Hesitant Heart by Morticia Knight Page A

wrong.”
    “I’m going to fail.”
    “No, you’re not. You’re doing very well. If it isn’t perfect this time, it will be better next time because you’ll keep trying, right?”
    Sam exhaled on a long breath. “Yes, Sir.”
    “Good boy. Now, remain in position but follow me to the bed.”
    Sam did as he was told, careful to keep his eyes cast down as he walked behind Aaron. Aaron held a hand up for Sam to stop. He could see from his peripheral vision that Aaron had sat on the edge of the bed, his feet planted shoulder width apart.
    “Relax.”
    Sam dropped his arms to his side and shook out his hands. But he remained straight and didn’t raise his eyes.
    “Come here.” Aaron maintained his same even tone. “You’re going to lie across my lap, face down.”
    Sam swallowed hard. He knew there would be many things happening between them in the beginning that would be mysterious and scary until he learned more about Aaron’s way of life—Sam’s way now too. He reminded himself over and over that he trusted Aaron, knew Aaron was a good man—and that Aaron would take care of, protect and guide him.
    It was awkward to position himself and he felt a bit silly. Aaron helped him by manipulating his body, scooting him forward so that his ass tipped higher in the air. Aaron’s knees were far enough apart that Sam’s cock dangled between them. Once Aaron seemed to have Sam’s body the way he wanted, Aaron closed his knees so that only a small amount of room was left for Sam’s hard dick to poke between them.
    “Put your hands down on the floor.”
    Sam could barely reach because he was so short. He was really only able to get his fingertips to touch the rug. Aaron placed a strong, comforting hand at the small of his back as if holding him in place.
    “You will be spanked with my hand ten times each morning. If you’re having difficulty concentrating or obeying, I might increase the amount of strikes. It won’t be considered a punishment. It’s merely a tool to help give you structure, encourage calm and focus.”
    Never had Sam wanted to ask a question so much in his life. Maybe when they were done, he would. He’d never been spanked as a child—his father had always used much harsher punishments. And his father had always been angry the way Aaron had said he would never be when he struck Sam.
    Suddenly it made sense. Aaron wasn’t angry. He was letting Sam know what to expect. Maybe it was all a good idea—part of what guiding him was all about. If standing still for a few minutes was so damn hard, maybe he really could use a good spanking to gain some focus.
    “Eventually, I won’t warn you. But until you become accustomed to this, I’ll let you know what I’m doing. Are you frightened of me, little Sam?”
    “No, Sir. Thank you for helping me, Sir.”
    Aaron stroked the fleshy part of his rear with the hand not holding him in place.
    “You’re welcome, sweet Sam. I’m going to give you the first one.”
    The resounding smack shocked him. He yelped then instinctually tried to propel himself away.
    “Stay still. Keep your ass up.”
    Still.
    Another thwack landed on the other cheek and Sam gritted his teeth.
    “Breathe, little Sam.”
    Sam closed his eyes and concentrated on taking air in and out the way he had after he’d fainted at the bathhouse. Two more slaps landed on his cheeks, the sting building. Aaron lightly rubbed Sam’s heated flesh and he sighed at the sensation. The thrum of energy under his skin that he’d experienced the day before, in anticipation of sex, built again.
    There were four more hits to his ass, harder than the ones before, the pain sharpening. He grunted with each strike, but took breaths in between. He remembered what Aaron had said about stopping things, that he could use the word ‘mercy’.
    Aaron paused to caress his rear and it was even more soothing and wonderful than before. As his body had been pushed forward with each hit, his dick had rubbed against