Chapter Nine
He shoveled the area where he chopped wood first, clearing the snow from the stump. If he waited, it would be gone in a few days, but he wanted to get back to chopping. It was his favorite chore and even a few days away from it made him edgy. He found satisfaction in the rhythmic, mind-numbing task, each crack and split echoing across the mountain. Rocky showed up and lumbered around the doghouse for a bit before digging his paw in and clearing out some of the snow that caved in. He gave up quickly though and went exploring instead, or perhaps hunting.
He needed to do some hunting himself, but not until he’d dealt with Avery—dealt with her and comforted her, and gotten her settled. What came after that he didn’t know. He was falling for her, he couldn’t deny that, but he also couldn’t figure out why. He hadn’t felt this way about a woman since—well, ever. And worse, he hadn’t wanted to. He still didn’t; it was easier being a recluse, but his heart refused to listen.
He swung the shovel with more force and worked off his thoughts of her. He wanted to head to the library later too. Look through news reports to see what he could find out about Avery’s situation. Maybe he’d find something, even if it was a long shot. He could go to the police station and get help, but neither of them was ready for that step.
He cleared the area in front of the shed and shoveled the porch and steps before he saw her come out the door still wrapped in the blanket. His breath hitched at the sight of her.
He leaned the shovel onto the porch railing and went to her. His hands were numb from the snow. She held out a mug, looking through her lashes at him, and he took it, feeling the warmth before he even touched it. It seeped into him, and he closed his eyes for a moment, enjoying it.
“What’s this?” he said, peeking in the steaming cup.
“Coffee.” She smiled shyly. “For energy.”
His brow lifted. “Energy?”
“Yes, energy. You’ve been working like a madman out here, and I figured if I didn’t interrupt you, you’d shovel the whole mountain.” She looked down. “I also saw you put everything out on the bed. I figured you’d need some energy for… that.”
“Ah, yes.” He took a sip of the coffee and wrapped his arm around her hips, giving her a pat as he led her back inside. “Are you feeling better?”
“No, I mean, yes…” She nibbled her lip a moment before continuing. “I feel terrible for what I’ve done and I don’t know what telling you means for me, so I’m still scared, but I guess I’m a little less shaken up.” He pecked the top of her head and turned her to face him, but she kept her eyes downcast.
“I feel safer and less alone.” She looked up at him. “Or I will after you’ve forgiven me.”
“I’ve forgiven you already, baby. Did you eat the slice of pie I put out for you?”
She nodded.
“Then let’s help you forgive yourself. Shall we get started?” He cocked a brow.
She nodded and he took her chin between his thumb and forefinger. His eyes scanned her face before he spoke.
“Go into the bedroom and wait for me, little girl. You’re in some serious trouble.” His voice was low and stern and brought her insides squirming to life. She chewed her lip and nodded again, swallowing hard as she went to the bedroom, tingles scattering across her bottom and thighs.
He took another drink of his coffee and watched her go. She had her head down, and he wanted to scoop her up and hold her just because she was so adorable, sweet, and brave, but he couldn’t afford to go too easy on her now. What she had done was wrong. He understood it, but that didn’t make it right, and putting herself in danger constantly was something he needed her to fix. He couldn’t lose anyone else. Maybe that was selfish, but that didn’t make it any less true.
There were so many reasons this moment was important for her. She couldn’t do this alone, and he’d be damned if he was going to let her. She needed to know there were people in the world she could rely on, now more than ever, because no matter what else was going on, there was trouble brewing. He’d seen more tracks like the ones at Annie’s—up close this time and they hadn’t been made by an animal. Plus, deep down he knew she wouldn’t feel forgiven until it was over. Most important, this was for her.
He waited, drinking the coffee, making sure he allowed her time to think about what was coming and why. He needed the time for himself as well. He still didn’t quite understand what was happening between them. It was a weird dynamic, and he didn’t quite know how he felt about it. With the final swallow of strong brew, he set the cup down and headed to the bedroom. She looked up, nervousness prevalent in her rounded eyes.
“Young lady,” he greeted her as he entered, knowing it would make her feel contrite and submissive. Her hands twisted in her lap. He wondered at that moment how old she was. He knew so little about her and yet so much. He knew her spirit, just not all the worldly tags that came with it. He didn’t know where she had come from or how’d she lived, but he knew her.
He pulled the chair out and sat on it, leaning his elbows on his knees before motioning with his chin at the items on the bed. “Those the things you stole?”
“Y-yes,” she stammered and blinked at them. “From you anyway.”
“For now we’re only dealing with what you took from me, honey, and only because you seem so focused on it. I was only planning on spanking you for risking your life again.” She nodded, her eyes welling and she lowered them to her lap. “I’ve hurt so many people. I hate that.” He leaned forward to touch her knee with his hand, and she looked up at him. “I deserve to be punished for that.”
“Here’s what’s going to happen, little one.” He leaned back and crossed his arms. “I’m going to put you over my knee, bare that bottom, and spank you, and then I’m going to give you a strapping with my belt. Some good hard stripes across your bottom should help things sink in.”
Avery swallowed audibly, and the pink of embarrassment blossomed on her face. “And when your backside is good and sore and you’re sorry, you’re going to take each item on that bed…” he pointed at them, “and put it away. Understand?” His brows rose.
She bobbed her blonde head, her curls bouncing around her shoulders, and licked her lips. He rose and shifted the chair back. “Let’s go, little girl. Get those jeans off and get over my lap.” He watched her as she removed the jeans. The loose thermals underneath drooped on her. He patted his thick thigh and she moved toward him on shaking legs, dawdling in his opinion. He grabbed her and pulled her to his side swiftly.
“I’m not fooling around. You’re getting it good now for wasting more of my time. I should be out hunting, Avery, not in here spanking your bottom red.” He wasted no more time and yanked her over, dropping the seat of the long johns.
“I think these will be coming right off for the strapping, got me?”
She nodded toward the floor, her long curls sweeping across the hardwood. Mike gave her a good sharp spank and she yelped, not prepared for it, curling her feet up.
“I expect a yes, sir here. Or a yes, Daddy since you’re such a little girl and in need of discipline. Understand? You forget that and I’ll add five more than I planned with that belt, Avery.”
“Yes, Daddy.”
He sighed and tucked her closer to him.
“I’m sorry we have to do this, but we do.” He shifted her so her bottom was even higher and the long johns exposed her full cheeks. His palm made a cracking sound as it landed, and she called out again. He’d meant it when he said he wasn’t fooling around. It was a satisfying sound that echoed in the room. He felt a slight sting in his palm, and he had her attention already, but he didn’t care. He was starting out hard for a reason. This was serious, and he wanted her to feel it. He’d already spanked her for this—not the stealing, but the blatant disregard for herself—and she hadn’t learned.
He went fast then, swatting continuously despite her squirms and hollers. Her pale cheeks flushed pink quickly.
“Stay still. This is nothing yet.”
She apologized, and it sounded wet, although she wasn’t crying freely. He wanted her bottom hot and sore, and crying would not only release the stress she was holding but allow her to completely submit and therefore trust him to take care of her. He paused his swatting palm. She needed to trust him; she needed to know he’d protect her.
“You feel how disappointed I am, Avery?” he asked, but didn’t wait to hear her response; he carried on with the quick strikes that bounced off her chubby cheeks. His hand stung something fierce, but he kept at it. She would be good and sorry as he’d promised, even if it meant his own hand was raw and his heart ached for her.
“Yes, Daddy, I don’t want to be the kind of person—” she choked through a particularly hard swat, “that steals and lies!” Her legs kicked in small scissored movements. “Or that runs off without thinking.”
“And you won’t be. I’m going to help you out of this mess and keep you safe, but you can damn well expect an ass-blistering if you run off again or don’t listen to what you’re told. And remember, this is mostly about you taking off and jeopardizing yourself. I care way more about your life than I do about my damn money or anybody else’s.”
“You do? Y-you care for me?” She hiccupped as his hand stilled on her hot flesh. She sounded surprised, and it sliced straight through to his heart like a blade. Had no one ever cared for her?
“And you’re really going to help me, Daddy? Keep me safe?”
“Yes, Avery. I care, and I’m going to help you. Now up you get.” He helped her up and stood himself, tipping her chin since he towered over her. Her eyes were glossy and her chest heaving, but her face was dry. Not for long. She would let go; he’d make sure of it.
“Get those long underwear off, little girl.”
* * *
Panic welled inside her as she watched him unbuckle his thick brown belt. His brow rose, and she whimpered. She had so many emotions running through her. He was going to help her? After what she’d done? And he didn’t hate her—not like she hated herself.
“Should I have you pick a switch, too?” He gave a quick hard tug, and the belt sliced out of the loops and whispered through the air. “Six good stripes across your bottom with a switch might cure your hesitation.” He folded the belt in half and let it dangle as he crossed his arms. She scrambled to remove the warm waffle knit one-piece. She shivered, covering her chest with her arms when it dropped to the floor in a heap. He grabbed a gray sweatshirt from the drawer straightforwardly.
“Arms up.” She lifted them, exposing her breasts with their hardened buds. He didn’t gawk, just slipped the sweater over her head. Her nipples tightened further as the material brushed across their sensitive tips in a no-nonsense manner. Heat blasted her core despite the punishment. Her mountain man daddy was so damn sexy, so damn caring, and so damn authoritative.
* * *
“Better?” he questioned her sternly, but with concern, and she nodded. “Turn around and lean over the bed.” She didn’t hesitate at all this time, so he gave her bottom a soothing rub. It was hot to the touch, and he was sure it was throbbing. The sweatshirt hung loose and wrinkled at her wrists like elephant skin.
“Good girl. That shows me you’re learning.” He soothed a few more seconds and then stood by her side. “Keep as still as possible, so I don’t strap anything but your bottom, eh?”
When she remained silent, he reached back and let go a searing stripe across the lowest part of her bottom where it met her thighs. She squealed and squatted so her bottom rested on her heels. He took a handful of her hair and buried his fingers in it, not gently but not too harshly either.
“Ah, God, that… Jesus! Daddy!” The last word trailed out in a whine, and when he turned her head so she was looking at him, tears pooled in her eyes.
“Do you want every stripe to land there?” he asked, holding her head in place so she couldn’t look away. “Avery, how do you respond to me?”
“Yes, sir. I say yes, sir.” She tried to shake her head, but he still held her head. She sniffled. “No, Daddy. I don’t want every stripe to land there.” He stooped and set his lips against her temple before releasing her. She righted herself and leaned back over the bed. He gathered a breath.
“That’s five more now.” He touched the inflamed red stripe, pressed his lips together, and shook his head. “You need to listen, little girl.”
“I know, Daddy. I’m sorry,” she whispered out her response, and he closed his eyes, feeling empathetic. He patted her lower back to comfort her. Knowing he was in charge would take away her burden, he decided to reassure himself.
“Okay, I’m going to go fast now so we can get this over with. I’ll give you a break after five.”
“Yes, Daddy. Thank you, Daddy.” She sniffed, her knees trembling a bit, causing his heart to stutter in his chest. He reminded himself this was for her.
The belt whizzed through the air and cracked again, but before she could let out a strangled cry, it landed again, leaving another welt across the fullest part of her globes. She was shivering by the fifth. He gave her time in between as he promised before he switched sides and doled out the next five. Her shivering was her way of controlling her emotions. He needed her to let go, so he gave the last two with a little more force.
She collapsed to her knees as soon as he stopped, finally releasing the emotion she’d been holding. He sat beside her on the bed and rubbed her back. He gave her five minutes to weep into the mattress before he stood again.
“Last five, Avery. Up you get.”
“Please, I’ve learned, I’ve learned.” Her last word trailed on with a sob. He took her hips and lifted her up and back into position.
“Five more, as promised. You need to know I’ll always do what I say, whether that’s spanking your bottom or saving your life. I am a man who sticks to my word, sweetheart.”
She covered her face and shook with sobs, before gathering her breath and composing herself. She stilled, stuck her bottom out, and swallowed audibly.
“I’m ready, Daddy. It hurts but I can handle it because I know you’re disappointed in me, and I’m disappointed in myself.”
His own eyes misted. Both her vulnerability and strength moved him. She trusted him. It had been a long damn time since he’d had someone’s trust. He adjusted the belt again and stood at her side, putting his left palm on her lower back. He swung the belt and let her holler and stamp out her pain as more stripes blossomed pinker across her already rosy cheeks. He gave her four more swats, fifteen in total, the last five far less severe than the rest because all he wanted to do was hold her and make all her pain go away—the pain of loneliness, the pain of fear, and the pain of disappointing herself.
When he was done, he dropped the belt with a clink and grabbed her around the waist, pulling her back against him. She turned her head to lay it on his shoulder and let him hold her against his front. He spun her after a moment and held her chest to chest.
“Come here, little girl. Let me hold you now. We’re all done.” She sniffed into his chest, and he soothed her. He didn’t let her get too comfortable though. She wasn’t done yet. As soon as her hiccupping sobs quieted, he spoke again.
“Now, I want you to take that naughty sore bottom and put everything back where you got it.” He sat on the bed. “When you’re all done, you can come snuggle.” He patted his chest. “Daddy’s saving this spot for you.”
She wiped her eyes with the heel of her hands before reaching behind her to rub. Mike was sure it was scorched, and that rubbing eased some of the burn.
“I’ll even do that for you.” He winked at her, nodding to her hands moving on her backside. “Now get going. No more rubbing, young lady. And don’t bother getting dressed. There’s no one here to see you but me, and I love what I see.” And he did. Her reddened cheeks peeked out beneath the sweatshirt as she left the room, hardening him instantly.
* * *
Instead of feeling embarrassed by her nakedness, Avery felt desire coil deep in her belly. She ignored the heat building in her as she collected the things from the bed and put them all back exactly where she’d gotten them. She was supposed to be thinking about her actions after all. She took extra care with the pictures, putting them gently back in the now dented lockbox. They meant something to him. Avery stared a moment at the two women, wondering who they were.
When she returned to the room, he was lying on the bed with his arms propped behind his head.
“Right here, baby.” She felt his voice as much as she heard it. He opened his arms for her.
She climbed onto the bed and immediately tucked into his side and buried her face. He enveloped her and she sank into him, feeling boneless after his spanking had drained all the tension from her.
“Did you mean it when you said you’d forgiven me?”
“Of course I did, honey.” He trailed his fingers gently along the skin of her shoulder and arm.
“And when you said you’d help me?”
“I won’t let you down, Avery. We’ll get through this together.” He gave her head a peck and then his hand drifted to her bottom where he began massaging. It should have hurt, but instead, it felt glorious. She let her lids drift closed, listening to his heartbeat. She could worry later, she decided. There would be time to discuss what was to come. She trusted him to take care of her. The blonde and the sickly thin brunette in the pictures were on her mind though.
“Who were the women in the pictures?” There was a long silence. “It’s okay if you don’t want to talk about it. I understand.”
“I don’t, but then you didn’t want to talk about your stuff either, and although you haven’t told me everything, you did trust me with part of your story.”
“I don’t want you to tell me because you owe me.”
“As you’re beginning to trust me, Avery, I’m starting to trust you, too. Ella was the blonde and Lydia the brunette.”
“Was?”
“Yes. They’re both dead.”
“Dead?” Most people would have softened it and said, ‘passed on,’ but not her tough mountain man.
“Yes.” He gathered a breath. “My wife, and a girl who deserved justice.”
“How did they die?”
“Unpleasantly, and too young, and that’s all I’m going to say for now.” He tipped his head down and tilted her chin up, so they were face to face. “I haven’t spoken of either of them in years. That will take time, honey.” He pressed his mouth to hers and gently kissed her.
“Okay. I’m sorry for your loss though,” Avery said, nuzzling her head back against him. “I’m here to listen if you want.”
“I’d like that.” He patted her bottom. “But…” She put her hand over his lips.
“I know, I know. You want me to nap.” He laughed through her fingers and then moved them to kiss the tips. “Am I that predictable?”
She rolled her eyes at him. “Half the time you open your mouth, it’s to tell me that.” He gave her bottom a solid swat. It stung but only for a second and then morphed to a tingle of want.
“How do you feel?”
She shrugged and his brow knitted.
“Well, my butt hurts.”
“You know what I meant, little girl.” She blinked innocently, and he swatted again, making her growl and attempt to shimmy away. “On your tummy, now.”
She pleaded with her eyes a moment, but his stern glare had her rolling onto her belly and giving him full access to her burning bottom.
“Try again. This time without the growling,” Mike said, and Avery sighed forcefully and then yelped as he spanked sharply again.
“Okay! Ow, Daddy, it hurts!” She gave him an injured look and then smiled. “I feel a lot better. Languid even.”
“And from the accident? Still exhausted, achy?”
“Better, but not back to normal,” she answered seriously.
“I just want you to rest. You think you’re all healed, but I know better, and it’s been an emotional day.”
“Yes, Daddy.” She smiled shyly, looking through her lashes at him.
“And now I think you deserve some good attention.” His palm went for her bottom again, only this time his open palm rested on her cheek a moment before it began circling. He had only been rubbing a few minutes, and she was practically panting with desire when she shifted onto her side to face him. “You’re not helping.” She narrowed her eyes and frowned.
“Oh?” His brows lifted. “That so?”
She nodded.
“Should I stop then?” He removed his hand, raising it from her reaching fingers. She shook her head in protest.
“How about you touch me more,” she whispered, giving up trying to reach his hand, and smoothing his bearded cheek with her palm instead. Reaching her palm around to grab his neck, she pulled his face to hers. He resisted a moment with narrowed eyes.
“Please, Daddy.”
* * *
The kiss started slow, and her eyes fluttered closed with the gentle nipping of lips until his warm mouth took hers thoroughly and he rolled on top of her. His arms took his weight, and he held himself over her, so no part of him touched her except his mouth. He kissed from her mouth down her neck to her collarbone. She mewled.
“Please, more.” She wrapped her arms around his waist, tugging him, but he didn’t budge.
“Who’s in charge here, little girl?” he said, abruptly stopping his kisses. “It seems to me you think you are.”
“Oh, no, Daddy, I know it’s you,” she purred, running her hands up his pecs, enjoying his playfulness.
“Correct.” He lowered slowly, sucked in her bottom lip and pulled off roughly, making her inhale sharply. Taking the bottom of the sweatshirt she wore, he slid it up, exposing her breasts. He gave them an appreciative leer and yanked the garment off. “Hands flat on the bed, little one.” His order was part growl and her pussy clenched.
His breath heated a trail from her mouth down her neck and between her breasts until he turned his face and took in her tightened pink bud. His hot mouth pulled on her, causing her hips to undulate beneath him and her hands to fist the sheets. The tugging was so deep it felt as if her nipple was directly connected to her clit.
“God,” she swore, arching partly from the intense pleasure and partly from the scraping of her hot, sore ass against the sheets. He released his steely hold on himself and pressed against her, wrapping his big hand around the back of her neck and taking her other nipple between his lips. He rolled it before tugging it into the warmth of his mouth. She moaned, and he ran his hand down her ribs to her hip, roughly pulling her against him to roll onto his back. He pulled his mouth off her nipple sharply, and she cried out at the intensity. “Sit up,” he ordered in a voice graveled with arousal. Avery straddled him. His eyes devoured her tightened pink blossoms and his cock hardened further. “That’s my girl. Now touch your breasts.” A slow smile grew at her hesitation. “Come on, honey, don’t make me spank you again so soon.” She swallowed hard and began touching her breasts—cupping them first, and then kneading.
“Wet your fingers and pluck at your nipples until they’re so hard they hurt.” Her eyes widened at his demand, her hands stalling. He frowned. “Now, little girl. Daddy’s hand is just itching to be against that sweet ass again.” Her face heated and she bit her lip, but when his expression hardened further, she obeyed.
“I want you to touch me, Mike,” she whined as she rolled her nipples between her slick fingers. His hand clapped against her left ass cheek, and she hissed, tipping her head back and closing her eyes. He was intoxicating. Both pleasure and pain battled within her for dominance.
“Now touch your clit, baby.” She felt her face flush, and his palm cracked off her ass, lighter this time, but still solid enough to sting. “Up on your knees.” He pulled her hip until she was on her knees and his hand could swat the more tender flesh of her bottom. Her breathing became labored as he released her hip and took her wrist to guide her hand to her folds.
“Pleasure yourself.” The excitement glinting in his eyes made her arousal intensify and pulse deeply in her. “One hand pinching those luscious nipples and the other rubbing your swollen clit.” She only nodded, and he put both hands on her ass cheeks and squeezed until she called out.
She swallowed as his hard cock pulsed beneath her. The feel of him, vast and throbbing through his jeans against her naked pussy, caused her heart to pound, but when she paused in her finger play to shift and touch him, he grunted.
“Disobedient little girl.” He shook his head. “I didn’t say you could stop, did I?”
She shook her head, her spiral curls falling across her breasts, tightening her nipples further.
“I wanted to feel you, Daddy.” She reached for him again, scowling. “I can play with myself anytime I want. I want you to touch me!”
“Oh, you’ll feel me, little girl, but not until I’m good and ready to let you.” He ground himself up against her. “Put your hands on your head.” When she obeyed, he wrapped his huge hands around her waist, lifted and moved her up, so she straddled his face.
“Keep those hands on your head.” His breath was hot against her center and her clit pulsed in anticipation. His tongue touched the shell of her pussy gently, and he ran the tip up and down, making her squeeze her eyes tight and tremble for more.
“Please, oh, please?” she asked breathlessly. She could feel her clit swelling with arousal when Mike’s tongue suddenly shoved past her lips to part them. She cried out, and he flicked her twice, making her buck. He swirled around her nub and lapped at her, making her slick with her own juices and his. He continued to flick and circle until she lowered her hands to grasp his hair.
“Oh, Jesus! God, Mike!” She bit her lip as she got close and he stopped. He nipped her inner thigh hard enough to make her call out.
“Young lady, stand up. You are more than a little defiant right now, aren’t you?” His scolding further aroused her. She stood on the bed, and he got up to stand at the side of the bed. He pulled her hips roughly until she was on the edge of the mattress, facing him. “Grab my shoulders.” She put both of her hands on his shoulders, nervous anticipation zipping through her.
A predatory leer crossed his face before he slid his hand firmly from her hip down her ass to grasp her thigh.
“Hold on, baby,” he said as he pulled her leg up onto his shoulder. She squealed, but he steadied her with his left hand on her lower back. “You’ll learn to be a good girl.” He eyed her sternly, causing a zing of excitement to rip through her before he bent his head and she felt his steamy breath back on her pussy. When his tongue found her slit and parted it again, she threw her head back and let out a strangled cry. His tongue felt so amazing against her, and she was back at the precipice quickly.
“Don’t move, little girl. This is punishment.”
“Punishment?” She looked down at the top of his thick hair and smirked. “Punish me all day then.” He paused to chuckle knowingly, and it made her smile fall.
“Wait, what do you mean?”
“Your ass is raw from my belt, and I’m not a cruel man, so I need another way to keep you obedient, don’t I?”
He drove his mouth against her womanhood, his tongue flicking punishingly, and he sucked until she was dizzy with need and screaming. He built her up so high, she saw sparks behind her eyes. She was breathing so fast and hard she may as well have been hyperventilating.
“God, Mike, God!” She bit her lip and let out a long, drawn-out moan as his tongue flicked hard and fast in the perfect rhythm. Her nails dug into his skin as if she were clinging to him for life. He smacked the back of her thigh sharply with his palm, and she called out as she was about to go over but then he stopped. She opened her eyes as the sexual fog cleared. He’d completely stopped. The only thing she felt was the heat of his breath against her and the hard-pulsing need to come. She cried out as he put her leg down.
“What? Why?”
“That’s twice.”
“Twice?”
“What do you call me, little girl?” His palm smacked the back of both her thighs again, and she squealed.
“Daddy.”
“You, young lady, will spend the day naked and ready for me. That pussy will be wet and clenching greedily for me every time I look at you.” He swatted her harder again, and she gasped, but he held her steady. “I plan to do this to you again and again, whenever I please, and I promise you won’t come until I decide to let you.”
“Please, Daddy. Not that,” she begged, falling to the bed. “I can’t.” He said nothing, just half smiled. “Daddy!” She jumped off the bed to follow him as he walked away.
“You’re supposed to be resting.”
“How can I rest now?” she asked, tossing her arms up.
“Get back in that bed.” He spun, pointing, and she stumbled back. “Do I have to tie you to it?” Despite the threat and the severity of his tone, she felt another intense wave of arousal. She knew this was probably a distraction, and she loved it. She turned, stamped her foot, and thudded back to the bed, throwing herself on her tummy across it. She looked over her shoulder at him.
“Properly and on your back.” He crossed his arms, waiting for her to obey. “Hands and feet to the corners.” She only harrumphed, so he crossed the room in three strides and pinned her with a hand on the small of her back. The two pink spots on the back of her thighs were barely visible, but her bottom looked tender. He spanked each thigh several times, making them blossom brighter and making her squeal. He released her and waited. It hurt more there, and he’d used that to his advantage.
She obeyed his previous command slowly, pouting, but never removing her eyes from his. Her nipples tightened again as his eyes blazed. When his gaze slid down her body, she felt tingles everywhere.
“I’d rather be spanked.” He only shook his head. She growled and slammed her fists on the mattress. He tsked her. “I hate being left sexually frustrated!”
“Is that showing me you’ve learned your lesson?”
“Well, never mind. Who needs you!” She brought her hand to rest between her thighs and scowled as if it were a threat. He bent, scooping up the belt from the floor and she put her hand back to the corner. “I was teasing, Daddy, no.” Again, he only shook his head as he walked toward her.
He took her wrist roughly, but then released a slow breath and gently thumbed circles against the pale inner skin of it. He leaned down and pressed a kiss there, before reaching to the drawer beside him and dropping the belt in it. She exhaled in relief until he came out with one of the ties—the orange one with polar bears. Her heart pounded, and her tongue darted out to wet her dry lips. He wrapped it around her wrist and then tied it to the headboard. He took out another as she tugged on it curiously. He wrapped the blue tie with penguins around the other wrist and attached it to the other side of the bed.
“I knew these would come in handy someday.” She inhaled slow and deep, and his eyes held hers as he picked up a ringlet and ran it through his fingers. “Bend your knees.” His demand was quiet, but his expression firm and she was mesmerized enough to obey without pause.
Whatever he planned to do to her, whether it was pain, pleasure, or a combination of both, she would gladly submit. He’d bewitched her. Him and his damn mountain had enraptured her. If he hadn’t already convinced her to stay and let him be her hero, she would have now. Submitting to this man was the only thing she wanted.
This time as he put his face between her thighs, he lifted her ass, so they cradled his face. Her legs twitched when his tongue tormented her sensitized nub, and she clenched them and threw her head back against the mattress, begging in nonsensical words.
“Oh, my God,” she panted. “Please!” But again, just as she got so close she could practically taste it, he pulled away. She cursed, loud and trucker-like.
He rose from between her thighs and nipped her belly. “You’ll learn, and I suggest you watch your language. Daddy doesn’t like to hear those words out of your mouth.”
“How about you let me have a taste of you.” She struggled against her binds. “I can earn my pleasure.” Her voice was velvety.
“Oh, you will, but I’m not finished with this lesson yet, Avery. Not even close.” She wanted to kick her legs in a tantrum, but they were like gelatin from his pleasure-torment. He lifted to his full height and reached over his shoulder to tug off his shirt. Moisture pooled in her mouth. He ran his left hand down his sculpted abs and leered at her. He looked like of one of those professional wrestlers on television—tall, muscled, and bearded, with long wild hair. He exuded a roughness and danger that enflamed her insides, especially because she knew those qualities were equally united with his protective and tender sides.
He unbuttoned his jeans slowly, dragging the zipper down at an agonizing pace. He yanked them off, along with the long underwear and she stared at his hard cock. She wanted to touch it, feel its long smooth skin in her palm and brush the silky tip across her lips. Her expression, a mix of awe and desire, made his grin grow wide. He lowered his eyes to his member and then lifted them back to her with the self-confidence of a man who had reason to be boastful. He walked to the headboard and untied her wrists, kissing each of them where she’d made lines from her struggling.
“Come here and put your hands together.” She came to stand in front of him, and he tied her wrist to wrist. He arched one brow at her. “You didn’t think I was done with you yet, did you?”
“Oh, I would have been disappointed if you were.” He chuffed, hooked a finger in the silk and walked with her to the living area. He sat her at the table. “I’m keeping an eye on you,” he said and gave her mouth a slow kiss. He went to the fridge and pulled out a jug of water. “Thirsty?” He smiled when she nodded. “Parched, Daddy.”
He poured a large glass and brought it to her, placing the edge against her lips. Her tied hands lifted but he pulled back the glass before she could grab it.
“Daddy’s in charge of your every need right now, little girl.” He watched her intensely until she lowered her hands back to her lap. “Good girl.”
He tipped the water glass to her mouth and made sure it dribbled down her chin, dripping cold droplets on her breasts.
“Oh, look at me, making a mess. Hold your arms up, honey.” He lowered to lap it up with his hot mouth, making sure to suck any from her nipples thoroughly. She felt her belly clench and the almost painful ache between her thighs awaken with even more intensity.
“Still thirsty?” he asked when he’d finished.
“Yes, but not for water.” She eyed his cock. He leaned down with a smile, placed both hands on opposite sides of her hips and lifted the chair to move it back from the table.
He stood before her and crossed his arms.
“May I?” she asked, licking her full lips.
“You may.”
She slid to her knees in front of him and went to take him with her tied hands.
“No hands.” He placed his thumb on her chin and pushed down. “Open and stick your tongue out.” With her mouth open, he slapped his cock on her tongue. For a moment, pure pleasure dominated his expression, and then she closed her lips around his shaft.
Avery had given blowjobs before, but she’d never particularly enjoyed the task, just as she’d had a man’s tongue between her legs but not with the kind of skill Mike had. With Mike, everything was different—more intense, more pleasurable. Her own arousal increased, and she felt her pussy drip from pleasing him. His hand dove in her hair and took charge of her head and her rhythm. He was in total control. He pushed to the back of her throat, making her eyes water, but his moan of pleasure made her suck harder. She wanted to own his desire like he owned hers.
“Enough,” he said, sounding graveled with yearning. He pulled her off his cock. She stared at its thick length and the way it twitched for her mouth’s return.
“You’re denying yourself, too?”
He only smirked, grabbed her arm, and pulled her up. He half guided, half shoved her to the couch. Pushing her roughly over the back, he dipped his cock, still rock hard and throbbing into her wet, slick cunt. She groaned in a pleasure-whimper, and he swore gruffly.
* * *
“Daddy, please, fuck me hard.”
God, he loved when she called him Daddy. It bared her, peeled away layers of societal norms, and exposed her complete submission to him. Nothing intensified his need to protect, care for, and discipline her like those words. Here in the mountains, where it was them against the elements, he was stronger, more knowledgeable, and more capable. She needed him, and he needed to be needed.
Could he even control himself to finish denying her?
“You are so goddamned wet, Avery. Jesus! And tight.” He moved out slowly and back in, hard to the hilt. She gasped and pulled her tied hands to her mouth to bite her fist as he continued. He went deep, again, and the feel of his hard, slick cock filling her made her cry out. He brought her, once again, to the heights of pleasure and then stilled, leaning across her to whisper in her ear.
“Not yet, naughty girl.” He stood and pulled out of her. “Don’t move though. I like you like that.” He swatted her ass, and she arched her back, whimpering.
He tormented her once more, with both his mouth and his cock, bringing her to the brink and denying her at the last second, before he decided she’d been punished enough.
Mike smoothed a hand down her back and across her ass, making an appreciative groan as he squeezed her right cheek and then he slid a condom on. He leaned down and kissed the small of her back, and the dimples at her tailbone. Everything about her was creamy smooth.
“Okay, honey. It’s definitely time I satisfy you.” He pulled her hips, back making space between her and the sofa. He plunged hard this time, and she practically screamed at the depth he penetrated. Grinding against her ass, he reached around to gently slap her clit with two fingers. She lurched and moaned, and he repeated the process a few more times.
“Daddy’s dirty girl likes both her ass and her pussy spanked.” He pounded again and spread her lips, so his fingers could circle her nub. She begged, probably fearing he’d deny her again, so he growled in her ear, “I won’t stop. Not for an avalanche, tornado, or a herd of fucking elephants. I’m going to make you come so hard the earth is going to shake.”
She came, pulsing around his cock as he continued stroking her insides. He clenched his jaw to hold strong; he wasn’t stopping there. He removed his hand from her pussy and brought it to her mouth. He slipped his two fingers past her lips.
“Suck, baby. Taste yourself.” When she obeyed without hesitation and then fell over the edge with a shriek of pleasure muffled only by his fingers, he let go and joined her in their call of release.