Traditional Love Page 3

  Coley was the first to shout, “Listen you little bitch…”

  Caine moved away from Sara in disbelief and interrupted Coley. “Coley stop!” He turned to Sara. “Sara what kind of question is that?” He demanded.

  Sara acted surprised by the outburst. “Oh I didn’t mean to upset Neely. I was just curious, and…”

  Coley slammed her wine glass down on the edge of the hot tub. “Like Hell! You were trying to make Neely feel bad! And just so you know, Neely does have family! Caine and I are her family!”

  Caine put his hand calmly on Coley’s shoulder to quiet her down. As much as Sara’s dig hurt, it felt nice to see how strongly Coley cared about me.

  “I’m sorry if it came out wrong Neely. I didn’t mean to say anything to hurt you. Honest. Please forgive me?” Sara apologized in a very controlled and proper tone.

  I looked at Caine who was once again fuming at Sara. I felt bad that his idea of a perfect evening was becoming anything but. I didn’t want the night to end on a bad note, so I decided to calm the waters, even though I wanted to strangle Sara.

  “It’s all right. I understand. I know you wouldn’t try to hurt me on purpose.” I had to take a drink of wine to help swallow my lie. “Let’s just relax and enjoy the rest of the night.”

  I looked at Coley who was still furious but trying to compose herself. And I looked at Caine who was looking at me with a sincere smile. I think he knew what I was trying to do and was grateful for it. I decided to move the conversation off of me.

  “So Coley, tell us about the next book you’re working on.”

  Chapter Four

  I was in my new room unpacking when I heard Caine and Sara fighting. I was feeling a little awkward that I could hear them so clearly. I turned on the television to try to mask the yelling, but it didn’t seem to help. I just sighed and continued to hang up my clothes accepting that this was part of living with roommates, particularly ones that were dating. I couldn’t help but to pause when Caine’s voice seemed to take on a harsher tone.

  “Sara, I made it clear to you, I wanted you to make Neely feel welcome. You purposefully asked her about the divorce to try to bring her down. I’m not blind. Plus I directly told you to not ask about it!”

  “O.k. enough, Caine, I get it. You’re angry. You already punished me for asking about it. I thought we would move on.”

  “Apparently the punishment wasn’t enough to alter your poor behavior because you continued on with the ‘no family’ comment!” Caine boomed.

  “I was just curious, and I was trying to get to know her better. We need to stop yelling because Neely can hear us.”

  Cain grunted, “It didn’t seem to bother you having Neely witness you throwing yourself all over me. What the hell were you doing? How childish are you?”

  Sara screamed back, “Childish! Forgive me for wanting to show some affection to you! You never seemed to mind before when my hands worked their way into your pants!”

  It grew silent for a moment. I couldn’t help but turn off my television to listen. I felt a tad guilty, but my curiosity was winning out. What did they mean when they said punishment?

  Caine began to speak with a very calm but firm voice. “Sara, I am not going to fight with you and allow you to scream at me. I told you from the beginning this wasn’t the way this relationship was going to work. Come over here and get over my knee.”

  Sara whined, “Caine I don’t want to. This isn’t fair! Besides Neely could hear us.”

  “I should have spanked you earlier, but I was trying to be careful that Coley and Neely didn’t hear. Obviously my finger wasn’t enough, and the warning spanks had little effect.”

  “No it worked! I needed an attitude adjustment, and it worked. You don’t need to spank me,” Sara tried to convince.

  “Now Sara! For every second you take will be another spank. Take down your panties and bend over,” Caine ordered.

  It was quiet for a few moments. I stood in place shocked. Was Caine going to spank Sara? Did I really hear him ask for Sara to bend over his knee?

  SLAP!

  “Oww Caine! Not so hard!” Sara whined.

  SLAP. SLAP. SLAP.

  “Sara stop kicking and blocking. You are only going to make it last longer.”

  SLAP. SLAP. SLAP. SLAP.

  “Caine PLEASE, stop! I promise I will be nice from now on. Please just stop!”

  SLAP. SLAP. SLAP.

  I couldn’t move from where I was standing. I couldn’t believe I was listening to Caine give Sara a spanking! From the sounds of the spank and the cries from Sara, it didn’t sound like a fun, playful, erotic spanking. No, this definitely sounded like a punishment. I could faintly hear Caine use a deep firm voice lecturing her between spanks, and as the spanking continued, Sara stopped pleading. Almost as if she was submitting to the spanking. After what seemed like an eternity, the spanking paused.

  The next spank sounded different. There was more of a thud to the sound.

  “I’m going to use the paddle to your backside every time you decide to start trouble with Neely or my sister. Do you understand?” Caine directed.

  SMACK. SMACK. SMACK. SMACK.

  “Yes, yes! I promise I’ll work on it!” Sara cried.

  SMACK. SMACK. SMACK.

  I snapped out of my mesmerized state when I heard Caine say, “Sara, I don’t like spanking you when you do something wrong, but you disrespect me when you disrespect my friends. Plus, when I tell you to not do something, I expect you to respect that.”

  Sara sniffled, “All right, Caine.”

  A few moments later the spanking sounds were replaced with the sounds of passion and sex. I wasn’t surprised to hear Sara moan in pleasure abnormally loud. I knew Sara would do something like that. I was beginning to detest the games this chick was playing, and hoped I would hear Caine spank her often. It gave me some sort of satisfaction knowing Caine could at least see what Sara was doing wrong.

  I crawled into bed and turned out the lights trying to wrap my head around what I just heard. I had never heard a spanking before. I didn’t get them as a child, and as an adult occasionally would receive an erotic spank here or there. But this was different. Caine punished Sara, and Sara let him.

  I lay in bed with the realization that hearing Caine spank Sara was hot! I was completely turned on! While listening, I couldn’t help but feel aroused. In fact, I was wet with the thoughts of Caine spanking me. I rolled over on to my stomach and covered my head with a pillow to block out the noises of Caine and Sara’s lovemaking. I did my best to think of other things. But the only thing I could think about; is what it would be like to have Caine spank me.

  I was surprised by the feelings I was having. Caine and I were never anything more than friends. I never saw Caine in a sexual way. I could admit he was good looking, but that was just stating the obvious. I never considered him as a boyfriend, but all of a sudden, my imagination was taking me there.

  Was it the spanking? Why would that make me want to jump his bones? I always loved how he made me feel when he was being over protective. I would act all put out, but deep down I liked it when he would tell me what to do. I liked his take charge, bossy ways.

  I let out a little giggle when I remembered a time when I was 18. Caine had to pick me and Coley up because we had been drinking at a college frat house. He was absolutely livid. He was happy we called him rather than driving, but he was furious he had to retrieve his sister and me from some super sexed, highly intoxicated frat boys. He lectured us the whole way home while Coley and I tried our best not to laugh. He was new at having to be in a parental role so shortly after their parent’s death. Thinking back, I can still remember him telling Coley, “I should put you over my knee and paddle your butt so hard you won’t be able to sit for a week.” At the time I never thought anything of it. But now I wondered if he really meant it?

  The house became quiet, too quiet. I got up and continued to unpack to keep my mind off things. I had to just keep tel
ling myself it had been far too long since I last had sex and that was all this attraction was. I just needed to find a man and find a release quick. I respected what Caine and I had and wasn’t about to risk it because I was horny. As for the spanking - maybe I needed to find a man who was interested in it too. But how would I start that conversation? Listening to Caine and Sara made me feel odd. Turned on yes, but there was more. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but I liked how it made me feel towards Caine. I liked how he was so take charge, and how he handled the argument so strongly. I couldn’t believe Sara let him punish her. She didn’t fight it, and it sounded like they had done it before. What was even more surprising was they had sex directly afterwards. Sara wasn’t mad at Caine. Were there other relationships that used spanking? Even though I was curious, the thought of asking Caine seemed out of the question. No way could I let him know I heard him spank Sara. I just needed to get the incident out of my head, go to sleep and wake up ready to start my new life.

  Chapter Five

  I woke up feeling refreshed and grateful that Caine had taken the time to find the softest sheets and the fluffiest pillows I had ever had. I walked into the kitchen to find Sara starting the coffee. I really think I might develop a complex living with this woman. She looked absolutely sexy in a revealing lace negligee. I, on the other hand, was wearing an oversized t-shirt and boxer shorts.

  “Good morning, Sara.”

  Sara turned and smiled. “Good morning, Neely! How did you sleep last night?”

  “Excellent, you and Caine bought the best sheets I’ve ever slept in. It was the best night’s sleep I’ve had in a long time.”

  Sara smiled again and turned back to continue making the coffee. “I’m making coffee if you want some. Help yourself to the refrigerator for juice or fruit or whatever you’d like.”

  I was taken aback at how nice Sara was being, and it didn’t seem disingenuous like the day before. Maybe the spanking worked. I almost giggled at the thought but was distracted when Caine walked into the kitchen. Even first thing in the morning, the man was gorgeous! His brown hair was disheveled, and he was wearing a pair of sweat pants. His chest was bare revealing his impeccably toned stomach and sculpted arms. I had to look away to avoid blushing.

  “Good morning ladies.” He walked in and kissed Sara on the lips and then came over and kissed me on the top of the head. I took a quick moment to take in his intoxicating scent. “How’d you sleep in the new bed?”

  I lifted my arms in a stretch and yawned. “Fabulous! The mattress was delightful. I may have to go back to bed.”

  Caine and Sara both laughed while Caine stood behind Sara and wrapped his arms around her. The tension and awkwardness I felt between them yesterday seemed to be gone. Sara didn’t seem like the crazy bitch she was yesterday. Caine seemed to be happy and content. I was surprised that they seemed closer in spite of the fight and the spanking that had happened the night before.

  Sara poured herself a cup of coffee and sweetly asked, “Neely, what plans do you have for today?”

  I went to pour a cup of coffee as well. “I think I’ll continue to unpack and get settled in today. Tonight I’m meeting up with the girls for a Girls’ Night Out.” I paused and felt like it would be rude not to invite Sara. “Would you like to come with us, Sara?”

  Sara smiled back, “Oh no thank you. Caine and I were going to do something tonight. But thank you for the invite.”

  Caine leaned back on the counter and studied me. “Is Kendall still getting herself into trouble?”

  I shrugged. “Honestly, I really haven’t spoken with her for quite some time. Coley said she’s still the same Kendall, so my bet is she’s still the wild girl we all know.”

  Kendall was the friend in high school parents didn’t want you to hang out with. She was definitely a bad influence, but she was exciting and fun. She always wanted to live life on the edge. It was Kendall who first introduced me to cigarettes as a child and to marijuana as a teen. Kendall also convinced all of us girls to try LSD and ecstasy for the first time. A night out with Kendall usually led to being drunk or high and having the time of our lives. Kendall was absolutely gorgeous, but unfortunately never felt pretty. She was always promiscuous with the boys and never settled on just one. She had a lot of demons, but I knew that under the entire party animal facade was a scared, insecure girl who never truly felt loved.

  Caine frowned and glared at me. “I don’t like the idea of you and Coley still being friends with her if that’s the case. She always had a way of pulling the two of you into her trouble, and she’s no good for you.”

  I smiled at his protectiveness. “I know, but I doubt she’s as bad as before, and Coley and I are no longer teenagers, so don’t worry.” I walked over and shoved Caine’s shoulder. “Don’t worry so much. I’m a big girl and can take care of myself. Besides, Kendall is a really good person, and shares a lot of history with Coley and I.” I took a sip of my coffee. “Plus, you’ll be happy to know, that Rebecca will be there to play mother hen.”

  Caine smiled at that, and Sara raised her eyebrows and asked, “Who is Rebecca? I’ve never heard her name mentioned before.”

  Caine smirked, “She’s the sane one of the bunch.”

  I laughed and looked at Sara. “Rebecca is an old friend from high school that hung out with Kendall, Coley and I. She was always the practical one who tried to keep everyone in line. She was always the designated driver, or the person keeping us out of trouble.”

  “She was the one who kept me from having to bail their asses out of jail,” Caine added while Sara handed him a cup of coffee.

  I nodded with a large smile. “Now that is a fact!”

  Sara took a sip of her coffee then put down her mug. “Well I would love to meet them sometime. I’m going to go hop in the shower.” She turned and left the room.

  Caine sat down at the kitchen table and I walked over to join him. We sat there in silence for a few moments before Caine finally spoke.

  “I want to apologize if Sara seemed rude to you yesterday. I think she was just feeling insecure and wasn’t sure how to act.”

  “Yeah she wasn’t exactly friendly yesterday, but she seems to be relaxing a bit this morning.” I was having a hard time not smiling or blushing. I wanted to add, “The spanking did her good,” but I managed to keep quiet.

  I hadn’t really discussed Sara much with Caine and was curious. “So what’s going on between you and Sara? Do you love her? Do I hear wedding bells in the future?”

  Caine looked down at his coffee for a couple of minutes and opened his mouth as if he was going to say something, paused, then looked up and shrugged. “I don’t know.”

  I continued to press. “That doesn’t sound like love.”

  Caine took a sip of his coffee. “She’s a good girl, but no, I’m not in love. I like her for now, I guess.” He studied me for a second. “Do you think I’m a jerk for living with her when I don’t love her?”

  I shook my head, “Not at all Caine. What you do in your personal life is up to you. I would never judge you on your choices.”

  Caine let out a sigh. “It’s complicated really. Sara is someone who is willing to give my view on relationships a try. She is open to my way of thinking. So for that, I keep thinking I should try to fall in love.”

  “What do you mean?” I asked.

  Caine stared at me for a few moments considering if he should tell me what he truly meant by that statement. He sighed again. “Neely girl, I don’t think you’d like what I would say. So let’s just leave say that I have some traditional and not so traditional thoughts on love.”

  I wasn’t sure what to say. I had a feeling that what he was talking about was the fact that he spanks Sara. I wanted to let on that I knew, but wasn’t sure if he would be embarrassed by it. I didn’t like not being one hundred percent open with Caine so I decided I would broach the subject.

  “Um Caine, I heard you and Sara last night. I heard you put her over your knee and sp
ank her.” I blushed with embarrassment and regretted how blunt my statement seemed.

  Caine’s eyes popped out and his face turned red. “Oh. Neely I’m sorry you heard that. I should have been more considerate.” He regained his composure and asked, “Do you think badly of me now?”

  I gasped in shock. “Absolutely not! There is nothing you could do that would change the way I feel about you. I was surprised, and I am slightly confused. But I don’t think badly of you, I swear!”

  Caine smiled. “I’m glad to hear it.”

  “So are you going to give me some more details, or just make me die of curiosity?” I asked. I really was interested in learning more.

  Caine snickered. “Well, I believe in an old-fashioned marriage. I believe the man is the head of the household and I believe in Domestic Discipline.” He paused and studied me. When he saw I was listening and not getting ready to run, he continued. “Domestic Discipline is when the husband or boyfriend uses discipline such as spanking to correct behavior of the wife or girlfriend.”

  “Why?” I asked in a soft voice.

  Caine thought for a moment. “People believe, as I do, that spanking is a way to solve conflicts. Rather than fighting or having resentment, a spanking is a way to take action, reestablish roles and resolve the issue.”

  “So why would a woman agree to being spanked like a child?” I asked with curiosity rather than with judgment.

  “A spanking is a way for the woman to feel feminine again, to allow the man to take charge. It’s a way to let the guilt and anger go. I don’t really know all the reasons why, but it’s a dynamic that I believe works. This isn’t a new concept, and has been practiced in households for centuries.” He paused and took another sip of coffee. “I believe the divorce rate is as high as it is and relationships don’t work because the roles of femininity and masculinity are blending. I’ve also been told that a spanking is therapeutic to a female. It’s a release of negative feelings and negative thoughts.”