purchases over $500 without discussing it with each other.”
“That’s level one, babe. So this afternoon you will take it back.”
“But it’s your anniversary present.”
“I appreciate that, but we budgeted for no more than $250 on gifts this month. We both agreed.”
“But Peter, it’s our Twentieth. It’s special.”
“Make it special for under $250.”
“But-“
“Do not argue any further. My hand is sore, so I know your butt can’t take anymore this morning. But if that’s how you want to play it, I can get the paddle.”
“No thank you, Sir.”
“Joanna, did you sit down with me and the financial planner about a month ago?”
“Yes.”
“ Did you agree we need to save more toward retirement and the kid’s college?”
“Yes, but-.”
He held up his hand to cut her off. “We agreed. Take it back and that’s final.” He waited as she pouted prettily, but then finally nodded her head.
“We agreed. I’ll take it back.”
“Good girl.” Giving her a quick kiss, he then rolled out of bed. “I’ve got to go to work.”
“You really would have liked it.”
“Joanna!” He warned her with just her name. The tone was his officer tone and she dropped it immediately. After two decades, she knew when he’d had enough.
After he left , she headed to the bathroom to assess the damage. Looking at her butt in the mirror, she was surprised that her bottom only carried a few light red lines from the cane. Rubbing her hands across them gently they didn’t feel raised but were tender to the touch. Her thighs on the other hand were a deep red, just like a really bad sunburn. When she touched them she could feel the heat. She filled the tub with tepid water and after taking her prescription strength 800mg of ibuprofen, eased into the bath for a soak. Her thoughts turned to their anniversary. It had taken her months to think of anything and when she had it took her another month to get up the nerve to order the custom-made piece of bondage furniture.
Peter had complained about using the low profile ottoman as a spanking bench. She thought she had come up with a great gift idea, but when she started her online search she found them to be costly and downright ugly. Then she had come across the website Lock, Stock and Barrel. They specialized in custom made bondage equipment that looked like regular furniture. In particular she liked a tapestry-covered padded bench with rolled arms. It was much taller than the ottoman and she’d be able to bend over either end comfortably. It would also make it easier on him. He could stand instead of kneeling to punish or play with her. They were removable and could be connected at the base of the legs to make a kneeler. There was storage, hidden eye bolts for restraints and it was made out of sturdy mahogany that matched their bedroom furniture. She was even able to select the fabric to match their color scheme.
She pulled on her robe and walked out into the bedroom looking for her purse. Finding what she was looking for, she realized she was in trouble. She looked down at the receipt in her hands. The words jumping off the page at her; all sales of custom made furniture are final . Shit! She plopped down on the bed in frustration, too late remembering her sore butt. Squealing she hopped back up, her hands flying to her behind. Making a mental note, she said to herself, “Get more Arnica, because girl… you’re going to need it.”
Peter made it home about 6:30 . Later than he’d hoped but something had come up at the last minute with a recruit and it had to be handled. The house was quiet; both kids were gone for the evening leaving him and Joanna the house to themselves for their anniversary celebration. He needed to call the restaurant about the reservations.
“Joanna?”
“I’m up in the bedroom, honey. Can you come up? I want to show you something.”
He walked
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