Now, ready to begin the heart of her atonement, Clive stepped to her ass once more, noting that the lustrous crimson on her cheeks was beginning to wane.
“I didn’t get a chance to soak these in brine,” he said, “that would have been most suitable for the occasion, but perhaps this hastily made concoction will do as well.” That said, Ella felt a sudden sting on her bare behind. Clive had sprayed some homemade brew about her bottom and the instant the potion hit, she jerked feeling a vile sting. Though he’d not broken the skin, the roughed up places were singed with a biting sensation, one that only promised to become more agonizing once he began with the birches.
“Clive …” she uttered quietly, a gasp, a plea, a trace of hope in her voice.
But Clive was beyond that. What he heard fr
