Page 29 of Savage

"It's a word you can use if things become too intense," Savage explained patiently. "Something that lets me know you need to pause or stop completely. It is not intended to be used to stop the spanking because it hurts. Spankings will hurt. This one and any I give you in the future. Your safeword is intended to be used if the spanking becomes more than you can endure, if you are overwhelmed emotionally or if you feel sick or injured. If you use it, I will stop what I am doing immediately, and we will address whatever is going on. I’d rather you overuse your safeword than be afraid to use it.”

Savannah nodded slowly, considering. Her mind raced through possibilities, searching for something that felt right. Something that would sound out of place and cause him to stop.

"Buttercup," she blurted out, her cheeks flushing pink. "It’s my favorite candy. My safeword is buttercup."

A ghost of a smile touched Savage's lips. "Buttercup it is, little one. You can use it anytime, no questions asked. I will be more upset with you if you needed to use it and didn’t, then if you overuse it, especially this early on. Understand me?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“You mean, Yes, Daddy,” he corrected.

“Yes, Daddy.”

“Are you ready?”

Savannah took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. Could she really trust this man? This dangerous, enigmatic biker who had turned her world upside down? Her heart said yes, even as her head hurt from the chaotic thoughts swirling inside ofit. "What if... what if it hurts too much?" she finally asked. She twisted her hands in her lap, fighting the urge to bolt from the room.

"I won't ever lie to you, baby girl. There will be pain," he said, his deep voice gentle yet firm. "But I'm here to guide you through it, to help you release the guilt you've been carrying. I'll never push you beyond what you can handle. With the pain will come a sweet cathartic release."

Savannah nodded, trying to swallow the lump in her throat. "You promise?"

"I swear it," Savage replied, his expression solemn. "Your safety, your well-being – they're my top priority. Always. I understand why you are feeling the way you are, even if you are not to blame for the situation. Lying and deceiving people is wrong, and it feels wrong. You did what you had to do to survive and to keep your sister and niece safe. I’m not going to punish you for that. But I will help you get rid of some of the emotional baggage you are carrying around from it. And I want you to know, I don’t think a therapeutic spanking is a cure all. It’ll help temporarily, but when this is all over, I am going to take you to meet Paisley. She’s a therapist and I know she’ll be able to help you with things I can’t help with."

Savannah felt a flutter in her chest, a mix of anxiety from knowing she was about to submit to Savage and something else she couldn't quite name. He wasn’t just blowing smoke up her butt. He cared. Cared enough to want her to get into counseling. Cared enough to want to provide some help carrying the weight on her shoulders. She was surprised when he pushed himself off the couch and stood before her.

When he extended his hand and ordered, “Come here, sweetheart,” she didn’t hesitate to obey. With surprising gentleness, Savage pulled her to her feet and into his arms. The warmth of his body enveloped her, his strong arms wrappingaround her trembling form. He hugged her tightly. They stood like this for a few minutes, and as he hugged her, her heart slowed and started beating at a normal pace.

She melted into his embrace, her cheek pressed against his broad chest. She could hear the steady thump of his heart, its rhythm oddly soothing. The scent of leather from his cut and something uniquely Savage filled her senses.

This is crazy. I’m crazy. Who the fuck is this girl?

Even as she thought the words, some of her anxiety began to ebb away.

How can I feel so safe with someone I barely know? With a motorcycle club officer? With someone who has admittedly killed other people?

Yet as Savage's hand stroked her back in slow, comforting circles, Savannah couldn't deny the sense of security that washed over her. For the first time in what felt like forever, she allowed herself to relax.

"Alright, sweetheart," Savage said, his voice low and steady as he stepped back from her. "I'm going to explain what's going to happen next. If at any point you need me to stop, you use your safeword. Understood?"

Savannah nodded. "Y-yes, Daddy," she whispered, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her shirt.

"Good girl. Now, I'm going to position you over my knee. The spanking will start light, and I'll gradually increase the intensity. I'll be checking in with you throughout. Your job is to be honest about how you're feeling. Can you do that for me, baby?”

Savannah swallowed hard, her mind racing. Part of her wanted to run, to escape what was about to happen. But another part, a part she was only beginning to understand, craved what Savage was offering.

“I... I think so,” she managed.

Savage nodded. "That's my brave girl." He sat down on the couch, his powerful frame a stark contrast to Savannah's softer curves. "Come here," he instructed.

With trembling legs, Savannah approached. Savage's large hands encircled her waist, guiding her across his lap. The position felt alien, vulnerable. Her heart pounded so hard she was sure Savage could feel it.

I could run. I could say my safeword.Panic was building in her chest.But… I want this. What the fuck is wrong with me? I want this. I need this.The conflicting emotions warred within her as she lay across Savage's strong thighs, her body tense with anticipation.

"How are you doing, sweetheart?" Savage asked, his hand resting lightly on her lower back.

Savannah took a shaky breath. "I'm scared," she admitted. "But... I trust you."

“You don’t know how happy you just made me,” he told her.