With This Collar by Sierra Cartwright Page A

him, as if drawing strength from him.
    Slowly he moved behind her. “Your ass cheeks are still red.” Marcus wasn’t sure he’d ever seen anything more appealing than the proof of his hand on her curvy derrière. “And they’ll be redder still when I’m finished.” He pulled her right ankle towards the outer edge of the apparatus and tightened a buckle around it. “How does that feel?”
    “Like I’m being pulled apart, Sir.”
    “I want to ensure you don’t move. It’s safer for you that way. And it makes you even more aware of your submission to me.”
    “It’s a spanking, Sir, not submission.”
    “Thanks for the clarification.” He fastened her left leg in place. He looked at her for a moment. Her blonde tresses almost brushed the floor. He’d ensured the bindings were tight enough and that her limbs were spread far enough that her motions were constricted. Unless she safe worded, this woman was going to endure a real punishment at his hand. “Again, this isn’t going to be delivered in a way to arouse you. But if you do get turned on, I’ll be pleased.”
    He picked up the tawse and brushed it across her back, then down her right side. She flinched. “Ticklish?”
    “A little.”
    Using a firmer touch, he brought it up her left side. This time, she moaned.
    Damn, she was appealing. He moved the leather up the inside of her thighs.
    “Oh, Sir!” Her legs quivered.
    Determinedly, he pressed the edge against her clit.
    As much as she was able to, she thrust her hips towards him. “Greedy sub.” He moved.
    She swore.
    He was sure she would have stamped her foot if she’d been able. She absolutely delighted him. “Tell me why you earned your punishment.”
    It took her a few seconds to answer. “I didn’t keep my arms behind my back, Sir.”
    “And how many strokes will you be taking from my tawse?”
    Her body shook. “Nine, Sir. But I can assure you I’ve learnt my lesson. I asked to be tied for this one so that I can follow your orders perfectly.”
    “Good. That will spare you another spanking before the night’s out.”
    “Does anything dissuade you?”
    “Never. I may delay a scene, but I never forget it.” He turned sideways and calculated the correct distance to stand. If he was spanking a sub with a tawse, he never reached. He delivered each blow forcefully but bluntly. “Let me know when you’re ready.”
    “I’m ready, Sir.”
    He struck her hard. She gasped and she strained against the bindings, but she didn’t raise her head, and she didn’t scream.
    A gorgeous shade of red blazed across her skin in the wake of his spank. This tawse was one of his favourites. The leather was well-conditioned, and it was perfect for someone new to his type of play. He crafted some with three or four strands, and he’d use them if he was asked to scene with a more experienced player, or with a recalcitrant male sub.
    He repositioned himself so he could catch her just above the right knee.
    She whimpered. “That fucking hurt, Sir.”
    “Aren’t you glad you’re restrained?”
    She nodded, but evidently remembered his rule, said, “Yes.”
    He placed the third in the middle of the first two stripes, midway up her thigh. She barely pulled this time. “Good. Remember to breathe. Surrender, don’t fight.” The fourth spank landed just as precisely as the others had, this time above her left knee. Her leg flexed, but she inhaled. “Any guesses on the next one?”
    “In the middle of my right thigh, Sir.”
    He landed it perfectly.
    She choked out a small protest.
    He stepped back and traced the outline of each red mark with his fingertips.
    Tension drained from her body, leaving her loose. “I’m going to finish you off without pause, all on your buttocks.”
    “Yes, Sir,” she murmured.
    “You’re doing okay?”
    “It’s…”
    He heard the sleepiness in her tone. As he’d wanted, she’d stopped the fight. He could continue for a long time without another fierce protest.