Chapter Eight #2
When she dropped from that tree into the water, his heart actually stopped beating for the split second it took him to act.
Thinking about her in the pool without him, made him nauseous.
How easy it would have been for her to slip beneath the water and be lost to him forever, he thought with a shudder.
Looking at her red bottom, hearing her pitiful cries of remorse, he knew he should stop, but it was difficult.
This wasn’t sexual and he derived no satisfaction from it, except for the retribution it was meant as.
At this point he wondered if he would even be able to work in his office without worrying about what she was up to.
Obviously she needed closer supervision than he’d realized.
He wondered what other dangerous or short-sighted things she’d done that he wasn’t aware of.
Sighing, he brought the spanking to a close with his hand resting on her swollen bottom as Sue sobbed her heart out.
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” she whimpered over and over again as he waited for her to recover.
“I know, Red,” he replied, helping her to her feet and kicking away the clothing at her ankles.
“You scared me, baby,” he told her kissing her forehead.
Taking her hands in his he turned them over and inspected her palms. Several deep scratches that needed attention almost made him feel guilty for not seeing them earlier, but he pushed it away.
She damn well deserved each and every lick he’d given her.
Picking her up in his arms he carried her into the house.
In the bathroom he set her down, none to gently, on the counter as she hissed and tried to scoot off.
“Be still,” he ordered, taking antiseptic from the medicine cabinet.
“It hurts,” she wailed, shifting from one cheek to the other.
“Good,” he told her, taking her hand and placing it on his chest. “You hurt my heart.”
Sue stared into his blue eyes and recognized the absolute truth of his quiet statement.
He wasn’t mad that she’d made him ruin his shoes or his expensive cell phone, and probably even the Rolex on his wrist. He was in pain, hurt by the thought of losing her.
This strong, funny, arrogant, loving man was hurt because of something she’d done.
Imagine anyone caring that much, she marveled.
Tears of genuine remorse fell from her eyes, blinding her and she moved her hand to his cheek.
It was impossible to get the words out as sobs wracked her body, her breath hitching so she could hardly speak.
“I know, baby, it’s all right,” Marcus told her, softly kissing her palm. “Sometimes the words just won’t come, even for me.”
Working slowly he cleaned her cuts and applied soothing cream and bandages to her hands before lifting her and carrying her to their bedroom. Setting her on her feet, he helped her take off her top and bra, handing her a night shirt.
“I think you should take a nap, Red. It’s been a trying afternoon and we’re going to dinner with Ty and Kelsey tonight.”
“I guess laying is better than sitting at this point,” she admitted. “Is there any cream that will help my other pains?” she asked hopefully as Marcus brushed her hair back.
“Even if there were, I wouldn’t let you have it,” he replied, giving her a kiss. “Come to my office when you get up.”
“I thought I wasn’t allowed in your office when you’re working?” she asked, surprised.
“I think I need to keep track of you a little better,” he answered. “You might need to find a quiet hobby you can do in there while I’m working. Besides, there are paddles in there and my hand can’t take too many more spankings like today,” he teased before closing the door.
Dinner was fun. Marcus drove them all in his black Escalade and they dined at The View in Mirror Lake Inn. The food was superb as well as the service and their table had a spectacular view.
Sue fidgeted frequently on her chair and whispered to their waitress to keep her drinks coming, which the girl did until Marcus put a stop to it.
“Take it easy, Red,” he warned. “I don’t think you can handle any more today.”
“Handle what?” she asked, faking a smile and leaning forward. “The alcohol or is it something else you're referring to?”
“You know exactly what I’m talking about. Slow down or reap the consequence; that’s all I’m saying.”
“Oh, if I drink too much, is that also a death wish?” she shot back, slightly braver now that she had several shots of vodka in her system.
Marcus paused from cutting his grilled chicken fillet and lay his fork down. After wiping his mouth, he took Sue’s hand in his and pulled her close.
“Look Red, I know you think you’re temporarily safe with all these people around and that I won’t blister your ass here, but you’re dead wrong.
I will calmly take your hand and escort you to the car where I will pull your cute little panties down and spank you.
Then we will return and finish our dinner and you will be most uncomfortable, do you understand? ” he asked softly.
Ty and Kelsey heard every word and tried their best to ignore it. Kelsey was worried about her own bottom tonight and though she sympathized with her friend, she wasn’t willing to take on any more trouble than she was already in.
Sue straightened up and smoothed her napkin on her lap, thinking.
Should she risk it? Her bottom was very tender from her fiasco earlier in the day and suddenly she didn’t think pushing him any further was worth it.
Picking up her drink she drained her vodka and tonic and set the glass back down with a thud.
“You are an evil man, Marcus,” she told him, “but you win.”
“Thank you,” he replied, picking up his fork. “I’m not evil; I’m concerned about some of your habits. And I’ll tell you something else…” he began.
“Oh please do, I so love it when you point out all my faults.”
“You’re crazy about me,” he informed her with a grin.
Sue puffed up and saw Kelsey brace for the explosion. It never came. Watching in fascination she saw Sue slowly relax, a tiny smile tilting her lips. She was crazy about him she realized, but that was something best kept to herself. He already had an over inflated ego as far as she could tell.
“Crazy, being the key word,” she replied, picking up her fork. “A girl would have to be somewhat off her rocker, just to put up with you. So Kelsey,” she changed the subject. “What’s new with you? Watched any good movies lately?” she asked casually
“Actually,” Kelsey replied, “I had a movie I was planning to watch, but I accidentally broke it. Turns out I really didn’t need to watch it again anyway,” Kelsey smiled, blushing madly.
“That’s wonderful,” Sue cried.
“Why is it wonderful that she broke her movie?” Marcus asked, confused.
“It just is, that’s all,” Sue stated. “I’m so happy for you, Kels.”
“Did I miss something here?” Marcus asked looking from one to the other as they both started laughing
Ty smiled, picked up Kelsey’s hand and kissed it.
“I take it that whatever crazy scheme this is regarding came from Susan?” he asked.
“Um, well…” Kelsey stammered, blushing.
“Yes,” Sue replied, “it did. Kelsey was worried about…you know and I thought…”
“What the devil is going on here?” Marcus complained, looking around the table.
“I’ll tell you later babe,” Sue replied. “I think this occasion calls for a bottle of champagne.”
Kelsey clapped her hands, “That’s a wonderful idea,” she said, thinking maybe Ty wouldn’t spank a tipsy girl.
“Waitress,” Sue called, while Marcus looked at his brother in confusion wondering how they went from Red not having any more to drink to ordering a bottle of champagne.
“Don’t worry about it, Marcus,” Ty stated, smiling. “I think you’ve been out maneuvered, but things should get interesting on the way home.”