Her hands flew back and clasped her scalded backside.
“Do I need to tie your hands to keep them from harm, darlin’?” he asked.
“Enough, please Jake, I’ve learned my lesson!” she whimpered.
“Not after nine, you haven’t. I need this spanking to sting each and every time you sit on your pretty little ass for at least three days. I mean for this punishment to make a lasting impression.”
“I don’t hold with corporal punishment!” she yelled.
“That explains why you don’t know that actions have consequences, but you’ll learn real quick. You’re a smart little school marm.”
“You, you, beastly man!” she snarled.
“Still so full of, vim an’ vinegar, darlin’? You’ve clearly not yet learned your lesson.”
This time the belt caught her under her rump, right across the tender flesh of her thighs. Before she could gather the breath to shriek, another landed full across her plump rounded cheeks. Four more welts had her shouting desperate apologies, yet still the chastisement continued.
Panting, she gripped the bale rope as though it could save her. Turning her head slightly to look at her husband she saw his stern implacable resolve, and quickly looked front again. The next two blows released a torrent of pent-up emotion; she bawled. It was then the oddest thing happened, her respect for Jake flourished, and grew so strong, it replaced her own sense of self-righteousness.
“Stay where you are for a moment longer,” he ordered gruffly.
Wasn’t her punishment over? Her poor behind felt double its normal size, and throbbed with pain.
She could hear Jake rummaging around somewhere in the barn. Placing her head in her arms, Verity wept. Cold swept across her fleshy backside.
She realized that Jake massaged unguent into her fiery flesh. It stung and soothed in equal measure.
“There now, that should prevent any bruising.” He tugged to her feet and turned her to him. Strong arms wrapped her close to his chest. She burrowed into him and wept softly.
“There now, ‘tis over. Am I right in thinking this was your first spanking?”
“Yes, and I hope it will be my last!” she exclaimed; her words muffled in his shirt.
He chuckled; the sound vibrated under her ear. “Oh, I doubt that, Mrs. Calhoun. You are far too spirited for your own good!”
“Why did you marry me then?” she asked huffily.
“You need a strong man to keep you safe, an’ I couldn’t bear the thought of another man stealing your kisses, or touching your gorgeous body. You’re mine, Verity. I wanted you from the first moment I set eyes on you in that school house.”
“R-really?” she peered up at him through a prism of tears.
“Yes, and darlin’, I swear on each of my precious daughter’s lives, that I’m not the man you saw murder Billy Tucker… D’you believe me Verity?”
Her heart warmed at his words. “Yes, I believe you, Jake. I wouldn’t have married you if I hadn’t been pretty certain that you wouldn’t commit such a heinous crime. My temper got the better of me. Forgive me for my hurtful words?”
He lifted her chin. Before she could say more, his lips came down and crushed hers.
Heat flared between them. Her desperate need for him both shocked and enthralled her. It seemed a kiss wasn’t enough for him either, because he spun her about, his hand firm in the small of her back, and pushed her down over the straw bale once more. Flicking up her gown, he grasped her hips with firm hands. One smooth snake of his hips and he’d penetrated her slick channel. Her moan of supplication seemed to motivate him into further action. Her body welcomed his invasion, spasming and fluttering around his thick pounding shaft.
Verity, overwhelmed by his dominant masculinity, relaxed into submission. “I’m yours, Jake, I love you… I never meant to hurt you!” She jumped as his palm cracked across the tender flesh of her bottom with a resounding crack.
“Don’t you ever forget who you belong to woman, you’re mine. I promise to care for you ‘til death do us part. I love you too, you little hellion.” With one final, powerful thrust he froze in position emitting a satisfied groan.
Coiling bliss unravelled and Verity cried his name as a tide of light and joy flooded her. Deep in her flexing channel, she felt the swell and release of her husband’s cock as he coated her womb, marking her wholly as his.
Chapter Seven
Grace woke her up on the following morning. She’d slept later than usual, but thankfully it was Saturday and there was no school for the girls. Pulling on her robe, she went to make breakfast, her hair still mussed since Jake hadn’t returned her brush. Entering the kitchen, she saw the brush on the kitchen dresser. There was no sign of her husband, but that didn’t worry her. It was usual for Jake to be up and out early working on the ranch although he was usually back about now, hungry and ready to eat breakfast with his family.