“Past time,” he agreed.
“What are you—” Before she could finish her question, Joseph had her over his lap.
She tried to kick out, flailing in surprise more than struggling to be free. Joseph caught her wrists and pinned them at the small of her back before settling his other arm around the backs of her knees, effectively ending her struggles.
“What are you doing?” she panted.
I stepped in front of her so she could watch me unbuckle my belt. I took it off slowly, allowing the leather to whisper against my jeans.
Her wide eyes fixed on my movements, and she licked her lips. My cock throbbed, but now wasn’t the time to explore the silky heat of her mouth.
“You shouldn’t have tried to run away, princess,” I told her. “You put yourself in danger. You were hurt. We can’t allow that kind of behavior.”
I doubled the belt over and touched the leather beneath her chin, lifting her face so she had no choice but to stare up into my eyes.
“We’re going to punish you because we care about you. We care enough to correct your rash behavior. You want that, don’t you?”
“I don’t want you to hurt me,” she said, her voice small.
“This is going to sting, babygirl.” I wouldn’t lie to her. This was going to smart, and she’d be sore for a little while after. “You’re going to feel the heat of our discipline. I’m not going to beat you, but I am going to teach you a lesson.”
Joseph peeled her pants down her thighs, exposing her pert ass. He dipped two fingers between her legs, testing her pussy.
“You’re wet, angel,” he told her, his voice husky with his own lust. “You want Marco to punish you while I hold you down.”
“But why?” she asked, her eyes tight with confusion. “I don’t understand why I’m like this. It’s wrong.”
“It’s not wrong,” I countered firmly, increasing the pressure of the belt beneath her chin to keep her attention on me. “There’s nothing wrong about the connection we share. I’m going to give you five lashes for trying to run away from us. I think you’re ready for that. If you’re not, say the word now, and everything will stop.”
She stared up at me, and I watched her emotions flicker over her lovely face: doubt, embarrassment, longing.
She was ready.
“Okay, babygirl. Take a deep breath.”
She obeyed, and I withdrew the belt from her chin. I laid the leather flat on her exposed ass, letting her feel its cool caress. Joseph took a few more seconds to stroke her pussy, making her squirm.
Our eyes met in silent communication, and Joseph nodded his agreement that she was prepared. He moved his hand out of my way and braced his arm behind her knees again. She was trapped, locked safely in place for my discipline. Joseph wouldn’t let her flinch or wiggle away, and I didn’t have to worry about any of my blows landing in the wrong place.
I let the first lick fall, and the pop of the leather against her skin mingled with her sharp cry. A bright red line bloomed across her bottom, contrasting with her creamy flesh.
“That hurt,” she gasped out, her voice catching.
“It’s supposed to hurt, princess. You were a naughty girl, and you have to learn your lesson. Four more.”
I let the second hit land, and she squealed. She jerked in Joseph’s arms, but he held her fast. I lashed her a third time, putting a little more force behind the belt. She didn’t make any sound at all for a second, then a long wail left her chest.
“Just two more,” I told her smoothly, reassuring her. “You can cry if you need to.”
A harsh sob made her small body shudder. The sight of her tears didn’t upset me. She needed this. She needed the correction, the attention, the affection. Because even though I was causing her a little pain, I was taking her in hand to protect her.
I landed the last two lashes in quick succession, spreading out the sting. She shrieked, and her back arched as her muscles tensed for a moment. Then, she went limp against Joseph, her head dropping forward as her tears dripped down onto the sheets.
I let my belt fall from my fingers and held out my arms. Joseph passed her to me, and I cradled her against my chest as I settled down on the edge of the bed. I cuddled her close and kissed the wetness on her cheeks. She didn’t shudder or shy away from me. She tucked her face against my neck, and her fingers curled into my shirt.
Warmth expanded in my chest. I’d been right about her from the very beginning. Ashlyn might have given herself to Joseph a long time ago, but she was meant for me, too. She was mine. Ours.
Our sweet little girl.