12. The Anticipation #5
Hal sighed. “I work at a fancy restaurant and a customer complained when she heard me. It annoyed me, but I saw her reasoning. And I felt bad too. I don’t want to upset my customers. Because of that, I asked you to help me stop using foul language.”
“I told you I’d give you a demerit every time.”
“You did, yes.”
Mac ran his hand down a quivering flank. Hal was shaking. Mac knew he was still hard; he could see Hal’s cock since he was standing behind Hal. Three strikes with the heavy belt wouldn’t be enough to kill Hal’s erection, but it would leave three nice welts that would probably bruise.
“And I told you it would hurt.”
Hal gulped. “Yes, Sir.”
“I want to be clear as to why you’re being punished.”
“I understand, Sir. And I’m perfectly clear as to the why.”
“Good. Then let’s begin.”
* * * *
He hated that freaking hateful, ugly, blankety blank belt with a passion.
The leather was stiff, no give at all, and the texture was…
rough. That was the best way to describe it.
His cuffs and collar were silky smooth against his skin, but this belt…
It was a frigging nightmare. Hal had no idea what Mac had done to it, but the leather felt awful on bare skin—which was the point, he did understand that.
Really, it was just a belt. Stupid thing would fit through belt loops, so it wasn’t especially huge or anything. Still hurt, though. And Mac wouldn’t hold back, either. This was for punishment, and Mac would make sure it hurt.
Which was kinda the point.
Hal steadied his breathing, trying to keep his body relaxed. The more he tensed up, the more it hurt, especially later. It was amazing how sore muscles could get from tension.
Smack
The first strike landed on his left cheek. Aw, sh… Yeah, he didn’t need to finish that thought. He knew he had to stop cussing in his head too. That was the only way to break the habit. And he really, really wanted to beak this habit.
He moaned as a little wave of pain started right there in the center of where the belt landed, then quickly spread out across his ass.
He went rigid, cuffed hands clenching on the edge of the bench.
He knew better than to squirm, but the urge…
He fought it back. The last thing he needed was for more demerits added to his count.
“One. Thank you, Sir.”
Smack
Christ. The next one fell on the other check, and whoa boy, it stung even more. Why did Mac have to be so fuc… so strong? “T-two. Thank you, Sir.”
Heat built and pain spread. He knew there was only one more to go. He could get through it, he knew he could. Hal gritted his teeth and kept his eyes on the back wall. Point of focus, that’s what he needed. But God, his ass was on fire.
“Last one, boy.”
Smack
The last blow knocked him forward and forced a gasp from his lungs.
Oh, oh God. There was no mercy, no respite.
His world was nothing more than Mac’s leather belt landing once last time, barely leaving a moment in between to process the pain.
His entire ass was one huge mass of agony and heat.
Tears stung his eyes, but he blinked them back.
“Three! Oh God, Sir… T-t-t-t-hank… you.”
Mac suddenly was in Hal’s line of sight. He squatted down and touched Hal’s face. “Easy, easy there. It’s all over now. Let it out, you’ll feel better.”
One sniffle led to two, which lead to tears pouring down his face.
This was the hardest part to him. Not the pain, not the heat, not even messing up.
For him, letting go, showing what many in society considered weakness—tears—was the hardest part.
That releasing the pain, letting it flow out of him made him feel better.
Even if his ass didn’t.
Mac sat on the floor, hands rubbing Hal’s back and arms. “There you go, that’s it. Very good, Hal. Very proud of you. I know it hurts, but you came through it very well. You can do this, Hal. That’s my good boy.”
Finally the tears ran out and Hal went limp.
“I’m going to put some salve on your ass.”
“Okay, Sir.”
Hal felt the cooling kiss of the salve on his ass and sighed. That felt so good.
“You’re going to have three bruises, but I don’t think they’re going to be too bad. Going to untie you now. Think you’re ready to get up?” Mac unhooked the ties to Hal’s cuffs. “I’ll help you over to the bed. We can cuddle until you’re ready to get up.”
“Thank you,” Hal whispered, slowing turning over, resting his weight on his hip.
Mac slipped his arm around Hal. “Come on, bed’s right over there.”
Hal let Mac moved him to the bed, then lay down. Mac faced him, smoothing his long hair out off his face. “Getting better?”
“A little.” Hal yawned. “Tired, though.”
Mac reached down and pulled the satin sheet over Hal. “Not surprising. Rest, Hal. I’ll be right here.”
“Okay.” Hal snuggled closer, eyes closing. “Still hate that belt thought, Sir.”
Mac snorted. “Wouldn’t be punishment if you didn’t. Besides, you can pay me back when we go grocery shopping.”
Hal smiled, eyes still closed. “Oh, I totally intend to, don’t think I’m not. We’re going down every aisle, Sir.”
“Oh, lovely,” Mac groaned.
Hal hid his face in the pillow and grinned. He might not be a Dom, but he sure knew what made his Dom groan in pain.