Chapter Twelve
You need a hard spanking.
Jenna wrinkled her nose as she glared at her reflection in the mirror. Whatever they had to face, they would do so together. “Yes.” Darting a glance at the paddle, she ran her fingers over the smooth wood. Whatever had possessed her to keep the piece, when she’d tossed everything else in his face was beyond her. Maybe wishful thinking. And here they were. Together.
Hearing a slight noise, she stiffened, preparing herself for what would be a painful round of punishment. She bit back a moan seeing his naked body standing in the doorway, his eyes sweeping down the length of her body. “I’m ready, Sir.”
Master Dominick gave her a nod of approval before walking in. He moved to the bathtub, pulling the shower curtain out of the way and turning on the water. “Did you know that spankings are intensified if there is water involved?”
“No, Sir.” Was he kidding?
“Yes, much more painful.” He tested the water, easing his hand under the faucet. When he seemed satisfied, he plugged the drain before moving toward her, peering over her shoulder into the mirror.
She shivered visibly, keeping her eyes on him as he brushed the tips of his fingers up and down her arms.
“But I think you deserve that. Don’t you?”
“Yes, Sir.” As he pushed his groin against her ass, she issued a slight moan. The plug remained inside even now, even after she’d sworn earlier that she hated him and would never see him again. She hadn’t been able to remove the rubber piece.
He smiled. “You never stopped wearing it.”
“I couldn’t. I would have disobeyed you, Sir.”
“There is a part of you that always knew I was telling the truth.”
She heard his words, the utter angst almost swallowing them. “I wanted to believe in you more than anything. I just don’t know who to trust any longer, including myself.”
“I will do everything in my power to make certain that you can learn to trust me again,” he said with conviction.
“And I want nothing more,” Jenna moaned, given his touch, the gentleness in his actions.
“You said you loved me once.”
Her lower lip quivered. “I meant what I said, but love is about respect and knowing I can count on the person.”
“Love has been difficult for me, Jenna. I was taught to believe relationships were about two people who connected enough and could build from that, but I was so very wrong. The very first day I saw you, I knew that this was something special. I hope you believe that.”
“I do or at least I want to believe.”
“I promise you that I’ll always keep you safe, protect you even from yourself. I will guide and love you, honor and cherish you with all my heart.”
No man had ever said words of this nature to her. A single tear slipped past her lashes. She was almost embarrassed at her emotional level until he slid his finger through the tear, sliding the tip into his mouth. A part of her melted inside, her heart full of such joy, a longing that would last a lifetime.
“I promise.” Breathing out, he slid his hands around her hips, crawling his fingers down to the fronts of her thighs.
Jenna arched her back, whimpering as he eased the tips to her pussy lips, teasing her as he caressed. “Oh, Sir.”
“Wet. Hot. You make me crazy with desire, baby girl.” Kissing the side of her neck, he dipped his fingers further, sliding them up and down the length of her cunt.
Lolling her head, she opened her legs as her breathing became ragged. The way he touched her was exhilarating. The sound of her juice sliding against his skin floated between them, a wonderful aphrodisiac creating vibrations skittering down her spine. “Sir, my Sir.”
“Never forget again.”
When he let her go, she whimpered, trying to keep her legs from buckling. Her eyes lazy, she watched as he eased his glistening fingers into his mouth, sucking on her juice then moving to turn off the water. “Perfect. In the tub, my sweet baby girl. Hands behind your head and face the back wall.”
She did as she was told, her heart racing as she clasped her fingers together, keeping her back straight. The lukewarm water reached the back of her calves, sloshing against her heated skin in a reminder he was her master. A hint of fear mixed with the unknown and she was left in awe, trying to control her breathing.
“Crouch down. I want your bottom completely wet,” Master Dominick instructed.
The feel of the water as it pulsed against her backside was invigorating. When she was back in a standing position, she held her breath, stars floating in front of her eyes.
He smacked the paddle against his hand as he moved into position. “Ten then you drop back into the water. Ten more and so on. Do you understand, baby girl?”
“Yes, Sir.” Had she even spoken her answer? The thudding sound as the paddle was slapped against her echoed in the dense space. The water managed to accentuate the pain coursing down her legs. The subtle yet powerful humiliation was exactly what she needed. “Oh!”
“Very nice. I’m glad you saved the paddle. One of my favorites.” He smacked her again and again, his rhythm almost perfect. He gave her one after another, moving from one ass cheek to the other.
The pain was almost blinding, and she did her best to keep from crying out, even as tears formed in her eyes.
“Water and next time, I want you to count them off for me.”
“Yes, Sir.” She struggled to lower herself into the water, her legs quivering. When she was back in position, she took a deep breath.
The punishment began again, the cracking sound of the wood a reminder of her duties.
“One and two, Sir.” The pain was morphing into much more, heat building in her skin.
He swung the paddle again.
“Three and four, Sir.” She took another deep breath as the powerful smacks pushed her forward.
“You’re going to learn to let me know if there is anything wrong. Anything,” he commanded then spanked her again.
“Five and six, Sir and yes, Sir.” As he continued, she’d never felt so much like a little girl with his rounds of discipline.
He continued, one after the other.
“Nine and ten, Sir.” She immediately moved to the water, this time the liquid stinging like a son of a bitch before struggling to stand.
Master Dominick took time rubbing the small of her back, brushing them lightly against her punished ass. “You will bruise, as you should. We begin again.”
“One and two, Sir!” Dear God, the anguish was excruciating, but as he kept his firm hold on the paddle, methodically giving her exactly what she needed, she fell into a quiet place of peace, accepting her position with joy.
When the spanking was over, he gathered her into his arms, his hands aggressively caressing, and kissed her forehead before pressing his lips against her wet eyelids. “My baby. You belong to me.”
Jenna nuzzled against him even as his hunger grew, his cock pressing into her stomach. She remained in a moment of peace, her skin tingling as he turned her to face the mirror, kicking her legs apart.
“I’m going to fuck you now, but you aren’t allowed to come. Bad girls aren’t allowed.” He rubbed the tip of his cock up and down the crack of her ass, twisting the plug before placing the tip of his cock just outside her pussy. “And you are very naughty indeed.”
A sharp cry erupted from her mouth the moment he thrust the entire length of his dick all the way inside, shoving her against the edge of the counter. Panting, she slapped her hand against the glass as he pounded into her, hard and fast, the force pushing her up onto her toes.
Grunting, he gripped her hips as he drove deep inside, his fingers digging into her skin.
She was juiced by the intensity, her hot breath creating steam across the mirror. Everything about this man was primal, his actions brutal and she wanted more. “Oh!” He filled her completely, his shaft so thick and hard.
He plunged harder and faster, taking all of her.
Mesmerized, she closed her eyes and clamped down her pussy muscles.
“Fuck!” He gripped her breasts, cupping and squeezing in a savage manner. “So wet. So tight.”
When he pinched her nipples, twisting and plucking, she bit back a scream.
“Yes. Yes!” As he exploded, filling her with his cum, he dropped his head, mouthing her shoulder.
Everything about this was indeed perfect, even though she hadn’t been allowed to come.
Master Dominick pressed a series of kisses against her neck and shoulder before releasing her, running his fingers through his hair. “Time for bed.”
“Mmm… So early, Sir.” She could see the twinkling in his eyes as he led her into the bedroom.
He yanked down her comforter and sheets. “The other thing that all misbehaving girls need is an early bedtime.”
She blinked twice. He couldn’t be serious. “Me? Alone?”
“Yes, ma’am. The punishment fits the crime. Go on or I’ll blister your ass again.”
Mortified, she climbed into bed, waiting as he pulled the covers around her. “I’ll be good, Sir.” The feel of the sheets against her well spanked ass was both thrilling as well as painful, forcing her to roll onto her side.
“Yes, you will. Get a good night’s rest. Additional training will begin tomorrow. By the way, you can remove the plug in the morning. A larger one will be coming.”
Jenna kept her eyes on him as he twisted the blinds closed. He was serious. This was… Wow. The moment he walked out of the room, she slapped her hands over her face.
* * *
The last thing Dominick wanted to do was leave her alone, but a nagging remained kicking around in the back of his mind. He’d had zero idea the piece on his company, with the damning pictures, had even been done. There’d been no advance call, no questions asked of him. The reporter had simply published a piece on his entire life without his permission. And he was pissed. What little he’d read jaded his company as not only being ruthless but also bordering criminal activity. “Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.” What in the hell was going on? He could certainly sue the paper, but what good would that do? A retraction would make him look guilty as fuck. No, he had to think this through carefully.
Then, there was the issue with the divorce. Jenna Parker wasn’t a stupid woman by any means and he doubted Camie would feed her full of bullshit. There was a ruse going on behind his back and he was determined to get to the bottom of it by the morning. He’d made a mental note of the reporter’s name for the freaking Observer rag. Unfortunately, the newspaper was widely read in certain areas of Richmond. He was shocked he hadn’t received any calls about the article itself.
He touched the console, connecting his phone. “Call Jim Downing.”
“Calling Jim Downing,” the female voice stated.
By the third ring, he was livid, ready to go off on the asshole and knew the jerk wasn’t going to answer. The voice mail was short and to the point, just like his demand was going to be. “Jim. This is Dominick Asbury. As you well know, I in no means gave you permission to run any article on myself or my company. What you wrote is inaccurate, Jim and I’m floored you would stoop to that level. I need to know where you got that ridiculous information. You will call me. Trust me, you do not want to get on my bad side.”
Ending the call, he gripped the steering wheel until his knuckles were white. Next on his list? Taking a closer look at the divorce papers and comparing them to the ones his divorce attorney had sent her. If Catherine was behind this, and working with Troy, he was going to take them both down. He slammed his foot on the accelerator, rolling down the highway at excessive speeds, jamming the gear into fifth. Tomorrow would be all about damage control at his office and for the press, but in his methods, not some rag hell bent on making a buck as well as a national name for themselves. He snickered at the thought. None of his employees had ever known anything about his private life, including anything about his relationship with Catherine. Now, he was no doubt perceived as a two-timing prick. Perfect icing on a poisonous cake.
There was some additional business to take care of before Troy got around to it. All he could do was try at this point. Several proposals, even with his extensive changes, hadn’t been signed as of yet. One in particular mattered more than the others. He’d been trying to reestablish a meeting with Greg Porter for days and the man had been avoiding him. The property in question was everything he wanted to achieve, and for a very personal reason.
“Call Penny Jacobs.”
“Calling Penny Jacobs…”
Yes, he knew what he needed to do. “Penny.”
“Sir,” Penny answered.
“I’m sorry to bother you but will you do everything in your power to find Greg Porter’s location in the morning and tell no one what you’re doing.” Dominick glanced into the rearview mirror. The smirk on his face made him chuckle.
“Yes, sir. Not a problem. Do you want me to set up an appointment?”
“No. I just need to know where he’s going to be. He hasn’t been taking my calls so a surprise visit is in order.” Penny he could trust.
“Yes, sir. That I can do for you.”
He heard the glitch in her voice. “You can say it, Penny.”
“Say what, sir?”
“Whatever is on your mind.”
She laughed. “I was just going to say that I’m damn glad you enjoy your private life. I also think that the girl is a much better pick for you. She makes your eyes light up and she’s very pretty. I hope you don’t mind me saying that.”
“Penny. If you were here, I’d kiss you right about now.” He burst out laughing. “I appreciate that more than you know. Just call me when you find the information and why don’t you take tomorrow off? You deserve it.”
“Why, thank you, best boss in the world. I’ll call as soon as I can.”
He smiled as he turned onto the road leading to his house. This was going to get damn good.
Time to call his attorney.
* * *
“I promise you that I’ll always keep you safe, protect you even from yourself. I will guide and love you, honor and cherish you with all my heart.”
The words floated in the back of Jenna’s mind, keeping her warm, her heart filled with the kind of rapture and happiness that few couples would ever ascertain. Everything had happened so fast but there was no doubt his heart was pure, his love real.
To say she was shocked she’d actually slept the majority of the night was a huge understatement. She felt refreshed and ready to kick some ass. She was whistling as she walked into her office, a smile firmly planted on her face, determined that this was going to be a great day. She’d even contemplated asking for a raise as she’d stood in the shower, trying her best to keep the water from hitting her backside. The myriad colors infused in her skin reflected the seriousness of the discipline.
To her delight and surprise, Dominick had cleaned up the broken glass, leaving her with a sinful note with spanking brand new instructions. And she would follow his rules to a ‘T.’ Telling Master Dominick the truth about her past, and knowing that he hadn’t been lying seemed like a change in their relationship. Given the words he’d said, the promises made, she knew they’d entered into another amazing phase of their relationship. She would always be his baby girl and he would always be her daddy dom, but sharing more of a life with him, something once she thought impossible, was very real. She shuddered at the thought.
She giggled like a kid as she headed for her office, almost feeling naked without the plug. As she trudged down the hall, she happened to notice that several people were watching her. Why? Was there something going on that she didn’t know about? When the whispers started, she cringed, goosebumps popping along her arms and legs. From what little she could see, some of the employees were standing together, hovering over their computer screens then glancing in her direction.
Then she heard laughter.
What in the hell were they looking at? She lowered her head and kept her pace, moving into her cramped office and closing the door. Her phone rang almost instantly, and she scrambled to snag it out of her purse, noting the two texts from Camie, the words laced with urgency.
Call me immediately.
“Camie. Sorry. I had the radio up loud driving to work. What’s going on?”
“You haven’t seen it.”
“Seen what?”
“The Observer?”
Jenna sat down behind her desk. “I don’t read that. Why?”
“You need to today, honey. Just make certain you’re sitting down when you do. I wish I was right there with you.”
“Camie, it’s okay. Really. Dominick and I talked about the article you found. It’s old news from a trip a few years ago. Did they do a retraction?” She turned on her monitor, clicking on the internet. Even from where she sat, she could still see at least three people gawking at her. What in the fuck?
“Uh, no. Listen. Did you tell Dominick about your past?”
“You mean about my family?”
“Yes! That’s exactly what I mean,” Camie stated with vehemence.
“Whoa, relax. I did. We had a wonderful discussion yesterday right after I pretty much destroyed his reputation.” Jenna managed to laugh until she heard Camie’s hard exhale. “What is going on?”
“Well, I’m going to cut off his dick. I can’t believe he shared that with a reporter. I don’t understand the man. Why would he do this? Why?”
“You’re confusing me. He didn’t share anything. He was with me, at least until around seven or so.” Her fingers were shaking as she navigated toward the newspaper. She’d never spent any time reading the basic glorified rag.
Camie snorted. “I don’t what his game plan is, other than to cover up what looks to be a failed business decision. And that was plenty of time to meet with a reporter and tell the tale.”
Her ears were ringing as she found the day’s piece. Right there on the front page was… “No. No fucking way. Why did he do this? Why?” The ugly words. The terrible pictures. Tears immediately sprang to her eyes. This couldn’t be happening. Not now. No, not now. Not after…
“I don’t know, girl. I’m so sorry,” Camie huffed.
The knock on her office door was followed by her boss walking in, his expression dour.
“Camie. I have to go.”
“Honey, talk to me. Don’t hang up,” Camie insisted.
“I’ll call you later.” Jenna did her best to lower the screen, embarrassed as hell. She wiped her eyes, trying to smile. Her boss didn’t need to see her like this. “Mr. Jeffries. Good morning.”
He closed the door and stood over her desk. “Good morning, Jenna. I wish this visit was under better circumstances.”
“Sir?” She could barely hear him, given her heart was thudding against her chest, the sound echoing in her ears. She was woozy, her skin clammy.
“As you know, the business has been under a crunch and we’re being forced to make some cuts.”
“Cuts? What do you mean?” She slunk further in her seat.
Exhaling, he looked away before speaking. “I’m afraid we’re going to have to let you go. I simply have no other choice.”
* * *
Dominick was absolutely elated with the outcome of the meeting with Mr. Porter. Finding him on the golf course had meant a captive audience. After a few tense minutes, the man had allowed him to talk. Maybe he’d have to consider upping his golf game so to speak. And to find out that the man had a penchant for all things kink was delightful, especially given what he knew Troy must have told him was a surprise. The man’s incredible acreage was going to be used for a business venture both men agreed would be the pinnacle of their days in the real estate industry.
And he couldn’t wait to share this with Jenna.
But that would have to wait until later in the day. What he had to do at this point left him with a bad taste in his mouth; however, he refused to be made out as a fool. If he’d only looked closely at the divorce papers earlier, he might have noticed that she’d obviously forged his signature, although the likeness was damn close. What he’d read had been interesting to say the least. Her clause regarding any perceived indiscretions had been genius and he’d inadvertently fallen into her web. However, he had total faith in his divorce attorney. The man was a shark and was no doubt laying down the law to Catherine’s attorney. Forgery was a crime.
He was swinging by his house to collect the actual papers on his attorney’s request. Then the boom would be dropped. With her actual signature, he could make certain that she didn’t receive a dime in alimony. And if what he suspected was true, both she and her new fiancé would find themselves trying to dig out from a hole they’d crafted with their greed. Now, he was going to add the cement.
He rolled down the long driveway, heading for the guardhouse and as soon as he neared the building, Sam made certain to flag him down. Slowing, he rolled down his window. “Good afternoon, Sam.”
“Mr. Asbury. You have a visitor and she refused to leave. Said she’d wait until you arrived.” Sam pointed to the other side of the gatehouse, to the small parking area meant for visitors without a pass.
Bristling, he expected seeing Catherine’s car. When he noticed an SUV that he didn’t recognize, a bad feeling pooled into the pit of his stomach. “Who?”
“Camille Jameson. I’m sorry, sir. I tried to tell her that I had no idea when you’d be back.” Sam’s face was full of apprehension.
“That’s all right. I’ll drive around and talk to her.” What in the hell was Camille doing here? He pulled around, parking behind her SUV.
Camille was out of the car, storming toward him the second he slapped the gear into park. “How fucking dare you? What is wrong with you? Don’t you have enough money? Clout? What are you trying to do, ruin her life? Don’t take her down with you. She doesn’t deserve your wrath.”
“My wrath? Camille. I’m not certain what you’re talking about. Maybe you haven’t had a chance to talk with Jenna yet. We had a discussion last night and worked everything out.”
“Yeah? Well, that was before you betrayed her yet again. What did you think you were going to accomplish by letting the world know about her past? Don’t you have everything you need in this world without humiliating her?”
He was taken aback, absolutely confused by her words. “I honestly don’t understand what you’re talking about at all. I’m sorry.”
“Yeah, not as sorry as you’re going to be, you asshole. My husband is an attorney and trust me, we will find a way to take you down.” Camie hissed as she moved closer, her hand fisted.
“Calm down and tell me what’s going on.”
“As if you don’t know. On top of the crap you pulled, she lost her job today and no doubt because of the article. You’re a loathsome piece of shit.”
“What do you mean she lost her job? What?” A fog immediately settled around his eyes.
Camie cursed under her breath as she yanked out her phone. “Fine. If you don’t believe me.”
“Who does she work for? Why did she lose her job?” He was out of breath, anger surging into every cell in his body.
She tapped on her phone, every move laced with rage. “Here. You’re the only person that knew about her past and that she’s an orphan. The only person.” Shoving the phone in his face, her hand shaking, she glared at him.
He blinked twice as he looked at the headlines. Taking the phone from her hand, he scrolled through the article, written by yet another freelance reporter from the Observer.
Local wealthy land developer, Dominick Asbury is reported to be in a relationship with poor orphan waif, Jenna Parker while still being married…
Lights flashed in front of his eyes as he read the rest of the piece, complete with pictures taken of his desk after Jenna’s appearance. The portrait that was painted of his relationship with both women was jaded, full of lies and innuendoes, depicting Jenna as being out for his money and nothing else.
“Where does Jenna work?” he demanded.
“As if I would tell you,” Camie huffed.
He closed the distance until he was standing over her. “Tell me. I need to know. This is very important.”
She wavered, shaking her head several times. “Fine. Willowsby Manufacturing. But if you do anything further to her, you will face my wrath.”
Oh, dear God. Karma was indeed kicking his ass. He gathered every ounce of the man inside who knew without a doubt that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Jenna and spoke from his heart. “Camille. I need you to listen to me very carefully because I’m going to tell you the truth. I will be happy to provide you the name of my personal attorney in order for you to check the details of what I’m about to tell you,” he half whispered, anger blinding him.
“You better believe I’m going to check with your attorney. In fact, we’ll make certain the man hears about the restraining order that will be filed.”
Christ. This had gotten way out of hand. “I love Jenna more than I can show or explain. Please, if you really care for her like I know you do, listen to me.” As he began to tell a story, he closed his eyes, praying for perhaps the first time in his life. Please, God, allow me to do the right thing and fix this. Please.
Less than thirty minutes later, Dominick arrived at Troy’s office. The various rushed calls made during the drive had been rewarding enough and while his bank account was going to suffer, his mind would be put at ease. No one was ever going to hurt his baby girl again, not as long as he was alive.
He pushed open the heavy glass entrance doors and walked inside, taking long strides past the pretty, young receptionist, who called after him.
“Mr. Asbury. You can’t just go back there. Mr. Asbury!”
Ignoring her pleas, he turned the knob on Troy’s office door, tossing it hard enough to hear the doorframe clanging.
Troy jerked up from his seat, moving around his desk. “Dominick. What’s wrong?”
“You son of a bitch.” Issuing a hard punch, he caught Troy in the chin, the force reeling his former friend backward, pitching him over the edge of the desk and into the wall.
Troy dropped like a rock, stunned. He moaned as he immediately slapped his hand over his jaw, blinking several times. “I don’t…”
“Don’t say a fucking word to me. You can have Catherine and whatever is left of her financial kingdom she thinks she’s going to build off my company. However, keep this in mind. If you so much as try to hurt Jenna again, so help me God, I will destroy both of you. Do. You. Understand?”
“Dominick. No. It’s not what you think. Listen to me.” He struggled to stand.
“I’m through with listening to assholes like you. I’m done. Stay out of my life or I will have you disbarred. And that rag newspaper you confided in? I’m buying it. We’ll see what interesting information they’re going to provide now.” He glared down at the man then turned on his heel, walking out. Next on the list? Catherine Willowsby Asbury and her father, the man who owned Willowsby Manufacturing.