Page 53 of Sacred Blood

“Ah-ah,” I warned. “If the cane falls from its perch, you will not like the consequences. Hold still.”

I leveled out the cane once more and fingered her needy pussy. Gaby contracted around my finger, squeezing the digit while she chased an orgasm that was not allowed, at least not yet.

Pulling out of her tightness and grasping the heavier cane, I swept it through the air a few times, alerting her to what was next. “Here comes your ten strokes. After each one, you will say, ‘thank you, Principal Vitale.’”

I lined up the cane and whipped it across the fleshiest part of her bottom. Gaby gasped as her body went rigid, but managed, “Thank you, Principal Vitale!”

I tapped her ass a few times and then brought down the next stroke to land slightly over the first. I could be accused of being meticulous. But if a woman was going to wear my marks, then they better be damn near perfect!

A sheen appeared on Gaby’s skin as she processed these stronger sensations. Taking a few gasping breaths, she finally uttered the required response. I kept the next few strokes the same intensity, saving the severest for the final three. She was handling it well and I was proud of her.

The seventh stroke landed just above her sit spot.

“Argh!” Gaby’s legs flailed and the warm-up cane tumbled to the floor.

“Thank me, Gabriella, or we will begin the count again.”

“Thank you, Principal Vitale,” she uttered tearfully.

I replaced the renegade cane on her low back. “This stays here, or I add one stroke for every time it falls.”

Standing back, I delivered number eight. To her credit, Gaby quickly spat out her thank you. Nine was at the top of her thighs and she kicked her legs, but not enough to upset the resting cane. Smart girl, she was learning.

The tenth stroke was delivered higher at the sit spot and Gaby howled when the sting set in, but held still.

Removing the cane from her, I helped her to stand. “To the corner, Miss Calabretta. Thrust your backside out further please.”

Gaby did as she was told, bending her knees a bit and pushing her ass towards me. Despite the ten punishing strokes, her arousal had not diminished. Her puffy lips did little to hide the pleasure she was getting from the heat that was no doubt radiating into her already warm core.

Stepping in behind her, I traced the raised welt left by my last stroke. She hissed at first and then melted into my touch.

“That’s my good girl.”

Gaby moaned, pressing her ass back towards me.

“Widen your legs,” I demanded, sliding two long tapered fingers into her dripping tightness. “Is this what you want?” I finger-fucked her hard, hitting her favorite erogenous zone. Within a few strokes, she squeezed my fingers with her muscles, milking them as her body rocked through a powerful orgasm. Wrapping one arm around her waist to keep her from falling, I kept finger-fucking her and within seconds she was screaming my name as another powerful orgasm swept through her.

“Holy hell, that was so hot,” she panted.

“Hang on, brat, it’s about to get hotter. Place your hips over the thick arm of the sofa chair and rest your forearms on the seat.”

As she got herself in place, I pulled the strap from the cabinet and tapped it against her red backside. “This will be a completely different sensation,” I warned her. “There is no need for a warm-up as you had before your strokes. The leather on its own is a lovely sensation, but over already-tenderized skin, it may feel heavier than you wish. This time, all I require of you is to count, is that understood, Miss?”

“Yes, Sir, Mr. Vitale.”

“Good girl.”

Like the cane, I began at the top and worked my way down, saving the strongest blows for the last three. Unlike the first round, these strokes brought grunts and growls of pleasure from Gaby. When we were done, I lifted her and sat on the chair, pulling her onto my lap. She snuggled into me, placing her face against my chest and sighed contentedly.

I cupped her chin until our eyes met. “Obedience, Gabriella, is required to survive the life we’re in. Don’t think I’ll be lenient a second time just because I turned this punishment into a scene. Ignoring me is not a joke.”

“It’s not funny to scare people,” she murmured. “Yes, babbo, I remember the pool. I wasn’t ignoring you on purpose, I promise. I was swimming and lost track of time.”

I cuddled her closer, rocking her in my arms. “I believe you, but this can’t happen again. I need to know you are safe. Had you not been with my guards, I would have been out of my mind with worry. Next time, be considerate and leave the phone by the pool edge.”

“I’m sorry, Tano. I’m not trying to be bad, I’m just used to doing things my way. You’re right when you said before I got away with a lot at home. I like choices, not being told what to do.” Her lips puckered into a pout.

Leaning back, I tucked her against my side. “I love your viewpoints and have no intention of stifling them. One of the things I admire most about you is that you speak your mind, even when you probably shouldn't.”