by Allysa Hart
“Come to me.” His baritone voice shattered the silence. Rose moved to stand naked between the knees of her fully clothed husband, feeling submissive after being physically stripped of all armor. He held the punishment plug in the air to remind her of his power. “Do we need to use this or are you going to continue to obey me?”
“I will obey, Sir.”
“Glad to hear it.” He placed the plug on the nightstand and put his big hands on her naked waist. His thumbs made gentle little circles as he talked “Do you know why I am going to spank you?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Tell me.”
Holding back the groan took effort. Like most submissives, Rose hated this part of the ritual when she was forced to speak the words out loud and openly admit that a spanking was needed and why. Most times she found that the admission or confession was worse than the spanking itself which was typically hard and long. “Because you are in charge in this house and I need a reminder.”
Keith nodded his acceptance of her reason but pushed her further. “What happens when we go a long time without a reminder?”
“I get off balance,” she mumbled under her breath, hating the truth behind her words. Regular spankings kept anxiety and tension from taking over her life and kept her from becoming snippy and difficult to live with. The abhorred ritual and the reminder of his position helped keep her stable, and Keith was always happy to oblige with anything that improved their marital bliss.
“If we want to help Katie, it is going to be crucial that we keep our own dynamic healthy and in sync. Agreed?”
“Yes, sir.” Having Katie under their care made their stress relief custom that much more important. Rose had to maintain consistency for Katie’s sake as well as her own.
“Good girl. Prop yourself nice and high on some pillows. You are getting the bath brush, the belt, and my hand. Don’t think that you’ve been masking your stress as well as you thought you were. I know you too well.”
Whimpering, she situated herself as he commanded and readied herself. His choice of implements had a single purpose—to cause tears. The bath brush cracked against her unprotected cheeks, echoing like a sonic boom against the walls of the room. Instinctively, she pushed up on her toes and held her breath for the next half dozen swats. After that, she gasped for breath as the hated wooden implement continued its steady assault. No words were exchanged between them since Keith strictly believed that his silence forced her to deal with her own thoughts and feelings.
At twenty-four strokes, he finally stopped to give her a moment to absorb the agonizing sting the brush had left in its wake. Wiping her tears on her forearm, Rose braced herself as she felt his hand return to her lower back to signal that her break was over. Usually, she loved the belt and how the feel of soft worn leather cracking against her bottom took her to a place of paradise. However, when used after a beastly implement like the bath brush, she cursed the strap to the deepest pits of hell. There was no warmth or enjoyment as it raised the fire in her flesh to new heights. Halfway through the strapping, she was unable to maintain her control. The dam broke, and she began to cry and beg, but Keith continued unwaveringly until that portion of the session was completed.
Placing the belt on the bed next to her, he rubbed her back. “Almost done, baby. You are doing a great job. Stand up. It’s time to go across my knee.”
The skin to skin contact while holding her close to his body left her feeling the physical intimacy that she craved. The only problem with finishing with a hand spanking was the pain that enhanced the prior tenderness brought about by the belt and brush. She was pulled ungracefully into place, and he rubbed her tender bottom.
“You should have some pretty marks and a few bruises back here in the morning. Will they be a good reminder of how much I love you?” He sadistically poked at a few of the most tender spots, making her yelp.
“Yes, Sir.”
“You are my equal when it comes to Katie, but in this relationship, I am in charge. If you are overwhelmed or stressed, you need to tell me before it reaches this point. Do you understand me?”
“Yes, Sir.” The verbal acknowledgment that they were a team when it came to Katie enhanced her sense of value and worth.
“Good, let’s get this done so that we can move on to more pleasant activities.”
Rose cringed when the first spank of his hand cracked hard across her bottom. She sincerely hoped the spanking would be short, but after about a hundred stinging blows, those hopes were dashed. Sagging over his knee, she released herself to the pain. When the punishing rhythm stopped, she felt the same rough hand gently rub her back. The gesture indicated that she had permission to get up when she was ready.
The stress had drained from her body and left her feeling empty and clean. She slid off his lap and knelt in front of him with her hands on his knees. Gazing with longing into his face, she waited for permission to proceed with their ritual. He placed his hands on the bed behind him. “Go ahead, but keep in mind that I want to finish inside of you.”
Unzipping his pants, Rose watched hungrily as the object of her desire sprang free. She stroked his rod with her fingers and waited until he arched his back to invite her to take him into her mouth. Her lips closed over him, and she greedily engulfed his warmth in thanks for the care and attention he had given her.
Chapter Six
The mingling scent of musty law books and stale coffee did nothing to calm Katie’s nerves as she sat in the waiting room of the attorney’s office. Alternating between wringing her hands and restless pacing, she couldn’t understand why her anxiety was so extreme. The meeting was purely legal, and since Mark had no family, all his belongings would be willed to her.
“Sit down, honey. You’re making me dizzy.”
“I can’t, Rose. It feels like this meeting will close the final chapter of my life with Mark, and I’m not ready.”
“No one is ever ready to say goodbye to someone they love, baby. Listen to Auntie and sit down. Please don’t make me take you out to the car,” Keith interjected crankily.
“Yes, Sir.” Heat rose into her cheeks, and she quickly obeyed. He had just gotten off of a long shift and was exhausted, and Katie knew not to push when he was in this mood. The last two weeks had been a course in reminding her that when Uncle spoke, obedience was the best course of action. Before she settled in the chair, the office door opened, and the trio was invited in.
***
The ladies took a seat opposite the large oak desk that dominated the small office while Keith stood like a sentry next to the door. This would be the day that the three could move forward as a family and have a future together if Katie agreed to the contract. She had been progressively healing under their love and strict rules, but as to be expected, she had both good days and bad. He anticipated that today would be one of the most difficult ones but held the hope that any setbacks they experienced would be fairly minimal and short lived.
His major concern was his wife’s reaction should Katie reject the proposal. Rose had called him at work that morning and fretted over Katie’s mood. The anxiety the girl felt over the reading of Mark’s will had rekindled the fears, depression, and anger. Katie’s emotional breakdown deeply affected Rose whose only desire was that her family would be happy, healthy, and whole. She had never been good at facing this type of conflict and took the negativity upon herself and allowed it to eat away at her being. Despite his exhaustion, these factors necessitated his attendance to the appointment so that he could provide both his girls with strength and support, and to ensure that everyone kept a level head.
The lawyer cleared his throat and jarred Keith from his wandering thoughts. Shaking himself from his worries, he smiled at his old friend. He and Mark had known the attorney since they were rookies, and the man had been Keith’s mentor when he first started exploring the dynamic.
“I know this is not a pleasant reason for getting together, but it’s good to see you again, Keith, my boy. It’s been
a long time.” The man clapped him on the back and pulled him in for a tight hug.
“It’s good to see you too, Jared. Thanks for being here. We all appreciate it.” Since the last time they had seen one another, the old man’s hair had turned completely white, and the deep lines etched into his face displayed his love of laughter. The tight hug confirmed that he continued to maintain his physique and was likely still showing up the younger men on the racquetball court.
“I’ll do anything for you, and you know it.” The attorney turned his attention to Rose and greeted her warmly as he took her hand, bowed and kissed her knuckles. “Rose, my sweet, every time I see you, your beauty blossoms into a more beautiful flower than ever. It’s been much too long since I’ve had the honor of laying my eyes on you. Please, don’t let this selfish young man of yours keep us apart.”
“You haven’t changed a bit, Jared,” Rose said, blushing with pleasure. She frowned at Keith. “How come you never talk to me like that?”
“He lacks the experience of flirting and getting busted for it,” Jared said with a wink. “And you must be Katelyn. I am so sorry for your loss, sweetheart. Mark was an incredible young man, and I am honored to have had the privilege of knowing him.”
He kissed the top of her head and hugged her warmly. The warm greetings put both the girls at ease, and Keith felt his anxiety dissipate knowing that Jared would be able to handle anything that was thrown his way.
The man sat in his large chair and took out a folder. “Are you ready to begin?”
Katie shook her head and looked at the floor enticing Keith to rest his warm hands on her trembling shoulders. “Go ahead, Jared,” he requested.
“Feel free to stop me if you have any questions, okay?” The attorney requested gently as he looked at Katie. “I’m sure you’re aware that Mark had no relatives.”
“Of course I know that! I was his wife!” The sudden outburst was unexpected.
Keith squeezed her shoulders with a warning. “Watch yourself, little girl. I know this is difficult, but that is no excuse for lack of manners or a haughty attitude. I’m sorry, Jared. Please continue.”
Katie yanked away from his hold and stomped across the room. The glare directed at Keith sent the message that she did not appreciate being put in her place. “We know all of this shit so just let me sign whatever I need to so we can leave.” She huffed and flipped her hair like a snarly teenager.
Keith took a menacing step toward her but was quickly halted by a look from the old man. Jared raised an eyebrow, set the packet of paper down and folded his hands. “Young lady, as I stated before, I’ve known your daddy for a very long time. He would never have allowed you to speak to an elder in this manner. Would he?”
The stunned expression on Katie’s face was priceless as she darted a look towards Rose and Keith. Jared continued to lay down the law. “If you interrupt me again, then you may spend the remainder of our time together facing that wall. Do you understand me?”
Not receiving any comfort from the other two ‘adults,’ she crossed her arms over her chest and focused on the floor before she nodded.
“I asked you a question, little one. A verbal acknowledgment is mandatory.” His tone was kind but stern.
“I also think an apology is in order,” Keith added.
“Um, yes, Sir. I’m sorry for interrupting you.” Her voice quivered as her eyes filled with tears. Keith felt a little guilty for not preparing her with the information that Jared was a Dom. However, he watched as Katie’s body relaxed in a way that it had not all day. Jared’s approach had actually brought her to a place of peacefulness. Keith shook his head and received a wink from his old mentor.
“Very good. Now sit back down so we can finish this. Remember to ask if you have any questions or concerns.”
The will was read out loud and, as expected, Katie was the beneficiary of all Mark’s belongings with the exception of his motorcycle. The machine was left to Keith’s discretion to either keep or sell.
“I think we are done here except for this last item.” Jared pulled a large envelope out of the back of his file. “Katie, sweetheart? Please come here.”
Her eyes darted to Keith, and he gestured with a nod of encouragement. Rising slowly, she walked around to where Jared sat and stood before him. He took her by the hands and squeezed slightly. “Daddy loved you more than anything else on this planet. You know that, right?” She nodded as a single tear ran down her cheek. Jared wiped the tear with his thumb and continued. “He did everything in his power to make sure you were taken care of if something bad happened. Your auntie and uncle were a big part of his plan. Take this and read it with them when you get home. Give yourself some time to absorb what it means and ask any questions that you need to understand. Can you do that for me?”
Katie looked sadly at the man as he handed her the parcel. “Yes, Sir. I can do that. Thank you.”
“Good girl. My card is in there, so if you ever need anything, I’m just a phone call away. You’re not alone. We are all here for you.”
Choking back a sob, she threw her arms around his neck. Jared chuckled and returned the embrace.
***
The ride home was silent. Katie’s thoughts were consumed with questions about the envelope in her arms. What could be in it? She prayed that it was a letter from Mark which could give her the closure needed to move forward and stop feeling like her life was on hold. She wanted to go back to work and to feel normal again. What she did not desire was to return to her house. Without Mark, it was an empty space with haunting memories of a life that would never be the same again.
Keith had gone back and forth for her the few times she needed something, but she could not bear the thought of living there again. She had already decided to sell it and buy something smaller for herself. The only thing that bothered her had to do with leaving the tree house. It had been her sanctuary, and she couldn’t help the feelings of sadness prompted by the thought of abandoning it to strangers. Lost in thought, Katie didn’t realize that they had parked in the driveway.
Keith opened her door and reached to take her hand. “Come on, my girl. I’m tired and hungry as a bear. After we grab a bite, we need to talk about what Daddy left for you.”
She froze and considered his statement. “You know what’s in here?”
“I do.”
She frowned, noticing that he appeared uncharacteristically unsure of himself. Suddenly her thoughts went to the fact that she might be the only one who didn’t know what Mark had left in the envelope.
“Does Auntie know, too?”
His answer was slow and careful. “She does.”
“What’s with all the secrets? Why can’t you just tell me?” Anger reared its ugly head in the tone of her voice and contortion of her face.
“Because that’s not what Daddy wanted.”
“This is my life, and I resent that everyone keeps talking like I don’t exist. It’s not fair. I’m not moving until you tell me what’s going on.”
“You’ll do what you’re told.” He snapped his fingers and pointed to the door. “Let’s go.”
For the first time, Katie realized that Rose had barely spoken to her since they had left the house earlier that day. The uncertainty in the other woman’s eyes raised her own insecurities. “Auntie? What’s going on? You’re scaring me.”
“There’s nothing to be afraid of, baby. Please believe me. Let’s get inside, feed the old bear, and then we can figure this out together.” Rose attempted to nudge her forward, but Katie stayed cemented to the spot.
“Figure what out? What’s going on? You guys are acting weird!” Her voice rose to a shout as anxiety took over.
Taking her firmly by the arm, Keith leaned in close. “Take a deep breath and calm yourself. Please don’t put me into a position that I have to take it upon myself to get your behavior under control.”
Pulling her arm away, Katie sprinted towards the house in tears. The idea that everyone had kept somet
hing important from her for such a long time infuriated her. She had the right to be informed of decisions that involved her life and felt ostracized by the very people she should be able to trust. Slamming the door behind her, she stomped to the kitchen table and threw the envelope upon it. Arms crossed tightly in a self-hug, she stared at it while trying to slow her breathing. By the time Keith and Rose joined her, she had managed to regain some external control of her temper and hide the raging inside.
“Are you ready to open it or do you need some time?” Rose asked as she wrapped an arm around Katie’s shoulder.
“I thought he needed to eat.” Try as she may, she was unable to disguise the bitterness in her tone.
“You’re more important than my stomach, baby. Go ahead and open it,” Keith said gently, taking his place at the table.
Her body shook as she opened the metal clasp and emptied the contents. Her eyebrows creased in confusion as she viewed the legal document that read ‘Certificate of Adoption.’
“Adoption papers? What the hell?”
“Language, little girl. I know this has been a tough day, but we are not throwing the rules out because of it,” Keith scolded.
“Language? Are you kidding me right now? This is fucking ridiculous!” Katie waved the papers in the air frantically before taking the stack and attempting to tear the entire thing in half. She didn’t get very far before the paperwork was seized by Rose. “He gave me away without even talking to me about it? How could he do this? I want Daddy! I don’t belong to anyone else except him. Fuck this shit!”
“Honey, we know that this is a shock, but it’s not what you think it is,” Rose said, her voice shaking.