"--and that is why you have all your information together and in sight when you make a call to a business owner. They always have questions and they expect exact answers, if you don't have those they see you as incompetent and you most likely will loose the oppertunity at a contract with them." Ray finished the lesson we had been working on today. They were going to let me make check in calls with some of their companies after they taught me what information we were looking to get, and how to double check that information to make sure when they looked over the financial reports everything added up.

Most of the lessons I had been learning lately were about numbers; keeping track of all the business and how much was invested, today was new and I was excited to actually be doing something business wise.

I was saving all the notes I had taken down on the new notebook computer they had bought me and getting ready to head down stairs when Ray said he wanted me to go wait in the office because they wanted to have a meeting with me.

"Am I in trouble?" I asked worriedly, hoping they hadn't found out about me jumping on the couch and breaking the back legs off when I kicked Jonah's ass in a video game last month.

"Why, you have anything to tell us?" Ray asked suspiciously.

Dammit, they know.

"No." I answered innocently. His raised eyebrow and darkening look made me rush to grab my things. "I'll meet you in the office" I called over my shoulder as I headed down the stairs to put my things in my room.

I had a desk in my room and it was covered in papers and books on everything that had to do with my job. It was cluttered but that was the only area of my room I didn't worry about getting messy. I laid my notebook on top of a small stack of papers before searching in my armoire for some sweat pants and a t-shirt.

One of the rules of working with the Cam's was I had to dress as if I would have an important meeting at any moment every day. Gordon had taken me to town as a suprise before starting my lesson so I could buy some button down shirts, dress pants, ties, dress shoes, and even a few suits. I had some guy who worked in the store lead me around and pick out what he said would fit me the best. He had me try on practically the whole store before we settled on a professional wardrobe. It was worth every minute though because everything fit me perfect and I looked awesome.

I put on some olive colored joggers and a dark gray henley shirt. Finding one of my favorite pairs of socks, I was ready to face 'The Quad'. Hopefully I could leave with my ass intact, and they continue to be none the wiser to the broken couch.

Jonah had oficially moved out in the middle of his second semester he wants to graduate as quickly as possible so now he is a full time student. He was having a hard time going from his school to here everyday and still having time to do his homework and and hour workout so, after a few weeks of comprimising and begging the Cam's found him an apartment near his school. He is to check in every weekend either by phone call or a visit.

Trevor had stopped coming around after he started his second semester of school; the Cam's said he moved in with a girlfriend and told them he didn't need their help anymore and that he could take care of himself. I thought it was a douche thing for him to do considering they had payed for him to go to school, but after he moved out he quit going to school too and moved away. We have no idea where he went...probably Cali like he said he would.

That left me akone with the Cam's and things were a lot quiter. I think they all banded together and decided to keep me busy. Every evening at dinner one of them would ask if I would help them with something and it would take a few hours to get done. Things like changing the oil in one of the cars, updating the computers (that took a whole week of nights), re-organizing the library (also a week), teaching me to cook, and my ultimate favorite martial arts. Glen taought me martial arts for two hours three nights a week. He said I was a natural because I was able to pick up what he was teaching me quickly. That has been why the nightmares dont scare me anymore...because I know I could defend myself now...I am not weak.

Once I was changed I slowly made my way to the office. I wasn't really excited to get there so I figured taking my time couldn't hurt. Especially since I might be going there for punishment. I opted for the stairs instead of the elevator and once I made it to the first floor I quietly approched the door hoping they were discussing why I was here and I might be better prepared to fight my case. I pressed my ear against the door and listened for any sign of a conversation going on but there was only silence.

Cutting my losses I opened the door and stepped in to find the office was empty. Thinking this might be my only chance to get a good look of everything in here. I rushed to the desk and sat in the padded leather office chair. It was as comfortable as I had imagined it to be. I then started pulling at the drawers but the were all locked except for the centered long drawer the was only an inch or so deep and flush against the work top. All I found were pencils, pens, paper clips, and two magic erasers.

I didn't bother getting up to look through the book shelves or the locked file cabinet, knowing I wouldn't find anything so I settled for spinning in the chair. It was pretty fun especailly when I crossed my legs and used my arms to spin myself. I was so distracted with spinning I didn't hear the door open.

I was going pretty fast and watching the room spin around me. I noticed a change though and immediately stopped my self and jumped up as I came face to face with four slightly amused Cam's. Realizing where I was sitting I jumped to my feet which was a huge mistake because I was now very dizzy. I promptly fell on my face behind the desk.

Shit. I thought to myself as I lay on the floor and watch the spinning room starting to slow down.

I heard laughter from the other side of the desk and huffed in irritation.

"You know I could be injured!" I grouched as I slowly sat up.

"It's your own fault" Ray said with a chuckle as I used the desk to pull myself up and stood brushing myself off.

"What exactly is it you are doing on that side of the desk?" Ken asked cynically with a raised brow.

I hadn't planned on them walking in on me and wasn't prepared to answer that kind of question.

"Uh...I was...just...uh..." I was drawing a blank. It was pretty sad on my part. Luckily I caught sight of the chair I had just been spinning in and came up with a good excuse.

"I was just testing out your fancy chair." I said excitedly; and feeling stupid for being excited over that.

Gordon shook his head as they all walked across the office to the couch. Ray, Ken, and Glen all sat down while Gordon pulled one of the chairs that was facing the desk over to face the couch. Once he had the chair centered he looked towards me a snapped his fingers pointing to the chair, a silent command for me to have a seat.

I slowly stalked over and plopped down in the chair crossing my arms defensively. Gordon grabbed the other chair and set it off to the side of the couch before seating himself. Now I was facing all four Cambridge men.

Whatever they are beinging me in here for must be huge. I thought to myself starting to worry about just what kind of trouble I was in.

Would they kick me out just for breaking the couch? The idea of havine to leave what I had grown to see as my home and famile, more importantly my future, made my stomach twist in anxiety.

"I didn't mean to break the couch!" I blurted out thinking about how lost I would be if I was kicked out.

Maybe I could go live with Caden or Jack or...if I absolutely had no options, Wren.

"I knew you were hiding something!" Ray exclaimed giving me a glower.

"What did you do to the couch?" Glen asked confused.

"Uh...well, I was playing a game with Jonah and when I won I jumped up on the couch and the back legs snapped off." I answered nervously.

They all looked at me with a blank look on their faces.

"This isn't about that couch is it?" I asked unhappy I had just told on myself.

"No but we will be discussing how you are to treat other peoples belongings" Gordon replied resolutely.

All of them had a serious look on their face. It was really starting to freak me out.

"Are you kicking me out?" I asked afraid of what the answer would be.

"What' no!"

"Of course not."

"No way kid you'r stuck with us."

"Never in a million years."

They all said at the same time.

That's a releif. I thought as I relaxed into my chair and uncrossed my arms.

They all shared a look as if they were having a silent conversation before they all looked back at mme and Glen asked, "Aaron, you know we love you right?"

I looked at him in confusion as I nodded yes.

"We brought you here to discuss the idea of bringing in a new group of kids." Ray said after a few seconds of silence.

"Oka-y." I answered not knowing what to think about that.

"We wanted to make sure that you understood us bringing in new kids does not mean you are no longer important to us." Ray explained. "Do you realize you are the only one we have brought into the business?" He asked after I nodded yes.

"I am?" I asked skeptically.

They all nodded. "This business has been in our family for almost seventy years and you will be the first employee that doesnt have the Cambridge name." Ken said with a smirk on his face.

"That being said, you are more to us than just one of the kids we take in, you are family. Jack, Wren, Caden; they are family too. They may have moved out but they are still loved and we see them and talk to them regularly." Ray said with a smile.

"I don't understand, why are you guys telling me this?" I asked unsure where they were going with all this.

"We are bringing in new guys and it may take up a lot of our time and it is goong to affect you too. We might not be able to spend a lot of one on one time with you for a few months because we will be helping them. We wanted to warn you so you don't feel like we are blowing you off." Glen explained giving me a concerned look.

"What about my training?" I asked still unsure there was I wasn't being kicked out.

"You'll still have that every day and eventually you will be actually researching businesses and giving your educated opinion on the businesses we decide to invest in...it's a valuable position and we are placing a lot of trust into your findings on these businesses. We all really think you will do great." Gordon replied proudly.

I get to stay! I thought happily.

"When are these new guys coming? And do I have to go through all that again too?" I asked thinking about the first meal I shared with them and the thing with Wren.

"Nopw you are way past all that, you will continue your training. The only difference is we will expect you to set a good example. All these kids are in a bad place in their lives and we will be as strict with them as we were when you first came here. You will have to get back in the habbit of addressing us correctly, and if they ask you any questions you give them honest answers no pranks or tricks." Ken explaimed firmly.

Well there goes all my fun. I thought sulking.

"Stop pouting, we all know you can be wild and most the time we put up with it but that's not what these kids need right now they need strict rules and schedules to get them on a better path, and since you live here that means you have to help...consider it part of your job." Ken said with a strict glare.

Geez, I haven't even done anything...yet. I mused knowing this wasn't over. Who else was gonna keep their blood. flowing? I thought happily.

"Aaron stop smiling. We will be watching you, brat." Ken said seriously.

"Ugh, fine! I won't cause trouble. I'll be good." I huffed. "When will they be coming?" I asked suddenly, wanting to know how much longer I would be an 'only child'.

"We put the website up last Thursday and the newspaper ad yesterday. Sign in is the first of the month." Gordon answered

I sighed dejectedly. Only a week and a half left before a new group moves in. What if they like one of them better than me and they change their minds? I thought to myself anxiously.

I feel a hand pat my leg. "You're not going anywhere Aaron. This is your home now. You don't have anything to worry about." Ray said reassuringly.

What he can read monds now? I thought to myself. That's a little scary.

I nodded my reply. "Can I go now?" I asked hoping this was over.

Gordon stood up. "Yeah, why don't you show me the couch you broke." He answered with a stern look.

I rolled my eyes as I stood hearing a few chuckles as we headed towards the door.

Dammit! I thought sourly. I was hoping they forgot about the couch.

The elevator up to the second floor felt crowded even though it was just me and Gordon. I knew I was going to be punished I was just hoping it wouldn't be my ass that suffered for it.

Once we arrived in the entertainment room the broken couch stood out like a sore thumb. I was tilted back sitting on its frame. It was a light beige three seat couch with an attached ottoman on the right side. When the legs broke off the weight of the couch tipped back and the metal that attached the ottoman bent. I knew it had to have cost a bunch of money. Money I didn't have.

"I have $800 saved up from my Craigslist gig." I said hoping the look on Gordan's face would unstrain. "Maybe we can find a new couch on sale?" I asked hopefully.

He shook his head and rubbed his face before he walked over to look at the legs of the couch. they were wooden legs. one had a big chunk where the bolt that screwed it to the couch had broke through the other had the bolt still screwed into it. It had broken off the couch completely.

"Come over here and help me flip the couch over." Gordon ordered after he had inspected both legs.

I walked over to the end of the ottoman and lifted it for Gordon to grab and roll the couch back.

"Go find Glen and tell him you need a standard screwdriver so that we can unattach the ottaman." He directed after the couch was face down.

I rushed back to the office to find Glen and Ken in a deep discussion.

"Glen? Gordon said he needed a standard screwdriver and he asked if you would get it for me." I interupted them.

They both glanced over at me before lookong at each other seriously. "Okay." Glens said. "Go to the garage I will be there in just a second."

I nodded yes and walked back out of the office. I was only a few steps away when I decided that whatever they were talking about must be about the new kids and I turned around as silently as I could hopeing I could find out who they were bringing here.

"If we bring him here we will have to worry constantly about Arron and him foghting. He has improved so much since he has come here I don't want one of our decisions to mess that up. I don't want to worry about Aaron all the time." Glen said solemnly as he leaned forward from where he was sitting on the couch, resting his elbows on his knees.

Ken sighed. "I don't want us to base our every decision on Aaron's comfort. He has been doing very well but is it because he has improved or because the only people he has been around has been us? I don't want to think that we have to worry about him getting into a fight every time we leave the house with him or every time we bring in a new group. He has to learn to deal with people he doesn't get along with, without loosing his temper. This kid may cause some problems but Aaron's decisions on how to deal with them are solely his. We can't lock him away from everyone who upsets him." Ken explained.

I was so caught up in listening to their conversation I didn't hear someone had walked up behind me until a hand laid over my mouth and I was dradragged backwards towards the dining room. Once the door was closed he released me and I was able to turn around and glare at him. It was Wren.

"Really Aaron, eavesdropping could be one of the stupidest ways you can get yourself into trouble here." Wren said sternly.

"Really Wren, I know for a fact the stupidest thing you can get in trouble for here is wall kicking." I answered back with a smirk.

He crossed his arms and glared at me. "Oh so you wouldn't mind if I went back there and let them know what you were doing?" He asked giveing me a smirk as I gulped at the thought of him ratting me out.

His high horse attitude is irritating as hell. I thought to myself grumpily.

"Who are you to decide what I can or can't do? You don't fucking know me!" I growled back.

I saw Wren's eyes widen at me before he clanced over my shoulder then looked back at me shaking his head with a wince.

"No but I do." Glen's voice rumbled right behind me. "I also know you know better than to use that word too. Do I need to take you upstairs?" He asked as I slowly turned around to face him.

I shook my head no.

"Didn't hear you Aaron." He said while giving me a glower.

"No, sir." I answered quickly.

Please don't take me upstairs. I begged with my eyes.

He shook his head at me before jerking his head towards the door. "Go to the garage like I told you to. Try not to get lost on the way."

I rushed to the door only looking back to glare at Wren before I closed the door and headed to the stairs. Once I was in the garage alone I began to worry that Wren might spill about me listening outside the office.

I'm already screwed about the couch if he decides to tell there will be no way I get away with it.

I released a breath and leaned against the wall by the door to slode down and sit on the waxed concrete floor.

I thought about what I had heard in the office. Who could they bring that they thought I would fight with? How do they know I know him?

I had a lot of questing about who this guy was but no one to ask without getting in trouble.

Listening in dizn't help me at all.

The door pushed open and in ealked Glen and Ken.

They both stood in front of me with their arms crossed.

Damn, Wren. This is the second time he has gotten me in trouble.

"Breaking the couch and not telling us, eavesdropping, being disrepectful to Wren, and cursing." Ken counted off on his fingers. "Anything you want to add now so we don't have to worry about it popping up later?" He asked with a serious look.

Might as well get it all out of the way.

"I broke one of the game controlers before I broke the couch, I screwed up the floor in the gym when I dropped a weight, I prank called Caden and made six hair appointments, and I dented your Mustang with a basketball...I think that's everything." I rambled out thinking it best to empty my fuck up tank before the new guys got here and witnessed the horrors that are about to happen.

They were both staring at me slack-jawed. It was funny to see but considering my situation I bit my tongure, hard, to keep from smiling...or worse yet, laughing.

After a few seconds of blinking Glen rushed toward the Mustang. "Not my baby!" He exclaimed as he started inspecting the dent in the rear passenger fender. "Dammit Aaron! Why the fender?" He yelled at me as he made his way back towards me.

Oh shit! I began to panic as I mentally compared Glen to a violently angry bull charging at me.

Of course I jumped to my feet and took off towards the door that lead back into the basement only to open it and slam face first into Gordon.

"What's going on?" He asked after grabbing me by the shoulders and pushing me back to look at my face.

I ignored his question as I heard quick footsteps and a growl from Glen followed by Ken calling, "Now Glen you can't kill the baby!"

I dropped to the floor and crawled between Gordon's legs and jumped to my feet once I was on the other side. I peeked around Gordon's arm to see a furious looking Glen being chased by a alarmed looking Ken. Of course I wasn't going to stand there hoping Glen would be caught before he got his hands on me, so turning on the spot I took off running to the elevator. Once I was indside I slammed the door and pressed number two, which would take me to the second floor.

It was the longest elevator ride of my life and by time the elevator door opened I was ready to run. I rushed out and down the hall towards my bedroom.

No matter if they wanna kick me out I have to run away or Glen is going to murder me. I mused to myself as I rushed into my room and peeled my pillowcase off my pillow. I practically flew to my armoire and herked the doors open flinging random clothes in. once the pillowcase was a little over half full I rushed to the window and jerked it open.

The cool air hit me and knocked me back into reality.

I can't run! Where would I go? I thought reasonably. And if I did jump out this window I would break my legs...or my neck.

I huffed out an irritated breath and pulled my head back in and slammed the window closed, tossed the pillowcase of clothes at the armiore, and walked over to my bed a flopping face-down.

Just as I slowed my heartrate back to normal and took a relaxing breath, my bedroom door opened and several pairs of footsteps walked in. I didn't move a muscle hoping they would just leave me alone. That's not what happened though. I was jerked to stand and face all four Cambridge's.

"What have we told you about running away when you are in trouble?" Gordon asked in a hard timbre.

I looked at him for a second before I glanced at Glen seeing he was still very unhappy with me. When I looked back at Gordon I answered, "If a raging wild bull was running after you with murderous looking eyes, would you stand there and wait for him?" I asked seriously.

Glen gave a dramatic roll of his eyes. "Like I would ever lay a hand on you...except your butt." He said with a huff. "That's gonna happen real soon too." He finished with a growl as he reach for me.

I jerked back falling on the bed as Ray grabbed Glens arm blocking him from getting to me. At the same time Ken quickly grabbed my leg so I couldn't get away and after Glen settled down, Ken snatched my arm and pulled me to stand again.

"Alright," Ken started. "Here's what's gonna happen. Ray is taking Glen for a walk." He said followed by, "Go." a one word command that had Ray dragging Glen out of the room and shutting the door behind him.

Wow, I have never seen such a giant man pout.My awestruck moment was short lived as the arm that Ken still had a hand on was pulled giving me no choice to stand.

"You lied, you have been reckless with our home, you were disrespectful using foul langauge, and you were eavesdropping on a conversation you know you were not invited to hear." Ken listed out. "Which one do you want to discuss first?"

The question was like mental torture. Which broken rule do I want to get my ass whipped for first?"Uh...I don't want to deal with any of them!" I answered distraughtly.

All I got was another eye roll before Ken sat down and puled me to lay face-down over his lap.

"Wait! I didn't choose one yet!" I began to panic trying to push myself up while squirming wildly.

"That's fine." Ken said while giving me a heavy swat. "I am choosing for you. We will deal with the eavesdropping first." He finished with another heavy swat before he stuck his fingers over the waistband of my sweat pants and underwear before giving a swift yank pulling then both down to my knees.

What is he, a fuckin professional? I thought to myself in horror.

The next heavy swat stung like crazy on my bare skin. I sucked in a breath...then the next swat fell.

"Ahh Ken! Jesus! That's too hard!" I began to panic thinking about the entire spanking being this intense.

And I still got at least two more coming there is no way I'll make it if this one sucks this bad. I thought worriedly.

I heard Gordon moving around and looked over my shoulder to see him picking up my clothes-filled pillowcase.

"You decide to go somewhere, Aaron?" He asked as he opened my armoire and began pulling the clothes out of the pillowcase.

The next swat landed low causing me to jerk back to faceing forward and arc my back. "Ahh! No! I stopped I wasn't leaving!" I answered desperately.

He didn't respond which left me with nothing to think about but the steady falling heavy swats. I cried out after almost all of them. The sting quickly heated to a burn and each swat was like fire. I was crying and begging within a dozen or so swats.

"Sometimes our conversations are about things we want to stay private weather they are about you or not you are not allowed to listen in. Am I making myswlf clear Aaron?" Kenasked after several harder swats to my sit spot.

"Yes! I'm sorry! I sware I won't listen in on any of your con-conversations!" I answered through my sobs.

And just like magic the swats stopped falling. I was holding onto Ken's leg for dear life and my breathing was labored. My ass was burning but this had deffinately not been tthe worst I had gotten since I have come here. It still sucked though.

I took some deep breaths to get myself together and after breathing was easier I pushed myself off Ken's lap. My hand went back to rub furiously.

"Good glad that's taken care of." Ken said as he stood up. "I am sure there is enough skin back there for you to work with Gordon." He called to the other side of the room.

I gasped and glared at Ken. "I don't need anymore!" I practically shouted as I took several steps away from him.

"Not your decision." He answered giving me a glare.

I was so focused on Ken I almost missed Gordon advancing on me but luckily I saw him out of my peripheral and dodged away just as he reached out to grab me. I jerked up my pants as I hightaled it to the bathroom but with Gordon's long legs he had me before I could even reach the door.

"That's going to cost you." He groweld in my ear as he easily picked me uo around the waist and carried me back towards the bed.

Faster than I thought was necessary I was once again bare assed over a lap.

"Wait, please! Ken already did this!" I wailed as he pulled my arms behind my back pinning them out of the way.

I wriggled and kicked but i was very trapped and I knew I was very screwed. I didnt realized what he had ment with his warning as he picked me up until I felt something cold and hard rest against the middle of my left butt cheek.

Oh fuck no! I thought as i jerked my head back to look over my shoulder at the wooden hair brush Ken had just handed Gordon. I could feel my eyes nearly popping in dread.

"I'll leave you two to it." Ken said as he turned to head out the door.

"Jerk!" I yelled as I began to struggle to free myself.

I kicked my feet and twisted but all I got was a swat with the brush smacking me repeatedly on my upper thighs. I froze instantly. The burning that came with each swat was intense.

"Ow!" I began to cry.

The swats continued to fall forever. I quickly gave up wriggling and laid still hoping it would end soon. I was bawling loudly, and kicking unintentionally.

I was relieved when it finally stopped. The room was silent. I was exhausted from all the fighting I had done, my ass was killing me, my face was covered in snot and tears, and I had more punishment coming. I was meserable.

After I was calm again Gordon helped me stand and pull up my boxers. I was bending down to pull up my sweat pants but Gordon stopped me.

"No, step out of those." He said as he pulled me back up to stand.

I was confused but too sore and tired to ask why.

"Your butt is going to be bared again here in a little bit." He explained nonchalantly.

I couldn't stop the whimper from escaping.

Gordon froze. Then he turned to face me and grabbe my other arm so now he had both of my arms.

"You knew things would turn out this way. Why did you tell us everything?" He asked me while looking me straight into my eyes.

His look was sould searching. I didn't stand a chance at holding out. "I wanted to make sure that when the new guys got here I didn't have to have my butt put on display like my first time." I answered sheepishly.

He smiled at me and shook his head. "You weren't supposed to be on display the first time but when everyone heard you yelling they rushed to see what was happening. They were like a mob there was no way to hold them all back. We thought that by letting them.thing their punishment to be public might help persuade them not to cause trouble."

I was suprised at his answer. All this time I had thought they made a spectacle of me on purpose to set an example of what everyone could expect when they messed up.

"So you wouldn't purposely spank me in front of the new guys?" I asked self-consciously

"No but that doesn' mean it won't happen if you push buttons too hard while in others company. Do you understand?" He asked.

I nodded. "Yes, Sir."

He nodded too before releasing one of my arms and leading me from the room. It was weird walking around without bottoms. wasn't naked by any means i had on socks underwear and a shirt but it still was weird.

Gordon dragged me to the elevator and then into the office. Everyone was in there; Wren included.

I was lead over to the couch and pushed to sit next to Ray. I hissed and tried to stand up but he rested his arm across both shoulders holding me in place. I wiggled around for a few seconds trying to find a spot that relieved the pressure but after not finding one I settled for leaning into Ray.

Gordon sat down in one of the chairs facing the couch and Ken who had been sitting behind the desk stood and rolled his chair out to face the rest of us.

I had no idea what this pow wow was going to be about, but it was making me nervous.

"I dealt with you for eavsdropping. Gordon dealt with you for destructive and for trying to take off again, Ray is going to punish you for your attitude disrepect and foul language, and Glen gets to deal with you for messing around in the garage and hurting his car." Ken explained casually.

I felt sick to my stomach the two things hadn't been punished for yet were big no-no's and I knew my future looked bleak...or at least the next twenty-four hours. I pulled away from Ray and glared at the floor.

How the hell am I supposed to get through two more punishments? I thought woefully.