"A few, but I don't think I can discuss them with you," she said over her shoulder. "At least not until I'm more experienced. Mr. Montgomery," she said softly, pulling a pillow to her and hugging it as he unlaced her corset. "Can I ask you something?"
"Hmm," he replied, stroking his hand down her newly bared back.
"Are you going to hurt me?"
For a moment there was dead silence in the room, but for Crystal's rapid breathing.
"Yes," he replied truthfully. "Not because I want to, but because it's the way of things."
"Will it be very bad?" she whispered.
"I hope not. Be a good girl and do exactly what I tell you and I'll be as gentle as I can. After tonight it will never hurt like this again. Are you sure you still want to do this?"
"Oh yes, I'm committed," she stated firmly.
"Or you should be," he groaned. "Perhaps we both should be."
"I don't understand."
"Never mind," he smiled, picking her up and setting her feet on the floor. "Put your arms up," he ordered when she clutched her clothing to her chest.
Taking a deep breath, she complied. With a sweep of his hands she was naked, her clothes in a pool at her feet and she quickly covered her mons and breasts as best she could.
"Arms down," he instructed firmly. "If I'm paying, I'm seeing."
Crystal conceded he had a point and dropped her arms to her sides.
"I just want you to know if you weren't… paying I mean, I wouldn't do a damn thing you said," she hissed, blushing fiercely.
Jasper laughed. "At some point I will enjoy making you eat those words," he said kindly, "but for tonight I am, so mind your manners, and no more swearing."
"Yes, sir," she sighed, her shoulders drooping in defeat.
"You're lovely, you know," he remarked, walking around her. "Far more beautiful than I ever imagined."
Crystal snorted.
"What?"
"As you said, you're paying for it. You don't have to compliment me," she snapped.
"Fine," he shot back angrily. "If a business deal is what you want, then that's what you shall have." Walking to the bed, he sat and motioned her to him.
Approaching him warily she stood, willing her heartbeat to slow, lest he hear it.
"Over my knees," he commanded, looking directly into her eyes with challenge.
"Pardon me?" she gasped.
"Get over my knees," he repeated patiently.
"Why?" she asked, gulping and backing up a step.
"Because I've told you to and you agreed to do what I said. Also because I shall enjoy it and you deserve it."
"They warned me about this," Crystal spat as she complied with a huff. "It's going to cost you more, you know."
"Which I will pay gladly," he responded as he settled her into a positon that was comfortable for her. His large hand patted her bottom reassuringly as he tightened his arm around her waist. "Now repeat after me," he ordered. "I am lovely."
"You are lovely," she quipped, and then she howled as his hand connected with her cheeks.
"Try again," he suggested, rubbing his hand print in satisfaction.
"I am lovely," she yelled.
"Very good. Now let's continue. Your skin is the color of honey and as soft as silk."
"My skin is the color of honey and soft as silk," she repeated dutifully.
"You're a fast learner, I like that."
"I'm a fast learner, you like that," she drawled.
His hand descended rapidly five times as her feet scrambled to get away.
"I am entirely too sassy for my own good," he growled.
"I am entirely too sassy," she sniffed, scrubbing her eyes.
"Close enough. Now I am going to ask you some questions and I want honest answers. Do you understand me?" he demanded, smacking her firmly three more times.
"Ow, yes," she cried, trying to cover her bottom, only to have her hand grasped in his.
"Why The Red Petticoat? You're obviously educated despite the 'yes ma'am' show you put on this afternoon for Jewel. How much of your story is true?"
"It's all true," she insisted, glaring at him over her shoulder. "My father and I had a claim on the Culpepper River. He's dead. I have to make a living. What more do you need to know?"
"I take it the gun in your britches this afternoon belonged to your father?"
"No it's mine," she stated, crying out as soon as the first smack fell. Soon she was begging him to stop. "I'm telling you the truth," she screamed.
Jasper paused.
"I bought it in St. Louis before we left with the wagon train," she sobbed, "and I can shoot it too. I killed many a rabbit on the trail to California."
"You shoot that big pistol?" he asked, unconvinced.
"Not very well," she admitted, "but I have and I will again I' m sure."
"Why do I feel there's more to this story than you're telling me?"
"I don't know," she hissed. "Why do I feel like I should be on my back while you poke me instead of over your knees with my bottom on fire?"
"I like spanking you," Jasper said with a laugh. "I think you need it, and I have a feeling I'll be doing a lot more of it before you're honest with me."
"Well, I don't like it and I have a feeling you better visit the bank if you plan on doing it more often. You might need to secure a loan," she snorted.
"I'll pay you very well," he offered, giving her a good smack just on principle.