Carolyn Faulkner

Carolyn Faulkner
The Boss Of Her

By Carolyn Faulkner
By CFaulkner / BacksideOfLove.com This work is copyrighted under U.S. law. NO duplication of any kind, including (but not limited to) electronic, digital or manual duplication, is permitted, except for personal use, without expressed, written consent of the author (CarolynFaulkner@BacksideOfLove.com) Violations of this copyright can be traced digitally, and will be pursued vigorously.
This work of fiction depicts Adoring Discipline, which entails one adult giving another the authority to punish them physically. Neither the author, nor BacksideOfLove.com, depicts, condones, or tolerates the inclusion of involuntary physical abuse in any activity depicted here. Adoring Discipline is a healthy, often therapeutic part of intimate adult relationships for those fulfilled by it. For more information on Adoring Discipline, please visit http://BacksideOfLove.com
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Chapter I
nnie dropped her purse into her desk drawer, turned on her computer, and took a bite out of her everything bagel with olive cream cheese, thus completing her morning ritual. She didnt know why she kept getting that bagel she didnt really want it. She was too stressed. She and her almost-ex husband were finalizing their divorced, but it seemed like she was getting the raw end of the deal, ending up with all of the debt and none of the assets. Of course, the fact that shed gotten her lawyer out of the yellow pages might have had something to do with that, but he was all she could afford. To add insult to injury, if she didnt get her bills taken care of, she wasnt going to be able to afford to care for Daniel, her forty year old autistic brother, who, right now was comfortably ensconced in a nice private facility where he had been for the length of Annies lackluster marriage. She and Shaun made enough money together to keep him at Wolsey House, but there was no way she was going to be able to afford to do so on her own. Cassie stopped by her office and plopped herself down in one of the two chairs in front of her desk with the same enthusiasm as Annie had taken her own chair. Im wiped!
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Annie nodded, saying, Me, too, but she knew her reasons werent anywhere near the same as Cassies. Cassie was a knockout, who enjoyed partying all week long, regardless of having to get up for work. Annie was her exact opposite, in temperament and tendencies. Whereas Cassie was the office beauty, Annie was, as far as she was concerned, barely passable physically. She balled her honey blonde hair up into an unbecoming bun at the back of her neck, wore thick small glasses, and no make up whatsoever. No sense in wastin the stuff on a hopeless cause, her mother had always said, preferring to dote on her pretty younger sister, when she could spare time away from Daniels care. Not wanting to cause her parents any more work or concern, Annie did her best to blend in with the woodwork, and no one had ever really cared to notice that that was what she was doing. The only place she allowed herself to shine was at work. It was always impeccable always on time, always perfect, and the company was doing extremely well, becoming more and more involved in government sub contracting for the software they were developing. Annie, who worked in human resources, didnt really get too involved in the specifics, but even she had had to qualify for a security clearance. Other than that, shed pretty much stayed away from any possible contact with men. Her one marriage to Shaun had been an aberration. The sex had never been good, and they had quickly descended into an almost roommate like existence that was drawing to an agonizingly slow close. It wasnt until she was hired on at Trask Corporation that she met the one man she had been attracted to in her life the owner and CEO, Cole Trask. Of course, being married, even though they had been separated already then for a while, she tried to be as circumspect as possible about her fascination with him.
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She worked on a completely different floor, thankfully. She wasnt sure her heart could take seeing him that often. It was bad enough when they ended up in the same elevator with five other people. He made her feel woozy and light headed, but at the same time, more alive than shed ever been in her life. Frighteningly so. She could only stand him in very small doses; he was incredibly potent almost too much so for her. Almost. And she knew that she wasnt the only woman who coveted their perpetually single boss. The break room on her floor was always full of women chattering about sightings and they werent referring to UFOs. And he wasnt easy to spot, at least not outside of work. The man was almost obsessive about his privacy, and barely anyone had ever even seen him anywhere besides in his office. To be summoned there was tantamount to hearing to the death knells of ones career. Nary an employee left while still drawing a paycheck from the man. But Annie had an in that others did not. She and Cassie were friends, and had been long before Cassie had gone to work for the big man, back when she had been hired as a clerk, just like Annie. Unfortunately, Cassie was nearly as scrupulous in her work habits as Annie was, so there were precious few tidbits shed let slip. This morning, though, was one of the few times that she was less concerned with the object of her stilted desires than she was with herself and her own problems, mainly of a financial nature. Her beleaguered sigh had Cassie leaning forward eagerly. You need some time off, Cassie counseled, patting her friends hand.
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Annie snorted. Time off? Not likely. What I need is a second job to pay off all the bills Im getting stuck with, or pay towards Daniel. I just dont know what to do. The lawyer is costing so much money that I cant afford to go to anyone else. Im stuck, and Im digging myself deeper in debt just sitting here. In an uncharacteristically blue moment, Annie lay her head down on her folded arms. Cassie, I need you to - Annie would recognize that voice from her grave. She lifted her head immediately, wishing she wasnt going to breathe everything bagel on him, and hoping against hope that he hadnt seen her practically asleep on the job. No such luck. Are you all right? he asked, to Annies mortification. Im fine, she squeaked, but she had the strangest feeling he didnt believe her, for some reason, not that she knew him well enough to judge him about that. Cassie had already hopped up. What can I do you for, Boss? She earned herself a deep frown that Annie was heartily glad wasnt directed towards her. Sorry, Mr. Trask. Annies eyebrow rose. Shed never seen the high energy Cassie so subdued. I need the notes for my meeting with Ballentine as soon as possible. He nodded vaguely at the both and left.
The Boss Of Her
Well, thats my cue, Cassie nearly ran out of Annies office, but Annie called and caught her a couple of hours later, when she needed a break. Wanna wander down to the cafeteria and see if they have those cinnamon muffins you like? Annie asked, hoping it would entice her friend into leaving her desk for even a short time. Annie had questions, and plenty of them, about their oh so secretive boss. Luckily, cinnamon muffins cured all ills, as far as Cassie was concerned. He wasnt the easiest man to work for, but if there was one thing that Cole Trask new how to do, though, it was take care of his employees. The list of people who wanted to join the company was a mile wide and deep. He paid top dollar to everyone, from the janitors on up of course, he expected his pound of flesh in exchange, but all employees had access to a cafeteria that served great tasting, relatively inexpensive food. And everyone, from day one, got a share in the company. He felt and rightly so that people worked better if they owned a part of where they were working. Turning some of the shares of his company over to his employees, though, made him no less of a demanding boss. His higher management people were expected to meet or exceed the number of hours he spent in the office and he practically lived there. The word around the office was that if you were an upper manager, you didnt dare leave until the boss left, although he was a sucker for any sort of family problem. He doubled the usual two months paid maternity leave for everyone, including the fathers, and out and out expected that people would take time paid time, no less for things like parent teacher conferences, school plays, and field trips. He also gave whatever time was needed for anyone
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who had a family member who was terminal. Trask was noted for being a hard driving boss, but an extremely generous and fair one. They found the fabled muffins moist, slightly tinged with the faintest hint of nutmeg, the tops dipped in melted butter then cinnamon sugar and indulged themselves for fifteen minutes or so. The coffee at the cafeteria, as well as the small break rooms on every floor, wasnt the usual, swept off the floor at Folgers, either. The big Boss had struck up a deal with Starbucks to provide free coffee and real fixins no powdered cream for his employees. So was he mad that you were down talking with me this morning? Annie asked as casually as she could. Cassie took a big mouthful of muffin and a tiny swallow of coffee. Ahhhhhh. Nirvana! No, he was fine. He never gives me trouble even if Im a little late in the morning, because he knows Im there when it counts, and I stay late a lot without him even having to ask. What are you orgasming about now, Cassie DeNault? Peri Hazelton, a manager from the floor above them asked as she joined them. She looked at least as worn out as they both felt. The conversation ended up considerably diverted from what Annie had originally intended which was pumping Cassie for as many scraps of information about her boss as she could not that that was ever very much, but she usually found herself moderately satisfied with the crumbs she could pry out of Cassie. But it wasnt to be this break, anyway, and it was back to the grind long before any of them were ready. Her phone rang less than a half an hour later, though, and she picked it up absently, still inexplicably entranced by the
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statistics in front of her, which was a testament to exactly how tired and stressed she was. Annie Foster, she announced, having converted back to her maiden name long ago. Ms. Foster, Id like to see you in my office in fifteen minutes. The conversation was over before she knew it, almost before she recognized that voice. But if she had any doubts as to the owner, it was right there in green and gray on her phone: Cole Trask. He didnt need to bother having his title listed beneath his name. What the heck could he want with her? Annie started to panic, running every possible scenario through her head. But her small department was doing well, spending was under budget, and her last review read as if she could nail Jello to walls. She hadnt felt such out and out panic since shed faced her wedding night with whatsizname, and that had certainly turned out to be a disappointing bust. Whats wrong with you? Angel Ramirez practically screeched to a halt outside her door, giving her an over the top of her glasses once over with a look of alarm that had nothing on Annies. Youre even whiter than usual. If you werent already sitting down, Id make you. Whats happened? Has that rat fink found another debt to pile onto you? Is something wrong with Daniel? For a few seconds, Annie couldnt speak, and only shook her head, trying to take deep breaths rather than the short, panicky panting shed begun unconsciously. No, she said breathlessly. Got a call. From the Boss.
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Angels eyes went very wide, and she stood up jerkily, backing away from Annie as if the woman in front of her had pulled an Exorcist twist of her head. Oh, wow. My condolences. Its been nice working with you. If shed been in her right mind, Annie would have said something sarcastic, like, Thanks for the support, but she wasnt. Luckily, though, she was a compulsively early person, and nearly ten minutes had gone by without her knowledge while she was in a coma of shock. She stood, straightened the skirt of her conservative dowdy - navy blue suit along with her backbone, and marched to the elevator, feeling somewhat like a condemned prisoner taking her last walk down the Green Mile. She was sure she heard dead woman walking in the whisper quiet of the elevator. Her hands were so cold from nerves she was sure her fingers were going to fall off. She wished she hadnt taken her wedding rings off now she had nothing to twist and fidget with while he fired her. Annie had hoped that Cassie would be at her desk she desperately needed to see a friendly face before she died or worse, was fired. But Cassie was conspicuously absent when she walked up to rap sharply on the double doors to his office, as if she hadnt a care in the world. As if she was all business, and not a bundle of nerves that was inches away from turning tail and running somewhere, anywhere but into that room with him. Luckily, before he called to her to come in, some sort of strange calm descended on her. Annie didnt know if its origins were pure stupidity or adrenaline induced bravado, but she certainly welcomed it, whatever it was. Come in, she heard him call, and she grabbed a hold of the doorknob and pushed into the office as if she wasnt worried in the least about losing her job.
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He was on the phone, but stood half out of his chair in a courtly gesture and motioned her to a comfortable looking chair in front of his desk not that she was able to enjoy the fine leather chair, perched as she was on the edge of it, trying desperately not to appear to fidgety as her knee bobbed up and down fast enough to turn a turn a turbine engine, and no amount of trying to still it or tugging her skirt down over it was going to help. She looked around nervously, then realized how it might look and stopped immediately. His office was gorgeous, big and roomy, the de rigueur corner office with lots of windows, a sitting area, and what looked like an antique sideboard with a carafe of amber liquid that she desperately wished she had a shot of about now. When he hung up the phone, Annie plastered what she hoped was a pleasant smile on her face and forced herself to look him straight in the eye. But his response was not what she envisioned. Are you feeling all right? Youre pale as a ghost and you look like youre in pain. Cole would have sworn he heard her whimper, but knew he mustve imagined it. Annie Foster wasnt the type of woman to whimper at anything. She was one of his hardest workers, and he knew from the personnel files hed pulled that her supervisor thought she walked on water. Hed picked her for a very particular reason to perform a very particular task, but here she was looking like she expected him to fire her. Can I get you anything? Annies eyebrows went up at the question, although she declined his offer, thinking he was being very solicitous for someone who was going to send her to the unemployment line.
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Cole thought she might break apart right in front of him, and there was nothing he hated worse than an emotionally fragile person male or female. Perhaps she wasnt exactly right for what he had in mind, but he pressed on nonetheless. She probably wouldnt agree to it anyway, but he had to try. He didnt believe in pussyfooting around, though, so he dove right in. Hed rather know whether or not she would agree, and then he could proceed from there. I hear youre in a bit of a financial bind. There was very little else he could have said that would have been more calculated to make her blush. Im fine, Sir. Ill work my way through it. Cole admired her tenacity. She hadnt dissolved into tears, and she hadnt spilled her guts. But he knew from Cassie, who had been admirably circumspect considering the fact that he could see that she had been fair to bursting with information, that Annie was very near bankruptcy, and that she had an older brother who depended on her financially. And Cole wanted to help her out. Hell, he flat out wanted her, and the benefits of his money came with that. But he knew she wasnt about to take charity from him. Well, I admire your forbearance, but thats one of the reasons Ive called you up here. He watched her swallow hard, and it struck him that she really did think he was going to fire her. By the way, he added as casually as he could, you can relax. Your job is more than safe. Her sigh of relief was audible, almost making him smile, but his next words made her more nervous than before. I understand youre going through a messy divorce.
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The Boss Of Her
She should have been a lot more relaxed now that she knew that her paycheck wasnt in jeopardy, but somehow, considering the topic he had introduced, it just wasnt happening. Uh, yes. And you have a brother who has special considerations? Annie was ready to haul Cassie up by her toenails. What the heck had she been telling him? Daniel is autistic, yes. But hes pretty high functioning. He leaned back in his chair, which in no way diminished his powerful presence. He was a big man six four, and broad shouldered. Hed dwarfed poor Annie on the few occasions theyd met. Unlike a lot of men his age, which she knew from the grapevine was forty five, he had a fiercely tamed shock of thick dark hair that was somewhere between black and brown, an angular nose that was too big for his face, and a strong, lantern jaw. In other words, he wasnt a cover model by any means. Just the opposite, in fact. His looks fit him, though. They were straight forward and no nonsense. No one would ever catch him dying his hair or getting nipped or tucked in any way, shape, or form. His money was the draw for some women, and that was to be expected. But for a lot of the gaggle that followed him almost religiously, in and outside of his company, it was the man himself. Cole Trask never had a moments doubt about what he was doing, and he had never faltered from his vision. He said what he meant, and he meant what he said. A power emanated from him that was something no amount of money could buy. It was an inner core of strength that made him absolutely irresistible. He was always calm, always controlled, never flustered or worried or nervous. He was the exact opposite of Annie at this moment. She felt as if she had ants crawling beneath her skin, wondering when
Carolyn Faulkner
the other shoe was going to drop. Surely he hadnt asked her into his office to talk about her family or her finances. He cleared his throat and leaned forward. I want to be very up front with you, and I want to again reassure you that your job is not on the line here. You can say no to me and still go back to your desk as if nothing had happened. But I have a special project Id like you to work on with me, and it involves a bit of travel, but it would also involve a considerable pay raise. I know thats not something that you signed on for as a Human Resources manager, but its very important to the company. I need someone who can read people well, and who isnt well known as a part of my company. Someone who is more of a people person than I am. Somebody new, and someone who isnt likely to get rattled easily. A somewhat rueful smile touched his lips. And youre one of the few people who were able to get a security clearance. What he was saying seemed awfully intriguing, although she had definitely proven him wrong about the not being rattled. But that had really only been when she thought she was going to lose her job. She had found, once shed recovered from the heart attack shed been experiencing, that although shed always been a bit jittery around him, those nerves had been completely blown out of the water by her earlier panic. She was actually quite a bit calmer now. Annie knew she was no great beauty, and she knew that she couldnt hope to attract him, so she could relax. He seemed to already have a pretty good opinion of her, and she made a mental note to bake something special for her supervisor, Joe Abercrombie, in thanks. His wife was a doll, but couldnt cook to save her own life, and the best way to reward him was to bake something gooey for him. The Boss had stopped talking and was watching her closely, which might have set her to trembling again, but Annie took a deep breath and put those nerves to rest at least until she got out of his
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office. She nodded slowly. Id be interested, she answered cautiously, but I cant be away from Daniel for too long. I she hated to sound hesitant, but there it was. I want to take some time to think about this before I decide. He was way ahead of her. I understand that. And regardless of whether or not you decide to accept this assignment, I want to give you the name of a good divorce lawyer I know. You need to get hold of him today or tomorrow, because hes not in town for long. Call him anytime. Annie bit her lip, not quite knowing how to tell him that there was no way she could afford anyone he would recommend, but glad she was able to stifle her out and out snort of derision, which was her first impulse. But not much got past him as he handed her a card. I know what youre thinking, but just tell him I sent you and he should do it for free and if he gives you any guff, you tell me and Ill straighten him out, he growled. And dont take too much time deciding; we have to move quickly on this. Annie couldnt imagine anyone going against Cole Trask and living to tell about it. There were rumors that he had been anything from a CIA Black Ops agent to a mafia hit man, and everything in between, although the occasional interview he allowed never hinted at anything so daring graduated high school early, bachelors and MBA from Hahhhhhvahhhhd on full scholarship, of course. Never married, no scandalous love affairs. Workaholics didnt make for great copy or sound bites. Down right boring stuff. That was probably why he wasnt interviewed all that often. But what he was suggesting sounded so cloak and dagger . . .
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Im not at liberty to discuss a lot of details about what were going to be doing. Ill need you to trust me. I would never let you be put in any sort of danger. Regardless, Id have you out of it well before it got to that stage. Annie wasnt sure exactly what to say, so she cleared her throat and asked, Uh, exactly where will we be traveling to? Germany. For about four days. Is your passport in order? Uh, no. Like she, in her do nothing but work life, had ever had a need for a passport. Even her honeymoon with Shaun had been lame theyd gone from Boston to Maine. Whoopee! He grimaced, and she instantly wished shed been able to answer in the affirmative. Well, I can get that pushed through channels and have it to you by the end of the week. Well get a photo ASAP. He started to shuffle through some papers, and Annie figured that she had been dismissed and rose from her chair. Leaving so soon? he asked, somewhat sarcastically. Feeling braver than she probably ought, Annies eyebrows rose. I said that I needed some time to think about this. Her Boss met her eyes, that was all. No advances, no harassment no nothing but a pure bolt of sexual pleasure such as shed never experienced in her life.
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If she accepted this offer, she would be spending more time with him. A lot more time being much closer to him than she was now, as she literally creamed in her pants from three feet away. How could she possibly turn him down?
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Chapter II
t was Tuesday night and that meant dinner out with the girls. Annie scrimped and saved in order to afford this, although she knew that any or all of the girls would gladly have paid for her dinner. It actually wasnt dinner as much as a bunch of appetizers that everyone passed around cheese sticks, potato skins, pot stickers . . . anything and everything designed to blow any diet theyd had any success at during the week, along with whatever anyone was drinking, soft or hard. The group was pretty eclectic, and varied considerably in size depending on what time of year it was and how everyones lives were going. Annie always went Lord knew, she didnt have a lot else to do, and, in the beginning, it was a great excuse not to have to spend an evening listening to Shaun bitch. Cassie and Peri were usually there, although not if Cassie had a hot date, which, for someone who looked like her wasnt as often as one might think; although she partied a lot she didnt date that much. Peri was a forty something single mother who came when she could find someone to sit for the kids, and was always the designated driver for anyone who decided to indulge since she didnt drink because she knew she couldnt hold her liquor, although, since everyone had to get up and go to work the next morning, that kept the drunkenness nicely in check.
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When she was married and her money situation was better, if not really great, Annie would have ordered a mud slide the moment she sank into the plush cushions of the horseshoe shaped booth. Not so this time. The waiter nodded at her, and she ordered a water with lots of ice and lemon. Oh, bullshit, get her a mud slide, already, came the cigarette husky voice that followed her into the booth. Helen Deering was fifty five if she was a day. She didnt moisturize, she didnt accessorize and she most definitely didnt apologize not for smoking, not for drinking and not for growling at everyone around her. Put it on my tab, she croaked, putting an unlit cigarette to her lips. The waiter scolded, You cant smoke in here. Its the law. The look Helen gave him was pure overkill. When she spoke, it was slowly and carefully, as if she was his disappointed mother and he was a little slow. I like to pretend I still have my civil rights, young man. The poor chastised young man disappeared immediately, as Peri joined them. Whats happening? Helen scared off the waiter again. Well be lucky if we ever get our drinks. Peri snorted. What else is new? Cassie did end up joining them, sighing at her lack of a love life. Carol Kennedy was already there. She used to work at Trask Corp, but had left for what she thought would be a dream job that
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ended up being a nightmare of being overworked and under compensated. Now she was desperately trying to get back into the fold. Whats new is that Annie is going to be doing some big project with the Boss man. Everyone called him that, despite the fact that they knew he hated it. He would have rather have been called hey you than Boss, and he encouraged his employees to call him Cole, although few had the balls. He was the type of man who just inspired the use of Mr. or Sir. A stunned hush fell over the table. Helen stopped in the middle of bringing a taquito heaped with sour cream to her mouth, which was still wide open. Youmph kibbbing be! Carol claimed around a mouthful of dumpling. Our little Annie? Peri sounded very doubtful. Annie was none too thrilled by the blatant skepticism of her friends. She glared at Peri. Should I belt out Tomorrow right now, or wait till weve finished eating? Sheesh!! You guys sure are wonderful for a girls self esteem. Well, Helen croaked, we all know youve had a boner for him forever. Just be sure you dont blow your wad all at once, though. All of the girls just stared at Helen. Cassie shook her head. There are so many things wrong with that sentence that I hardly know where to begin. Then she turned to Annie. So, spill. Whats going on? Whats he got you doing? Wherere you going? What bout Daniel?
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Annie fielded the myriad questions as best she could, but she didnt have any information, either, so that didnt help. I dont know if Im going to do it, either. Carol kicked her under the table. Dont say that. Why not? More money, closer to a hunk, what could be wrong with that? Annie toyed with her silverware. Well, I dont like to be away from Daniel too long - Helen interrupted rudely. Pshaw! Daniels in his glory at Wolsey. Hes got the whole staff to dance attendance on him he wont even know youre gone. The truth of that statement struck Annie right in the heart. Leave it to Helen to get to the crux of the matter. Everyone else was joining in, not giving her a chance to defend her decision just to take time to think about what she wanted to do. By the end of the evening, they had all decided for her that the next morning she would go in and tell Mr. Trask an emphatic yes! But Annie wasnt all that sure, frankly. Even less so later, when she spent five minutes arguing with the lock on her front door before finally pushing it open. You ought to have that looked at, came a deep, masculine growl from behind her. The voice itself scared the bejeezus out of her, and then she realized that she recognized it and its owner and was startled all over again. Cole Trask appeared out of the shadows to stand directly behind her, scolding, You should be more aware of your surroundings when youre coming home and night. I shouldnt
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have been able to sneak up on you like that. I could have been a rapist or worse. After an evening with the girls, her response was out of her mouth before she could censure herself. Bite me. Despite the fact that she figured it wasnt a great thing to say to him, even off hand as she had, she would have given anything to see his face when she said it but she was walking into her living room, leaving him to follow behind her and close the door, or not. Her first impulse was to apologize all over herself for saying that to him, and then she decided that she didnt want to. This was her house, and she could say anything to anyone she damned well pleased. And hed told her her job was secure. When she turned and realized how small her living room felt with his big presence in it, she realized that it wasnt the rapists and murders she was worried about. It was the corporate giant who was standing there with his arms crossed over his chest that made her knees knock. Shed changed before going out, and she realized that she was at a distinct advantage without the shield of a well made suit, standing there before him in comfortable yet battered old sneakers, faded, forgivingly loose jeans, and a pink and white raglan t-shirt that said Talk nerdy to me. What are you doing here? Annie asked, trying to remain as professional as possible, despite her appearance. He, of course, looked as gorgeous as ever in a pair of black denim jeans that hugged him to an almost obscene extent, and a black golf shirt, both pressed to within an inch of their lives. I was hoping that you might have a decision for me that I could move on. The sooner we the paperwork going, the sooner we can leave.
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Annie sighed. This was not how she had envisioned her evening. Not that the eye candy was bad, but she really would have liked to have at least slept on it before she gave him her answer. Then she realized she had left him standing there in the entry way. Good God, I have no brain at all. Make yourself at home. Can I get you anything? Soda? Water? How lame could she get? She didnt have alcohol in the house almost never drank unless she was out with her bad influence friends, and she didnt like coffee made at home, so she didnt own a coffee maker. I have homemade doughnuts . . . she added enticingly. Homemade? His face perked at the mention. Hed settled on the small loveseat shed been able to wrestle back from Shaun hed come to the house while she was at work and had taken nearly everything else. At least hed left her laptop and its collection of half finished spanking stories she wrote fervently almost every evening for her own enjoyment. Spanking was something she had hoped to be able to share with her husband, but shed wisely kept it to herself when she and Shaun had not clicked sexually at all. It had always been her own little obsession, and she knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that Shaun wouldnt have any interest in it. He didnt seem to have much interest in her physically at all, and she wished shed seen that before shed married him. But she hadnt. The man who had overtaken and occupied her living room, however, was another story entirely. In fact, a lot of her stories were actually about him Cole Trask taking her in hand for overspending her departments budget, or for coming in late, which was a bit of a stretch, considering how obsessive she was about
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being places on time, or some such other relatively plausible excuse for her to end up over his lap; sexual harassment laws be damned! He exuded a dommish aura like no other man shed ever met, and it was what kept her up nights, reading spanking stories on the Internet and substituting herself and her Boss for the main characters, until she finally decided to take a stab at writing them herself. He cared about other people his company policies showed that. But he was demanding and exacting, and strict, for lack of a better word. He didnt suffer fools gladly, or even quietly, and no one who worked for him wanted to screw up at the same thing twice, ever. Annie peeked around the corner, and saw him looking about the place, then ducked back to arranging some sugar and cinnamon doughnuts on a platter and pouring some apple cider shed found crammed to the back of the fridge. She tasted it before she poured it, but luckily it was still good. The silence grew as she sat gingerly across the couch from him, placing the tray carefully on the cluttered coffee table. Embarrassed, she stacked her cooking magazines to one side and offered him a doughnut. Baking was one of the few things beyond work that she knew she did well, and his ecstatic sigh confirmed that for her. These are excellent, he said, reaching for a second one in record time. Shed warmed them in the microwave for a few seconds, and the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg played on her until she had to grab one of her own. Thank you. Ever the business man, he said, You should market them.
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Annie snorted. I dont think so. Too much work. He gave her a considering look. I wouldnt have pegged you as someone who would shy away from hard work. You certainly dont when youre at Trask Corp. Annie nodded in acknowledgement of his compliment. Thank you. No, I dont. But cooking is a hobby, not a job. If it was a job, it wouldnt be any fun. Cole took a sip of cider, then turned towards her and pinned her with his eyes. So. Are you going to help me do this? She took her time answering him, finishing her doughnut first. She could tell he wasnt any too happy at being kept waiting, but she didnt let that hurry her. Here, she was Queen, and she wasnt going to let him intimidate her, or rush her into anything. You still havent even told me what this is. Cole drew a deep breath and relaxed a little. If she was curious about it, the chances were that she would take the assignment. We have a chance at a very lucrative government contract in the Middle East, but its a tentative thing, and wed be going very much on spec. I have some contacts there that can and will assist us, and I want you around as another pair of eyes and ears, and someone whose judgment I trust as to the other people youll be meeting. Sounds like something a cocker spaniel could do. The look he gave her would have dropped her in her tracks if she hadnt already been sitting. I want you -
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Annie choked a bit on her cider. - to accompany me, he finished finally. What do you say? The offer was very tempting, and before she talked herself out of it, Annie responded quietly, Yes, Ill do it. He didnt say anything for a moment, staring at her intently enough to make Annie wonder if her shirt was unbuttoned, even though it didnt have buttons. Cole leaned forward, and when he spoke it was in a deadly serious tone. I dont think youll have any problems with this, but I just want you to know that while were doing this, I am in charge. You need to do everything I say, when I say it. And I dont want any womens lib backtalk, either. We wont be arguing or discussing it. You will do what youre told. Your life could, possibly, be on the line if something goes wrong. I need to know that youll follow my orders exactly. If you want to reconsider after hearing this, Ill understand completely. Annie was wondering just what the heck shed gotten herself into she hadnt realized how cloak and dagger this might get. But she found herself nodding obediently, anyway. Good. He got up and headed for the door, but not before saying something with a truly evil grin that rocked her back on her heels. I wouldnt want to have to spank you. Feeling that that line needed a rebuttal, Annie got up to walk him to the door, snorting, As if, but very carefully avoiding his eyes. In seconds, she found herself somehow trapped between Cole Trask and the wall. She hadnt even realized he was doing it he just used his size to corral her into a spot she couldnt get out
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of without his permission. If youre going to scream sexual harassment, youd better do it now. Use the lawyer I gave you today. Hed enjoy it. He took another step closer to her, but still not touching her, whispering, Once Ive spanked you, Annie, you wont blow me off so blithely, I can promise you that. He opened the door and paused again, looking back at her. Dont bother to go in tomorrow. Ill come and collect you at nine and well go shopping and get that passport photo. We have a lot of things to do. I want to leave Friday morning. And he left her, standing there, still trying to cope with what had just transpired. Somehow, she had just committed herself to working very closely with the only man in the world that she was attracted to, in what appeared to be a somewhat dangerous situation. And now that very man had just threatened no out and out promised to spank her. He hadnt couched it in if Is or maybe Ills. Hed sounded as if it was a done deal. A foregone conclusion. Even though what hed done was exactly what shed spent fevered nights fantasizing about, Annie was incensed. He was her employer, not her husband, and even then. He had no right to spank her. She fussed and fumed about the room, straightening it, and realizing that she was protesting entirely too much. He had just said something to her in real life that was more thrilling than anything she could have dreamed up or read anywhere, because it had actually happened. She was still somewhat shocked later, when she slipped into bed, automatically opening her laptop to her latest story.
Carolyn Faulkner
Cole, on the other hand, had spent nearly all of the time after he left her on the phone with his contacts, trying to set up meetings and get Annie her passport long before she normally would. But things like this had gotten so much harder since nineeleven that it took at least ten times longer than it would have. Thank God he still knew the right people, though, or this would have been a bust. He stood and stretched, realizing that it was almost two in the morning, and he needed to be up at six or so to get ready for their day tomorrow. Standing in the shower a few minutes later, though, when he had relaxed some, he remembered the real reason he was doing all of this. To get closer to one Annie Foster. Cole had been watching her for years, quite literally. But she was married, and even though he knew that she and her husband had been separated for quite some time, he didnt want to get tangled up in that knot. And he knew that he should play it slow and patient and not push her, since the divorce wasnt final, but he had ignored his attraction to her for much too long to be able to do that. He didnt want anyone else swooping in and grabbing her. He knew that Annie would have thought that that idea was entirely preposterous; that she had no idea how appealing she was. She was very smart, and funny when she wanted to be, and today hed seen her spunkier than he would have imagined she could be, which was the icing on the cake. She was a very natural woman, and in these days of fake everything, he found her very refreshing. She wasnt obsessed with her looks, or anyone elses the exact opposite of his last girlfriend, who was a former model.
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Honestly, he couldnt really nail down the exact reason why he wanted her, but he did. And what he wanted, he got, one way or the other. Even if he had to drag her along on a somewhat concocted business trip. Cole eased his only slightly bruised conscience by remembering that he really did have meetings in Germany, with some very high powered people who, if they agreed, would let Trask Corp do its stuff in some very dangerous places. But he certainly wasnt going to do anything that might compromise Annies safety. Hed never been much into shopping, but he found himself looking forward to it just because it was going to let him get a little closer to her. Cole sighed as he stretched out on the bed. It was official. He was obsessed or something. She was all he thought about. He pumped Cassie as much as he could for details about her as casually as he could, leaning on some interrogation techniques hed learned in the Army, and trying not to let on how desperately he wanted to know. She was so prim and proper. He just wanted to break down that faade. He knew, somehow he knew, that there was different woman beneath. The image of her face when hed promised her a spanking was priceless. Hed never forget it. Those sparkling blue eyes had gotten so wide, and her jaw had dropped open as if shed thought that he was going to do it right then and there, which was improbable. But he knew the occasion would arise sometime. And he would be more than ready.
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Across town, Annie found herself writing furiously, inspired, no doubt by the dominant way he had backed her against the wall. He had never actually touched her no part of them had converged. Yet he had managed to make her back away from him and had held her there, all the while threatening to do exactly what shed always fantasized he might . . . in an alternate universe where she looked like Terri Hatcher. But it had happened. He had been dominant with her, and he had threatened to spank her, in no uncertain terms. That was almost enough, in and of itself, when she ran it through her head even hours later, to make push her over the edge of ecstasy. Annie ditched her laptop and rolled over, trying to get some sleep, but she kept repeating the episode over and over in her mind torturing herself with it. What if he actually did spank her? An electric fissure ran up her spine at the mere thought. What if she ended up over those strong, hard thighs, getting her bottom paddled or spanked or strapped? What if he lectured her and told her that she was naughty and he was going to see to it that she didnt do whatever shed done ever again? Annie sighed, trying desperately to drive those thoughts away so that she could sleep, but they kept creeping in, scene upon scene, getting progressively racier. Cole giving her the look. Cole backing up that look. Cole comforting her after the spanking, cradling her in his arms. Somehow, they always ended up in her bed it was the one shed be most comfortable in, although she could imagine that his bedroom at his palatial home was probably enormous and extremely masculine, probably relative spare, decorated classically, much like his office at work. Although she would have died if he had put his arms around her this afternoon, she imagined him holding her tight and drying her tears by kissing them lightly away as he stared into her eyes,
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perhaps caressing her cheek with one of those huge hands of his. Then hed run that same hand down her body, settling right where she wanted it, between her two bare legs, hoping to assuage some of the hed created in her bottom by creating some more elsewhere. His hard, insistent finger would part those lower lips of hers gently but firmly, gliding easily over her swollen flesh, aided by her own liquids that baptized it eagerly. He would explore all the right places, rasping over her already sensitized tissues till he found that sweet spot she could never deny him Her legs clenched together beneath the sheets of their own volition, rubbing together restlessly, and she knew it was going to be a long night. The last thought that hit her was a snippet of their conversation just before hed left. He was going to take her shopping? Shopping for what? Annie wasnt at all sure she wanted to know.
Carolyn Faulkner
Chapter III
he had tossed and turned and perseverated so much over what hed done, and what shed wanted him to do, that she hadnt slept at all well. So when her alarm went off at seven, which would have given her more than enough time to get ready, even for him - considering that she never did much in the way of the usual female primping - she hit it and rolled over. What woke her that morning was him pounding very impatiently on her front the door. Annie got up and sat on the edge of the bed, yawning, for a moment or so, mildly contemplating the idea of getting at least somewhat dressed before going to the door. Then she decided that, in dowdy satin pajamas, she was more than reasonably covered, and she was too tired to make the effort. She knew she should have, but she just couldnt, and he didnt sound like he was gaining any patience out there in fact, he was pounding loud enough that he was probably waking the neighborhood. Her greeting was considerably less than enthusiastic. Essentially, she opened the door and wandered sleepily back towards her room, not saying a word to him. Apparently, the novelty of having him at her house wore off when she wasnt quite awake.
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Cole was not amused. They were on a tight schedule here, and there were things that had to get done as soon as possible. Having read her reviews, he was very surprised to find her not only not ready, but not even up, although she looked very cute in those pale blue pajamas. She looked different, softer, and he liked it. It was the first time hed ever seen her with her hair down, and the lustrous fall of it nearly hit her bottom, waving all the way down, then curling slightly at the ends, as if it was caressing her the way he wanted to. But he needed her to get a move on. Youre late, he ground out, not caring in the least if she knew he was mad. She flipped on her bathroom light, across the hall from her room, and paused to stare back at him with a glare that befitted an hour much later in the day. Look. Ive worked for you for forever. I can count the number of times Ive been late on one hand, and three out of five of them were beyond my control. Im never late, so cut me some slack. He liked that she wasnt afraid to stand up to him. And he liked that she managed to look gorgeous and some how . . . pure in some fashion even right out of bed as she so obviously was. He was going to be asking her to change her look a little, and he knew he needed to reassure her that it wasnt because he didnt like how she looked already. Hed cross that bridge when he came to it. But he wasnt going to let a direct challenge to his authority go by the boards like that. So Cole walked slowly down the hall towards her, and, as hed hoped, she stood her ground. Regardless of anything that happens during this little adventure of ours, I am still your boss, Annie Foster.
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He stood directly in front of her, and it was a long way up. She wasnt used to looking up to a man in more ways than one. She was a good five eight or so, and Shaun wasnt much taller than that. On the rare occasions when she wore heels, she towered over him. That definitely wouldnt be so with Cole, although she was beginning to wish he wasnt quite so big. He practically filled her small hallway from wall to wall. She couldnt see past him as he towered in front of her, glaring down at her. I never said you werent, she replied, swallowing hard but lifting her chin and meeting his eyes, hoping that her knocking knees didnt give away her bravado. I just dont want you forgetting that fact. He was hoping that by the time they got back from this trip, hed be something more than just her boss, but Cole didnt say that to her. And he, very carefully, didnt lay a hand on her. Backing her up against the wall last night had been taking a chance. In todays employment environment, it wasnt smart to mingle his work with his personal life, but then no one who knew him well would ever accuse him of playing it safe. It just wasnt in his make up. If she sued, she sued, and hed deal with it then. But he wasnt going to pass up this possibility. He was getting older, and although he was now and always would be a loner at heart, he was heartily sick of being alone. All of the others and there had admittedly been more than a handful were only window dressing. Annie was real, and smart and pretty, when she let herself be, which wasnt nearly often enough. Hed seen her one night, at a company holiday party, all dolled up and looking more than fine, although very ill at ease. She seemed to much prefer her bland suits and even more bland shoes, rather than being the center of attention for her transformation.
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Cole regretted that he was going to force her to do a bit of a transformation now, but it was necessary. He just wanted her to look prosperous. Hed found that in the business world it often paid to look as if you really didnt need whatever it was that you were going after. Image and reputation was everything, and his was that he always got what he went after. She looked so kissable, somewhat confused and nervous, but those soft pink lips definitely called to him, and he was seconds away from just bending down and doing it holding the back of her head with his hand and tilting her face just a bit, so that he could completely take her mouth with his. But just when he would have gone through with it consequences be damned she darted into her bedroom, saying, Theres homemade muffins in the cookie jar, and milk and juice in the fridge. Help yourself. Annie was proud of the fact that it didnt take her very long to get ready. Unlike most women, who took forever and were late for their own weddings on account of it, she was usually one of the first people ready to go except, of course, this time. The one time in her life that he was probably going to pay any attention to her, and she had managed to blow it. She stood in front of her dresser mirror, trying to decide what to wear whether to go business like or more casual. She settled for wheat colored linen pants even though she knew they would wrinkle beyond the telling of it and a coordinating shirt with wheat, yellow and blush pink flowers in a delicate pattern. As usual, she wore no make up, and only simple gold studs and a small gold chain as jewelry. She realized she was dressing for a man as she never had before. Even at her wedding, shed only had to satisfy herself.
Carolyn Faulkner
Shaun certainly didnt care what she wore. All he wanted to do was show up and drink champagne. But now she knew the man of her dreams was waiting for her, and she took a good, hard look at herself in the mirror, and watched her own face fall. She was never going to be able to compete with the models she knew hed seen in the past. She didnt know why she was even trying. She should just put on a potato sack and get it over with. Thoroughly discouraged, she wandered back down the hall and into the kitchen. He was in the living room, and she was avoiding him. She could hear him clearing his throat, but she needed a fortifying shot of caffeine before she could go out there, and grabbed a Diet Coke out of the fridge and took a big swig. All right. Im ready. She wasnt about to present herself in front of him, so she said it on the way to the door. Come back here. He stood and waited for her to comply with his order. Barely suppressing her urge to roll her eyes, Annie nonetheless did exactly what she was told, positioning herself a foot or so away and crossing her arms over her chest. But she didnt meet his eyes. She wasnt sure she could keep the sarcasm off her face. But he made her look at him. Youre beautiful, you know. When Annie looked back on it, she was never sure whether it was her snort of derision at his compliment or if being late was really what did it and that snort had just pushed him over the edge, but within the blink of an eye, he had turned and raised his foot to set it on one of her couch cushions, and she was hanging over his knee.
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One of the things she noticed first was that no one had ever mentioned how uncomfortable this particular position was. It was never in anything shed read. Or maybe it was just because his leg was so darned hard, but it was awful. She was only concerned with how uncomfortable her stomach was, however, until he landed his first swat on her butt, which splatted unbecomingly over most of her bottom. Damn, he had a big hand! And he was spanking her like he meant it. And he was lecturing, too! When a man gives you a compliment, the polite thing to do is to say thank you. And when I say be ready to be picked up at nine, I mean nine, not, nine twenty. Am I making myself perfectly clear? Annie would have agreed that he was King of the World if it would have gotten her out of the atrocious smacks he was delivering. Yesyesyes! she yelled, hoping her neighbors were at work on several counts. She was so flabbergasted to be in this position that she didnt even remember to be outraged. She was just trying to get through it. Honestly, she figured that this incident was going to be the death of her interest in spanking. Why would she ever want to go through something that hurt like this when she didnt have to? It wasnt the least bit sexy. It wasnt intriguing; it wasnt titillating. The only thing she wanted was for it to stop, now! When she read about spankings online, or in the thick bodice busters shed collected from those few authors who still included them, she always found herself saying that she would never kick her feet or cry or yell and beg for mercy. It was so utterly undignified. In the space of about a minute, though, she found herself doing all three, with no thought whatsoever to her
Carolyn Faulkner
dignity. That was the last thing on her mind. And he was spanking her over her clothes - over her pants and her industrial strength granny panties - and her butt was still throbbing with every beat of her heart and crack of his hand! If she hadnt known better, she would have thought that he had somehow managed to produce a paddle not that she would have put that past him. But she could feel more than the warmth of the rhythmic slaps he was delivered each time his palm connected with her derriere; she could feel the split second of heat from his hand as it touched her. That alone would have been almost unbearably sexy. But this, most definitely, was not. Annie didnt know how long it went on, only that it was too damned long. And when he finally let her up, she didnt do what shed sworn to herself shed always do which was crack whoever it was a good one, right across the face in repayment. She didnt even consider it. Not because she was afraid of him or anything, not that that wouldnt probably have been a smart excuse, considering. But because she was much more interested in trying to soothe her assaulted parts! Shed never pictured herself as doing the spanked girl dance but she was certainly creating her own distinct version of it, and it was all his fault! She was fuming and fussing and building up to a big explosion, and Annie didnt get mad very easily, so when she finally did, it was something to see. But Cole caught her chin between his thumb and forefinger and forced her to stop shifting from one foot to the other as if that was going to help the sting in her butt and look at him, preempting her brewing storm. And I dont want to hear word one about it, either. You deserved a spanking the moment I knocked at the door and woke you up. He could see that her eyes were getting set to roll again, as if he was some sort of liar or he
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was trying to snow her. And if you still disagree with me about you being beautiful, then you can go right back over my knee - Cole reached for her, as if to put her back into that God awful position, but Annie stepped back quickly. No. No. I wont say anything, damn it, she nearly shrieked. She was in no hurry to end up back there again. No hurry at all. He let her up, but to her consternation he glared at her the whole time, warning in a dark undertone, Watch your language, Annie. I dont swear, and I dont like the people around me to, either. Annie didnt know what to say or do, or how to behave around him now that this . . . this thing had transpired between them, so she didnt say or do anything. She just stood there, with her mouth firmly shut, still rubbing her butt. Cole crossed to the door and held it open for her in invitation. Annie, who was still very grumpy from having been punished by him, despite her fantasies therein, was amazed to find a limousine waiting at her curb. If her neighbors hadnt already called the police from the sound of her yelling her head off, they could at least be impressed if they bothered to look out their window. It was a long, white one, and the chauffer even opened the door for her. Annie realized she could get used to this very quickly as she sank into the grey leather seat even though with all of that cushion it still hurt when her butt connected with it, thanks to someone she knew and was rapidly beginning to consider hating. She slid further as far in as she could, to make sure that there was a proper amount of room between the two of them, although even the big limo didnt provide quite the amount of space she was looking for, which was along the lines of a football field . . .
Carolyn Faulkner
Cole, for his part, was extremely happy with the recent turn of events. Hed hesitated, in his mind at least, about doing spanking her, but when she snorted in such out and out disbelief at his compliment, he took it as a personal insult. And insulting Cole Trask was the last thing anyone wanted to do, especially an extremely spankable woman like Annie. And it wasnt as if he walked down the street and pulled women over his lap whenever he felt the urge, either. He had actually spanked very few women in his life, but had been privileged to know several who actually found it quite beneficial to them to have a strict man around who wouldnt let them get away with all of the things they knew they shouldnt be getting away with, but werent able to bring themselves into line. He was relatively expert at it by now, having recognized his interest early not too long before he was introduced to his first computer he had done as much research as he could on the subject, which at that time unfortunately only meant reading his fathers Penthouse Letters magazines. But even then, Cole had somehow known that there was much more to it than the spank and tickle he read there. His first college girlfriend had need to be kept in line so that shed go to classes rather than hang around the dorm all day, wasting her parents money and her own potential. Cole had stepped in, and she had eventually graduated magna cum laude with a degree in business. She had been one of the first people hed hired when he started his new company, and it was all because even though their romantic relationship hadnt worked out, he continued to be a disciplinarian for her. By that time, he was so involved in what he was doing with computers that he knew that he didnt have the time to devote to a proper relationship, so hed taken himself off the market. If hed
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become romantically involved with anyone, he would have ceased disciplining Laurie immediately. Before he could start his company, though, he was heavily recruited by the military, who were after his computer skills. They made him an offer he couldnt refuse, and he gave them four years after college. The Army got considerably more than they bargained for, because in basic training, their nerdy recruit proved to be skilled in what some of the Army brass considered to be more useful areas besides computers. Over the next four years, Cole saw action all over the world that belied his bland classification as a computer nerd, although the Army sure got their moneys worth out of him, using the expertise he acquired in every form of hand to hand combat they threw at him, coupled with his computer know how to secrete him into hot zones to disrupt the enemy du jours communication lines and blow things and people up. Cole quickly developed a reputation as a soldier who could get things done, and lead men well. Not all officers were good leaders. Some were better off behind the lines, pushing paper. Not at all so with Cole Trask. Even so, when his hitch was up, no matter what they threw at him, he declined the honor of serving his country any longer. He wanted to build a computer business like no one had ever seen before, and he couldnt do that from Mozambique or Teheran or the heart of a crumbling Eastern Bloc country, although, once the business was up and running, he did allow them to tap him occasionally. He never much thought about the danger he was in while he was crawling on his belly with an M-16 in his hands. Instead, he looked at the tidy sum he was going to earn and could pump into his growing business. Cole dragged himself away from his remembrances and back to the matter at hand Miss Annie Foster, who was sitting
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about as far away from him as she could and still be in the limo, her side plastered up against the far door. Hed heard her soft oh! when shed connected with the leather upholstery, and knew that his corrections had hit their mark. He hadnt spanked her all that hard or all that long, but hopefully hed made the point, although it seemed that she wasnt any too happy with him right now. The first thing were going to do is go get your passport photo taken. Then were going to get you some new clothes. Cole eyed her thoughtfully, but she was busy staring deliberately out the window. Apparently she wasnt talking to him, and however childish a response that was, he supposed he could understand it. He wasnt going to allow it, but he understood it. And unless you want to earn yourself another, harder, spanking, youll change your attitude very quickly, he said in no uncertain terms. Hed rather liked the experience. It had taken a bit of the wind out of her sails, but Cole knew shed bounce back soon enough. He didnt want to break her spirit, just keep her on a tight rein, so that she knew that if she stepped over the line, she was going to feel it on a very intimate portion of her anatomy, as immediately as he could arrange it. He earned a hot glare from her for his efforts, but at least she wasnt ignoring him. Annie wasnt in any mood to talk to him. Too many things had happened too quickly the worst of which was that spanking! She couldnt get over the fact that shed had her first real adult spanking. Her only real adult spanking, she thought, frowning at herself for phrasing it, even in her mind, in any other way. He was not going to get the chance to do this to her again. Nope. Never.
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She should quit, she realized. She should sue him, like hed suggested last night. At the very least, she should get herself the hell out of the back of this limo, where she was very cushily ensconced. She should. She should open the door at the next stop light and just tuck and roll like they did in all those TV shows shed seen. But the next stop light came and went and Annie didnt so much as move a muscle. How could she? She was in the back of a luxury, chauffer driven car with a man she found incredibly irresistible, despite the fact that or very possibly because of it hed spanked her. Although she had to admit that as much as shed craved to be spanked, the reality of it had definitely made her see him in a new light, regardless of her fantasies that he would do exactly what he did. She wanted to hold on to her anger, but it wasnt easy. He was sitting over there, looking delectably gorgeous without even trying in a suit that clung to every masculine inch of him. Suits on men had never done anything for her until shed seen him. Most suits wore the men who were in them, but not so with Cole. He wore the suit, giving it a work out and forcing it to stretch across the strong muscles of his impressive shoulders and back, forcing it to cling to what she could see of his butt, which wasnt much, unfortunately. The jeans he was wearing yesterday were much more helpful in that area. But she also knew she had to consider him differently now that she knew he would go through with any threat to spank her. It was just like the old saw, she realized. Be careful what you wish for.
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Chapter IV
nnie hated to have her picture taken, and she figured that he was going to take her to some cheap place in a strip mall or something. Instead, they ended up in front of an old Victorian style house in Chestnut Hill, an extremely posh area that she would occasionally drive through on her way to her place in cramped Dorchester. Here, though, there were rolling green hills and multi million dollar estates, some with towers and turrets and all with lavish pools and gardens. Annie sighed as Cole led her into the house. Shed inherited a love of houses from her Mom, who had grown up in a big Victorian although not as big as this one and ended up in a small cracker box with Annie and her father. Shed brought Annie through tons of open houses, and in the end, sparked an interest in them in her that had definitely helped her find her own small place when the time came. Annie knew exactly what she liked in a house and what she didnt she knew whether she would like a house the moment she stepped into it. It was a particular feeling, a vibe that she either felt or didnt. She passed over thirty houses to get to the one that felt right to her; it was worth it as far as she was concerned to live in a place that satisfied her innate sensibilities. This house was the most gorgeous place shed ever seen, physically and in the feel of the place.
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It was bigger and more spacious than any other Victorian shed ever been in, with mahogany and oak accents everywhere, cream colored bead board wainscoting decorating nearly every wall, and above the chair rail there was a deep yet somehow light rose color that enhanced the very Victorian dcor. Annie would swear that every single piece was an antique, although she would later learn that some were artful reproductions. The rooms gleamed with obviously treasured hardwood floors that were scattered with warm, thick rugs of the complimentary rose, light blue and cream theme that was carried out throughout the house. Ronald? Cole yelled out loudly, his hands on his hips, impatient as ever at being kept waiting even a second. Annie was too entranced in the house to notice much else, until Ronald appeared. He was tall and thin and slightly balding, cradling a tiny Chihuahua in the crook of his arm. He was dressed impeccably, although casually, better even, it seemed, than Cole, whom he proceeded to grab into a bear hug while the dog protested loudly and often at the close quarters. It surprised Annie to no end when Cole whole heartedly embraced Ronald, then took a step back in consideration of the dog, who apparently didnt like him. Oh, Spike, calm down, Ronald scolded the dog in a tone that held absolutely no admonishment. He set the dog down, and Annie immediately squatted down and held her hand out, trying to entice him over to her. Her condo association didnt allow dogs, or she would have had a multitude of them. Well, who have we here?
Carolyn Faulkner
Annie straightened reluctantly, having not had enough time with the dog, as far as she was concerned. Cole came over to her and put his hand behind her shoulder. This is Annie Foster. Annie, this is Ronald Brunelle. Hes . . . an old friend. There was a wry twist to his smile that Annie intended to investigate further, but not now. Is this the Annie that youve told me so much about? he drew the question out while giving Cole the eye, then transferring it to Annie. Arent you beautiful! he exclaimed. Annie kept her mouth shut, but let her eyebrow rise nearly to her hairline. Shed never been complimented so much in her life. But the man in front of her began to walk around her, tsking all the way. Uh uh uhhhhh, honey, this - his pointed finger moved up and down as he circled her isnt going to do. No, not at all. Abruptly, he grabbed her hand and tugged her up the stairs in foyer. Before Annie knew it, he had her stripped down to her underwear in the middle of the large front tower room, saying, Cmon, cmon, honey. You dont have anything I want, anyway. He took her hand and led her to a pedestal, and Annie was reminded of the time years ago when shed tried on wedding dresses. The room was littered with mirrors of all sorts, and all she wanted to do was cringe away from them, but he wouldnt let her. Then Cole appeared at the door, leaning against the jamb and watching with a slightly amused smile on his face. Annie glared at him. What is going on? Why am I standing here almost naked when Im supposed to be getting a passport photo?
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Hush now. Ronalds going to take your photo, but I promised he could play with you a bit beforehand. He loved the way her eyes bugged at that statement, but not how she took several steps towards him while Ronald indulged himself in another room. Get back on the pedestal like a good girl, Cole ordered gently, coming into the room enough to back her up some automatically. You dont want me to have to spank you right here, do you? Where Ronald could hear? Annie blustered, her eyes abnormally wide. You wouldnt dare! she hissed, knowing as she said the words that he most certainly would dare. His only response was to lower his chin and raise one eyebrow. Annie sighed loudly in exasperation, but flounced angrily up onto the small platform anyway, muttering under her breath the whole time. One thing you should know about me, sweetheart, is that I never bluff. He stood only a few feet away from her, his arms crossed over his chest, eying her thoughtfully. Dont call me sweetheart, she corrected firmly. Cole ignored that for the moment. He was sure hed come back to it some time. Ronald is an exceptional photographer. He will be taking your passport photo and probably, if I know him, several thousand others. But he likes women too much to take your picture while you look like a spinster. Bristling at the insult, Annie countered angrily, How can I look like a spinster when Im in the process of a divorce?
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Well - he began, only to be interrupted. And I do not look like a spinster. I was wearing a very nice, classy but business like linen pants suit - With your hair all bunched up at the back and no make up, Cole added. Annie was feeling hurt and attacked, until Ronald came in with an armload of dresses, took one look at Annies crestfallen face and turned immediately to accuse Cole. What did you say to her? Shes unhappy, and I cant photograph such a gorgeous face when its sad. He shrugged, not really knowing what he might have said. They were just talking about how she looked, and he was just pointing out to her what he didnt like about it. Nothing earth shattering, as far as he was concerned. But Ronald was right, as always. She looked somehow deflated, and he figured that, whether or not he recognized what he had said, apparently it had hurt her. Im sorry, he ground out. Annie almost fainted right there. Cole was famous for several things, none of which was apologizing for anything. Granted, his behavior was very honorable and apologizing wasnt something that he had to do very often. But still, it was all but unheard of. Its okay, she answered. Smile for me, sweetie, Ronald clucked his tongue. Cole Trask doesnt apologize to just anyone. You should take it as a very big compliment that I was able to bully him into it.
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The thought of Cole being bullied into anything made Annie smile. It was much more likely that he was going to be the one doing the bullying. Thats it! Ive brought you some outfits that I think youll like. Would you take your hair down, please, honey? She reached behind her and released the mass down her back, making Ronald positively drool as the waves fell almost to her butt. Why, Miss Foster, youve been holding out on us! On you, Cole commented wryly from where he was perched on a chair that looked much too small and dainty for him. Ive seen all of that bounty before. His intimate, raspy inflections made it sound like it had been fanned out on his pillow last night as hed been making love to her, when the truth was far from it. This morning, because you woke me up hammering at my door! Annie said, by way of correcting any false impression he might have given. When you should have been ready when I got there at nine, he replied smoothly. Children, children. I swear, Im going to have to separate you two, he tsked, running his hands through he hair and making appreciative sounds. Then he grabbed up one of the outfits hed brought in and dressed her, like she was a little girl. No, Annie thought to herself, it was more as if she was a doll. A real, live doll. He mustve made her try twenty skirt and top combinations and another ten or so dresses, with Cole sitting there growling if he put anything on her that he considered to be to revealing.
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He didnt want to turn Annie into any sort of a tramp or even someone who followed all of the latest fashion trends. He just wanted her to have clothes that enhanced her classical good looks, rather than hid them. Finally, Ronald settled on a very soft chiffon blouse with a V neck in muted tones that would have gone nicely with his house golds and creams and mauves, paired with an almost but not quite hippie looking embroidered skirt that was longer than the current styles, in the exact same mauve tone as the blouse. He just shook his head quietly at her sensible flat shoes, and produced a pair of light, strappy sandals to complete the look. Ronald futz about her like a humming bird, adjusting here, and tugging down there, until he looked over at Cole for final approval. Of course, all Cole did was nod his head up and down silently. Come here, darlin. Were gonna put just the slightest layer of make up on you. Annie followed him not that she was going to get much choice about it anyway between the two of them saying doubtfully, Do we have to? She found herself comfortably ensconced in front of one of those mirrors that looked like it belonged backstage at a Broadway play. It surrounded by lights, and was entirely too big, as far as she was concerned. It seemed to highlight every winkle and crows foot shed been doing her darndest to avoid. What kind of beauty routine do you follow, Annie is it okay if I call you Annie? She nodded of course. And you must call me Ronald.
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Annie nodded. I dont follow any kind of beauty routine, Ronald. I wash my face morning and evening with soap and water. If I get a breakout of dry skin, Ill put a little cream on it, and I cream my hands regularly because they chap so in the winters. He looked absolutely aghast. No beauty routine? Ronald turned her to face him, giving her skin a critical eye, but unable to find much fault. Youre going to bankrupt Maybelline and Revlon! Dont be telling other women youre secret or well end up in another Depression. No make up, either? Wrinkling her nose, Annie answered, It just makes me look like a whore or, worse, a clown. Ive never really made friends with make up. Although shed been skeptical, she was very happy with his results, and made him teach her how to do it, and give her a list of what products hed used. I can do better than that, love, he squeezed her arm and ducked into some sort of back room, then came back with a small tote bag full of everything shed need. Here you go. Are you two ready yet? We have a lot of other things to do today . . . came a distinctly annoyed sounding Cole from the other room. Yes, dear, were almost finished. The last thing he did was touch a bit of a light, flora fragrance to her pulse points at her neck and wrists, then beneath the hair hed brushed out to a shining curtain. He helped her stand and made her twirl around once for him, eying her up and down. You look luscious! he proclaimed, taking her hand and leading her back into the room where Cole was, for his approval.
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Cole took her hand from Ronald and bowed low over it. Youre gorgeous. With or without being all dolled up. It was on the tip of Annies tongue to argue with him, but she knew what hed do if she did she knew from experience, this time, so she just mumbled a polite thank you before Ronald whisked her back downstairs. What had probably once been the back parlor of this magnificent home had been converted into a photography studio. She didnt just get her passport photo taken she felt as if she was Tyra Banks or the more age appropriate Cindy Crawford. Ronald was a wonderful photographer who caught her at her best at first, then taught her how to be more comfortable in front of the camera. She didnt know how long she posed for him, but was long enough for her to lose herself completely in it. And Ronald kept throwing out superlatives that just drove her on. Finally, he put his camera down and bowed low, saying one word, Magnificent. She put her hand in his and he kissed the back of it, then straightened and said, Give me just a minute, Ill have the photo for you. But you have to come back to see the rest, he added teasingly. Oh, any time! Annie heard herself saying. And youd better be wearing the make up I gave you, he threw back over his shoulder. Yes, Sir! she answered with a broad smile. Cole snorted. Him, you yes, Sir. Me, I get guff and backtalk. And Im your boss!
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Annie lifted her chin. Well, if you got it, you mustve deserved it. He had taken a step towards her, threateningly, but his cell phone rang and he never got to do whatever it was that he was going to do, thankfully. Luckily, once hed close his phone he seemed to have forgotten about it. Do you like the outfit? Cole asked, thinking that she looked more than good enough to eat. Oh, yes, its gorgeous! Are we leaving shortly? I should go up and change. Cole smiled. No, youre fine. Ronald appeared a few minutes later, with a picture that Annie could barely recognize as being her own. The woman staring back at her looked like a model, not like little ole her. Ronald had done a wonderful job on her make up, using just the right amount, and somehow, unlike her own attempts, she hadnt ended up looking ridiculous. When Cole saw the picture, he stood there for a long while, looking at it. This is much too good for its use, but thank you, Ronald. Annie added her thanks, trying to shake Ronalds hand, but he wouldnt have it and enveloped her into a big, warm hug instead. You guys get going now, but you have to promise me that youll come back. We promise, Cole returned, tugging Annie out of Ronalds arms and towards the door.
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But but - she sputtered, I have to give you back my clothes! And I have to go get my own! Theyre yours, darlin, he called back to her as Cole practically stuffed her into the limo, with my blessings. And Ill burn the ones you wore here, I promise! Send me an invitation to the wedding! Cole gave him a look that should have cut him to the core, but it bounced right off Ronald, who waved merrily back at him. What a marvelous man! Annie breathed, forgetting to scrunch herself into the corner. Does he mean it? she asked, hardly believing that she was going to be able to keep this lovely outfit. Cole settled into a spot very close to her, which made her wake up and realize that his thigh was up against her own. Annie tried to claim the corner shed had before, but he snaked his arm around her waist, holding her still and saying forcefully, Stay. When shed acquiesced, however reluctantly, he answered her question. Ronalds just like me; he means what he says. How did you ever get to know him he doesnt seem like . . . uh . . . your type, unless Im missing my signals completely, which is always possible, and youre gay. Shed never heard him chuckle before, but it flowed over every inch of her like melted chocolate, from her head to her toes, sensitizing every inch in between. It actually made her nipples peak painfully beneath the gauzy fabric of her blouse. He may be gay, but that man is one of the best snipers in the business. He can take someone out at a thousand feet with a good rifle. And no. As if by way of proof, he bent his head and
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kissed her firmly at first, then more teasingly, coaxing a response from her that she could barely control. Hed caught her off guard, and she hated it. She didnt have her defenses up, and when his lips touched hers, it was just as if he was acting out one of her torrid fantasies and she had to kiss him back. Even if this was the one and only time they ever kissed, she wanted it. She wanted the memory and the fantasy to look back on when she was gray and old and alone. Annie kissed him back, and Cole had to rein in his desire to lay her down on the seat and have his way with her. He knew that Smitty, his driver, wouldnt bat an eyelash if the back of the limo started rocking he and Smitty had been in combat together, too. Not much fazed either one of them. She had softened against him somehow, and he wasnt going to question his luck. One hand came up to cup the back of her head, while his free hand rested gently at her waist. He didnt try to pull her towards him, he didnt try to grope and grab. He just kissed her, nibbling slightly at her lips, then pushing his tongue through them to ravage her mouth. She tasted so sweet he thought he was going to finish this before it had begun, but he managed to control himself. Barely. Dazed and flushed, nearly to the point of an old fashioned swoon, Annie melted into him, not touching him yet, as if she couldnt quite believe this was true, but letting him touch her, more gently than she would have thought. His rough fingertips came up to caress her cheek as they kissed. She made a mental to note to ask him why they were so rough, but it flew out of her mind when his mouth slanted across hers, and he pulled her tightly against him. She knew she should protest this. He was her boss. They were working supposedly. But it just felt too good to deny. Annie knew, as sure as she knew that she was never going to give
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him the opportunity to spank her again, that if he pushed her just a little bit, shed be writhing beneath him in a second. So Annie pulled back, slowly, not sure whether he was going to let her go or not without a fight. But Cole wasnt interested in just a quick backseat grope. Well, much of one, anyway. He wanted it all from her, and he damned well intended to get it. Hed put his plan in motion, and he was going to see it through.
Annie couldnt believe it when they pulled up in front of the most exclusive clothing store in Boston Auz. The owner was an ex patriot Australian with exceptional taste. Shed heard about it, of course, but had never had cause to go into it. She certainly couldnt afford anything in there. As she let him help her out of the back seat, Annie said exactly that. Dont you worry about that, Annie. This is work related. The companyll cover any costs. He opened the door for her, as she was still protesting. But couldnt we save the company some money and go some place a little cheaper? Cole guided her into the building, where they were greeted by a striking young woman who looked to Annie like she desperately needed to eat something. Because were not going to have you presented to the King and Queen of Jakira in clothes from K-Mart, Annie.
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Mr. Trask, the stick said, shaking hands with Cole and pretty much ignoring Annie completely. Weve been expecting you. Please follow me. They were shown to a richly appointed room with a silver tea service on the table in front of a lush circular couch. Katherine will be with you in a moment. Is there anything I can get you? Annie was famished, but she wasnt about to admit it in front of a woman who would disappear if she turned sideways. No, thank you, Cole answered, and she went mercifully away. The idea that she was going to meet royalty floored her, and although Annie hated even to think it in front of him, she knew she had to. I dont think they make anything here thatll fit me, she whispered loudly as she sat down. Cole chuckled. Im sure they do they have all sorts of sizes, and if they dont have it and you like it, theyll make it. Katherine Auz, who was even more famous than Cole, appeared from behind a curtain at that moment, which Annie thought was quite appropriate, shaking Coles hand heartily and, unlike the stick woman, making sure to do so with Annie, too. Now, I understand you need some new clothes, she said, making it a statement rather than a question. They each answered at the same time, Annie with an emphatic no and Cole with an even firmer yes. Annies answer made him frown fiercely down at her, but she didnt see to
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be fazed much, considering that hed roasted her bottom this morning. It didnt seem to have taken any of the starch out of her. So Cole preempted her, literally covering her mouth with his hand when she tried to protest. Yes, wed like to see what you have for dresses day time and evening. Annie tried to bite his hand, but hed cupped his palm to prevent just that. So she stuck her tongue out instead and licked him, but he merely turned to her and said loudly enough for Katherine to hear, None of that, dear. Save it for when were alone, making her blush brightly and glare at him above his hand.
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Chapter V
othing her life had prepared her for the experience of buying clothes like this. She was pampered from one end to the other it was like being at a spa, only she didnt have to take her clothes off and let strange people touch her. Her measurements were taken by the Madame herself, who exclaimed over her outfit, and had such a good sense of humor that Annie was put more at ease than she would have thought possible. The only thing she didnt like was that Cole was amassing an impressive amount of clothes for her. That, and they tended to discuss her like she wasnt there, sometimes, but she could live with some of that. She couldnt live with bankrupting his business when she had a closet full of perfectly serviceable clothes at home. He was just about to say yes to another dress when Annie said, I think thats enough for now, really. Both Katherine and Cole looked at her as if she was speaking in Sanskrit. Well, I have clothes at home, she said, clutching her purse.
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Cole reached over and patted her hands. I told you, Annie, I we the company can afford it. He had to be more careful. He didnt need to let it slip that he was paying for this new wardrobe of hers, but he wanted her to have nice things, and he didnt want them to come from the company. Its enough. Its too much. I dont want all these clothes. Katherine excused herself to answer a phone that wasnt ringing. Cole had never met a woman who didnt want tons of beautiful clothes. He hadnt realized quite how much hed assumed about her. You really dont want them? he asked quietly. Well, I want some of them . . . she vacillated a bit, which made him feel better. Which ones do you want? he asked, and let her look through the rack of clothing hed picked out. Annie took about five things out of the massive pile hed accumulated, leaving both of the evening gowns hed chosen for her on the rack, knowing they probably each cost about what her annual salary was, or more. He looked at the five shed chosen, a small tic working in his jaw. Youre sure thats all you want? he asked, and Annie nodded emphatically. Pick whichever one of the gowns you like the best. Nothing else youve picked will do to be presented to Kasi uh, King Haddad. Cole had nearly dropped the ball. He hadnt intended to let on that he knew Kasim Haddad, but Annie didnt seem to notice.
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But those dresses are both too expensive. She could hear the whiney note in her voice, and didnt like it. And when she looked at Cole she realized that he really didnt like it, either. His face was dark and angry the kind of face she knew she should be doing her best to avoid, because it didnt bode well for her butt. Before he started reminding her and warning her at the same time that she had promised to do exactly what she was, she realized it and scooted over to the dresses to give them another look see. In the end, he and Katherine had their way it was kind of a given for Cole and she ended up with double the amount of things shed chosen, plus both of the gowns. Annie was wondering where she was going to put all these fabulous clothes. She felt like the gowns needed their own security guards. By the time they were through, it was nearly three, and the both of them were starving, so he took her out to a place that surprised her. After being pampered and hoi polloi all morning, they ended up at a little place that could best be described as a dive, but where they all seemed to know him, and certainly were a lot less deferential than she was. This was the kind of place that she was much more comfortable in, even in these fancy clothes. She slid into a booth that looked like it had seen better days, and tucked her purse against the wall. She refused to assume that he would just pay for everything. And shed still ended up with too many clothes. But she knew that if she complained too much, shed be in for the same treatment shed received this morning, so she shut the heck up. The lasagna here is homemade the pasta, the sauce, the sausage, everything. He could have suggested head cheese and she would have drooled; she was that hungry. Works for me, Boss.
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There was little else she could have said that would have been more grating to his ears. Dont call me Boss, he growled. Why not? Call me Cole. She snorted. Youre my boss. I cant call you by your first name. He frowned fiercely at her. Were not at work. Call me Cole, Annie. It wasnt a request, but Annie nodded, figuring that she would just going to do her best not to get into a situation where she was required to call him anything. Join me in a glass of wine? Their haggard waitress appeared, greeted Cole like a long lost son, and he proceeded to order for the both of them, which no one had done for her since she was a little girl and her father used to take her to the local ice cream parlor, but wouldnt let her order for herself for fear shed order something too expensive. She got a choice of vanilla or chocolate in a cone or a cup, and that was it at least until she was old enough to argue with him about it. The wine was superb, as was the lasagna and the company. By now, shed been around him enough that she was much more at ease with him than shed been when shed first arrived a bundle of nerves in his office. He got her talking about her childhood, which had been a relatively happy one, especially when she considered the horror tales she heard from friends. His, apparently, hadnt been too bad, either. They laughed and talked and ate and laughed some more, the wine working to relax her further.
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And when he delivered her back at her house, she went strongly against her grain and invited him in. Although theyd lingered over a fantastically light and creamy tiramisu, she was still feeling warm and expansive from the wine, since she rarely drank, even on her nights with the girls. He turned her as soon as hed closed the door behind him and brought her full up against him, saying lazily, I guess youre not going to run screaming away from me to a lawyer, so Im going to proceed on the assumption that youre as attracted to me as I am to you. Cole didnt wait for an answer. He didnt know if he could wait, frankly. During dinner hell, throughout the entire day hed had to restrain himself, to tell himself to ignore the rock hard evidence of his desire, not that that had dampened it one iota. In fact, its had had the exact opposite effect. When he finally took her into his arms with no Smitty and no Ronald and no waitress around he bent her back enough that she had to grab him for support, not that he would ever drop her. He liked her like this, clinging to him, accepting and returning his passion. Even after a day of running around, she smelled and looked wonderful. The blouse Ronald had put her into had teased him relentlessly, draped as it was over her breasts as if caressing them as he would, gently and lovingly. It was easy from there to just lift her and carry her to the delicately flowered sofa, cradling her as he sat down, then draping her across his lap face up, this time, anyway. She started a little when she realized what he was doing, but he framed her face with his, whispering huskily, Shhh-shhh-shhh, honey. You havent done anything that I know of to earn a spanking since this morning. Have you?
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The mere act of him asking something like that, in that firmly inquiring as if he had a right, made the entire of Annies body clench. He certainly knew exactly what to say and how to say it, dammit, just right to set her body and soul on fire. He was silent, and she knew he was waiting for her answer. Her no was small and quiet, and followed quickly by his mouth over hers. Kissing him just the simple act of kissing him felt better than anything shed ever experienced in her life. He was tender and soft and firm and strong all at the same time, leading her down a sizzling path that could only end one way, settling and sealing that ache between her legs that was making them move restlessly against him. Cole knew he couldnt make love to her tonight it was too soon for both of them, despite the way he was poking insistently against her bottom. But there were other things he could do for her and for himself. Touching her, in any way, would always be the ultimate in ecstasy. When his hands glided over her skin, it seemed to assuage some deep seated need . . . and conjure other, less lofty ones. Annie found herself draped back over his arm. He leaned back, away from her, and let his fingers drift over her until they found the top button of her shirt. She should have reached to stop him immediately. She should have; she knew it intellectually. But her mind wasnt what it had been when this day began, and since it was still just slightly befuddled by the wine, all she wanted to do was encourage him. Besides, her strong arm which she knew would be useless against him anyway was tucked behind him, clutching at the hard muscles of his back.
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He could see that she was breathing heavily, but he wasnt sure whether it was nerves or arousal probably a little of both. The second button slipped through its hole with the greatest of ease, granting him access to her uninspired, but surprisingly front clasp, bra. He had it unhitched in seconds, but delayed spreading it open. Instead he just let his fingers move the blouse out of the way, so that he could drink in the sight of her lying there in his arms, her creamy skin glowing, breasts rising and falling quickly. Cole met her eye, then watched hers flutter closed. He rested his big hand at her side, then slowly brought it up and over her breast, gently sliding the fabric away and replacing it with his big palm. He could feel her already tight nipple bud even further, and rewarded it with the softest wisp of a touch, rasping his fingertips over one of the most sensitive parts of her, surrounding that peaked crown and slowly rubbing against it, all the while watching her face avidly. It told him everything he wanted to know. Annie caught her breath when his fingers repeatedly grazed her nipple, arching her back in partial protest of the familiarity, but mostly because of the pleasure that arced through her body at his touch, quickly finding its way to that already damp area between her legs. Just being close to him did that to her when Shaun couldnt accomplish it after so many years together! And now, lying here with his hand claiming her proprietarily, teasing her, plucking at her slowly, Annie thought she was going to fly apart in his arms. Shed never experienced anything liked this with a man, but this was Cole Trask, the man shed coveted in her heart and her loins for so long. He made her whimper, and throw her head back like a wild woman. He moved his hand to her other breast, releasing it from the confines of her bra and then covering it as he had with the other
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one, tweaking her repeatedly and soaking up each and every sigh he conjured, letting them wash over him, forcing him to reach down intermittently and adjust himself. But nothing was going to solve that straining problem but being able to tuck her beneath him and sink himself inside her. That was the only relief he sought. This time was entirely for her. After flirting with her breasts for a long while, drawing it out, bringing her near the edge with just those tingling touches, he let his hand wander down to the hem of her skirt, which had ridden up to mid thigh, slipping his hand beneath it and grazing it up along her flank, lifting the material at the same time. Again, Annie knew that she should have been trying to stop him, even if she couldnt have actually managed to. She should have been asking him not to, but she didnt have the breath or the will, especially when he reached beneath her skirt and cupped her where she lived right now, those strong fingers conforming to her contours there, pressing slowly and insistently, making her arch against his hand in clear invitation. Cole had to touch her warmth, the moist heat of her. He had to, or die trying. He reached up and tugged her nylons down, surprised when she helped him every step along the way. Finally, he was able to whisk them off an throw them away, only to run his hand back up her silky skin from ankle to the side of her buttocks, then, drawn by forces more powerful than himself, he found her again, claiming her in no uncertain terms not groping or pawing, but holding her as if he owned her, as if he had every right in the world to do what he was doing. Annie sucked in her breath and held it when she felt him touching her so intimately. No ones touch had ever stirred her so, and he was playing out her fantasies so perfectly that she thought
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she was going to faint dead away right then and there. Or worse, explode against his hand without him having to go any further. She wasnt sure which was worse. But she knew it when his middle finger pressed itself between her lips, not taking no for an answer, but proceeding firmly and carefully, finding her moistness and circling its source several times, then moving up to find what hed been seeking. Cole dragged his fingertip over and around her, then over again, in a pattern that she knew was going to have her crazy in a matter of seconds. Thats it, Annie, he breathed, inches from her lips, her bare breast pressing against him as he held her a little closer to him so that he could reach her hidden secrets more easily. Let go. I want to give you your pleasure. I want you to give it to me. I will have it. I wont stop until you surrender it to me, sweetheart. His words seeped into her brain, their outright dominance stoking the fire his dancing fingers were creating. Shaun had never been able to bring her to fruition - not that hed tried very much. Shed been able to take care of herself, but it was distinctly less than satisfying. She didnt want to supply her own ecstasy. She wanted her dominant male, preferable this male, to give it to her, whether she wanted it or not, in some cases. It didnt take long for Annie to completely lose control of her body as he whispered insidiously into her mind and deliberately, pleasurably tortured that rigid bud of hers, showing absolutely no mercy, not letting up one bit, whispering to her of the obscene things he was going to do to her, and, finally, saying the thing that drove her over the edge completely.
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If you dont come on my hand, Annie, Im going to turn you over and spank you. That was it. She completely snapped, her body convulsing wildly, jerking up against him, thrusting her hips into his hand as he stayed with her, eeking out every bit of the pleasure he could wring from her spasming body. Annie had had to clamp her hand over her mouth to stifle the scream she had known was building, and she was glad she did. Even with her hand, she sounded as if he was killing her, and she was certain that the police would have been knocking on the door in seconds if she hadnt. In the end, she clung to him, and Cole realized how unusual that was for her she wasnt the clingy type - and took it as a good sign, holding her tight with his other arm, flicking that little nub until he was absolutely sure that she had experienced absolutely every ounce of pleasure she could before he brought his other arm around her and just rocking slowly back and forth. He was in absolutely no hurry to let her go. Cole had brought women to pleasure before, but it had never meant as much to him as it did with Annie. Hed never doubted his ability to bring her to pleasure, but he wasnt at all sure that she would receptive to it at all, much less as readily as she had. It was one of the few signs hed seen that gave him hope that she might have a bit of a soft spot for him. Well, one rather moist and slippery area in particular. Annie was just working on trying to get her breathing under control, and hopefully get some of the redness out of her face. She knew her cheeks were blazing, and it seemed that it was never good when either set was red. She couldnt believe how quickly and
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easily she had succumbed to him. He must think she was some sort of a tramp to have wiggled and writhed all over him when all hed had to do was crook his finger a couple of times, despite its location. She buried her face in his shoulder in embarrassment. Cole leaned back with her, rocking slightly and rubbing her back, tugging her skirt back down over her legs because he thought she would probably want to be covered, certainly not on his own account. He was happy to look at any part of her she wanted to show to him, and some she probably didnt. Blinking back tears, Annie tried to pull out of his arms, but he wouldnt let her. She could only get so far before he tightened them at her back. Getting off his lap wasnt going to be allowed. Please, let me up. I have to get up. She started to struggle, which he suppressed with depressing ease. No, you have to stay right here, Annie. Right where you belong. He heard her angry sigh and had no idea as to its origins. No. I dont belong here, and I certainly shouldnt be be - she couldnt even think of a word for what shed done, much less say it. She tried a different tact. Shouldnt have let you you - So that was it, Cole thought. She was embarrassed, and for absolutely no reason. Annie, what just happened was a precious gift from you to me that I will always treasure. And I wont have you agonizing about it or being in the least ashamed of it. It was beautiful, just like you, and I wont permit you to torture yourself about it any more than I will let you deny your beauty. He forced her to look at him. Am I making myself perfectly clear? Youre my Boss, not my boyfriend. And even if you were, you cant regulate things like that! she scolded before she thought.
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When he flipped her over, she was already bare from his previous activities, which made things that much worse from her perspective, but much easier from his. All he had to do was flip up the skirt he had so carefully smoothed down just a few seconds ago, and crash his hand down onto her waiting bottom. Stop it this minute! she screamed, neighbors be damned, kicking and fighting against him as hard as she could. Not that it got her anywhere. He had her completely trussed up in a matter of seconds, and was still smacking her smartly without so much as missing a beat, and without really restraining her much. He simply tipped her forward enough that she had to plant her palms on the carpet to support her upper body. That position raised her bottom wonderfully, making it present an even more luscious target. But that didnt still her mouth. If anything, she was screaming even louder, because her arms and the carpet seemed to trap most of the sound. You let me up right now, Cole Trask, or Ill - Youll what? he asked, not pausing or letting up in the flurry of smacks he was delivering. He was smacking her so hard that his palm was stinging. He couldnt imagine what her bottom felt like, but that didnt mitigate the spanking in the least. Youre already getting one spanking for being ornery and sassy and trying to tell me what I can and cant do with you. Were long past the boss/employee stage, in case you hadnt noticed, Annie Foster. He frowned when a thought struck him. And I havent heard you call me by my name once yet. He slapped those
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generous cheeks of hers each five times, then said, Say my name, Annie. Annie, of course, wasnt about to give in and be ordered around that easily. She still had hopes of escaping, however futile they might be. She refused to answer him on general principles, and redoubled her efforts to free herself. Cole barely noticed those efforts, besides the fact that they were making her huff and puff more, and since she seemed reluctant to do as she was told, he repeated the cadence hed rapped sharply into her before: five on each side, crisp, loud swats. They completely infuriated her, because they hurt so and because she could do absolutely nothing to avoid them, it seemed. Ill stop spanking if you do as youre told, Annie. I am more than your boss, even now at the very beginning of our relationship. The more we get to know each other, the more Im going to expect of you in the way of the obedience I know you crave. We might as well start now. He gave her another round of ten smacks to that ruby red flesh. Now. Say my name, as youve been told to. Annies defiance was crumbling, but she clutched its remnants around her and bit her lip through her sobs. She wouldnt. She couldnt. The next ten licks that fell were with something that wasnt nearly as forgiving as his hand. Cole had leaned forward and taken the solid wooden ruler shed had on her coffee table and put it to a very good use, creating ten perfect welts on otherwise perfect if angry red skin.
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She screamed with each of them, almost blubberingly thankful when he finally stopped. Annie. He didnt repeat the order. Shed been pushed over her limit, and the word was out of her mouth before her mind could consider the consequences of what she was doing. C-cole. It wasnt quite how hed wanted her to utter his name for the first time, all red eyed and red bottomed, but Cole felt it taught her a valuable lesson. He wasnt going to let her run herself down in any way, shape or form, and he would always call her on it, and he would always spank her if he thought it was necessary. He sighed, picking her up and cuddling her, whispering, Say it again, into her ear as he lifted her up and walked down the hall with her to her bedroom. Her room reflected her perfectly flowery but subdued. Her quilt was worn but warm looking. Cole undressed her as if she was a child, knowing that all of the spankings and the pleasure and the shopping of the day mustve tired her out. When he had her in her pajamas and tucked under the covers, he bent down and whispered into her ear, You get some sleep, sweetie. Ill see you at work tomorrow. He left her with a slow, lingering kiss that made him want to ignore what he knew he should do and join her beneath the sheets, but he steeled himself and walked out the door, careful to locking it behind him.
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Chapter VI
nnie was early for work the next morning, as usual, but she did find herself a little reluctant to go in the first place which was a first for someone who preferred being at work to being pretty much anywhere else. She didnt know how much anyone else knew or should know about why she was absent yesterday, and what kind of reception she was going to get from her fellow employees if they did know. She had no sooner sat down at her desk when Cassie descended, squealing, Tell me all about it! Tell me all about it! Before she knew it, it was like someone had sent up a Bat signal, or something, and everyone else congregated at her desk, too. She was just about to open her mouth and say that she didnt have anything to say, when he parted the crowd like the Red Sea, and that was all it took for the crowd to completely melt away, including Cassie. We have a meeting at ten thats likely to last for quite a while, so clear your calendar. Delegate your work to whomever you need to. He was all business, which put Annie at ease immediately. There were no innuendos, and not the least bit of a hint of impropriety, which would have sent her screaming in a minute.
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But, although she blushed through the entire exchange, where all she said was, Yes, Sir, and didnt meet his eyes, she was happy with it. Cassie, however, was not. She hadnt gone too far away, lurking several cubicles down and lying in wait until the big boss left. Then she reappeared like a ravening shark spying an oblivious swimmer. Well? What did he say just then? Whats going on? Where were you yesterday? Questions poured out of her even as Annie tried to deflect them gently. Finally, Cassie put her palms flat on Annies desk and leaned forward. Look. Youve got to give me something. The troops are getting restless. You have to throw me a bone. Annie thought about how she could answer Cassies questions without giving too much away. She certainly didnt want her getting wind of just exactly what they had been doing last evening, just before he put her to bed so gently and lovingly. But she chose her words very carefully. We spent the day getting me ready for the trip, doing passport stuff, you know. Cassies eyes narrowed. She knew Annie probably better than anyone else in the building, and she knew she was holding back. Okay, spill the rest of it, and then we can decide what I can tell the rest of them. I dont think so, Annie replied demurely, squirming a little, but trying desperately to do something other than answer Cassies very direct questions. They knew each other too damned well.
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Cassie backed down, all of her own accord. Ahhhhhh. I get it. You dont want to talk about it at work. Thats cool. Thats a good idea, in fact. Ill call you tonight and you can give me the dish. I want to hear every nasty detail. She gave Annie a broad wink as she glided out of her office. Luckily she didnt notice how bright red hot Annies face was at her last comment. Annie was envisioning how many nasty details she was going to have to censure in the account of their exploits that she was inevitably going to have to give when Cassie called her that evening. And Cassie wasnt the only of her friends who was dying to get the scoop both her work and her personal email accounts as well as answering systems were full of messages wondering where the heck she was, and, more importantly as far as they were concerned, what was she doing with the Boss man. Annie had had a wonderful moment of personal satisfaction, thinking something along the lines of Wouldnt they just die if they knew! There was no way she was going to let anyone know that within a day or so of having been picked for this assignment, shed let Cole Trask bring her to the ultimate pleasure. Or that hed spanked her. Twice! She sniffed to herself as she tried to organize her work so that someone else could easily take it over. It was funny, but she knew her friends could probably more easily come to terms with the idea that Cole had given her an orgasm after only really knowing her for less than a day, than that he had spanked her. Her reputation as a type A, always in control, no nonsense worker belied her sexually submissive side. His spankings had been just perfect. Horrid and hurtful, but perfect. Textbook. She wondered if he could actually be the
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author of some of the fiction she read on the Web. He just had it down so pat. It made her wonder how many other women he might have spanked, but she squelched those thoughts immediately. They werent really a couple. He was probably just paying attention to her right now because she was important to the company. But she also knew that all of these phone calls just meant that it was such a rare thing for her to have anything that resembled a life or a sexy man in said life that all of her friends were up in arms now that one was paying attention to her, regardless of the motivation for the attention. Annie sighed, and threw herself into her work, trying not to think too much about the latest happenings in her life.
But that wasnt something she was easily able to do, since she ended up spending the day with Cole again, at first in meetings about the meeting, and then talking with him about what she would need to bring. Do you have a set of matching luggage? he asked casually, in the course of their conversation. Annie was downright ashamed to admit that she didnt. She and Shaun had never gone anywhere, and even when they had, they had used the Carter family luggage Hefty bags. She had a couple of sports duffel bags that had been freebies, and a tote bag or two, but nothing that wouldnt embarrass the both of them terribly, she was quite sure. She opened her mouth to say something, but nothing came out. She tried again, with the same results. She knew she mustve
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looked like some bizarre sort of luggage-less fish, but she couldnt seem to stop. He looked across at her, over a pair of glasses hed donned to read several reports. Annie had never thought that glasses on men were sexy, but it didnt seem to matter what he wore; it all only served to enhance his innate masculinity. Ill take that as a no, he said with an almost smile. Ill have a set sent over to you tonight. Annie was horrified at that idea for some reason. It just irked her that she didnt seem to have what he thought she needed and she felt like the company was having to bring her up to a barely subsistence level existence or so it mustve seemed to him, although he never let on anything of the sort. No, I well I I can get some, she offered, wishing at once that she hadnt. Where the hell was she going to get the money for that? I told you that the company will cover any of your expenses, and I meant it. If theres something you need that I havent thought of, I expect you to speak up. He didnt have to add the or else. Shed had enough of his or else lately to know she didnt want any more. Say, yes, Sir, Annie. She didnt know why, but she blushed furiously at his order. But she also did what he bade her, softly and somewhat hesitantly. But - She didnt realize she was going to say it until it came out. She stopped immediately once her eyes met his. A dark eyebrow rose, and he folded his arms on the desk, his eyes never releasing hers. The only butt is going to be yours, over my lap - right here, right now - if you persist in arguing with me. Am I making myself perfectly clear, Annie Foster?
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The thought of being spanked and undoubtedly bawling and crying and yelling because of it while Cassies desk was less than fifty feet away made her Yes, Sir all that much more vehement. They went over their itinerary carefully. They were going to Germany, and were going to be meeting at the headquarters of a company that was owned by a good friend of Coles. That company was hosting a ball in honor of King Kasim Haddad and his Queen, who was an American, and Annie and Cole were going to attend. When Annie went home that evening, after politely declining a dinner invitation from the man himself, who wasnt any too happy that she hadnt readily agreed and prostrated herself at his feet, she collapsed onto her cushy couch. She was barely able to wrap her mind around what had been happening in her life over the past few days, and the idea that she was going to be in Germany by this time this Friday. But she knew she couldnt just lie there like a lump, as much as she wanted to. She had too many things to do to get organized. By the time she sat down again, though, she felt like shed accomplished quite a bit shed done several loads of laundry, cleaned out her fridge, and gotten things ready to go into the luggage that had yet to appear. As soon as she sat down with a steaming plate of Swiss steak over rice that shed had cooking in the crock pot all day, of course, the doorbell rang. It was Smitty, Coles driver, and he had about ninety seven pieces the aforementioned luggage in tow, and it was gorgeous. Each piece was a rich, buttery black leather that made Annie want to pack herself away in it, forget her clothes!
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Smitty brought it all in as Annie wondered what the heck she was going to do with it they were only going away for four days! She could pack nearly every piece of clothing shed ever owned in her life into those bags. Annie thanked Smitty profusely for wrangling it all inside for her. The big, gruff man blushed all the way through his white beard. Aw, that aint nothin, Maam. Just my job. The Colonel - he flushed even worse and corrected himself hurriedly, The Boss says that your clothesll be ready tomorrow Ill bring them by as soon as they are. Great! I usually get home after six or so. Smitty lumbered towards the door, shaking his head slowly. I dont think so, Maam. Boss said itll be ready tomorrow morning an I should bring it to you here. Oh, he did, did he? If he thought she was going to just abandon her job she hadnt had time to talk to Sasha, who was replacing her, about what needed to be done and what she was working on he was sadly mistaken. She hadnt had time to talk to Joe or Cassie or anyone about the fact that she wasnt going to be there. On impulse, as Smitty, who looked incredibly hard bitten and not in the least receptive to casual conversation, Annie asked, as he was about to make his escape out the door, How long have you been working for Mr. Trask? Smitty was one of those men whose age was hard to determine with any modicum of accuracy, but his hair was more salt than pepper, and if Annie had had to guess, she would have said that he was in his late fifties, early sixties, and that he had probably seen pretty much everything.
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He stopped and turned back to her, every movement screaming reluctance, for some reason. Well, uh, ten years or so, on and off. Annie sensed that there was a lot more going on that Smitty wasnt saying, but he didnt look like he was going to be forthcoming unless she was willing to don a par of brass knuckles, and even then. Do you like him? The older man looked stunned, as if it had never occurred to him to even consider that idea. Like him? Uh, yeah, I guess so. Annie didnt think shed ever seen any man look quite as uncomfortable as he did right then. She decided to be merciful and crossed to the door, thanking him again for bringing the luggage in. Smitty tipped his hat just before donning it as he went outside. Youre welcome, Maam. Annie thought she heard his sigh of pure relief as he walked away. But his boss their boss, she corrected herself harshly wasnt going to get away so easily. There was no reason for her to take tomorrow off. She wasnt going to start slacking in her job just because she was involved in a special assignment with him. No way. Hed given her his home phone number that first day, in case she wanted to call him with any questions, as well as his cell number and his personal email address. Before she rethought about what she was doing, she picked up her phone and dialed the number, which she had memorized the minute hed given it to her.
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To her surprise, he answered his own phone. Trask. Shed recognize that voice anywhere. Mr. Trask? His response was immediate and threatening, although he never raised his voice beyond just above a low growl. This couldnt possibly be Annie Foster, because she knows better than to call me that. Why dont you try again, love, and see if you can avoid getting a date for your butt to be blistered? Cole - she ground out, frowning for no ones benefit but her own. Let me guess why youve called, he interrupted firmly, Smitty has just been there and delivered your luggage, and told you that hes going to drop your clothes of at your house tomorrow, and youre calling to tell me that theres no way youre not going to go in tomorrow. Annie hated the fact that he already seemed to know her so damned well. And he was smug about it, too. She wished with all her heart that she could have rubbed his nose in a big fat no, but she did her best not to lie. She knew, too, that if she tried, he was likely to call her on it, and not in a pleasant way, either. So she said nothing. If youre quiet like this, I guess Im right. How do you like the luggage? The luggage is gorgeous but way too expensive. Its not like I travel very much. I think the furthest away Ive ever been is Maine on my honeymoon with Dipnod.
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Cole was thinking to himself that that was certainly going to change in the future, but he didnt say it. And I was too busy glaring at you to respond. His warm chuckle tickled her ear. Speaking of which, did you ever call Doug? Doug who? Annie thought, frantically trying to figure out what she might have forgotten to do and hoping that it wouldnt jeopardize the trip. His impatient sigh made her instantly nervous. Doug Harris. The divorce lawyer I recommended? Uh . . . no . . . I havent called him. I havent had time! Well, then, I guess youve earned yourself a spanking, havent you. I have not! Annie said indignantly. I didnt know it was all that important to you its my divorce! It was his turn to pause. Anything that helps you is my concern, honey, and I think I remember telling you that I wanted you to get a hold of him quickly, while hes in town. Annie couldnt believe that she had managed to finagle herself into another spanking. This man was never going to let her get away with anything! Hey! Thats still not right! It is if I say it is, Annie. She knew from his tone not to push it any further, although she certainly didnt want to spend however long anticipating a spanking from him. She already knew she didnt want one, but to have to think about it all the time and
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wait and worry about it? That was going to be pure torture! And you will be taking tomorrow off to rest. Sleep as much as you can the jet lag is probably going to kill you since youve never experienced it before. Youre still going to be paid for it. Email or call whoever you need to talk to about taking over your work, and Joe already knows youre not going to be there. Before she got a chance to argue with him, which he knew she wanted to do, he said, And I dont want any argument about it, either, Annie. I know where you live, and I wont hesitate to come right over there and spank you for arguing, and then youll still be owed one for not calling the lawyer. She literally growled into the phone, and he laughed softly. How did I end up with you as the boss of my life? she asked no one in particular. She had already long since worked that out in her head. She knew a good thing when it wandered in and took her over its knee, and she wasnt going to do anything to jeopardize the situation, although she wasnt going to be someone other than herself, either. And apparently, herself was likely to get spanked at the drop of a hat. Her hand went back to her butt automatically, remembering her previous punishments. They certainly were horrible while they were happening, but they did heighten her sensitivities in other areas . . . she remembered, blushing furiously at the thought even though she was alone. You needed it you needed a spanking more than any woman Ive ever seen. And Im going to make sure that you get exactly what you need from now on, and that is lots of spankings, and even lots more of what I did to you last night.
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Although what he was saying made her whole body come to attention, and a dull ache settle between her legs, as if it was remembering his knowing touch, she began to wonder if he was just looking for a sex buddy, or something like that. Someone to have sex with where there were no strings attached, which definitely wasnt her. But she didnt feel at all comfortable asking him something like that. She already knew she was half in love with him she was half in love with him before theyd ever really talked. But she certainly knew that there wasnt any such emotional history on his end, and considering that hed already spanked her twice and explored some very intimate areas with his fingers, she had no illusions whatsoever about where this was leading. Annie had to decide preferably before they left whether or not she was going to do what shed never done before: sleep with a man she really didnt know. She knew she was an anachronism. She knew that most women wouldnt even bat an eyelash at the question. But she wasnt a very open person. What hed done to her already was well beyond her ken. Shaun was the only man shed ever slept with, and shed never really explored her sexuality with him it had all been by herself. She still couldnt believe what had been happening to her over the past few days. She was still trying to grapple with it, and although it wasnt like her, she finally decided in her head that she would have to see how things went between them before she decided about whether or not she was going to sleep with him while they were together. Annie kind of figured that it might be her only chance; she pretty much figured that he was likely to dump her when they got back, especially since she wasnt going to be any sort of gymnast or experience lover. She didnt expect to be
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able to hold his attention more than once, for the novelty of it, she imagined. Are you still there? Cole asked, concerned. She wasnt usually this quiet. Annie was very much like him in some ways she didnt shirk from saying what needed to be said. But she was so quiet he was worried that she might have been considering backing out or something equally as unacceptable. Yes, Im here. Youre awfully quiet. He left it there, hoping shed open up to him. Just thinking. About anything in particular, or just generally? All sorts of things. He didnt want to have to pry things out of her, so he took a different tack. Are you excited about the trip? She had to admit that she was. Ive never been on a plane before. Oh, youll love it. Flying is wonderful. If I had the rating to do an overseas flight, Id be flying us myself. Youre a pilot? she asked. That was one aspect of him that she hadnt known about, but it fit because pilots had to be in control at all times, and that was definitely him to a t. Yeah. I fly my own planes to most business conferences.
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Thats great! I hope Im not a nervous flier. Cole grinned to himself. If you are, Im sure I can find a way to calm you down. Annie chuffed. You certainly cant spank me on a plane, Cole! His name was getting easier and easier to say, and she wasnt at all sure that that was a good thing. Of course I can, if you need to be. Thats what they make lavatories for. She was blushing again, of course. I dont think so. Ah, but you dont have to. I do. She made sure he could hear her exasperate sigh. Anyway, if you dont have anything else you need to be spanked for, Ill let you get back to packing. Another, even more exasperated sigh. I you but - Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesssssssssssssssss? he asked, drawing the word out absurdly. Annie couldnt think of anything else to say. Good bye! Bye, honey! Sleep well! As she slammed the phone down, she vowed she wasnt going to, just to spite him. Unfortunately, after spending a half hour talking with her brother, which could be somewhat excruciating she much
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preferred to go see him and trying to explain why she wouldnt be there this Saturday afternoon and reassuring him that shed see him next Saturday instead, then packing everything she could into her new bags, she crawled under the covers and fell asleep without so much as another thought about anything even him.
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Chapter VII
is white limo arrived to pick her up early Friday morning, and she scowled at him when he couldnt seem to keep from teasing her about being late. Its nice to see that youre on time for a change. Didnt want another spanking, did you? he asked, handing her into the limo himself and letting Smitty wrestle with the bags. She was amazed to see a tray in front of her, with an everything bagel and olive cream cheese and a big cup of Dunkin Doughnuts coffee. Wow how did you know? she asked. Shed been running around like a chicken with her head cut off since shed awakened, trying to make sure she remembered everything. She hadnt had a chance to eat anything. Cole grinned, sitting back and just watching her eat. He liked a woman who enjoyed eating, because he enjoyed it enormously himself. Oh, I have an informant. Cassie. She likes you a lot, you know, he confirmed, handing her a napkin when she got cream cheese on her nose.
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Annie nodded vigorously. I love her. Shes my best friend. You two couldnt possibly be any different, and yet youre best friends, he commented, leaning over to cadge a bite of her bagel. After taking her first sip of golden brown nectar, Annie sighed, as if in ecstasy. Its even fixed the way I like it! she marveled. Were not really that different. I mean, were both smart and serious about work, and have a good sense of humor. She frowned. If you mean that were different because shes a knockout and Im a plain Jane - Her bagel found its way safely onto the tray in front of her, where her coffee joined it seconds later, even though she was trying to lean as far away from him as she could because she knew what was coming. But even in the back of a spacious limo, theres really nowhere to go. Annie oofed loudly when she found herself over his lap. She was wearing one of her new outfits, on his orders. Hed told her yesterday, the one time hed called, that she wasnt to even bring any of her own clothes or shoes, and that if she did, she was going to have two punishments coming, and she wouldnt like either one of them. Cole! What about Smitty?! she yelled. At least she seemed to have given up on the Boss thing when they were alone. He wouldnt have minded hearing Yes, Sir a bit more often, but then that wouldnt be his Annie at all, though he was amazed at how often he was having to spank her not that he minded in the least. Hed really thought that she was so uptight and straight laced that shed never need to be disciplined,
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and he knew that, if that was the case, he would work around it. The fact that she hadnt run screaming to the police after hed spanked her the first time told him volumes about her more than she probably realized. Hed thought they might be a very good match from the moment hed met her, and hed bided his time as long as he could. He hoped this trip might bring them together on a more permanent basis. And here she was again, over his lap, definitely needing a spanking, for the second time, about the same issue: somehow, she thought she was some sort of ogre or something when she was beautiful especially when she forgot to think about how awful she thought she looked. Ronald had brought that out in her, but, since he wasnt a gay photographer, he had to use the tools hed been given instead: a broad lap, and a hard hand. Five minutes later, she was sobbing on the very same lap, cuddled in his arms, her forehead against his neck. And she wasnt settling down like he expected her to, either. She just seemed to be sobbing for a lot longer than he thought was necessary. He hadnt taken a horsewhip to her. Annie, Annie, are you okay? he asked, trying to grab her chin to tilt it up so that she had to look him in the eye. All she could do was nod. Cole didnt think he had, but he was starting to worry that hed seriously hurt her. She wasnt the type to just dissolve into tears for no reason. Then what is it, honey? Tell me so I can fix it. Annie leaned back and bit her lip while shaking her head.
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Annie. One warning word. I I just cant seem to not get spanked. Awwwwwwwwwwww, poor thing, he hugged her tight. I understand. And you still have one coming, too, dont you, for not calling Doug? He felt her nod her head up and down in agreement. But thatll settle down, I promise. Annie let him hug her tight, but she didnt say anything more. He thought that it would settle down. That was interesting. That kind of implied that they might be together for longer than this weekend. She had to think on that a while. Cole had made sure that theyd gotten there in plenty of time to clear security, and before she knew it they were on the plane, in first class, of course. The stewardess, who was almost as gorgeous as Cassie, fluttered around him, because apparently he was the closest thing to a celebrity on the flight. And the fact that he exuded power and testosterone didnt hurt one bit. She knew that for a fact. But he didnt even so much as spare the flirting young woman a glance. His eyes were on Annie the entire long flight. He made sure she was comfortable before they took off, and held her hand when she got a bit wide eyed at the take off and landing. Once they got through customs, they collected their luggage and Cole shepherded her outside, to where Smitty was waiting with a limo. How did you get here? Annie asked, amazed, but glad to see another friendly face.
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While they got themselves settled in the back, Cole said, He came over a day early and opened the suite of rooms and got as much done for me as he could in preparation for our arrival. Annie didnt know if shed ever get used to the way he arranged things to happen so smoothly. Their suite was not at one of the big name hotels, but rather at a smaller, more intimate place. Their rooms, nonetheless, were huge and luxuriously appointed in pale peach, cream, and a cornflower blue, with lots of gold touches everywhere. It was, she was relieved to discover, a two bedroom suite, only to see Smitty come in the door with their luggage. As her suitcases were opened and emptied into the tall closets in the master bedroom, she tugged Cole into the living room and shut the door, then got into his face. We are not sleeping together, Cole Trask. Why is my stuff going into the master suite? she asked, coming that close to poking him in the chest. Because Im going to be in the other bedroom? he replied, practically daring her to get sassy with him. Oh. Only somewhat deflated, Annie asked, Then wheres Smitty going to sleep? Cole chuckled. Dont you worry about him, Annie. Hes got a girl in every port, that one.
Cole had a few meetings to go to, but not before he showed Annie around Berlin a bit, giving her the nickel tour. She was amazed by his knowledge of the place. He kept pointing out places where hed lived or worked, and it seemed to be most of the town.
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They went to Checkpoint Charlie, and, once he found out that she had an interest in Tutankahmen and Egyptian history, they took a quick tour of the Egyptian museum before he dropped her off outside the hotel, with strict instructions to go upstairs and rest, which she did, when she wasnt even particularly trying to obey him. Annie was amazed by how tired she was. As soon as her back hit the bed, she was gone, and it wasnt until something soft and warm was pressed against her lips that she awoke. Cole was lying over her, close against her side but not too close, kissing her with incredible gentleness. He leaned back just a little, enough to give free rein to his eager hand as it cupped and carefully explored her face, then into her hair, as if too hard a touch would crack and break her. Annie wondered how it was that he managed to wale away on her bottom with that hand, and yet could make his fingertips feel like butterfly wings. Cole looked down at Annie, so soft and sleepy, lying trustingly in his arms, and he knew that the feelings swelling inside him, making his chest hurt, were more than just like and attraction. He knew he loved her, had probably loved her from the beginning, but was just too scared to admit it to himself. But the knowledge slammed into him as if someone had turned the sun on inside of him, with all the hurt and glory that entailed. I want to make love to you, he whispered, touching his lips to her temple, where a swirl of fine baby hair grew. I want to touch every inch of you. I want to bend you to me, to lift you with me - he stopped before he killed her with the bad poetry of his words. He couldnt express it correctly that way. He had to do it.
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He had to touch her to feel her fine, smooth skin beneath his fingertips, his hands, his entire body. And it seemed that she was going to let him. Cole explored her face with his lips and tongue, kissing her eagerly at her hairline, losing his fingers in that luscious mass, massaging slowly with his fingertips as she sighed and let him have his way. For now. He ran his big thumbs, gentle as hummingbirds, trace the ridges of her eyebrows and float over her closed eyelids, then out to her temples. Some of what he was doing was so soothing that she nearly fell back asleep. Then hed do something like nuzzle at that spot just beneath her ear, and her body would come alive again, throbbing deeply at just that relatively innocent kiss. Annie wanted to wrap her arms around him. She wanted to clutch him to her. At times she wanted to wrap her legs around his waist and arch into him, seeking relief from the urgent feelings he was so painfully slow in satisfying. He was driving her crazy, and he knew it, but he was taking himself along for the ride. Hed been hard since hed first seen her there, bathed in the glow of the one lamp shed left on, looking small and forlorn and nearly lost in the big flowery bed. Hed wanted to strip down right there before he joined her, but he knew that it would be over all too soon if he did. So hed settled for taking off his jacket and boots, then hadnt been able to resist joining her. Cole felt more out of control with a woman than hed ever felt in his life. He was always the cool, calm, collected one, always the one in charge, but with Annie he was one big desire. He
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wanted to get as close to her as he humanly could, and as he kissed the ridge of her jaw, he let his fingers move very slowly to the buttons of her blouse, waiting for her to object, waiting for her hands to come up and stop him. Even in the state that he was in fully engorged and inches away from reaching his own release in his underwear if she said no, that would be it. Hed never forced a woman and he never would. But she wasnt resisting him. She wasnt saying they should wait because they hadnt been together very long, which would have been a valid concern; she didnt try to act shy and scared, although she knew she probably was. Theyd talked a little nowhere near enough, as far as he was concerned about intimate likes and dislikes, couched in more polite tones than he was used to. From what little they spoke of, he was able to discern that her very soon to be ex husband.- she had smartly complied with his order on Thursday and called the lawyer he recommended wasnt much of a lover. Hed also gotten her to blushingly confess that he had been her only sexual experience, severely limited as it was. The fact that she considered herself to be completely unattractive made sense when he heard that Shaun hadnt shown much interest in having sex with her. Within herself, she translated that directly into not being attractive to anyone. If he had to, he vowed to himself, hed spend the rest of his life paddling her bottom every time she made a disparaging remark about her looks. But he hoped that, eventually, after years and years and years of long nights of excruciatingly pleasurable loving, that she would come to agree with him. Or at least learn not to say such things in front of him.
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Hed reached the last button, and peeled the two sides of her blouse away from her, then helped her all the way out of it before laying her back down again with the most strategic areas still covered by her bra. But hed deal with that later. First, he lifted himself up on his elbow, the better to see her as he touched her, trailing his fingertips from her chin down the slim column of her neck, learning the bumpy contours of her sensitive collarbones, then down each arm, tickling the inside of each elbow, then boldly touching his tongue to the center of each of her palms as they closed carefully around his face not trying to push him away, just cradling him very gently. Cole took it as a very good sign that she wasnt trying to rip his face off. When hed kissed his way back up her arm, he let his mouth wander at will, and what it did was kiss around the perimeter of her usual serviceable bra. Other women, thinking and planning that they might end up in bed together on this trip, might have gone out and bought all sorts of sexy lingerie. But not his Annie. She was a take her or leave her kinda gal. And he definitely wanted to take her. His fingers wandered to the front clasp, and popped it open. But he didnt just rush in and grope her. He sat back and drank her in. Modest as she was, her skin there was a soft roses and cream, and her roses bloomed nicely under his appreciative gaze. Annie, love, youre gorgeous, he breathed, almost waiting for her to countermand him. But all she did was blush demurely and turn her head away, as if was too much for her to be gazed at adoringly and complimented at the same time.
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Her head snapped back to him, though, when he moved to position himself carefully between her legs. Annies eyes were wide open as she watched him move, felt him adjust her legs so that she could accommodate him, spreading them further apart to accept his presence between them, making her that much more vulnerable to him. Annie wasnt at all sure that being vulnerable to him was a good idea, but he knew what her body wanted more than she did, it seemed. Cole cradled her face between his big hands. I want you, Annie. I want to love you, if youll let me. He asked nicely, but he didnt wait for her answer, using his hands to lift himself just the slightest bit above her. Instead, he covered her face in gossamer kisses, then moved himself downwards, slowly and deliberately, keeping most of his weight on his hands, letting his body brush up against her, teasing and tempting, inciting himself as well as her nearly to riot, using his own weight and movements to brush the bra aside in a very non threatening, natural manner. Annie arched as his mouth moved eagerly from her breast bone up the slope of her left breast, seeking and finding that raspberry peak and engulfing it in his warm wetness and tugging with all his considerable strength as he suckled. His reward for his efforts was her harshly indrawn breath, and the way her body arched wildly, as if she was climaxing right then and there. Hed seen her come to that explosive conclusion, though, and knew she hadnt quite reached it yet, although he certainly intended that she would before too long. But he wanted to come along for the ride this time.
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One big paw reached up and captured her other breast; there was no other way to put it. He spread his fingers and claimed it by dominant, determined inches, his fingertips wreaking havoc on her orphaned nipple, with excruciating gentleness at first, and then more firmly twisting and tugging until she was arching and writhing permanently, it seemed, in response to anything he decided to do to her. She was a white hot female flame, and he enjoyed stoking her, and singeing himself on her in turn. The tiny cries that clogged the back of her throat that he knew she didnt even realize she was emitting, the way her breasts expanded to fill his hand and his mouth it all brought him so close to losing control that he actually had to back off some before this thing was over before it really began. Cole inched his way down her body until he could bury his mouth between her legs, warming her with his presence even though the layers of her clothes, which he removed with an eye on her the whole time, in case she reacted negatively at all. He knew from their halting but intimate conversations that she was practically a virgin that her husband hadnt shown her much in the way of sexual or any other interest, and that she had never been with any other man but him. And he was a whole other animal. If they decided to be together, which was his most fervent hope, then hed probably barely let her out of the bed . . . except maybe to make him some of those wonderful treats she kept giving away to Joe Abercrombie. Annies legs came up immediately when she felt him press his face into that largely neglected but highly sensitive area of her body, as if she was trying to stop him from doing it somehow, when she knew she had absolutely no hope of doing so, but she had to try. It was an ingrained instinct. She was too shy for this, too
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shy for him, too nave in the ways of sexuality. He was too worldly for her in so many ways that Annie began to feel completely hopeless about the entire encounter. But Cole wasnt giving her any opportunity to back out. He had her nude before she realized what he was doing, because he was so casual and relaxed about it. And she wasnt in the least prepared for when he reburied his face in the same place, only there was nothing there to protect her. He gently pressed her legs further open, not taking no for an answer this time when she tried to weakly protest. Cole, no, she whispered, more interested in not being embarrassed than actually having him stop. This was one thing shed always craved, but Shaun had always refused to even consider, although he certainly expected the opposite from her. But to have Cole down there, touching her like that with his mouth? She didnt think she would live through it shed either faint dead away, or climax before he even reached the target. Neither outcome was in the least desirable. But he wasnt listening to her. He certainly wasnt hurtful at all, but he just didnt allow her protests to overcome what he wanted to do. As a matter of fact, at one point, he looked up at her, just before he was going to take her into his mouth for the first time, saying in a softly scolding voice, Enough, Annie. I want to love you this way, and I intend to do it very often. So stop being so shy and enjoy it. And I dont want to hear another word of protest from you about it. She shut her mouth for all of two seconds, until she felt him encompass the entirety of her with his lips, and then she very nearly screamed, and ended up stuffing her hand into her mouth to stop it.
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Cole was adored that she was so responsive to him. Unlike some of the women hed been with, she didnt even know to fake it; every breath, every muscular contraction, even every time she reached for his head as if to move him way it was all so real and raw with her, and that was the icing on the cake for him. Well, almost. Hed really rather have some her very own icing, and dipped his tongue down a little to collect a sweet smelling sample of her very own vintage, bringing it up to bathe her with it as he bathed her with his tongue. Cole, Cole, Cole, she changed, kneading his hair like a purring kitten. Not just yet, sweetie. Not quite yet. He hadnt had nearly enough of her, as far as he was concerned. He felt like a starving man at a buffet. This was one of his favorite things to do for a woman, and he wanted to draw it out as long as he could, but he could see that she wasnt going to let him, so he settled down to it, sealing his lips over her and pressing and moving his tongue at the same time, right on top of that sweet, sweet bud, not stopping until her chanting reached a fevered scream and he felt those wonderful convulsions explode inside his mouth. Cole rode her arching hips like an expert, never letting her dislodge him, eeking every last ounce of pleasure from her, then stopping and resting his head on her pubic area while his hands still clenched her hips and she continued to rock her hips up against him. He chuckled softly as she groaned rawly, deep in her throat, sounding like a completely different person from the quiet, repressed Annie hed known.
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And he wasnt about to let her get away with just one of those tidal waves of pleasure.
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Chapter VIII
e exacted four screaming explosions from her before he was finished, before he leaned away from her and removed his own clothing, then stretched out on top of her while her world was still spinning from the last one, guiding himself to the font of her womanhood. Hed deliberately not touched her there much yet, wanting his manhood to be her first introduction to him there. Cole pressed the head of himself towards her, barely able to enter her, she was so tight. And he was so close to losing it that he had to distract himself by trying to remember the elements of the periodic table. It barely worked. She clung to him outwardly as well as inwardly as he advanced so slowly that he didnt think that he was going to survive it. She wasnt a virgin, but she was awfully damned close to it. Hed had virgins that werent this tight, and he knew it was going to kill him, but he was going to die a happy man. Annies arms came up to his shoulders, and she mewled and whimpered so that Cole wasnt sure that it was all pleasurable for her, but she wasnt really protesting, so he assumed she was all right with it.
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In reality, Annie was a bit overwhelmed in more ways than one. The last time she and Shaun had made love was years and years ago, and shed never been particularly stretched from him even when they were doing it more regularly. But Cole! He was filling her completely, every single inch of her, firmly forcing her to adjust and make accommodations for his invasion, not relenting one bit as he advanced in to her. She felt herself being stretched, and for some reason her mind wanted it to hurt, but it didnt. It was unbelievably sexy and achy to be opened like that, by that part of him that was so male, and designed to compliment her femininity. She felt wonderfully submissive to him, and although she would have said it was an impossibility after the way he had laved her to so many mind shattering conclusions, it only served to heighten the ecstasy she felt beginning to build again. Finally, once he was tucked all the way inside her, he began to move. He had no choice. His genitals demanded it. Cole would have preferred to have taken his time, to have held her to him at that ultimate moment when they were first joined together in the most intimate of fashions available to a man and a woman, but he simply couldnt wait. It amazed him, though, that she was able to come along with him on that wild ride, and, in fact, to scream and cry and scratch his back even before he flew into the sun himself, pounding into her harder than he had intended, but completely at the mercy of his instincts. She brought the animal out in him, in more ways than one. Conscious of his size as compared to hers, when he collapsed, it was towards one side, so that she didnt have to bear the full brunt of his weight on her, even though she clung to him like a limpet and turned to follow him to her right, keeping them intimately connected for as long as possible.
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Although he was wrung out and worn down from everything that had happened in the past few days, as well as the wonderful experience of the past embarrassingly few minutes, a thought popped into Coles head, and before he had a chance to analyze the spontaneity out of it, he just said it. Marry me, Annie. I love you, and I want you to live with me and be my wife. He paused a second or two, and then threw in a please, for good measure, even though he would have loved to have been able to order her to marry him, he knew it didnt quite work that way. Sometimes, he longed for the good old days, when all he would have needed to claim here was a stout club and a cave of his own. The silence stretched out between him until he had to look down at her to make sure that she wasnt sleeping on him. But she wasnt. Her wide eyes met his and blinked slowly before she croaked, her voice hoarse from screaming, I I dont know what to say. Say yes, Cole, Id love to marry you. She smiled weakly and sighed. I Id love to say that, and maybe I will eventually. I just . . . dont think I can say it so soon. And somehow, I dont think youd want a conventional marriage, either, and we need to talk that out some. Besides, Im not even completely divorced from Dipnod er, Shaun yet. I honestly cant imagine getting married again so soon. Cole lay his head atop hers, sighing. I understand. But Im not going to stop asking.
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Annie pulled back from him, to look across for once not up into his eyes. Please dont. In the darkness of their gorgeous room, it seemed the right time for confessions. Ive loved and wanted you and fantasized about you for so long; I cant quite believe were here together and that weve just made love. Cole snorted. You have not! But she nodded so vehemently that he had to believe her. Then how come I didnt know about it? he asked doubtfully. Because youre very oblivious about some things. I mean, youre always telling me not to downplay how I look, but you dont seem to consider that youre a very masculine, powerful, dominant - she gave that word a not all together pleasant twist man, and you have a very large contingent of followers at work, of which I was one. Maybe the first. I do? She chuckled. Yes, you do. Youre hard as nails but very fair and generous to your employees, although youre also very demanding. And your big and broad and sexy as hell, even if your face could stop a truck. He winced. Thanks, I think. Youre welcome. Cole rolled around what hed just learned in his head. You mean youve lusted after me for all this time? Well, moreso once my marriage fell apart and we began divorce proceedings.
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His ever honorable Annie. Im not kidding, he reiterated, Im going to ask you whenever I can. I know. And youre right. I will be the head of the household, theres never going to be any doubt about that. But Im a benevolent dictator. Annie reached back to rub her butt, saying wryly, Not that Ive noticed! Hmmmmmm. She knew shed made a wrong move as soon as she brought up the fact that he spanked. Someone I know is due a spanking, isnt she? he reached over and turned on the table lamp, then eyed her thoughtfully for a long moment, while she wished she could disappear under the covers. I called him Thursday, she said hopefully, in her own defense. I know. I called him Thursday to make sure. Annie frowned, knowing that if she decided to marry him whenever shed never again be able to get away with anything. But at least shed have a husband who paid attention to her, and cared what she did, unlike Shaun. Meanwhile, Cole was sitting up and fluffing the pillows against the headboard, so that he could lean back against them. He didnt really want to spank Annie right now, but he knew he had to.
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Part of being a dominant lover and hopefully eventual husband was being consistent. He couldnt let her down by letting her off, whether he was tired or sick or just not feeling like it, if hed told her she was going to get punished, then thats exactly what was going to happen to her. Annie, go into the top drawer of the credenza over there and take out what you find and bring it back to me. Annie gulped hard, but did as she was told, sliding herself off the bed as slowly as she thought she could get away with, and crossed to the dark, solid cherry chest. She knew she didnt really want to see what was in the top drawer, and that she didnt have a choice about it. If she decided to marry him, this would be her life. He would discipline her whenever he wanted to, spank her and paddle her and maybe even cane her. A shudder ran through her, and she reached out to open the drawer quickly, like ripping off a band aid. The sight that greeted her eyes surprised her. It was a wooden spoon. It looked very innocuous lying there all by itself in the drawer, but she knew it wouldnt be in his hands, although she couldnt imagine that such a small thing could hurt her that much. Maybe this was going to be an easy one! She brought it back to the bed, and he had her arranged over his pillowed lap in a position that was becoming depressingly familiar in a matter of seconds. She was already nude, so he didnt have to move any sort of clothing out of the way, and the pillow hed added over his legs served to force her bend just enough to throw that lovely bottom of hers into distinct prominence.
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Now. I believe weve already been over the idea that when I tell you do to something, you need to do it as soon as possible. He paused, and she squeaked pitifully, Yes, Sir. Good girl. So Im not going to go easy on you. Annies hopes crash landed. I didnt ask you to call Doug for myself . . . well, not really, and not at that point in our relationship, he added. I asked you to call him to save yourself some stress and worry. If your ex is trying to take you to the cleaners or whatever, then you need to get yourself some decent protection. You dont need more stress in your life, and I gave you a solution to a lot of it, but you saw fit to ignore it, or decide to do it in your own good time. But I assure you, by the time I let you off my lap, youre not going to do that again. And he was right.
The next evening, when they were getting ready to go to the ball and be presented to the King and Queen of Jakira, Annie happened to catch a glimpse of her backside in the mirror as she was wrapping an incredibly huge, luxuriously thick towel around herself, and she could see the dark circles of pain that that God awful instrument from Hell had caused on her bottom. She knew shed never ignore an order of his again at least not for a very, very long time.
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Hed started out just spanking her. Just, Annie thought with snort. That was not a word that should have ever been used in conjunction with the connection between his hand and her bottom. She didnt remember any spankings as few as there were ever hurting as much as those she got from him. He had her out and out howling before he reached over and cruelly laid the spoon on the small of her back, then went back to imprinting his hand on her cheeks. And when he took the spoon in his hand, he said quietly, I think this is going to help you remember. And if it doesnt, youll get the cane next time. She had never danced so much and stayed in the same place in her whole life. But nothing she did helped her escape the sharp corrections he was meting out on her bottom with that vicious wooden implement. Shed never be able to look at another wooden spoon the same way again, without remembering just how horribly it sparked pain in sharp circles on her flesh. Those were what she was seeing when she looked in that mirror the just about quarter sized spots that the crest of the bowl of the spoon left as atrocious reminders that she needed to pay much closer attention to what he told her to do. She sighed, contemplating that realization and letting it set into her brain a lot more than it had already. In some ways, it felt very good to know that someone was watching out for her and caring for her, and that he wasnt going to just blow her off laying down a rule then not bothering to enforce it. Her mouth quirked as she dried then powdered herself all over, slipping slowly into stockings then a slip, then the gorgeous gown he had insisted on buying for her. Hed surprised her and
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had someone come to the suite to do her hair and make up, and she had remembered what Ronald had told her about it and translated that to the young woman, who spoke English better than a lot of people Annie knew. When she was done, she looked into the floor length mirror in the bedroom, turning this way and that to get the full effect. Damn! She looked pretty darned good, if she said so herself! The hunter green gown was a floor length off the shoulder velvet and silk confection that Annie hadnt been at all sure she could pull off with her lack of figure, but Katherine and Cole had talked her into it. And she was glad they had. Cole confirmed it for her when he came up behind her and slipped his hands around her waist, pulling her back against him. He looked positively devastating in his formal evening clothes, the long, cutaway black morning coat accenting his naturally beefy Y shape, the crisp white of the tux shirt contrasting starkly with his tanned complexion. He may not be a pretty boy, but he was damned attractive, regardless, as nearly every female employee in his company would attest. He took a very small step back, then settled something around the neck shed left bare, because she didnt have anything impressive to wear. It was a beautiful, delicate necklace that sparkled wonderfully against her creamy skin, with a teardrop diamond looking thing that barely nestled at the very beginning of the cleavage her modest dress barely revealed. She turned in his arms. Thank you this is perfect! It goes with the dress as if it was made for it.
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Cole pressed his lips to her forehead, not telling her that it had, indeed, been made for her and that particular dress. Youre welcome, honey. But you far outshine the diamonds tonight. Annies eyes went round. Theyre real diamonds? she gulped. He put the matching wrap around her shoulders and took her fingers in his, bowing low. They are but trinkets, when you are the real treasure. Cole brought her fingers to his lips, his eyes never wavering from hers. Biting her lip, Annie teared up, then blinked them back, not wanting to ruin her make up before anyone else had a chance to see it. Come, my love. Cole tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow, and guided her out to the waiting limo. Even Smitty was more duded up this evening, resplendent in a formal chauffeurs outfit that looked like it itched. On the ride to the ball, Cole explained that he might have to spend some time away from her, if the King requested a private audience with him. Annie nodded her understanding. She was sure she would be just as happy to people watch as long as she needed to. Annie spent the majority of the evening feeling like a true rube, but she also wouldnt have traded the experience of seeing how the other half lived for anything. The ballroom was in a very old hotel, and had been lovingly restored to its Baroque splendor. It was also packed to the gills with celebrities, both domestic and foreign, both the hotter than hot and colder than cold. Annie couldnt move without bumping into someone or others body
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guard, and it amazed her to realize that Smitty was playing that role this evening for them. Every time she turned around, there he was, doing his best to be unobtrusive, but not quite managing to pull it off, and tugging at his starched collar, obviously as miserable as a house dog thats been staked outside in the rain. The Royals were in another area altogether, and apparently being presented to them was by appointment only. At one point, Cole took her hand and guided her down a long hallway, muttering under his breath, We might as well get this over with. And the next thing she knew, they turned a corner and were at the end of a very long red carpet. Cole gave their invitation to the gentleman whose job it was to stand there, apparently, and then, as they began their walk towards the two people who were seated on a raised dais at the other end of the carpet, leaving Smitty to stand and wait for them, Mr. Cole Quentin Trask and Ms. Annie Leticia Foster, was announced from behind them. To Annies great surprise, the couple that they were walking towards rose immediately and came rushing down to meet them, as the King said something in his native language and the hall began to clear. The Queen nearly beat her husband at their quite unmonarch like race down the aisle, until her husband reached out effortlessly and slipped his arm around her waist, forcing her into a more sedate walk merely by holding her close to his side. She could see him whisper something into her ear, and watched her face fall just a bit. Suddenly, Annie knew she had a very good idea what the King might have said hed told her to watch herself, or shed be getting a spanking. She would have bet her next years salary that that was what hed done, because she knew the uneasy expression the Queen was wearing all too well!
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The King and Cole greeted each other in a fashion that led Annie to believe that they were definitely not strangers. They shook hands, and kissed each others cheeks, then actually hugged tightly. It looked somewhat strange to Annie to see two big men hugging with such obvious affection, but it couldnt be denied. They obviously knew and liked each other. And once the King was through with him, the Queen practically launched herself into his arms. If she hadnt known the Queen was married, Annie might have been jealous. As it was, she just felt like a fifth wheel, even though there were only four of them. She hung back as much as she could. Annie had been prepared to meet a King and Queen, to be presented to them, and even to curtsey, if necessary. But no one had told her that she might actually have to converse with them, up close and personal. She couldnt help feeling extremely out of her element and, all at once, paralyzingly nervous. She was practically hiding behind Cole, hoping that no one noticed her. But, of course, he did, reaching around to drag her to his side. Cole could feel her trembling, and tried to reassure her by holding her very tightly. Before he presented her to them, he leaned down and whispered, Shhhh, sweetie. Its okay. Theyre just friends of mine, and theyre already delighted to meet you, I promise. Annie Foster, this is King Kasim Haddad, of Jakira. Annie curtsied timidly, and the King made a sweeping, gallant bow, then startled her by hugging her tightly, saying in a deep, booming voice with no trace of an accent, You must call me Kasim, Annie. I am overjoyed to meet you.
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It was a strange greeting, as far as Annie was concerned, but she kept her mouth firmly shut and just nodded and smiled, simply trying to do her best to get through this. It was proving to be more of a trial than shed expected. Cole was just about to present her to Queen Serena, but she cut him off, stepping in front of him to loop her arm with Annies. Hi, Annie, Im Serena, and Im from Provincetown. You can forget all about those two and relax. Youre shaking like a leaf. Please relax. We dont bite, I promise! She leaned a little closer to Annie and whispered in her ear in a wonderful lilting voice, Well, Kasim does occasionally, but hes had all his shots. The two men fell into step behind the women, each gazing at his own affectionately. Serena stopped abruptly and turned back to the men. Are you going to have a boring business discussion for hours and hours on end? Kasim gave his wife a look that only reinforced Annies idea that he probably spanked his wife. It was a patented look that was unmistakable to any woman who had been on the receiving end of one. But Serena didnt seem in the least tamed or intimidated by it. She merely stood there, waiting for him to answer her, and looking as if she would be perfectly happy standing there forever, if that was what it took. She certainly wasnt the picture of what Annie thought of as the usual Middle Eastern wife. Submissive, she was most certainly not.
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Were going to have a meeting, yes, Serena. And if you dont want to attend - Then Annie and I are going to go find a room and talk about whats going on in my home state, Kasim. She interrupted him blithely, planting a big smooch on his cheek that he looked like he desperately wanted to wipe away, but had learned to wait until his wife was out of the room to do it, and then she turned back to Annie and guided her through a door at the far end of the room, behind the small thrones, and into a small sitting room. Do you mind if I call you Annie? Weve only just met, but I feel like I know you Cole has told us so much about you. And you must call me Serena, of course. She offered Annie a seat in a delicately overstuffed wing back chair, and took her own seat in the twin chair next to it, slipping her shoes off and tucking her stockinged feet up under her beautiful but modest plum gown. Annie sat down much more gingerly. Would you like something to drink? Soda, tea, coffee? Annies mouth was dry as the Sahara, but nothing appealed to her. She was still mulling the Queen Serenas remark around in her head. Cole had been talking to them about her? She leaned forward in her chair, perched hesitantly like a hummingbird about to take flight at any moment. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw that three men two big burly Middle Eastern looking men and Smitty, who was in no way outclassed by his companions had taken up strategic positions in the room, by all of the doors. Um, I If you dont mind, I wondered - she stopped and tried to collect herself unsuccessfully then started again.
Carolyn Faulkner
Coles been talking to you about me? she asked, amazed and confused. Yes, of course he has. Weve been hearing about you for years. At first he didnt name any names, but we were just as happy to know that he had his eye on someone. That man will be a fabulous husband to some lucky lady. Serena picked up a phone that sat discreetly on the table between them and spoke into it very quickly in a foreign language. Within seconds, a small, older lady appeared with a silver tea service, poured tea for Serena and left trays of cookies and petit fours. Annie stared at the arrangement of pastries. Hed been talking to people about her for years. She kept replaying that phrase in her mind, and remembered faintly that Ronald had said something very like what Serena had said Is this the Annie Ive been hearing so much about, or something very close to that. Years. Hed been attracted to her for years. And telling his friends about it, too, no less. And hed brought her along on this trip supposedly for her ability to read people and to help him win this very important contract. Yet she was in here with Serena, and he was off having a business meeting. Without her. A dark frown settled on Annies face. Something was rotten in Germany.
The Boss Of Her
Chapter IX
Annie shook her head, frowning. Not with you, she growled. The other womans tinkling laughter somehow managed to surprise Annie. Oh, boy, did I just get Cole into trouble, I hope? Damn straight. Good for you! Serena reached over and patted her shoulder. Hes just like my Kasim. Such a big, powerful man, physically and every other way, and its so easy for them to overwhelm anyone. Its good to know that youre standing up for yourself. Its not the standing up, its the sitting down that I sometimes have problems with, Annie confessed under her breath, half hoping Serena wouldnt hear what shed said. Annie snuck a peak at her, and saw that she was wearing an amazed expression, that then exploded into an extremely unmajestic guffaw. I knew it! I knew the two of them were that much alike! She lifted her head and managed to sound very commanding as she ordered, Leave us.
erena was nothing if not astute. Is there something wrong?
Carolyn Faulkner
Even Smitty obeyed, if somewhat reluctantly. Annie knew that he would go no further than just outside the door, regardless. He spanks you, Serena said out loud when they were alone. Annie nodded shyly. So does my Kasim. Annie felt herself relaxing, almost against her will. I would have thought that he did, anyway, though . . . She didnt want to offend her hostess with stereotypes. Oh, I imagine you would, because of the assumptions about any Middle Eastern country. And I am submissive to him but I would be even if he was a sewer worker in the States. Kasims just that kind of man, and Im that kind of woman. Serena wasnt going to make any apologies for the way they lived whatsoever. Are you sure you wouldnt like a drink, Annie? On second thought, she said yes, but then didnt know what she should or could order. What do you have? she asked, feeling like a complete bumpkin. Serena smiled. Anything. If they dont have it, theyll get it. Do you want something unusual? Im so out of the loop as to whats hot in the States . . . Annie shrugged. Ill keep it simple. Can I have a mud slide?
The Boss Of Her
Mmmmm, one of my favorites. She was on the phone again, ordering Annies drink, but she didnt order anything for herself. Arent you drinking, too? Serena leaned forward and took a sip of her tea. No, Ill get in trouble if I do. Kasim is pretty devout, and doesnt condone drinking at all, especially not for his wife. Lets just say I got drunk once when we were just engaged. Annie saw her shudder at the remembrance. I wont do that again. So I just stay away from it all together. But dont let that ruin your good time! Annie had just that one drink, and was perfectly happy with that. She and Serena got along like two peas in a pod. Two spanked peas. But she had a more serious question that she wanted to ask Serena, and she asked before she did it, since it was rather intimate. Serena was more than game. Hit me with it. Ill tell it like it is. Somehow, Annie had already gotten that idea. Well, how to do you reconcile womens lib and our fight for equality with being submissive to your husband? You said youd you guys would be that way even if you guys lived average Joe lives. How do you do it? The other woman took her time in answering, and when she did, she was soft, but firm. I guess the bottom line is that it feels right to me, and I just dont care much what anyone else thinks. I think that everyone comes to that point in their lives at one time or another. I think that with our type of relationship its pretty necessary to do that. If you want that special connection we have with our husbands our men - she corrected with a smile, and it
Carolyn Faulkner
is very special and intimate to let them do what they do to our bodies, even beyond sexual intimacy, as far as Im concerned then you have to get over worrying about what everyone else is thinking and pay attention to what you want. And, of course, what he wants. Annie took what Serena said to heart. It made such good sense; it made her wonder why shed ever questioned what she and Cole were rapidly developing. They got to be so comfortable with each other that at one point, the usually reticent Annie rose and lifted the skirt of her gown to show Serena the marks she bore from her spanking last night. Serena exclaimed over them, asking, What did he use on you? A wooden spoon. Annie dropped her skirt as soon as she heard his voice answering her all too loudly from across the room. After, of course, a very brisk, firm hand spanking. And she deserved each and every swat she got, too. As Kasim approached, Serena rose, giving him the chair, then claiming his lap as her own. Since Annie didnt follow Serenas lead when Cole arrived, he leaned down and scooped her up to deposit her on his own lap. I see you two have become fast friends, Kasim drawled in that black velvet voice of his. Annie blushed unbecomingly, and Serena couldnt resist pointing it out, which made it that much worse. We didnt get to talk about Boston, though, she pouted.
The Boss Of Her
Kasim reached up and caressed his wifes long, sable brown hair. Well, well have to get together with them again before they leave, then, wont we, my darling? Annie had to turn away at the stark love she saw in both of their eyes. They were so completely right for each other. She could only hope that she and Cole might have something that slightly resembled that. Perhaps. After shed reamed him a new one for taking her along on a bogus mission, just to get close to her.
When they finally got home, hours later, after spending the rest of the evening with Kasim and Serena, Annie let Cole bundle her back to the suite. She collapsed backwards onto the bed, and nearly fell asleep right then and there and would have, if Cole hadnt started buzzing around her, taking off her necklace and removing her dress and hanging it up, then working on her under things. He was a wonderful ladys maid, she had to admit. When she was nude, he slipped her under the covers, and disrobed himself to join her there momentarily, pulling her into his arms so that she could rest her head on his shoulder. He loved this. This whole plan was coming together so perfectly that he couldnt believe it. It was all happening just as hed planned. Cole? Annie asked, snuggling up to him even more tightly.
Carolyn Faulkner
Yes, my love? He kissed the top of her head, desperately wanting to do much more than that, but not really knowing what kind of shape she was in after last night, when hed really taken advantage of her. He figured she might be a bit uncomfortable, and that hed get points for being extremely considerate and not trying to finagle anything else out of her for at least another day. I was just wondering . . . Annie twirled her finger into his chest hair gently, leaning up on her elbow. Yes? The startling pain of that finger pulling his innocent chest hair out by the roots should have been his first clue that his well laid plans were about to crumble. When were you going to tell me that this whole trip is something you made up out of thin air? When caught, he did what any self respecting man would do until he could come up with a viable explanation. He stalled, sounding like hed lost any remnants of intelligence. What? You heard me. Im only here as window dressing expensively clothed window dressing, at that. Youve gone to all of the meetings and left me here. Do you think Im stupid? That I wouldnt notice that Im not being included in any of the business meetings that I was supposedly so desperately needed for? He was caught, and he knew it. Whats more, he didnt really have a back up plan, and that was unusual for him. He was usually prepared to the nth degree. But he hadnt expected her to catch on so quickly hell, he hadnt expected her to catch on at all about why she was there, even though it really wasnt window dressing at all. It was more window undressing.
The Boss Of Her
So he decided to cut his possible losses and go with the flat out truth. Youre here because I wanted you here. Thats the bald faced truth. But if Id come to you two weeks ago and said that that way, you would have run screaming from me, wouldnt you? Annie drew a sharp breath. Had it only been two weeks? Had he managed to secure a place deep in her heart so quickly? And she knew the answer to that question was that hed already been there, since long before hed called her into his office that fateful day. Yes, I would have. And I have to admit that Im not so sure that I shouldnt have done that even though you certainly sweetened the pot a lot, didnt you? More money just when you knew I needed it, a good lawyer wholl take my case for free, incredible new clothes and makeup and hair and - Why would you run away from everything you want and need? If I had no money at all, Id still be dating you, and still be spanking you, because a woman like you needs it. You need the safety and security of knowing that you have a strong enough man around you to take you in hand when you need it can get you back onto the right course. Just like Kasim and Serena. Annie found she couldnt resist asking, How long have you known them? Cole sat up in bed, running his hand through his hair. Quite a while. Kasim hired me to help control an uprising of communism in his country, and we got to be good friends. That was even before hed met Serena.
Carolyn Faulkner
She would have loved to hear the story of how Kasim and Serena came together, but not now. Sighing in exasperation, and practically seeing everything hed worked for all of his carefully laid plans crumbling before his eyes, Cole ran an angry hand through is hair. None of my . . . machinations negates the fact that we belong together. Whether Im rich or poor, whether youre working for me or not, none of that should matter. He rolled onto his side and cupped her wet cheek in his palm. What matters is you and me. Us. Here. Now. Or fifty years from now. Whether we live in a shack or a mansion, it wont make any difference. Because what you and I have is something we carry with us. Its a bond we each began alone, admiring each other from afar. But now that were together, we dont ever have to hide it again. I love you, and I want you to be with me for the rest of my life, come hell or high water, sickness and health and all of that. I want to hold you every night, and comfort you after Ive had to correct you for something that deserved a spanking. I want to go toe to toe with you about things I love that youre not intimidated by me, but youre still able to be submissive to me. Youre everything Ive ever wanted, and I intend to keep you. One way or the other. His speech had started out so tender and romantic, but had ended up on such a dominant, Neanderthal note that Annie had to smile. That was Cole. He would could present a pretty civilized front when needed, but when it came down to it, he took was he considered to be is own, and that was most definitely her. I was surprised when I realized that Kasim spanked Serena.
The Boss Of Her
Cole gave her a curious look. Yes, how did you know? I certainly didnt expect to walk in on you two comparing bruises. Annie sat up next to him, thinking hard. It was in the way they interacted its very much the way you and I do. She was getting a bit too far ahead of him when they were walking towards us, and I saw him lean down to say something to her, and saw her face afterwards, and I knew shed just been told to drop back or hed spank her, probably right then and there in front of everyone. He smiled. Yes, Kasim and I are very much alike in most things, and thats among them. Id like to get to know them better. Im glad, because theyre two of my dearest friends, and theyre always pestering me to go see them. Well do that some time, together. Annie nodded, curling up against him. Thank you. Id like that very much. Cole turned to her, and asked, Am I forgiven for luring you here under somewhat false pretences? Somewhat? Annie countered. Somewhat. There really is a software contract up for grabs, you know. Its just that . . . well, he admitted sheepishly, weve already got it, and Im just here on a formality to sign the paperwork. Annie frowned. That could just as easily have been faxed.
Carolyn Faulkner
Uh, well, yeah, I guess. He reached down and hugged her tight. But it wouldnt have been nearly as much fun, and if Id done it that way, we would never have gotten together if I hadnt. He should have been more contrite and apologetic, but that wasnt Cole at all. The more he talked about what hed done, the more defiant about it he became, until Annie just had to smile. They did get to see Kasim and Serena again, the very next day, but only very briefly, as they were flying back to their country for a special holiday and couldnt take any more time in Germany than they already had. But they did stop by Cole and Annies suite on their way to the airport, causing quite a commotion at the hotel with their entourage of body guards. Serena greeted Annie like a long lost friend, and the two of them drifted away from the men, who descended into a political discussion almost immediately. How are you doing? Does your butt still hurt? Annie had to giggle at the absurdity of that question, especially coming from a woman shed barely met. But she and Serena had connected much as she and Cole had on a more basic, more intimate level. Annie knew she was unlikely to meet, in real life, another woman who was spanked by her man, unless she all of a sudden decided to overcome her shyness and go to some spanking group meeting, which was just about as likely as Cole was to suddenly let her do anything she wanted. It just wasnt going to happen. Im fine, really. The bruises were gone this morning. Serena nodded. Yeah, Kasim is always lamenting that I heal too quickly. He prefers that his lessons last. She rolled her eyes, and Annie had to laugh. Serena rummaged around in her small purse, coming up with a printed card. Here. I bullied
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Kasim into stopping hes so planned that doing this has just thrown him into a complete tizzy because we didnt get a chance to exchange any information last night. This has got my email and cell and home phone. Annie was aghast. Serena, are you sure you want me to have this? Isnt it a security risk for you or something? Serena giggled. Well, I could be reading you wrong, and I suppose you could that info to the Enquirer, and put the card up for auction on Ebay, but I dont think I have, considering last night you were hiking up your skirt to show me how horridly Cole had spanked you. Annie blushed deeply. Am I wrong? Annie was appalled. Of course not! I would never - Serena hugged her tight. I know, or I would never have given it to you. Now hurry and give me something with your info, so I can call you and commiserate. As Annie complied hurriedly, she gave her fidgeting husband a glance. I wish Id had more time, but I can see that Kasim is about to blow a gasket. She sighed, and Annie pressed a piece of hotel stationery into her new friends hand. There. Thats everything but my blood type and my shoe size. As she scanned the paper, Serena laughed heartily, then leaned over and kissed Annie on the cheek. Thanks! We have to stick together, ya know, if only to annoy the piss out of the two of them.
Carolyn Faulkner
They wandered over to the men, who readily made room for them, each claiming his woman by wrapping his big arm around her waist. Well, my love, we should depart. I know, I know, we have a schedule to keep to, Serena teased her husband before reaching out to hug and kiss both Cole and Annie again. Kasim was a bit more reserved, but even he kissed Annie on the cheek. You must come visit us. Im serious, now, he growled, and bring your lady. My Serena sometimes gets lonely because I have to be away so much. Will do, Cole answered, as he and Annie saw them to the door. I like them, she announced once the royal couple had left. So do I. He walked over to her and grabbed her hands, looking down at her and planting tiny kisses just beneath her eyes. Marry me, he whispered against the fragile skin of her face. It was on the very tip of Annies tongue to say yes, but she knew the time wasnt quite right yet. But her no was very gentle, and it gave him hope, she could see it in his eyes.
The rest of their trip was entirely uneventful with the distinct exception of the flight home, which was extremely turbulent, to the extent that Annie was sick through the entire thing. He actually had to carry her off the plane and into the waiting limo,
The Boss Of Her
where a worried Smitty held the door. Ill get you right home, he said, closing the door after Cole settled in beside his poor sick love. She didnt notice until she was already lying flat on her back on the bed, but she wasnt in her own house. She knew because the bed, which was spinning quite determinedly, was much too big to be her own. Where am I? she asked, sitting up, then truly regretting her efforts and falling back again, only to roll off the bed with her hand cupped over her mouth, searching about violently for wherever the bathroom was. Cole, who had been futzing just few feet away, realized exactly what she needed, and guided her quickly there. Annie had the wild thought as she was heaving into the toilet that this bathroom was much too pretty too be sick in, but that seemed to be a very moot point right now. Cole stayed right by her, too, holding her hair out of the way, and rubbing her back, then flushing the toilet and producing a brand new toothbrush and toothpaste to go along with it, knowing inherently that that was the first thing she was going to want to do when she was done. And he was right. He carried her back to the bed when she was done, laying her down gently on her back then following her down to stretch out beside her. Im sorry you got so sick, sweetie. But were home now, and Im sure itll go away soon. He was right, as usual. After falling into a fitful, exhausted sleep, she awoke feeling refreshed, and not queasy in the least. He was right there, of course, stretched out on the other side of the bed with his back against the headboard and a laptop open on
Carolyn Faulkner
his lap. Cole noticed immediately that shed opened her eyes and closed the computer, tucking it away on a shelf in his nightstand. Are you feeling much, much better, I hope? he asked, stretching out beside her. Yes, I am. Thank you so much for taking care of me. He tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear. Of course. Im not just around for the good times, you know the sex and the spankings and the food. Im here forever for everything. His words made Annies eyes fill with tears. She shook her head. How did I ever end up with you? she asked in wonder. I was thinking the same thing. I dont think we could really be any better matched than we are. Youre absolutely perfect for me. And youre perfect for me. Even though youre late sometimes - She had to smack him on the shoulder for that dig, of course. And youre stubborn, and youre headstrong. Its a good thing I came along to look after you. Its a wonder you got as far in this life as you did, without me. He puffed his chest full out, all the while sneaking looks down at her to see if she was buying it, and knowing she wasnt. Yeah, right. In your dreams. Annie lay her head on his chest, which, despite the fact that it was a solid wall of unyielding muscle, was surprisingly comfortable.
The Boss Of Her
They were silent for a moment, until Annie looked up at him. Cole? Yes, my love? If we got married - Those first three words had him on alert like nothing else could have. would we have a marriage like Kasim and Serenas? Well, awfully close to it, I think. I mean, I know that Kasim rules more than the country. His word is law in their marriage, too. Hes as much as a benevolent dictator as Ill be, when we marry. He desperately hoped that was the right thing to say, because it was the bald truth. Ill spank you when you need it; I wont shy away from my duty there at all, and I do believe that it is a sacred duty. But I also wont ever shy away from holding you when youre sick, either, and making love to you any time I can get my hands on you. Ever. I promise. Annie held his eyes with hers, even as she began to sob. Well, then I just have one word to say to you. Cole couldnt begin to think what that might be, until she said it. Yes.
Carolyn Faulkner
The Boss Of Her
End
The Boss Of Her

2003 Carolyn Faulkner / BacksideOfLove.com
Carolyn Faulkner
Backside of Love: the Intimacy of Authority

http://BacksideOfLove.com
Dearest reader: Are you... there yet? If the sorts of loving, unyielding attentions that make up these characters days is the stuff of fantasies you thought you could never share, then please join Carolyn and UB (her husband) at their Backside of Love community. There we explore the profound sorts of romance which include the giving of authority to your trusted Other, structure and consequences for behavioral control, and sexual intimacy winding through it all. Come over and join our community forum, library and magazine devoted to the common threads which weave through lifestyles like BDSM or D/s, Domestic Discipline, and Intimate Ageplay: trusted authority, firm-but-loving punishment, and the sexual intimacy that those things spark. Which label you put on your needs isnt the point: Its finding the absolute most fulfillment possible from exploring these Intimacy of Authority themes. --Carolyn and UB
If your interest is piqued, then please be sure to ask about Carolyns other classic works in this genre: Jake Ryan's Woman Blood From A Stone Embraced Love Will Find A Way Priceless Love I ...and over 70 other adventures!

Carolyn Faulkner - The Boss of Her

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Carolyn Faulkner - The Boss of Her

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The Boss Of Her

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erena was nothing if not astute. Is there something wrong?

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