Chapter 7

Chapter Seven

Lulu

Louisa stepped into the dimly lit dungeon, her eyes adjusting to the soft glow of firelight and candles. “Woah,” she gasped, her breath catching in her throat. “This is . . . a real dungeon, alright.”

Ben shut the heavy wooden door behind them with a resounding thud. “Yes, young lady,” he replied sternly, clearly enjoying himself. “Indeed, it is.”

Lulu took in the scene. There was a crackling fire in one corner, which gave the room a softly smoky aroma, deliciously warming and cozy but powerful. All around it was an array of BDSM equipment—padded benches, hanging restraints, floggers hung on the wall. Her pulse quickened. It’s not like she’d stood on that chair on purpose. She hadn’t done it in order to get herself a punishment in here, but she couldn’t deny that she felt mischievous around Ben.

Normally, in her day-to-day life around dominant people—like her boss, Mark, for instance—she felt submissive, but not in a good way. In a weak, powerless way. Around Ben, she was starting to feel like she could push back from time to time. Throw a little caution to the wind. Be a bit naughty now and then. She guessed it was because of the trust she was starting to feel.

Ben placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Before we begin, Lulu, I want to make sure you feel completely safe and comfortable. Consent is the most important thing." His blue eyes were warm and sincere. “I know you filled out a form before you arrived at the ranch, but I want to give you another chance now, to take away consent, if you want to. You don’t have to do a single thing that you don’t want to do.”

She nodded, biting her lip. "I trust you, Ben. I want this."

A small smile played on his lips. "Good. Let's establish a safeword. Do you have anything in mind?”

“What about . . . ‘carnival’?”

“Perfect. If at any point you need me to stop or slow down, just say 'carnival' and I'll stop immediately, no questions asked."

"Got it," Louisa repeated, appreciating his care and concern for her well-being. She had no idea if Ben planned on doing anything sexual with her, but she didn’t really want to ask. Maybe it was strange, but she kind of wanted it to be a surprise. This whole thing was so new, so exciting, that she wanted him to take the reins, while she enjoyed the ride.

Plus, she was clearly intensely attracted to him, so . . . if it happened, it happened. And god, she’d like if it happened. . . .

"Are you ready to get started?" he asked.

Louisa took a deep breath, anticipation coiling in her belly. She met Ben's steady gaze and nodded. "Yes, Sir. I'm ready."

Ben's approving smile made her insides melt. He stepped closer, his large frame towering over her petite one. Louisa's breath caught as he tenderly ran a finger along her jawline.

"That's my good girl," he praised softly. "Now, let's begin."

Ben's gentle touch lingered on Louisa's skin, igniting a spark of desire within her. His eyes darkened as they roamed over her figure, drinking in every curve.

Ben stepped away and settled himself on the spanking bench, the dark leather a stark contrast to his faded jeans. He patted his thigh invitingly. "Come here, Lulu. Bend over Daddy's lap."

Lulu's breath hitched at the command. Hearing him call himself “Daddy” was a thrill, to be sure. She had to remind himself that it wasn’t real. They were just caught up in a bit of roleplaying. A little bit of holiday fun.

Anticipation coursed through her veins as she approached Ben, her bare feet padding softly against the wooden floor. She draped herself across his muscular thighs, her bottom positioned perfectly for his attentions.

Ben's large hand caressed the curve of her rear, the heat of his palm seeping through the thin fabric of her tights. She was wearing a mint green miniskirt today, with white tights with snowflakes on them. If only it wasn’t winter and she hadn’t needed to put on tights today. Or panties. God, she wished that he was touching her bare flesh.

As if reading her mind, Ben said, “I’m not going to take off your panties, Lulu. But I’m going to spank you extra hard, to make sure you can feel it through your clothes.”

Even like this, his firm touch was enough to light a fire in her core. Lulu’s body trembled slightly, both from nerves and excitement. She trusted Ben completely, but the newness of the experience set her on edge.

"Relax, babygirl," Ben soothed, his deep voice washing over her like warm honey. "Daddy's got you. I'll take good care of you, I promise. Just stay still for me."

Lulu squirmed playfully across Ben's lap, her defiant nature rising to the surface. She craned her neck to look back at him, a mischievous glint in her emerald eyes. "What if I don't want to stay still, Daddy?" she teased, wiggling her bottom.

Ben chuckled, his hand resting firmly on her lower back. "Well," he leaned in closer, his warm breath tickling her ear. "I thought we discussed what happens to naughty girls who don't follow the rules."

Lulu couldn't suppress the shiver that ran down her spine at his words. Deep down, she craved the structure and discipline that Ben provided, but her bratty side couldn't resist pushing the boundaries. "Maybe I need a reminder," she goaded, biting her lower lip to hide her smirk.

Ben's hand slid down to cup her bottom, his fingers digging lightly into her soft flesh. "Oh, I'll give you a reminder, babygirl. One that will leave a lasting impression."

The way he was touching her was so fiercely possessive. This wasn’t just a simple spanking. He was attracted to her—she could tell.

Lulu’s heart raced with a mixture of trepidation and desire. She knew she was playing with fire, but the heat building between her thighs urged her on. "Promises, promises," she sing-songed, wiggling once more for emphasis.

Ben's hand came down in a sharp swat, the sting dulled by the barrier of her clothes.

Lulu gasped, her body jolting at the sudden sensation. "That was your first warning, Lulu," Ben said, his tone stern but laced with affection. "Keep testing me, and you'll find out just how serious Daddy can be about discipline."

Lulu's mind swam with the delicious ache blooming on her bottom. She knew she should behave, but the temptation to push further was too great. "Maybe that's what I want," she whispered, her voice trembling with a heady mix of nervousness and need.

Ben's grip on her tightened, and Louisa could sense the shift in his demeanor. "Careful what you wish for, little girl," he growled, his hand rearing back for another swat. "Daddy's not going to go easy on you if you keep misbehaving."

Louisa braced herself, her body tense with anticipation. She knew she was in for a long, deliciously painful lesson, but the thrill of surrendering to Ben's dominance made it all worthwhile. With a final, defiant wiggle, she closed her eyes and waited for the next strike to fall.

Smack.

Ben's palm landed squarely on Louisa's bottom, sending a jolt of sharp pleasure-pain radiating through her body. She yelped, her legs kicking reflexively as the sting blossomed into a warm, tingling ache.

"There we go," Ben murmured approvingly, rubbing soothing circles over the punished flesh. "That's what happens to naughty girls who don't listen to their Daddies."

Louisa whimpered, torn between the urge to escape the spanking and the desire to feel more of that exquisite burn. Her hips rocked against Ben's thigh, seeking friction to ease the throbbing need between her legs.

Smack.

Another firm swat landed, harder this time. Louisa cried out, her fingers digging into the rough fabric of Ben's jeans. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, but they were tears of overwhelming sensation rather than true distress.

"You're doing so well, Lulu," Ben praised, his voice low and reassuring. "Taking your spanking like a good girl. Daddy's proud of you."

Those words wrapped around Louisa's heart, filling her with a warm glow of happiness despite the fire in her backside. She wanted to be good for Ben, to earn his approval and affection.

Smack. Smack. Smack.

The swats came faster now, each one building on the heat of the last until Louisa's bottom felt like it was ablaze. She squirmed and gasped, her body trembling with the effort of holding still.

"P-please, Daddy," she whimpered, unsure if she was begging for mercy or for more. "I'll be good, I promise!"

Ben paused, his hand resting heavily on Louisa's throbbing cheeks. "Are you sure about that, little one?" he asked, a hint of amusement in his tone. "Because it seems to me like you're enjoying this a bit too much for it to be a proper punishment."

Lulu flushed, hiding her face against the rough denim of Ben's jeans. He was right—somewhere along the line, her defiance had melted into pure, molten arousal. Each stinging swat only stoked the flames higher, until her whole body was consumed with the need for more of Ben's firm discipline.

"I . . . I can't help it, Daddy," she whispered, her voice muffled and shy. "It just feels so good when you spank me. Like you're claiming me, making me all yours."

Ben growled, a low, possessive sound that sent shivers racing down Louisa's spine. "Oh, Lulu," he murmured, his hand smoothing over her hot, sensitized skin. "You have no idea how much I want to do just that—to mark this pretty bottom as mine and mine alone."

Louisa shuddered, pressing back into Ben's touch with a needy whimper. "Please," she breathed, too far gone to care how wanton she sounded. "Please, Daddy, I want that too. Want to be your good girl, your. . . "

She trailed off, suddenly shy about voicing the secret desires she'd harbored for so long. But Ben seemed to understand, his hand gentling as he gathered her close.

"Shh, I know, sweetheart. Daddy's got you," he soothed, nuzzling his face into her hair. "We'll take this as slow as you need. And if you really want me to claim you—fully, I mean—well, we’ll get to that. But first..."

Smack!

One last, resounding spank landed, reigniting the fire in Louisa's bottom. She yelped, then dissolved into breathless giggles, her body singing with endorphins and giddy relief.

"There," Ben said with satisfaction, rubbing away the sting. "I think that's enough of a reminder to be good for Daddy. Don't you?"

Lulu could only nod, happy and humbled and utterly content in her submission. She'd willingly accept a thousand more spankings if it meant she could stay right here, safe and cherished in her Daddy's arms.

“I . . . want more.”

Lulu felt herself being gently guided up from Ben's lap, his strong hands supporting her as she wobbled slightly on unsteady legs. He placed his hands firmly on her shoulders and looked into her eyes.

“Little girls who want to be spanked don’t always get the reward they’re looking for,” he said, his voice deep and dark.

She swallowed. “I mean . . . I don’t mind what you do to me. I just want more of this. More time in the dungeon. More connection, Daddy.”

A strange look crossed his face. It was as though his eyes were smiling, but his mouth stayed stern.

He led her across the dungeon to a sturdy wooden spanking stool, the varnished surface gleaming under the dim lights.

"Bend over, babygirl," Ben instructed, his voice low and commanding. "Daddy wants to make sure you remember this lesson."

A shiver of anticipation danced down Louisa's spine as she kneeled down and draped herself over the stool, the cool wood pressing against her heated skin.

“Time for restraints now. Can’t have you squirming.”

Ben's hands were on her then, his touch firm but gentle as he secured soft leather cuffs around her wrists and ankles, immobilizing her. Louisa's heart raced, a heady mix of nerves and excitement coursing through her veins.

"Such a good girl, taking your restraints so well," Ben praised, running a soothing hand down her back. "Do you know why Daddy is giving you this extra punishment, Lulu?"

Louisa nodded, her cheek rubbing against the smooth wood. "Because I am a greedy girl," she whispered, a blush staining her cheeks.

"That's right, baby. And what happens to greedy girls who break Daddy's rules?"

"They get spanked on their bare bottom?" Louisa asked hopefully, squirming a little in her bonds.

"Good girl." Ben's approval washed over her like a warm caress. "Now, let's get these panties out of the way, hmm?"

Slowly, torturously, he dragged her tights and her cotton panties down her thighs, baring her buttocks to the cool air of the dungeon. Louisa whimpered, feeling the throb of her earlier spanking reignite under Ben's molten gaze. She knew that with this act, everything had shifted between them yet again. They weren’t just playing any more. This was serious. She was in here, with her, her what? Her boss? Her colleague? Her new best friend? And now, he was looking at her naked sex. Which, as it happened, was very, very wet.

"So pretty," he murmured, almost to himself. "My beautiful babygirl, all pink and squirmy for her Daddy."

Louisa keened softly, arching her back in a wordless plea. She needed his touch, craved the sting of his discipline and the heat of his desire. She felt wild, wanton, utterly lost to the needs he'd awakened within her.

The first smack took her by surprise, a sharp burst of pain-pleasure blooming across her right cheek. Louisa gasped, her fingers curling around the edge of the spanking stool as she braced for more.

Ben found a rhythm then, his broad palm rising and falling in a relentless tempo that had Louisa writhing and mewling in her restraints. Each spank seemed to light her up from within, stoking the embers of her arousal into a raging inferno.

"That's it, baby," Ben growled, his breathing ragged as he painted her bottom with stinging heat. "Take your spanking like a good girl. Show Daddy how much you need this."

Louisa could only sob and shudder in response, her skin singing with sensation as Ben thoroughly punished her bare bottom. She'd never felt so alive, so attuned to every nerve ending. It was almost too much, yet she never wanted it to end.

After several more intense spanks, Ben's hand slowed and gentled, rubbing soothing circles over Louisa's reddened skin. She whimpered at the change in sensation, her body trembling as the pain ebbed into a deep, throbbing warmth.

"Shh, there's my good girl," Ben crooned, his touch tender now as he caressed her heated flesh. "You took that so beautifully for Daddy. I'm so proud of you, Lulu."

Louisa felt herself melting under his praise, a soft, needy sound escaping her throat. She was floating, lost in a haze of endorphins and desire. Nothing existed beyond this moment, this connection between them.

Ben's fingers drifted lower, teasing along the slick seam of her sex. Louisa jolted at the intimate touch, a moan tearing from her lips as he circled her swollen clit.

"Look at you, baby, so wet and desperate," Ben marveled, his voice rough with want. "Is this all for Daddy? Are you ready to be a good girl and come for me?"

"Yes," Louisa gasped, straining against her restraints as she sought more of his touch. "Please, Daddy, I need . . . I need. . . "

But before she could voice her desperate plea, Ben's fingers withdrew. Louisa keened at the loss, her hips bucking helplessly as she chased the elusive promise of release.

"Nuh-uh. Not yet, little one," Ben chided gently, stepping back to survey his handiwork. "I think you've learned your lesson for now. But Daddy needs to know if you're ready to take our dynamic to the next level. This is just the beginning, sweetheart. There's so much more I want to show you, to teach you. Do you trust me to guide you deeper into this world?"

"I . . . I trust you, Daddy," she whispered, meeting his intensity with a newfound determination. "I want this. I want us. Please, show me everything."

A slow smile curled Ben's lips, and Louisa's insides clenched in anticipation. "That's my good girl," he purred, his praise warming her from the inside out. "I'll take care of you, Lulu. I promise."

Ben leaned in, brushing a single, chaste kiss to her swollen lips before unfastening her wrists. As the leather straps fell away, he carefully pulled up her panties and tights, then scooped her trembling form into his arms, cradling her against his broad chest.

"Shh, it's alright, babygirl," he soothed, carrying her to a plush, velvet chaise lounge in one corner of the dungeon. He settled her against the pile of pillows, tucking a blanket around her shivering form.

Louisa nestled into him, her head against his heart as his strong arms enveloped her in a comforting hug. She closed her eyes, reveling in the steady rhythm of his heartbeat and the delicious soreness between her legs.

"That was quite a first lesson, wasn't it?" he teased, his deep voice rumbling through her.

Louisa giggled, her cheeks flaming. "You could say that, Daddy," she managed, her voice hoarse from moans and cries.

Ben's chuckle reverberated through his chest, and Louisa felt a warmth blossom in her belly. They lay there for a while, their breathing syncing as they gradually returned to normalcy. The room around them was silent but for the soft crackling of the fireplace and the ticking of an antique grandfather clock.

"You did so well, Lulu," he murmured, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. "Daddy's so proud of you."

Lulu melted into his embrace, a contented sigh escaping her lips as she nuzzled into the crook of his neck. The scent of leather and sandalwood enveloped her, making her feel safe, cherished, and utterly at peace.

Ben's large hand stroked her back as they enjoyed the silence together for a while. Then Ben reached for a thermos on the nearby table. The rich aroma of chocolate filled the air as Ben poured the steaming liquid into a mug, stirring in a fluffy marshmallow that bobbed on the surface.

"Here you go, sweetheart," he said, bringing the mug to her lips. "Spiced hot chocolate with extra marshmallows. I made sure I had this ready for you as a little treat for afterward."

Lulu sipped the sweet, comforting drink, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. “Thank you, Daddy. I love how much you care for me. I’ve never had anyone treat me like . . . like I’m their number-one priority before.”

She couldn’t tell for sure, but it looked as though tears were forming in Ben’s eyes.

“Lulu,” Ben said softly. “If you’re interested in taking this to the next level, how about we make it official? You’re free to say no, of course, but I want to be your Daddy Dom. I know we won’t be at the ranch forever, and things aren’t exactly straightforward since we’re working together, but how about we test it out over the next few days? And if it goes well, I don’t see any reason why we can’t continue with the dynamic while we’re here.”

“Really?” she asked, her heart thumping in her chest. She was trying not to worry about those last three words: while we’re here. It wasn’t in her nature to relax into the moment, to not think about the past or the future or the implications of any given thing. But right now, it was clear that she’d been given an opportunity. The chance of a lifetime.

“It means I wouldn’t be disciplining or playing with any other Littles. And I’d expect the same from you.”

“I’d . . . love that.”

“Are you sure? You don’t need any time to?—”

She stopped his words with a kiss, and he kissed her back. A full kiss. All-encompassing, possessive, dominant.

It was a kiss that told her that she already knew exactly what the results of this little test were going to be. It was a kiss that told her that no matter how much he gave her, she was going to want more. More, and more, and more.

She just hoped he was ready for that.