SMACK! SMACK! SMACK! Cassie was sobbing pitifully by the fifth spank and was exhausted from struggling by the 20th. Her bottom felt like it had been branded with a hot iron and she knew she’d never sit again. She begged for release, promising never to smoke anything ever, to obey him and Rob, and to be the nicest person on the planet.
Bryon was not convinced. He dealt with strategies every day as he designed field moves for his team. He knew what feigning a play looked like, and, in Cassie’s case, how it sounded. He held her tightly around the waist, covering her tiny bottom with massive handprints and turning it to a deep shiny red. Although it did not take much for his point to be made, Bryon continued to spank her until he heard sincere apologies escaping her lips as she bawled pathetically into his leg. He was glad he decided against the spoon; she was going to have some bruises just from his rock-hard palm.
Cassie thought it would never end and that the coroner would pronounce her dead from a bruised backside. When Bryon finally stopped, she was limp and very much subdued. Satisfied that he had taught her a valuable lesson, Bryon lifted her to sit in his lap and pushed her face against the brick wall he called a chest. Nothing was said as he soothed her tears, rocking her like a little child and humming softly. She started to hiccup.
“You so need a Daddy, young lady,”he whispered. “I’ll get you some water. When Rob gets home, you are to tell him what happened, okay?”
“Do I have to?”she sounded pathetic and very, very young.
Bryon nodded, lifting her chin, his honey brown eyes warm with affection. “Yes, you have to. I’ll be right back.”
Cassie’s legs wobbled as she stood, and she reached around to rub her swollen bottom. It was unbelievable to her how much harder Bryon spanked than Rob! She knew she would feel it for days. She was very grateful that he had changed his mind about using a wooden spoon.
Rob came home just as Bryon started back up the stairs, and he immediately noticed the broken door. “How did that happen?”
“I did it. She locked me out,”Bryon said casually. “How was work?”
“Fine. What aren’t you telling me?”Rob asked, following him into the girl’s room. She was standing next to the window, arms crossed and looking miserable with red-rimmed eyes.
“Here, kiddo. Kiss,”Bryon ordered. Cassie accepted his embrace and timidly kissed his cheek.
Rob frowned and sat on the bed. “Got something to tell me?”he asked after Bryon excused himself.
“I screwed up, Robby,”Cassie said in a tiny voice.
He was startled; she hadn’t called him Robby since she had caught the flu when she was twelve. The school nurse had called to have her picked up from school and Rob arrived promptly. He proceeded to comfort and care for her until her mother came home from work. Slowly, she confessed her actions, including her fear of Bryon and the run into the street.
“Did he punish you?”Rob asked, trying to control his temper. He did not know what bothered him the most: her actions, the close call, or the fact that his brother took control. The latter confused him. Why would that disturb him? He loved and respected Bryon, they were very close and shared everything, especially in their outside interest. Of all people, Rob trusted Bryon the most with Cassie.
Cassie nodded, starting to cry again.
“Worse than you did! It was terrible! I promise I won’t ever touch another joint. Ever,”she sobbed. Rob wrapped his arms around her, once again perplexed regarding why he would desire to protect her from his own brother. He also held back the urge to kiss her soft lips. He shook his head, forcing himself to focus.
“How about running off?”
“I won’t. I swear. He just scared me so much. I’ve never seen Bry get angry, and he’s HUGE,”Cassie whimpered.
Rob grunted. “I’m not exactly a dwarf, you know.”
“No, you aren’t. But he’s a billion pounds heavier than you are, and two feet taller.”
“He’s one inchtaller and 30 pounds heavier,”Rob chuckled. “But I guess that’s a lot to a midget like you. Just be glad he doesn’t have my temperament.”
“Are you sure? I saw some today.”
Rob hugged her. “We all have our limits, my sweet little thing, even Pop and Glenn. So, do you think that we have reached an understanding?”
“Yes, sir,”Cassie whispered.
Rob kissed her cheek. “I like it when you’re respectful. Stay that way and we won’t have any repeat incidents. Now, why don’t you get yourself cleaned up and then come down for dinner?”
“I’m not hungry. Besides, I can’t sit down.”She blushed.