Page 40 of Under His Command

“And have been afraid to try again,” he surmised. “There’s an old tandem bicycle in the garage we’ll have to try. It belonged to my gran and gramps. How does a ride along the bay, or the Pacific at sunset sound?” He ran his fingers over the crest of both cheeks, sending delicious chills up her spine. “Could you put your fears aside and try again with me steering?”

She couldn’t be sure if he was still talking about the bike or being with him as his submissive, so she answered both. “I think I could with you, Flynn.”His fingers flexed, and she was quick to correct her mistake. “I mean I could with you, sir. Sorry. I’m rusty.”

“It seems to be returning.” He patted one cheek affectionately. “I won’t let you fall, Cassie.”

“I’m counting on that, sir.”

Again, were they discussing bikes or D/s? She breathed out, trying to control her skyrocketing pulse and the need coursing through her veins, impossible though it was.

“I’m at a disadvantage without a limit list. No doubt you’ve been on the receiving end of a hand spanking. What about with a paddle, lash, or a cane?”

“All of them, sir, although, as I mentioned, it’s been a while.”

His hand left her, and the blinds on the window swayed, tapping against the glass. Glancing up, she gulped another deep breath of air, part dread, part excitement, as she watched him remove the tilt wind from the hook on the top rail.

“With me, you’ll learn the harshest punishments come when you place yourself in danger. Otherwise, making you tremble with desire and beg for release is what I enjoy, however that happens. Nonetheless, when a lesson is earned, I expect it to be remembered and if the situationarises again, for it to inspire a different choice. Do you understand?”

“I do, sir, and won’t run off like that again. I promise.”

“Six strokes should prevent memory lapses.”

Awhooshthrough the air preceded a line of fire exploding across both cheeks. She hissed, breathing through the pain as she’d been trained to long ago. After a brief pause, another followed a fraction of an inch lower but as fiery hot as the first. Two more came at constant intervals. Tears stung her eyes, and a small whimper accompanied each one, but neither swayed him from continuing.

“Put your cheek on the cushion and come up on your toes. These last two go on your upper thighs. They’ll be a reminder of this lesson each time you sit for the next day or so.”

She obeyed, not sure what tiptoes had to do with anything, until the wand came zipping down yet again, connecting with precision on the crease between her ass and thighs.

“Sir!” she cried.

“One more, Cassie. Take your punishment for me like a good girl.”

Her fingers curled into the seat cushion as she steeled herself for the last stroke. When it came, it burned like the five before it. Except across the uppermost aspect of her tender thighs, it blazed even hotter. Unable to hold still, she came off her toes, standing, as her hands flew back to her bottom. And she did a little dance, providing her own music in a wail of “oohs” and “ahs.”

Setting the wand aside, Flynn gathered her in his arms. He lifted her and took her place on the window seat, curling her toward him on her hip as he settled her on his lap, his broad hand caressing her fiery skin. She clung to his shoulders as he held her against his chest, rocking her while his lips brushed her temple.

“It’s over, imp. Let’s not have to repeat it, all right?”

“Yes, sir.” Her response came out muffled with her face in his collar. “I’d prefer that as well.”

He chuckled softly, moving his kiss to her forehead. “We’ve talked, you’ve had a sample of my style of discipline, next will be your decision.”

Her head fell back and she gazed up at his strikingly handsome face, knowing her answer already. “Flynn, I—”

“Not now, when emotions are high.”

“But—”

He laid a finger across her lips, stopping the words ready to spill out. “If you choose me, come to the club this Saturday at eight o’clock. Wear the same outfit as the last time, and we’ll start fresh. I’ll personally show you all Decadence LA offers. I’ll reserve one of the upstairs apartments. Be prepared to spend the night.” He traced her lower lip with his thumb before he went on. “If, on the other hand, you decide I’m not the dominant you want; I’ll accept it and will work with Colt to identify someone you do. From there, we’ll go back to being co-workers, perhaps fellow club members if you decide to join, and friends who share lunch every other Friday. No hard feelings.”

“If I decide no, do you really think we’ll be able to go back to the way we were?”

“I didn’t say it would be easy, but I care for you, and I don’t want to lose what we have.”

With a crooked finger, he nudged her chin up, the touch of his lips on hers creating a delicious sensation she didn’t want to end. Her arms slid around his neck, seeking more, but he pulled away.

“No. We can’t let kisses or the intimacy of a spanking and aftercare interfere with your decision. No pressure, Cassie. I want you to do what is right for you and insist you take the week to consider it. Is that clear?”

“Yes, sir,” she replied, the strain of disappointment in her voice of a sexually frustrated nature. “But I have to say, I don’t like it.”

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