Bad Bad Girl

Vance softly placed some loose curls behind each ear and leaned in to place a gentle kiss on her forehead. “I understand your hesitation. But, Coley, this isn’t something I can bend on or meet in the middle. This isn’t optional.”

“So, I have to say yes? I have to agree to this or else?” Stubborn pride slowly built inside.

“Listen, I want this. I want you. I know that you and I could have something great. I truly feel we could have a love and life like no other. I think… no, I know that you agree.”

She crossed her arms in a pout. “I don’t want to be spanked.”

Vance smirked. “You know there is more to my belief than just spanking. If you truly get it, as you say, then you know the reasons I strongly live by it. The same reasons your brother does and so many others.” He moved in and lightly kissed the tip of Coley’s nose. “I think you know that this idea works. You see it, you understand it, and I think that deep down you want it too.”

“I know it works for some. I just haven’t ever lived it. Well, except for my overbearing brother. Truth… it scares me.”

“I understand completely. Just know that I would never hurt you, I would never make you uncomfortable—”

“That’s funny. Spanking does hurt! It does make you uncomfortable,” Coley interrupted with a giggle. She knew she was making light of the subject, but she couldn’t help it.

Vance smiled. “Okay, so you got me there. But I think you know what I mean. I would love you, Coley. I would love you like no one has ever loved you before. But I need you to want this, and for this to be consensual. I won’t force you or force the idea. To me, that would just be an abuse of power.”

Coley tilted her head and examined the rugged good looks of the man before her. “So, why do you think if I agree to being spanked, it isn’t abuse?” Coley knew the answer. She had never really believed that spanking was abuse, but she still wanted to hear Vance’s answer.

“This is a dynamic that we create. That we form. The only way this will work is if we both want it. If it’s against your will or done out of anger or loss of control, then it is abuse, plain and simple. Do you think it is abuse? Do you think Caine abuses Neely?”

“Of course not.”

“Then why are you even questioning me on that? You know as well as I do that spanking isn’t abuse when done in the correct relationship.”

Coley sat in silence, taking in the information that Vance was so easily able to give.

He continued, “I respect you, Coley. I respect your wishes, your desires and your wants. There is no real easy answer, other than reassuring you that I would never hurt you. The act of a spanking is not meant to abuse, just as a way to reestablish the power dynamic. To reclaim, and remind both of us who the alpha in the relationship is.”

Coley crossed her arms against her chest. “And what if I want to be the alpha?”

Vance smiled. “Then you would land yourself across my knee more times than not.” He paused, taking in Coley’s reaction. “Is that what you want? Do you want to be the alpha in the relationship?”

“No,” Coley replied quickly.

“Why?”

Coley shrugged. “I don’t want a weak man. I want the strength, but… well…” She blushed before adding, “I don’t like spankings. I have a low threshold for pain.”

Vance chuckled.

“I’m serious!” she said with a giggle.

Vance pulled Coley into his arms and placed gentle kisses into her hair. His hand rubbed her back softy, melting her inner core. Never had an embrace filled her with so much security, so much comfort.

“I think I should go. I don’t want to pressure you into this. Take your time to think it over.” Vance pulled away and lifted Coley’s chin so her eyes met his. “Just know that I would make you happy. I would wake up every morning with the goal to see that gorgeous smile never leave your face.”

Before Coley could protest, Vance got up and walked out the door.

27

Coley walked the backyard taking in the Chinese lanterns and lights that had been strung for the engagement party. The engagement party that suddenly became the most romantic wedding she had ever attended. She couldn’t believe her brother had shocked everyone by announcing that the surprise wedding was going to take place tonight. It was just like her brother to do something so rash, so impulsive, but so absolutely loving. He loved Neely. It was obvious in every action and every look he gave her. Coley’s eyes filled with tears at the memory of the way Caine and Neely looked into each other’s eyes. The love she saw was more powerful than she thought possible. Her brother had finally found the love of his life. Her best friend, Neely, had finally found the man of her dreams. Coley’s heart soared knowing they were both so happy. A surprise wedding was a perfect way for the two of them to get married. She couldn’t have written a better chapter to the love story herself.