foot, and then we can play a game. I should warn you, I cheat."
"Oh yeah? Well, I win! And I don't care how!" Piper giggled.
An hour later, the sound of a car in the driveway announced the presence of a visitor.
"What do we have here?" Mr. Howard asked, letting himself into the house without invitation.
"I didn't hear you knock," Jeoff stated from his place on the floor.
"That is because I didn't. How's our girl?" he leaned over to kiss the top of Piper's head.
"We're playing monopoly. He is such a sore loser," she tittered.
"He is also the worst cheater in the world. Don't let him be banker; he'll gouge you."
"I know you won't believe me, but she is far worse at cheating than I am. I caught her sliding 'get out of jail free' cards under the board. Can I get you some coffee?" Jeoff asked, hauling his large body to a standing position.
"You move like you're my age, boy. I'll help myself. Need anything, Pipsqueak?"
"Hot cocoa please. With a candy cane," Piper announced.
"Shall do. Jeoffrey?"
"Nothing for me, thanks. So what brings you here on this blustery day?"
"I was worried about Peepers," the old man shrugged, pouring coffee into a large mug after handing Piper her cup.
"Peepers?" Jeoff asked, humorously. "That's an interesting nickname. I am guessing that you are also bored. I told you that I'd watch the stables if you wanted to go south and visit your family for the winter. You have the stable hands that help maintain the animals, right?"
"I'm thinking about it. I might consider your offer for after the holidays if this weather gets any worse." Mr. Howard turned his attention to the tiny blond woman, "Peeps, you haven't lived until you've seen Portland during Christmas. There is a huge wing-ding that the locals here put on right here at the Stevens Estate."
"Estate? It's a bit small to call it that."
"The property goes back a bit into the woods, and there is an old camping ground we use for the event," Jeoff said, eyeing Mr. Howard with a frown.
How come you didn't tell me you throw that party here?" Piper asked, pulling herself off the floor and plopping onto the couch.
"I forgot? Okay, maybe I didn't forget," Jeoff shrugged. "I didn't want to intimidate you. I was hoping to introduce you to the committee and see about getting you involved. I've put out the word that you will be needing a teaching internship, and this is a great way for you to network."
Piper shook her head. "You are one amazing man, Mr. Stevens. How can I ever thank you?"
"Just be a good girl, and be happy. How's the cocoa?"
"Perfect, like always. Mr. Howard? How do you fit into this party?"
"I'm Father Time," the old man grumped. "The only thing good about that role is that I'm paired up with Mother Nature, and she is always one pretty lady. It puts a spring in my step."
"As long as you don't trip over your walker, that's a good thing," Jeoff teased.
"What else is there to do around this place?" Piper asked as the men settled around her.
"We have plenty of winter activities, if you can handle the cold. Hockey, of course, but you won't be doing any ice-skating for a few days. I love to fish, so that is a year-round thing for me," Jeoff said, twirling Piper's hair between his fingers. "We have a nice lake close by."
"Fishing's okay. I would rather eat it than catch it," Piper announced. "Oh, and don't even think of getting me to clean it. I don't do fish guts."
"That's my kind of gal," Mr. Howard chuckled, tapping his mug to hers. "Did you tell her about the Kink Convention in the spring? That might be a good place to take her this year, since you are intent on spanking her bottom on a regular basis."
"You really are not much help," Jeoff said, as Piper simultaneously blushed and cringed. "But the answer is no, I have not told her."
"You might as well now, since the mouse escaped the trap," Mr. Howard winked.
"I should get a different trap," Jeoff sighed. He went on to explain, "This group holds a giant expo that features all kind of lifestyle interests. I try to make it a yearly field trip for my girls. It gives them a chanc
e to see what the rest of the community is doing and meet new people. There are special events and a formal ball held for members to socialize, plus a bunch of activities they enjoy participating in. It is usually a lot of fun for them, and it really ups their morale."
"You really would take me?" Piper perked up with excitement. "I think I would like to check it out."
"You may go, but no one is allowed to touch you."
"What do you mean?" Piper narrowed her eyes.
"I mean that your bottom is mine and mine only," Jeoff proclaimed gruffly. "I don't share my prime sub with anyone."
"You talk like I am a piece of property. Or a steak," Piper said, sourly. "You don't share your Porterhouse with anyone, either. Last time I tried to steal a piece of your steak, I thought you were gonna bite my hand off."
"I would share my steak with you, if you asked, but I won't share you. You are off-limits to any other top. This is one of those times that there will be no more discussion on the matter."
"But what if I want to participate during this thing with the other girls? It's not fair that we all go to something like that, but I'm prohibited from partaking in anything. I also want you to explain what you mean when you say I am your prime sub? Since when am I even a sub? I'm barely broken in."
"You haven't been listening to me. When you said that you wanted to take this as far as you can, you were not asking me out for coffee. You were asking for a commitment, and you received it. Until one of us decides otherwise, that commitment means that no one, and I mean no one, is to touch you without my express permission."
"Which will always be refused," Mr. Howard added with a crooked grin on his face as he observed the verbal exchange. "I'm not even allowed to paddle that bottom, and he trusts me explicitly."
"Are you serious? That's not fair! The others …"
"Are not my girlfriends. That makes you my prime. I told you I wasn't playing a game here."
Piper's Journey (Into Submission 1) Page 13