Carnal Indulgence (Desiring the Forbidden Book 3) by Megan Michaels

found comfort in his attentiveness to her.
    “We begin again.” He raised his hand starting at the top of her very red cheeks, the tawse now leaving angry red and light purple marks here and there. He’d be ending soon—he hated to see her marked, but this punishment would be a lasting reminder and uncomfortable—one that didn’t disappear in a few hours. Just a couple more and he could put lotion on her, comforting her, holding her in the rocker until she fell asleep in his arms.
    “You will have a bare bottom not only in the Nursery, but anywhere in The Playpen until I’m sure you can carry yourself as an obedient, respectable Little. Am I clear?” He struck her sit spots and waited for her to regain her breath to answer him.
    “Y-yes, D-Daddy!” Her mouth formed bubbles as she talked, the soapy drool running down her chin, mixing with her tears and hair, the leather table coated with the residue of her punishment.
    “Nanny, I need a wet cloth for my babygirl, please.” Master Ivan undid the cuffs on her ankles and hands, as well as the strap tightened on her waist. He clutched the wet cloth given to him, gently rolling Melody over to wipe her face and neck, before cleaning the leather top.
    Melody hissed when her bottom met the table. She leaned on her hip instead, and he didn’t blame her in the least, she’d be one sore girl.
    “Let’s get you to the sink, Mouse, and have you rinse your mouth.” He helped her off the table, her eyes filling with tears quickly when her backside rubbed on the leather top. “I know, baby. Come on.” He wrapped his arm around her waist, her small, mincing steps making the walk across the room longer than normal.
    Mommy Corinne was standing at the sink holding a glass of water, and Ivan halted her from handing it to Melody.
    “What do you say to Mommy, Melody Alise?” His large hand cupped a very hot, red cheek in warning.
    “I’m s-sorry, M-Mommy. I won’t d-do that again, I p-promise.” Bubbles were still forming between her words and she winced when she swallowed, her throat obviously sore from the soap sliding down to her stomach.
    “You won’t do what again, little girl?” Mommy raised her eyebrows at his girl, and Ivan had to smile because that was exactly what he was going to require of his girl. Male or female a dominant knew how to bring out the best in their submissive.
    “I won’t sw-swear or yell.” She stopped to look at him, obviously gathering her thoughts. “I w-won’t correct y-you, and I will t-take my panties off at The P-Playpen.”
    “Good girl. I see your Daddy knows just what you need, doesn’t he?” Mommy handed her the glass of water, and Melody grabbed it quickly swishing the water in her mouth, spitting it out into the sink.
    “Yes, Ma’am.” She bent over rinsing and repeating several times.
    Ivan rubbed her backside, pleased to see that there weren’t any harsh bruises or welts. “Mommy, can you please bring me some Arnica lotion.”
    “Do you think that’s wise? Shouldn’t you let her suffer from the pain for a bit longer, Sir.”
    “No, I don’t think I should let her suffer. I decide what is appropriate for my girl. Not you. You’d be wise to keep that in mind in the future, Miss Corinne. Now, do as I asked and don't push me any further.”
    Ivan watched Corinne stiffen at his censure. He apparently needed to set boundaries with the woman, and when it came to his girl, he wouldn’t hesitate to protect Melody. Corinne walked away, her high heels clacking on the tiled floor, her lips thinned.
    She returned with the lotion. “I apologize, Sir, if I overstepped my boundaries. I’m used to doing things my way in this room and find surrendering difficult. Please forgive me.”
    “You’re forgiven. Now carry on, while I attend to my little girl.” He flipped the lid on the tube, squeezing out a generous amount on his fingers. He turned, finding Melody looking at the other Littles in the room, her cheeks flushed with