A Dom's Dilemma by Kathryn R. Blake Read Free Book Online Page A

lesson than he just did. “Answer me, sub!” he commanded, waiting. But when the only sounds emerging remained tear-filled gasps, he brought his hand down again.
    This time she arched her back and cried out, “I’m sorry!”
    He shook his head. “Not nearly convincin’ enough. I wanna hear a proper apology from you now, or I’m gonna keep at it until I do.” She lay limp across his knees and continued to wail. He knew her fear wasn’t natural, and a part of him wanted to hold and comfort her, but she needed a firm Dom right now, so that’s what she got.
    “I hate to see it come to this,” he murmured, bringing his hand down again.
    “No! Please. I’ll behave. I promise,” she pleaded. “I’m sorry for acting out and disobeying you. Please give me another chance.”
    Although the lesson had been light in number, she’d given him the response he required, so he paused. Listening to her sobs, he felt torn. He hadn’t been overly harsh, but he needed to stay firm. And, since he couldn’t let her get away with calling him names, he flattened his hand on her back. “Twenty more for swearin’ and we’re done,” he informed her grimly.
    “Oooh. Nooo. I’m sorry. Please don’t. Please stop.”
    “Kelly, you’re not listenin’ to me, girl. You deserve much worse than what I’m givin’ you, which means I expect you to do as I say and count out each stroke as you take your punishment. Afterwards, I’ll hear your apology for swearin’ at me the way you did.” When her only response was a whimper, Jim drew back his hand and brought it down with the order, “Count.”
    “One.” The word had been strained and tearful, but she’d minded, so he continued. She tried her best to be obedient and hold still as she counted out each stroke he administered, but her bottom started turning a fiery red and by the time he’d reached six, she started wailing and wriggling.
    “No squirmin’,” he reminded, “or I’ll start again at one.” She stilled then, but each wrenching sob that tore through her only made him feel worse.
    When the last swat was delivered, he pulled her up in his arms and held her while she sobbed against his chest like a broken mechanical doll. They were large, gasping sobs that made her whole body shake. He rubbed her back and tried to soothe her, but when she showed no signs of stopping, he knew he’d have to get firm again to bring her out of it.
    “That’s enough!” he barked, and she struggled to draw in a calming breath, but even that didn’t ease her sobbing. If she continued much longer, she’d make herself sick, and he couldn’t allow that. So, he wrapped her up in a tight, compression squeeze until her wracking sobs lessened.
    “Even with those last twenty, I didn’t swat you near as hard as I should’ve to cause all this,” he scolded, keeping his tone light, but his hold firm. “You must have an awfully tender butt, girl, because in my world those were mere love taps.” Raising one hand, she clutched his shirt and hung on. It was the first voluntary movement she’d made since he’d finished her punishment, so he eased up on the pressure and rocked her in his arms.
    “Shhh. Easy, there. Calm down now. I’m not angry, just disappointed. I don’t like the thought of punishin’ you, Kelly, but you were bein’ a very stubborn and unreasonable little girl.”
    “I’m sorry!” she sobbed out again, her face pressed against his shoulder.
    Gently rubbing her back in an effort to soothe her, he bent his head low and spoke directly into her ear. “Now, you need to stop this and get hold of yourself girl, or I’ll have to give you another spankin’ to make all these tears you’re spillin’ worthwhile. You’re carryin’ on way too long for the punishment you received. So, what’s wrong?”
    The only response Kelly gave Jim was a small hiccup, but her sobs were lessening.
    He bent closer, so his lips touched her hair. “Tell me, Kelly. I can’t help if you