WIP: Work in progress. WIP it up Wednesday is a hop where writers share portions of the project they're working on with readers. I really like the idea because it allows me to share something that's still in the creative stage as well as work behind the scenes as a prompt to keep me writing.
Today, I'm sharing an excerpt from my first book in the Corbin's Bend series, A Simple Misunderstanding, where I tackle the problem of recognizing and addressing spousal abuse in a liberal spanking community. The community's residents right to privacy is paramount, and sometimes rough play can produce bruises that appear similar to abuse. So, as long as both partners deny any problems exist, the community can't take action. To do so would jeopardize the very foundation of what they've struggled so hard to build.
He came to her rescue when she needed him most, almost to lose her when she disobeyed him.
In this scene, which occurs in Chapter 3, Gerald Douglas (Jerry, who is the Corbin's Bend veterinarian) suspects Eleanor Benson (Elly) is being abused. So, he's asked her mentor, Kelli Stevens, to check on her. Both submissives and dominants are assigned mentors in Corbin's Bend to help them with any issues or questions they might have about the domestic discipline dynamic. Elly, who vehemently denies her husband Arthur abuses her, has not been entirely honest with Kelli, so she claims she's not exactly dressed to receive company since she's doing housework.
Kelli’s smile
widened. “You look cute and pretty as you always do, dear, but I don’t want to
impose. So, if you’d like me to—”
“Come in,”
Elly said, opening the door wider so the other woman could enter. “Would you
like some coffee or tea?”
“No. I’m
fine. Can you sit?”
Kelli’s
question would seem odd if it had been asked anywhere else, but in Corbin’s
Bend, the ability to sit was never taken for granted. Elly wrinkled her nose. “As
long as the chair is padded, I’m fine. Let’s go into the dining room. Sure I
can’t get you anything?”
“Positive,”
Kelli murmured as she followed Elly into the next room and took a seat beside
her. Then, in an unexpected move, Kelli clasped Elly’s wrist. Surprised, Elly’s
first instinct was to pull away, but for all its gentleness, Kelli’s grip was
surprisingly strong. Unfortunately, Elly didn’t like her arms or hands
restrained.
Kelli glanced
down as she pushed Elly’s sleeve back, and Elly renewed her efforts to be free.
“Your pulse is racing, dear. Are you afraid?”
“No. Of
course not. I just don’t like having my wrists touched.”
With a nod,
Kelli released Elly’s hand. “Would you prefer another mentor?” When Elly shook
her head in reply, Kelli continued. “The reason I ask is because I don’t think
you’re comfortable enough to be truthful with me. Perhaps you’d rather have
someone younger?”
Elly believes she's responsible for her husband's firm discipline, and thinks if she just tries a little harder things will be better between them.
M/F Domestic Discipline in Colorado.
Blurb:
Though Arthur and Eleanor Benson have been practicing domestic discipline for three months since their wedding, he insists moving to Corbin's Bend, where domestic discipline is the norm rather than the exception, will revitalize their marriage. Elly has doubts, but since Arthur is the undisputed head of their household, they move. However, once Arthur becomes immersed in a community where spanking is not only permitted, but encouraged, his personality undergoes a dramatic change. Accusing his submissive wife of being lazy, disorganized and disobedient, he employs creative methods of pain and humiliation to mold Elly from the imperfect woman he married into the perfect woman he desires. And Elly finds herself a virtual prisoner in her own home, accountable only to the man who rules her life with a cane.
In his years as a vet, Jerry Douglas has seen what abuse does to animals, and he recognizes those same signs in Elly Benson during her daily escape to the dog park with her tiny poodle. Jerry steadfastly supports the tenets of domestic discipline and enjoys the freedom Corbin's Bend offers its residents, but he remains fiercely protective of anyone in need of a champion. And when he witnesses evidence of harsh handling, his instinct is to rush in and rescue. Problem is Elly Benson is a married and consenting adult who insists all her bruises and welts are nothing more than a simple misunderstanding between her and her husband, until the day Arthur Benson takes his authority and discipline one-step too far, endangering Elly's life.
A Simple Misunderstanding is available at the following locations.
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| Muffin. How can you say "no" to this face? |
I also have a page on my web site where I am offering a sample of the first three chapters. If you're interested, visit either the Spanking Romance or A Simple Misunderstanding page in the Over 18 section of my website.
Hope you enjoyed the excerpt. Thanks for visiting. Now go visit the other authors and see what they're sharing by either clicking one of the links below, or visiting WIP it up Wednesday.
Hope you enjoyed the excerpt. Thanks for visiting. Now go visit the other authors and see what they're sharing by either clicking one of the links below, or visiting WIP it up Wednesday.
I loved this book Kathryn, awkward moment for Elly. You tackle the difficult topic of abuse so well.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Roz
Well done on confronting what can be a tricky concept to incorporate in your writing.
ReplyDeletePoor Elly. I agree that you did a great job dealing with abuse
ReplyDeleteI like how Kelly jumps right to the point to keep Elly from making excuses and hiding her abuse. Great scene. :)
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