“Oh, on the contrary, Ms. Carrington, I think that’s exactly what you need and then maybe you might think twice when you’re about to say something with that smart mouth of yours or get on your motorcycle when you’ve been drinking. And if you think those few swats I gave you a minute ago was a spanking, you’re going to be sorely mistaken, literally. Believe me, you won’t have that flippant tone after I take a paddle to your backside.”
Riley didn’t know what to think; her first thoughts were why Joanna cared and just didn’t let her get on with her suspension. At the same time she didn’t want to lose any pay and how bad could it be? She could certainly take a few swats from her boss even though the thought of it alone was humiliating. “What do I need to do?” she asked.
“Let me make it clear, Riley—if you agree to this, it’s not going to be pleasant and if I feel you are in need of additional correction down the road, you will get more of the same. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Ms. Armstrong,” Riley replied somewhat apprehensively.
“Well, Riley, normally I would put you over my knee and paddle your bare backside, but as this is more of a professional arrangement, I think over the desk is appropriate,” Joanna said as she removed an oval wooden paddle from her desk drawer and placed in on the desk in front of her.
Shit, she’s going to use that! Riley thought to herself as she stared at the offending object on the desk, and what does she mean normally? Riley was beginning to question her decision but she wasn’t about to let Joanna Armstrong know she was second-guessing herself.
Joanna stood up, picked up the paddle, and moved to the end of the desk. “Riley, I need a word from you, if this is too much and you can’t take it, you can say the word and I will stop. What word do you want to use?”
“Well, I think ‘suspension’ is appropriate since I’m on one!” Riley replied with a grin.
“Very well; up, miss, and we’ll get this over with,” Joanna instructed as she crooked a finger toward Riley.
Riley stood up, trying to be as bold as possible and moved over in front of Joanna. Joanna guided her down over her desk and positioned her so Riley’s arms were stretched out in front of her and her cheek rested on the cherry wood of the desk. From her position Riley could see the ocean through the blinds of the office window and desperately wished she was down there instead of bent over Joanna’s desk awaiting a spanking like a child.
“Are you ready, Riley?” Joanna asked almost in a sympathetic tone.
“Knock yourself out,” Riley quipped smartly.
“Oh, Ms. Carrington, you are going to learn how to control that smart mouth,” Joanna said as she slid Riley’s blouse up and placed her left hand on the small of her back.
The next thing Riley heard was a loud crack that registered a sharp pain to her left cheek. Riley gasped in surprise as Joanna started to deliver a steady rhythm of swats, first on one cheek, then on the other, building a fire in her backside that intensified along with her anger. Riley started to clench and squirm as each of the blows became harder and harder to take.
Joanna paused, and bent down toward Riley. “Hurts, doesn’t it, Riley?” she declared dryly.
Riley gritted her teeth obstinately. “Oh, I didn’t realize you had started.”
Joanna quietly chuckled; she was tempted to yank down Riley’s slacks. “Well, let me see if I can make more of an impression, Ms. Carrington!” she responded as she brought the paddle back and cracked it hard against Riley’s backside over and over again,
Riley’s stoic attempt at obstinacy was diminishing with every blow and she started to wince and emit guttural cries. She couldn’t comprehend all the emotions she was feeling and tears started to form in her eyes as the fire raged in her behind.
Joanna could feel Riley tense, fighting every blow. She made sure she felt the paddle over and over again on every inch of her backside. Riley was breathing hard and beads of sweat were beginning to form on her face, but Joanna was determined and continued with the steady assault of swats until she heard Riley sobbing into the desk.
Joanna felt Riley go limp on the desk in submission. She put the paddle down and gently put her hands on Riley’s shoulders.
“Hey, shush, it’s all over,” Joanna told Riley as she rubbed her back and tucked a strand of her hair away from her tear-stained face.
Joanna let her lie there for a few moments. “Okay, up you get,” she said gently as she helped Riley back to an upright position. She drew her into a hug, starting a fresh set of tears as Riley sobbed into the lapel of Joanna’s red suit.
“Hey, it’s okay,” Joanna reassured her as she rubbed her back and held her head as Riley’s tears started to subside.
Riley couldn’t understand what she was feeling. Despite her throbbing behind, she somehow felt relieved and safe.
“I’m sorry, Ms. Armstrong,” Riley sniffed, pulling away from her boss as she tried to compose herself.
“It’s over, Riley, clean slate, okay?” Joanna reassured her as she led Riley across the office to the leather couch and pulled her down to sit next to her. Riley winced as her bottom made contact with the seat, making a small grin appear on Joanna’s face.
“Riley, I did that because I care about you. You are a bright young woman who has a promising future. You just need some structure and discipline and since I have a vested interest in you, that’s exactly what I am prepared to give you,” Joanna said, smiling.
“There’s something else, Riley,” Joanna added, handing Riley back the bag of ice and pointing to her hand. “Would you be interested in working out of the New York office for a few months?”
Riley’s eyes lit up as she looked at Joanna inquisitively. “God, yes, I’ve always wanted to go to New York and…” Riley’s enthusiasm trailed off. “But I’m not sure I could afford New York.”
“Riley, let me explain. The company has an apartment in the same building as Helen’s and mine across from Central Park. It’s fully furnished and walking distance to the office. Andrea is in it right now but she will be returning to LA in a couple of months. It won’t cost you anything and you could sublet your apartment while you’re gone so you wouldn’t lose it.”
Riley couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “Really, but why me? I mean, I just screwed up and…”
“Riley, it’s like I said, you have a clean slate. We bought the apartment for employee development so our associates could intern in New York and get some experience at both offices and Helen and I both think you are extremely talented. Let me caution you though; Helen won’t have any hesitation dealing with you the same way I did this morning if you give her cause to. In fact, a good part of the reason you are here this morning is at Helen’s suggestion, and believe me when I tell you, you don’t want your backside to be on the receiving end of Helen Klein’s hand!”
Riley flushed at the news, but her excitement at the prospect of going to New York quickly dispelled any awkwardness of Helen knowing about her discipline. “Does anyone else know about, well…”
“No, Riley, no one else knows and it’s up to you if you want to keep it that way, but no one at the office will hear about it from Helen or myself. So, if you can keep out of trouble for the next couple of months, the New York offer stands. You have some time to think about it, so let me know.”
Riley didn’t need any time; she was elated. “Thank you, Ms. Armstrong, I won’t let you down!” Riley declared.
“Well, let’s take this a day at a time, Riley. Loose cannons don’t usually stop rolling overnight when they get secured one time. Don’t be surprised if you feel that paddle a couple more times before you leave for New York, so you might want to keep that in mind. And we’re not in the office now, so please call me Joanna.”
Riley turned beet red and looked down at the floor. “Yes, Ms. Arm… uhh, Joanna.”
Joanna chuckled. “Okay, you have work to do. I am probably the world’s most unorganized person when it comes to my personal files and documents. I was hopi
ng you could make some order of them and maybe set up some files for this lot. I have plenty of file folders and labels but I never got around to it,” Joanna said as she opened the drawers of the filing cabinets to reveal paperwork that had been shoved inside in piles.
“There’s tax stuff, house stuff, and who knows what else. You think that will keep you busy for a while?’ Joanna asked.
“Yes, I think it will,” Riley replied dryly.
“Okay. I have to get to the office. Let me show you where everything is before I leave,” Joanna said as she walked out of the office into the dark hardwood-floored hallway.
“The restroom is down the hall to the right and the kitchen is this way. Help yourself to anything; there are drinks in the refrigerator and coffee and tea on the counter.” Joanna motioned as she led Riley into the kitchen and great room.
The chef’s kitchen was large and elegant in stainless and granite. The great room was sparsely furnished with a light gray leather sectional, a large flat-screen TV on the wall, and a marble coffee table misplaced somewhere in between. Off the side of the kitchen was the dining area with a ten-chair mahogany table. Riley couldn’t help thinking that even though it was modern and elegant, it somehow seemed cold and unfinished.
Joanna watched as Riley took in the room and as if reading her mind, said, “I know; it needs help, doesn’t it? After I moved in a little over a year ago, I just never seemed to be able to finish it.”
“Kinda like your filing!” Riley quipped with a smirk, then instantly grimaced when she realized what just came out of her mouth.
Joanna raised her eyebrows. “Ms. Carrington, comments like that will get you bent over my desk!” she said with a smile.
“Sorry, Ms. Armstrong; no, it’s a great space.”
“Well, maybe that’s something you can help me with, Riley, since you seem to have that keen eye for design.”
“Oh, absolutely,” Riley said. A lopsided grin appeared on her face as she surveyed the room, already making a mental inventory. “I already have some ideas.”
“That sounds fantastic, but filing first, I think,” Joanna announced as the grin disappeared from Riley’s face. “Here’s the front door key if you go out for lunch, but there’s plenty of food in the refrigerator, help yourself. I’ll be back around five; just call if you need anything.”
“Yes, Ms. Armstrong,” Riley replied, following her back toward the front door to the office.
“Behave yourself!” Joanna said as she closed the front door.
As soon as Riley saw Joanna’s car disappear out the driveway, she hurried into the bathroom, pulled down her pants, and looked over her shoulder at her wounded behind in the mirror. Even though the stinging had subsided a little, her backside was dark red with splotches of purple where a few bruises were starting to appear. Damn, she really walloped me, Riley thought as she gingerly pulled up her pants and returned to the office where her phone was beeping in her purse.
Riley looked at the screen:
How does your behind look, Ms. Carrington?
Riley texted back with a frown.
BRUISED!
Good, then you might remember the consequences of your actions when you sit down the next couple of days!
Riley considered her next text before sending:
Ms. Armstrong, I do hope you are not texting and driving as that also has consequences?!
Touché, Riley, touché, now get to work!
Yes, ma’am! Riley texted with a grin.
* * *
That evening Riley went back to the bar to pick up her bike. Joanna had returned her helmet and keys to her, and Riley was excited to tell her friends about her New York opportunity. She knew Rae would be upset with her for trying to drive and then waking her up at the crack of dawn, so she walked timidly into the bar and immediately made eye contact with Rae.
“You, kitchen, now!” Rae demanded, pointing at the door. “Kelly, hold down the fort for a few minutes, will you?”
Riley slowly made her way into the kitchen followed by a determined Rae. Tracy just shook her head when she saw Riley walk in. Pulling out a wooden chair from under the table, Rae pushed Riley down on it by her shoulders. Riley winced, jumping a little as her still sore backside made abrupt contact with the chair.
Rae’s face suddenly turned from anger to concern. “What’s the matter, Riley, are you hurt?”
Riley’s face went crimson. “Not exactly.”
After a couple of moments, a look of realization suddenly appeared on Rae’s face with a grin. “I think someone got her butt spanked by her boss?”
Riley didn’t know where to look and she felt her face flush again as Tracy gave her a knowing smile.
“Oh, my God, you did, didn’t you?” Tracy questioned delightedly.
“It’s not funny, it hurt!” Riley pouted.
“Well, damn, remind me to give Joanna Armstrong a drink on the house,” Rae beamed. “She did something today I’ve wanted to do for six years. You’ve had that coming for a long time, miss!”
Rae just chuckled in satisfaction as she walked out of the kitchen back to the bar.
Riley couldn’t make eye contact with her friend. “Oh, come on, Riley, you think you’re the only one who had her butt blistered? And I’ve got to live with Rae!” Tracy said, laughing.
“What? But I’m a twenty-seven-year-old adult, not a child.”
“Riley, you’re a brat and Joanna Armstrong is a top!”
“Top? What?” Riley asked with a confused look.
“God, Riley, are you that naïve? Yes, top, dominant, some people incorporate that into their relationships.”
“But I thought that was about, well, you know… kinky sex?” Riley asked shyly.
“Well, that’s the good part!” Tracy gushed. “But some people use it for real discipline.”
“And you and Rae?” Riley questioned.
“Riley, you know Rae is the boss around here, and yes, we have an understanding. It’s not like you haven’t seen and felt a few swats from Rae yourself over the years, is it?”
“I guess so, but Joanna is my boss and frankly I’d rather not have that understanding!”
“So what happened?” Tracy questioned enthusiastically.
“Well, she gave me the option of working for her for three days and still get paid if I agreed to her punishment.”
“Quit stalling, which was?” Tracy said impatiently.
Riley blushed, reluctant to give Tracy the details. “She bent me over her desk and laid into me with a wooden paddle!”
“Did she take your pants down, did you cry?”
Riley was well aware that Tracy was enjoying her line of questioning, which was frankly making her squirm.
“No and yes, but I was more angry than anything, but then it was over and she was talking to me like nothing had happened.”
“Well, that’s a top for you, punished and forgiven!” Tracy smiled. “But you’re lucky; when Rae caught me smoking last month after I was pissed off at her, she walloped my bare butt with her hairbrush, then took a strap to me over the arm of the couch. I couldn’t sit comfortably for days after that!”
“Damn, and you’re okay with that?” Riley asked, astonished.
“It’s complicated, Riley, but yes. I can’t explain but it’s something I need. I don’t know, it keeps me grounded and I love Rae with all my heart; it makes me feel safe somehow.”
Riley was trying to process the information Tracy had given her. She somehow knew about Rae and Tracy’s arrangement but never really paid it much attention. Riley kind of understood, feeling some of the emotions Tracy was trying to explain to her.
“Okay, now let me tell you about New York!” Riley announced triumphantly.
Riley spent most of the evening with Tracy, helping her in the kitchen and telling her about her offer to go to New York. Tracy was excited for her friend, grabbing every opportunity to fill Rae in when she came with a new food order.
“Okay, ladi
es, last order for tonight” Rae announced, striding through the swinging doors of the kitchen. “And you,” she said, walking over to Riley and giving her a big bear hug. “I’m proud of you, kiddo. Joanna wouldn’t have offered you this if she didn’t believe in you. Let’s celebrate at Oscar’s on Sunday, okay?”
Riley was exhausted by the time she got home; it was only a little after nine but she lay in her bed thinking about the events of the day. Joanna, holding her arm and guiding her down over the desk, the cool cherry wood on her cheek, her smarting behind, Joanna’s perfume and the lapel of her red suit as she held and comforted her. Riley’s hand drifted down between her legs reliving every detail until she fell asleep dreaming of Joanna Armstrong.
Chapter Three
Riley had made good with her design expertise and Joanna had given her a more than healthy budget for the project. She spent the next two days transforming Joanna’s living space into a cozy, contemporary masterpiece.
Joanna fell in love with it instantly; she couldn’t believe how Riley had brought the place together. Floating dark shelves now adorned either side of the fireplace and a stuffed leather contemporary chair with a built-in upholstered cushion sat to the right of the fireplace with matching throw pillows scattered on the sectional sofa. A fur skin rug lay on the hardwood floor in front of the fireplace and a large polished driftwood sculpture sat on the mantel along with some elegant vases.
A mahogany buffet with a wire bowl filled with wood-veined spheres on top of it outlined the wall of the dining room and six identical pewter-framed mirrors hung above it in simple symmetry. The vast dining table was accented with four identical silk plants in square vases that brought the room together.
Joanna admired a beautiful abstract beach scene painting that hung above the fireplace and was the focal point of the living room.
Reining in Riley Page 3