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.
However, today, I've decided to take a break from my WIP in order to share 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. Though Elly likes Kelli, she blames herself for any problems she and Arthur may be experiencing, so she's not been entirely honest with her mentor. Kelli suspects this and asks if Elly would prefer to have a younger mentor. Elly is surprised by the question, so Kelli points to the bruises on Elly's wrists. Bruises left by the handcuffs Arthur had put on her the night before. Elly promptly covers the marks, insisting they were her fault for struggling so hard. Kelli isn't sure she believes Kelly, but other than calling Elly a liar she has no choice but to accept the younger woman's word.
Kelli rose
and Elly quickly followed her mentor to the door. “Thank you for stopping by,
Kelli.”
“We’re here
for you, dear. Don’t ever forget that. If you need help, or have any questions,
call me. Any time. Day or night. All right?”
Elly gave
another nod. “You’re very kind. Thank you again.”
With a smile,
Kelli left and Elly sank against her closed front door. They meant well. All of
them. But they didn’t understand. And they weren’t helping.
* * * *
Once Elly had
finished her vacuuming and dusting, she showered and changed into a dress,
since Arthur didn’t approve of her wearing jeans or slacks. He was
old-fashioned that way, but Elly didn’t mind. She liked putting on dresses and
heels. Sitting on the edge of the bed to draw up her stockings, she wondered
whether Dr. Douglas objected to women wearing pants. She found herself thinking
of the vet often and knew she shouldn’t, which was one of the reasons she’d
been avoiding taking Muffin back to the park. Their fenced in backyard sufficed
to give the tiny poodle exercise, and even though Muffin enjoyed playing with
Jack, Jerry's black lab, Elly didn’t want to risk Arthur’s displeasure by spending too much time
with their handsome vet. Then again, Arthur couldn’t care less who Elly visited
with at the dog park as long as her visits didn’t take any of her time or
attention away from him.
Though a part of her knows she wasn't being entirely truthful with Kelli, Elly blames herself for her husband's firm discipline. She's convinced 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.
Hi Kathryn, I absolutely loved this book. You dealt with the issue of abuse brilliantly :)
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Roz
Aww! Poor Elly. She should be able to wear whatever she wants and see whoever she wants to see. Great snippet, Kathryn!
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