Page 3 of Now and Forever

“You’re doing great, baby.”

Confusion filled Seth, his emotions beginning to fracture as his mind rejected every explanation over why this was happening.

Seven, eight, nine, ten. Each strike seemed to get harder, faster.Eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen. They’d never gone past ten before, and never had the spankings been so harsh.

“So proud of you, boy. Love you so damn much.”

Fifteen, sixteen, seventeen…Tears fell, splashing on his hands, and he couldn’t remember what number they were on anymore. Seth’s body shook with each smack, or was it because he was sobbing so hard? He couldn’t tell. His body, mind and feelings were all wrapped up into one ball of fear, of terror clawing at his soul, screaming at him that he’d never be okay, never be okay, never be okay…

Never be enough.

He wept freely, out of control and trembling. Daddy was holding him, rocking him on his lap and whispering words of love and comfort. Seth wasn’t sure when he’d changed positions. A part of him didn’t care. He only wanted to stay in Daddy’s arms forever, hear him say how much he was loved, that he was the best thing that had ever happened to Daddy. That Seth was Daddy’s whole world.

“Let’s lie down, sweetheart. I want you to be comfortable.”

Seth hiccupped a sob, trying to catch his breath. “I-I am comfortable. W-want you to keep holding me.”

“I want that too. But you need to lie down first.” He rubbed soft circles on Seth’s back. “Listen to Daddy.”

Seth’s head remained suspended in a strange cloud, as if he were floating around the room. He almost laughed, but didn’t have the energy. Daddy was right. He probably should go lie down.

“Okay, Daddy. You’ll lie down too?”

“Of course, I will. Come on, let me help you up.”

Seth allowed himself to be encouraged off Daddy’s lap, but his knees wobbled as soon as he tried to stand. Daddy was instantly at his side with one arm wrapped around his waist. He then brought Seth’s arm up so that it draped along Daddy’s shoulders.

“Just a few steps and we’ll be there. Lean on me, let me support your weight as much as possible.”

Once they reached the bed, Daddy lowered him so he was sitting on the edge of the mattress. How strange that his mind was in such a fog. He started to shiver.

“Come on, under the covers.” Daddy embraced Seth beneath his arms then brought him to his feet. “That’s it, over here. Now roll on your side.” Daddy brought the covers up to his chin. “I’ll be right back. Don’t move.”

Seth’s hand shot out from underneath the blankets. “No! Don’t leave me.”

Daddy brought Seth’s hand to his lips then kissed the palm. “I’ll never leave you. This is me doing what’s necessary to take care of my boy. Because I didn’t plan on sharing this with you tonight, I wasn’t prepared the way I would’ve been otherwise.” He leaned over Seth, then pressed another kiss to his temple as he tucked Seth’s exposed arm under the covers. “Close your eyes and let yourself drift. I won’t be gone more than a few minutes.”

Seth did as he was told. He wanted to picture Daddy’s face in his mind, but he couldn’t seem to latch onto anything specific. At least not anything beyond the ache in his ass. Never had he felt the spanking so hard. Would it be like that from now on?

“I’m back, baby.” Daddy’s voice was so soft. “Can you sit up a little so you can drink some water?”

Seth’s eyes fluttered open and he nodded. “Okay.”

He leaned up on one elbow as Daddy held the water bottle for him. He hadn’t realized how thirsty he was.

“That’s it. I’m getting undressed, but I’d like you to roll onto your stomach for me.”

Still, he floated. Seth folded his arms underneath his head, closing his eyes again as he waited for Daddy to join him. He supposed he’d gotten his wish after all, that they’d lie together in bed and snuggle. The vigorous spanking hadn’t been part of his hopes, though. Seth snorted a laugh.

Daddy chuckled. “That’s a good sound.”

The mattress dipped, but instead of Daddy crawling under the covers with him, he lifted the blankets until Seth’s ass was exposed. Seth hissed as Daddy prodded his butt cheeks.

“You’ll be bruised for sure, but I’ve got some cream to help with that. How bad is the pain? I brought some Tylenol in if you need it.”

Seth considered the offer. Under other circumstances, he might’ve said yes. But a part of him wanted this pain,wantedto be reminded that Daddy always saw him. Saw through his fears and past his defenses.

“No, that’s okay, Daddy. I don’t need any.”

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