You're Better Than That
This is just a continuation of the last chapter. I had to split it into 2 parts. It would be far too long for a single chapter. I hope you enjoy the aftermath. This is a must read to get a sense of closure.
Again, please forgive the errors and my incessant ability to over describe and analysis. Not sure if some of you can relate, but my mind rarely shuts up. Lol.
WARNINGS: There is SPANKING of an adult female by an adult male, some nudity, cursing and crude language. Don't like, Don't read, please.
"Yeah, I bet ya don't." Merle bit out bitterly and curtly.
And with that, Merle abruptly shoved her off his lap, purposefully making her slide off his thighs and down off the tailgate onto the dirt road. Addy's palms and knees thudded against the compact dirt feeling her drained body tremble in weakness. Addy tilted herself onto her side resting her weight on her hip against the cold dirt road careful not to allow her outrageously sore bottom to make any contact with the ground. Addy gasped in shuttering breaths as she attempted to take in more air, large tears dripping from her stinging eyes. The serve ache and burn throbbed deeply within the fibbers of her battered backside. A heavy weight of misery and heartache burdened against her tired sore body as she bawled out her regret, shame, and distress despairingly.
Merle sat on the edge of the tailgate gripping his palms onto the edge of either side of him making his tense arm muscles bulge prominently, his right knuckle still visibly tainted with Eric's blood. The man leaned his ridged body forward somewhat as he locked his hard blue eyes onto the weeping woman patiently and attentively watching her cry it out. His face was hard seeming unmoved by her distress and continuous bawling, but his focus lay intensely fixated on her like she was the most important priority to him and, at the moment, that was wholeheartedly and unequivocally true.
Once Addy sobs died down into sniffles and she got her breathing to come to a steady rhythm, she began to feel Merle intensely glaring down at her from the elevated height of the tailgate making her close in vulnerably on herself. Gravely intimidated by the man who just wailed the tar out of her, she didn't dare look up at him in fear of what she might see which she surmised was, still, a very peeved and unsympathetic man. However, there was something even worst Addy feared she might witness on his hard cold face and that was despise and disappointment. The young woman's felt her cheeks burn with shame and regret as tonight was one of the worst failures of her young life in practically all aspects.
She began to feel awkward as the silence continued and his fixated hard eyes did not deviate from her. Addy shifted uncomfortably careful to keep all her weight on her hip and the side of her thigh. Addy felt a burning sensation spread within her as she remembered her bottom half was completely stripped. Addy stiffly and carefully pulled her legs up further towards her belly attempting to hide her exposed lady parts folding in on herself in an awkward and bashful manner. However, Merle, oddly, didn't seem the least bit interested, in fact, his sole focus was on her face which she couldn't even hide due to her hair pulled back in a pony tail, that was now loosened and drooped to one side. Small strands of brown hair were sticking out in every direction frizzy and frayed from her useless and frantic movements.
Her round delicate face was red and splotchy from the excursion, tear stains streaked down her face and under her chin. Her damp eyes were red rimmed looking defeated and weary. Her careworn timid expression made her youthful innocent face appear even younger to Merle's engrossed eyes appearing very much like a well-spanked little girl.
Addy sniffled running the back of her hand under her nose riding her of trickles of shot that were about to drip onto her upper lip, not caring in the least about it being unsanitary or uncouth. There were more pressing matters to think about, like her ass burning, stinging, and aching like a raging inferno.
There was a long awkward pause of silence as Merle continued to stare down intently at the young woman studying her every movement like there was something intriguing and fascinating about her that he was keenly trying to understand. Addy didn't really think there was much to understand about her at present except that her ass hurt.
Merle cocked his head to the side running his eyes over her curled up timid frame. She seemed so vulnerable and small to the older man, almost like she was just some innocent dumb kid with too big a heart for this cruel world. A shocking wave of fierce and unusual protectiveness came over him as he thought of all the harm that could come upon such a soft woman like her. Although, it was frustrating and downright confusing to the man on her self-sacrificing attitude, he gathered that her sheltered and privileged life did not prepare her for the cruel reality of people's intentions. Her naive mind perhaps did not know any different or she was just insanely reckless or she did not value herself which, that thought, made Merle excessively frustrated, far more than it should, in his way of thinking. But whatever her reason, this little shit show was inexcusable and Merle was determined for it to be her last foolish stunt. As long as he had anything to say about it, and, in his way of thinking, he damn well did; he may be too rough for the likes of her, but one thing was for sure, she was going to be safe with him weather she liked it or not.
Looking over into the darkness of the woods Addy pushed a few flyway hairs behind her ear in nervous and uncomfortable manner.
"Are-Are y-you done?" Addy asked in a hesitant and timorous tone. Her small meek voice almost unrecognizable to her own ears as she could hear the defeat in her docile tone. She was utterly bested and humbled to the point where her spirit was drained.
Merle shifted his weight forward slightly on the tailgate until the back of his knees were off the edge. His sudden movements made Addy flinch back instinctually feeling her bottom twinge and ache at her jerky motion.
"I ain't gonna spank ya no more." Merle reassured his deep voice rumbling surprisingly soothingly against his raspy vocal cords. "Git up off the dirt now." He ordered in a rich low-key tone that did not appear angry or even irritated, it was unexpectedly soft, but, ultimately, the order was no suggestion.
Not daring to disobey the man, Addy slowly shifted her weight onto her knees then carefully she pushed back onto her boots and stood up feeling her legs wobble in discomfort and her backside twinge from the movement making Addy's face grimace and wince at her soreness. Addy squeezed her thighs tightly together slouching forward in an awkward manner as she pressed her hands in front of her lady parts hiding her triangle of pubic hair feeling embarrassment spread through her chest as she tried to preserve her modesty. However, again, Merle's keen eyes were kept fixated on Addy's face having no interest in what was between her legs.
Then what happened next astonished Addy into a state of shock. Without saying a word, Merle stretched out his bare toned arms towards the young woman inviting her into his embrace and offering her comfort.
Addy blinked her big round green eyes at his welcoming arms completely stunned by the immediate offer of reassurance and affection.
It was not Merle's first instinct, in fact, he was still very disgruntled at the woman's lack of regard for safety and common sense. However, he fought against it, restraining himself from his trained hardness. He was acutely aware the soft little woman required comfort and closeness to move on and let go. Despite his irritation and discomfort, he understood the need to adjust for her sake.
Addy had intense conflicting feelings about embracing the man that just destroyed her backside only a few minutes ago. There was resentment and bitterness sitting in her gut as her bare bottom incessantly burned and throbbed fiercely, not giving her even a moment to forget just how painful a skinny little twig could be and just how harsh the man before her could deliver a spanking. Not to mention the little fact that she was half naked and exposed form the waist down which was just as horrifying as the spanking itself to the respectable woman. And what was outrageous, to Addy, was it was done without her approval, but then again, neither was that awful switching. It did not seem to matter to Merle as she was ultimately treated like an irresponsible child under his rule and his standards to punish, embarrass, protect, and care for as he deemed fit. It appeared Merle was not phased or bothered by any of the impropriety of it all in the slightest. In fact, he was appearing as if he did not just strip her bottom half nude. He was ignoring it, like it was of nothing of consequence or indecency that she stood there half naked in front of him without her explicit consent. However, to Addy, it was very significant. Still keeping her intimate area covered, Addy tilted her dipped head upwards slightly, her glossy sharp eyes glimmering with a shine of censure.
"I'm naked." Addy pointed out heavily an edge to her tone that was accusing.
"Does it look like I give a fuck?" Merle snapped in an irritated tone leaning forward slightly in a combative manner with his arms still stretched out. He was clearly aggravated at her embarrassment and hesitancy to come over to him. It was obvious the sheltered little woman had never got her ass bared for a licking in her entire life. Hell, the woman had never been spanked before she met him which he was thinking was a real shame because he was sure no one who got their ass whopped early in life would've been so foolish. Enduring hardships and tribulation his whole life did not exactly bring out a warm and fuzzy feeling inside the rough man when it came to honest affection. It was sadly unnatural to the uncouth man, uncomfortable and sickly awkward.
"Now, come 'ere, 'fore I change my mind." Merle warned crossly.
Well, that was one way to get her to come over to him. But what did she expect from the gruff man? Lollipops and rainbows? Remorse? Ha!
Addy sighed wearily allowing her heavy burned chest to loosen under her breath. Despite her embarrassment and conflicting feelings, there was a burning resistance pushing against her bitterness that was, astonishingly, persisting to be stronger than the pain in her backside and resentment in her gut. Ultimately, the desire for comfort, warmth and reassurance won over and she found her feet trudging over to the man slowly her body straining and pulling with hesitancy. Her boots felt heavy under her fatigued legs as she walked over to him awkwardly still keeping her hands pressed over her pubic area, her body hunched over protectively.
As soon as Addy was in arms reach, Merle snatched her bicep impatiently and pulled her in between his spread legs. He drew her towards him until her cheek pressed against his hard warm chest. Her nose instantly filled with his familiar woodsy sent tainted with body odor and cigarette smoke. It was, surprisingly, not off putting or even displeasing, in fact, his normal scent was intensely comforting and Addy found herself inhaling eagerly. Merle wrapped his strong bare arms around her shoulders squeezing her into his strong embrace, a bit too firmly Addy noticed, but was too grateful to care as she melted into his protective strong arms feeling this unexplainable rush of security and attachment. She felt safe, protected, and reassured, almost instantaneously which was utterly baffling to the young woman. However, the feelings were undeniably powerful and there was just something within his embrace that spoke to her more than his uncouth words could ever.
New tears started to well up in her eyes as her emotions started to rise to the surface once again. She was so foolish and naïvely blinded by everything. Why did she risk her safety over such an undeserving man like Eric? She felt selfish in a way for keeping this all to herself and not telling Merle. The very man who had done so much for her. And this is how she thanked him by going towards the man who he protected her from like some reckless fool? Was she really that naive to believe she was all alone in this when Merle and Daryl were right there in front of her? She wasn't used to having anyone to fall back on or rely on. In fact, it was a whole new concept to her.
She was kicking herself for being so thoughtless and irrational knowing that the worst could have occurred if it wasn't for the man who just wailed her backside raw. Despite the burning bitterness she felt of being so harshly punished, she couldn't help, but feel this overwhelming and prevailing sense of being fiercely cared for by the man. Which was bizarre and inappropriate way to feel, by all accounts, after being stripped and mercilessly spanked, reduced to sobbing humbled mess of emotional turmoil and shame. She should not feel any comfort from his actions. In reality, she should be outrage, disturbed and resentful and while those emotions were certainly not lacking, they were ultimately overshadowed by the surmounting and powerful feelings of the care, devotion and loyalty Merle displayed toward her with such vigor and intensity that it scared her. But the flat-out truth of the matter was he came after her. No one ever came after her.
The man was irrefutably infuriated with her putting her safety in jeopardy, but it was all backed by an obvious resounding fear that Addy did not miss from his colorful way with words during her punishment. There was a strong concern, protection, and affection he showed towards her that she has never received in her entire life. It was not to say Addy thought it the best and most healthy way of express your affection for someone, in fact, it was downright deplorable, but it was affection, nonetheless, and Addy held onto that hidden warmth with all her might.
"I'm sorry." Addy found herself blubbering out as she turned her face and buried it into his hard chest wrapping her arms around the man's waist and squeezing him tightly letting all of her vulnerability just hang out in front of her, too tired and overcome to care.
"I'm so sorry." Addy repeated regretfully rubbing her tears and snot into the front of his shirt reduced to feeling like nothing more than a little girl who did wrong wanting forgiveness. Eric would've thought her disgusting for rubbing her snot all over him, but Merle was comfortingly different in that regard. He could care less about such things as the man had grime and sweat on him all the time and a bit of added snot and tears were nothing of consequence.
Merle was a bit taken back by the woman's repeated crying and desperation. Although, it made him a touch uncomfortable, he couldn't help, but feel rush of enjoyment at the woman's acceptance and need for him. The heavy feeling of hurt and wrath started to loosen against his tight muscles as she gave a sense of trust and reliance towards him once again.
Merle hummed deeply making his chest vibrate soothingly against Addy's face.
"Is that right, little darlin'?" Merle cooed calmly and deeply.
Addy nodded stupidly into his chest not trusting her voice not to crack in shame.
Well, that was good news to Merle. Although, he hoped she was sorry for what she had done rather than her sore ass, but he reckoned it was probably a bit of both.
After another long moment, Merle released Addy from his embrace. Gripping onto the sides of her shoulders firmly, he pulled her away from him at arm's length. Addy kept her wet eyes to the ground unable to look up at the man, shame, guilt, and embarrassment still clinging to her heart. Merle felt a sting of annoyance hit his nerves before taking his calloused finger and hooking it under her delicate chin pushing upwards until her eyes were on him.
"Ya think ya ain't worth nothin'?" Merle asked in gravely serious tone. His keen blue eyes squinted a bit looking into her earthy green orbs like he was trying to find it the answer. Merle had his suspicions, but the sharp vigilant man wanted confirmation from her. And God help her, if she lied.
"I-I…" Addy wasn't able to get the words out. She was so stunned by Merle's insightful question she was not even sure what to say. She, of course, didn't think she was worth it to Eric anymore after this whole ordeal, that was for sure. But Addy knew the question was more far meaningful and weighted then that.
He was basically suggesting she didn't put any value toward herself. Like she thought herself unworthy of caution, safety, and care. And as it turns out, putting a man who tried to rape her ahead of her own personal safety certainly seemed like a person who had anything, but self-value. The exposure of her insecurities rose to the surface at his insightful notion. Addy visibly gulped as Merle practically hit the nail on the head, exposing insecurities and faults that she wished to keep hidden. She also wished to keep her naked backside with her exposed genitalia hidden as well, but look how that turned out for her. He was exposing her in all kinds of ways tonight and it was downright mindboggling and overwhelmingly distressing. But there was no way to hide it as it was out there written on all over her pale face like an open book. Despite her deeply wishing to believe otherwise, it was unquestionably true, she did feel less somehow making her face burn with shame and embarrassment at her foolish shortcomings.
Her face said it all. Merle clicked his tongue in his mouth a grave knowing expression crossed over his hard features as he cocked his head to the side.
"Oooo." Merle cooed lowly in a deeply displeased tone. "Ya see that right there. That self-loathing shit. That pisses me off." Merle declared evenly, but there was a rough edge of fierce discontentment appearing to see right through Addy's conflict. A sharp piercing sting cut through his chest unexpectedly shocking the man at the intense feeling of frustration he felt towards her lack of respect for herself.
Self-loathing, hit too close to home as he battled with the same conflict many times. Although not exactly in the ways Addy was, he knew what it felt like and he did not want Addy to become lost in it. Feeling you're not worth anything is a dangerous and damaging feeling that can lead to far worse things than any physical pain could produce.
Without warning, he let go of her chin and reached around her popping her right cheek once on impulsive. The echo of the slap against her naked flesh cut against the silence of the dead-end road. Despite the swat being idly and halfhearted at best, to Addy's gravely tender bottom it was agony making her legs give way slightly from under her making her cry out. Addy reached a protective palm behind her and cupped her stinging naked cheek feeling the ache sink deeply into her sore flesh.
"God, fuck, ow, Merle." Addy complained feeling tears threatening to spring up in her eyes from the incessant ache. However, Merle ignored her shooting her a stern scowl.
"Yer better than that, girl." Merle proclaimed with intense seriousness in vexed tone jabbing a stern finger towards her chest. "And I'll wail yer little ass raw every time ya think different."
Addy gave him a somewhat pouty grimace of discontentment. The man just couldn't seem to be gentle, even when he was telling her he cared about her and she was worth something, and by no means in the most sophisticated way, but he was ultimately telling her she mattered and, that, down to its essence, meant a lot to the young woman. But what vexed her the most was the fact that he couldn't just leave it at that, he had to accompany the crude compliant with a smack to her extremely tender backside. Fucking asshole. It could've been a nice moment.
"Ya understand me, girl?" Merle pushed completely ignoring Addy's grimacing pain.
"Yes, sir. I understand." Addy assured in a respectful tone of compliance as she cupped her palms under both of her cheeks, very cautious and well aware of the aching and burning pain radiating from her sore bottom like a small smoldering fire.
"God, why'd ya have to spank me so hard?" Addy couldn't stop herself from complaining, a hint of bitterness coming through her whiny tone. She knew she sounded pitiful, but she just couldn't seem to help it. Her ass hurt and she wanted some simple compassion and understanding and perhaps the slightest resemblance of amends would be welcomed. Why she thought she thought she would receive it from the rough man was beyond her comprehension.
"Last thing ya wanna ta be doin' right now, is bitchin' and whinin' ta me, little girl." Merle warned unsympathetically as gripped his firm hands around her shoulders and curtly moved her to the side out of his way. He jumped down off of the tailgate letting his heavy boots thud against the packed dirt road. Addy let a resentful sulk cross over her lips at his lack of empathy and dismissal of her pain. Could he not spare her even a remote sense of sympathy?
Merle, immediately, rounded Addy from behind making the young woman stiffen automatically placing two protective palms over her hot posterior. Merle bent down and snatched her jeans off the dirt road. With a firm look he extended his arm holding her jeans out towards her in a silent command for her to take them. A sudden look of dread crossed over her face as she eyed the jeans in the man's extended hand, like he was holding out a snake rather than her pants. She could barely touch her ass and she knew it would be so painful and uncomfortable to pull those tight jeans across her battered bottom, especially, with no underwear. A minute ago, she wanted desperately to cover her nakedness, but now that it came down to it and she was faced with the reality of what that meant she was dreadfully reluctant.
"I-I can't." Addy found herself saying in dismal defeat putting her head down in a dispirited manner.
"Ya wanna ride back ta the trailer bare assed?" Merle asked in an irritated tone suggesting that she really had no choice in the matter. Addy's head snapped back up, a shock of realization hit her, she certainly didn't want to do that and risk someone else seeing her naked. She had enough exposing shame for one night. Feeling abashment spread through her chest, Addy pressed her palms over her pubic triangle once again as she hunched her body inward in an awkward and uncomfortable manner.
"Put yer fuckin' britches back on." Merle ordered sharply leaving no room for argument or sympathy. To Merle, she had no one to blame, but herself for her predicament and part of him felt satisfied that she was facing all the consequences of her choices. Although he had calm down significantly, he was still in no way pleased with her and her embarrassment and discomfort weighed little against the rough man.
Addy reluctantly took the jeans out of Merle's hands and slowly began to put them back on. She awkwardly bent herself trying to expose as little of herself as possible as Merle's solid imposing eyes watched her with a grimly cold expression giving her no privacy from his gaze.
"Could you look away please?" Addy requested in a meek tone.
"Ya ain't got nothin' I ain't seen, little girl." Merle informed her in a hard tone dismissing her embarrassment as nothing significant. "And right now, I don't give a fuck what ya want. Ya fucked up big time and I don't trust as far as I can throw ya."
Addy felt her heart lurched in her chest and her cheeks blush in shame at his stern declaration of not trusting her. What did he expect her to do? Run? And what hurt the young woman even more was the fact that he basically declared he owed her no privacy and cared little about her feelings on the matter. Although, it appeared his eyes on her were not sexually motivated, it still, nonetheless, made her dreadfully mortified to be watched like a toddler. And to add insult to injury he was looking at her in almost a parental manner, like she was some unruly child rather than a grown woman whichoffended her in a way that made her downright ashamed. Because she wasn't some unruly child. She may only be twenty years old, but she was a grown woman in every sense of the word and it was gut-wrenching that Merle seemed to not see it. Even though she did not want sexual eyes on her nakeness without her permission part of her sense as a woman couldn't help, but wish he would look at her even remotely sexual, if only to see her as a woman she was.
With a heavy heart Addy awkwardly proceeded to slide her jeans under her boots. After she got them past her boots, she slowly tugged them up her legs pausing just at her upper thighs. With a reluctant whine, she carefully pulled the rough thick fabric upwards feeling it scrap and chafe over her raw welted flesh. Addy hissed and groaned as she gingerly dragged them over her raw bottom, unstoppable tears springing up in her eyes again at the awful pressure that was being placed on her dreadful sore skin. Addy whimpered as she zipped and buttoned them back into place.
After the task was completed, she looked up to see Daryl suddenly appear from around the truck stopping and leaning his arm on the side of the bed far too casually for what had just occurred in Addy's opinion. Addy felt her heart muscles constrict as she was not met with any sympathy or understanding from the teenager, but rather a critical and hard expression appearing somewhat haughty in his body language, that essentially told Addy he felt she earned her punishment which hurt her more than she cared to admit. Addy turned her attention to the ground feeling a whole newfound mortification consume her realizing the teenager heard everything, if not witnessed everything. Addy just wanted to craw into a hole and never come out.
Addy slipped her hands in her front jean pockets bringing her shoulders up to her ears slightly feeling her red raw face blush further. Addy didn't know how much shame and embarrassment one could feel in such a short amount of time, but it was turning out to be quite an unbelievable amount. Although, she was no longer nude from the waist down the humiliation of it all was still strongly prevalent. She nudged the toe of her boot into the dirt in a nervous and fidgety manner keeping her eyes cast on the ground hoping someone would break the stubborn silence.
Addy suddenly stopped her fidgeting when a horrible thought began to occur to her. How the hell was she going to ride back? There were only two options, the truck or the Harley, and either sounded favorable as far as her backside was concerned. If it was up to her, she would walk, but she doubted greatly that she would get the luxury of that choice.
"She ridin' with me?" Daryl asked in a graveled tone abruptly breaking the quiet as he turned to look at his older brother, the tyrannical dictator, for the answer.
Merle kept his firm gaze on Addy his eyes squinted as he contemplated his decision, making Addy's body grow tense with anticipation. Now that she thought about it, the tuck provided her the option where she could at least lean to the side and keep her bottom somewhat protected from the bumps and jolts. The truck. She wanted to ride in the truck.
"Nah." Merle decided dismissively feeling her anticipation bubble of hope burst into a bitter disappointment.
"She's gonna ride on the Harley." He finalized with firm resolve.
Addy's jaw dropped in both hurt and shock, a look of betrayal crossed over her delicate features. She was certain he was doing this on purpose to punish her further. Hasn't she been punished enough? The unfairness of it all came crashing against her in frustration and great offense.
"But-But why can't I ride with, Daryl?" Addy asked in a tone that was far too whinny than she anticipated, but the young woman was desperate for answers and she just had this false hope she could, perhaps, change his insensitive mind and stubborn disposition to be a jackass. However, luck was not on her side tonight, in fact, Addy was beginning to feel it was nonexistent and it was all because of the callous man in front of her.
"Cause I said so." Merle snapped unsympathetically before turning around and marching towards the bike obviously expecting Addy to follow him like an obediently little puppy.
Addy's brows frowned deeply in offense at the curt and unfair reasoning like she was nothing more than a child who did not deserve the courtesy of an explanation. Although, she ultimately, already knew his motive behind his decision and that was the fact that he was an asshole. An irrefutable asshole, she reminded herself and, unfortunately, for her, she was obliged to say it.
"Asshole." Addy breathed sharply under her breath in a bitter resentment, not really thinking too much other than that simple fact, but in all her effort to say it quietly, it wasn't quiet enough.
Without warning, Merle briskly turned on his heels sharply stopping dead in his tracks shooting her a deadly harsh glare of angry astonishment.
Panic shot through her lungs as her breathing ceased and took an automatic timorous step back.
Oh shit.
"What?" He demanded gruffly his blue eyes blazing and sparking with frustration.
"I-I…" Addy stuttered out stupidly feeling a rising terror spread through her nerves.
Merle turned completely around until his shoulders were square with her's. He lifted his chest haughtily rolling his shoulders back before taking a threatening step towards Addy making her immediately take another cautious step back. On instinct, Addy place two protective palms over her back jean pockets because that's what one does after being switched on their bare bottom.
"Ya just got yer sorry ass beat and ya wanna give me lip, girl? What? Yer ass ain't raw 'nough fer ya? Huh?" Merle challenged his voice intensifying in frustration and impatience as he leaned forward in a combative manner.
"N-No, sir. I'm sorry. I just…I'm sorry." Addy apologized urgently in desperate fear of her bottom being back on the line for disrespect knowing Merle would not hesitate to produce further harm to her sore posterior and that was just unthinkable to the dreadful sore woman.
Why did she have to backtalk? Because she was idiot, that's why, she recapped to herself.
Merle inhaled a breath of heated air straightening his stiff and ridged posture before releasing it through his nose in a forced huff.
"Watch-that-sassy-mouth, little Addy May." Merle warned in a grave deep tone that made Addy swallow hard. "If ya ain't figured it out I'm still fuckin' pissed and I ain't got no problem pullin' them britches back down and bendin' yer little ass back over for some more learnin' ta night. Is that what ya need? More learnin'?" Merle challenged snapping in an irritated growl. Merle did not plan on giving her anymore licks tonight as he felt her ass was overly raw, but if she wanted to disrespect him, he had no issue in giving her what she asked for. And if she wasn't so sore, he would most defiantly taken her over his knee again for blatant defiance and disrespect. He had zero patience to give her. The only thing saving her, was her switch backside being excessively raw.
"N-No, sir." Addy expressed wisely, timidly putting her head down in pure submission. She believed his every word and knew her ass could not take even one more swat from his rough hand.
If she thought Merle was calmed down, she was dead wrong.
Merle gritted his teeth and with a heated huff, he sharply turned and stomped towards his bike in lengthy strides, his strong back stiff and tense. Addy sighed in miserable defeat as she trudged slowly behind him her feet dragging in resistance and hesitancy, her stiff body straining in discomfort. Goddamn. She couldn't even walk properly.
Merle straddled his bike kicking the jiffy stand roughly back with his heel before shooting Addy a firm glare that clearly read, 'get yer ass on the bike'. Addy grimaced with unwillingness before, slowly and gingerly moving her leg over the back seat feeling her backside twinge and ache at the movement. However, that was nothing compared to lower her swollen bottom onto the hard leather seat. Addy released a loud hiss and groan through her teeth feeling the dreadful pressure intensify the dreadful ache and burn. She might as well have been sitting on a brick as it would have felt no different. Merle started up the engine and Addy reluctantly and weakly wrapped her arms around Merle's mid-section.
"Tighter." Merle ordered gruffly knowing that the light weight little woman was bound to fall off if she didn't tighten her grip around him. Addy did as she was told squeezing her arms around his solid abdomen that felt like she was gripping onto a ridged immovable statue. Merle revved the bike launching it forward down the dirt road not bothering to wait for Daryl.
The ride back was miserable and utter agony for the aching woman, especially when they arrived at the long path onto the Dixon property line which was a disturbingly bumpy and uneven trail. Each dip, jolt and bump Addy felt with extreme potency making the whole trip one big miserable journey of pain and discomfort. Uninvited tears lined her eyes as she grunted and sobbed incessantly in distress pressing her body into the man's hard back for support and much needed comfort, a lump of resentment still sitting in her chest at the callous man who caused her the pain.
Addy always wanted to ride on Merle's bike and she would have enjoyed the rugged ride if it wasn't for the unfortunate circumstances that her bottom burning like the devil had barbequed it.
Once they made it to the clearing of the property, Merle pulled his bike in the open garage and killed the engine kicking the jiffy stand back up and resting the weight on it. Addy without hesitation, immediately, got off the hard leather seat placing both of her palms over her battered backside that was now deadened and stiffened from the hard ride, her raw nerves relentlessly aching deep within her muscles. She rubbed her palms carefully over her hot sore cheeks for some much-needed attention and relief.
"Go on in the trailer." Merle ordered curtly dismissing her with an idly wave of his hand. "And ya fuckin' stay there." He added sharply with warning making Addy tense against his threatening tone, her eyes snapping up towards him. Merle pointed a firm and commanding finger at her.
"Don't ya step a foot outside or you gonna be the sorriest woman in Georgia. Ya hear me?" He ordered in a gruff serious bite making Addy nod timidly. She wouldn't dare disobey him at this point.
"Go on. Git." He dismissed tightly.
Addy wasted no time in moving her feet away from the disgruntled man dying to get out of her tight jeans that felt like sandpaper pressing and chafing against her sore skin. Addy moved swiftly and urgently towards the trailer feeling her bottom twinge and ache dreadfully with every step, but Addy disregarded it as she had an pressing desire to be alone. Addy ran the back of her hand under her eyes ridding her of the wetness of her tears. Just as she reached the trailer door, she heard the roar of the truck driving onto the clearing, but she didn't bother to turn around to look. She hoped they would stay outside and give her upset self some desired space.
As soon as Addy made it inside, she marched down the hall to the bedroom where she immediately ridded herself of her jeans, gingerly tugging them down over her bottom. Addy gasped loudly her breath hitching in pain as they abraded and scraped over her welts. She pulled the heavy fabric all the way off pressing her lips together in reluctance and anticipation as turned her back towards the closet door mirror.
Looking over her shoulder Addy winced and grimaced with startlement and self-pity. Her whole posterior, from the top of her bottom all the way down to her upper thighs were a dark angry shade of maroon and lined on the surface were long distinct welts that stiped the top of her bottom down to her upper thighs. Some welts were a slightly lighter hue of red while others where contrastingly a darker shade. Some were, also, thicker than others. Some stripes overlapped and crisscrossed each other like an incoherent mess.
Her bottom looked downright awful and Addy sighed in deep dismay and hurt, feeling her chest crack open with a sharp bitterness towards the man responsible. However, the resentful feelings were not lacking with frustration and regret towards herself. Why did she have to be so stupid? None of this would have happened if she just told Merle in the first place sparing herself from not only Eric, but a horrendously sore bottom that she was sure she wasn't going to be able to sit on tomorrow…or the next day for that matter.
An overwhelming feeling of shame began to consume her as she thought back to what Merle had asked her, suggesting that her reckless and impulsive behavior was due to her feeling less valuable as a person and not significant enough to heed to safety. And as much as Addy did not want to believe that silly notion to be true, there was prominent and truthful weight to his word that she could not ignore. An awareness was brought to her attention that she often did not believe herself to be of anyone of any importance and her careless actions often reflected that self-sacrificing insecurity. It was true, she did feel like nothing special and did, repeatedly, not think herself deserving or valuable and that exposure cut the woman sharply to her core with grave dissatisfaction in herself. It was rather sad and pitiful making Addy feel downright ashamed of it, and what was even more significant about the whole thing was Merle didn't tolerate it. So much so that he switched her naked backside into a welt ridden raw mess. And while whipping her backside was horrid and by no means something she approved of, his intense display of care about what happened to her was irrefutable. Despite his manner being frightfully extreme (he was one of a kind that was for sure), no one had ever shown that much fierce regard for her. Nor has anyone ever had been appalled with her risking her safety before demonstrating that she mattered in such a profound way.
Addy's mind whirled with conflicting and intense emotions of what occurred unable to make sense of it all. The young woman shook her head feeling tears spring up in her eyes at her turmoil and intense feelings. She sniffled and ran her fingers under her eyes not wanting to cry anymore. She cried enough tears tonight and refused to let herself be overcome. She was just too damn tired and she knew if she tried to make sense of all she was feeling and the events that occurred tonight she would go crazy with confusion, frustration, and pain. She had to move forward and she would start by putting on a comfortable pair of loose cut off sweatpants.
One step at a time.
Just then she heard heavy footsteps stomp into the trailer making Addy gasp and turn her attention towards the closed bedroom door. Addy wondered if Merle expected her to stay in the bedroom and go to sleep right away. However, the truth was, the disheartened woman simply couldn't as her bottom ached too much and her mind was whirling in torment. She needed a distraction and if she was being honest with herself, much to her confusion she needed Merle.
Addy hesitantly, but purposefully walked out the door, honestly, not sure what her ultimate goal was in leaving the protection and privacy of the bedroom. All she knew was she did not want to be alone in her distressed mind and let her instincts take hold. Addy cautiously walked down the hallway to be met with Deja Vu of Merle seated in his worn recliner leaning back into the tattered cushions like when she left, but this time his keen blue eyes were opened and alert staring right at her intensely.
"Ya ain't goin' outside, little girl." Merle declared sternly as soon as Addy came into the room anticipating that being her reasoning for showing herself. He was somewhat surprised, if not a little annoyed, that she left the sanctity of the bedroom.
"No, I'm not, I just…" Addy sputtered out awkwardly unable to finish her thought. For some unknown and bizarre reason to her, she wanted to be with him, the very man that welted her backside with a switch only a half an hour ago. While she knew there was something mentally disturbing and wrong about that desire according to her rational brain, she just couldn't help it and was far too worn out to fight against it or care.
"I-I just wanted to ask you…something?" Addy said in an uncertain and hesitant tone as she shifted her weight from foot to foot in an awkward and nervous manner casting her eyes to the dingy carpet.
Merle's stern blue eyes squinted a touch with suspension as he leaned forward resting his forearms on his thighs keeping his firm expression fixed on her as he waited impatiently for her to ask that 'something' which he hoped was a damn good 'something'.
There was a beat of silence before Addy let out a heavy sigh as she couldn't think of damn thing meaningful or significant to say. Therefore, the desperate woman went off the rails a bit and said something so ridiculous she wanted to slap her forehead.
"Why do ducks have feathers?" Addy asked morphing her face into a reluctant grimace of regret as soon as the words left her mouth. She couldn't believe she was doing this.
Merle eyebrows frowned deeply in confusion and annoyance. "What the fuck?" He exclaimed utterly God- smacked at her question. Was she fucking with him?
Addy sighed nervously again at her stupid whim. Was she this desperate to stay with the man she was resorting this? Well, she went there. She said it. Now he had to follow through with her ridiculous idea.
"Why do ducks have feathers?" Addy asked again slowly, her face showing complete defeat and lack of confidence in her question.
Merle raised a baffled eyebrow. Was she trying to tell him a joke?
"To cover their butt quacks." Addy quipped dully just knowing Merle was going to ridicule her for it. It was a childish joke. Not even intelligent joke.
Merle's mouth parted slightly in shock and was silent for beat before he cracked a genuine toothy smile and let out a good hardy chuckle.
"Goddamn." His raspy vocals vibrating pleasantly within the small trailer as he shook his head at the floor warmly amused. Although the joke was cute and innocent, his amusement mainly came from the surprise of being so caught off guard. He did not expect it and her charming and somewhat awkward deliverance of it make it all the more pleasant for the man shaking off some much need tension.
She was trying to make him laugh after he just beat her ass? Well, this was a novelty. He expected her to complain and gripe, cry or tell him how utterly disgusted and horrified she was by him taking a switch to her ass. He did not expect this and it was a rather pleasing surprise.
Addy felt the side of her lip tug upwards slightly before pressing them together shyly and looking down at the carpet as she fidgeted with her hands feeling a warmth of pleasure spread through her chest at his open amusement enjoying the sound of his honest laugh. Which she was finding out had a rather charming ring to it. Addy was relieved and somewhat surprised that her impulse was successful.
"Ya come up with that all on yer own, girl?" Merle asked raising an amused eyebrow at her, a ghost of relaxation and pleasure hanging onto his contented features.
"Well, no…" Addy admitted bashfully. She had heard that silly joke from somewhere before.
"Ya just come out 'ere ta tell me a joke? Think I'll soften up and git ya 'nother Kit Kat bar or somethin'?" Merle teased lightheartedly enjoying the woman's bashfulness toward her innocent whim. He was pleased and somewhat proud with her attempts to keep her spirits up; it was a hell of a lot better than her moping, sulking, and dwelling about the consequences of her actions. It showed an acceptance and respect toward him that he relished in making him hope that she had learned something.
"No…" Addy said feeling her cheek flush with embarrassment as she looked down at the floor pressing her bare toe in the dirty brown carpet continuing to fidget nervously.
Although, a Kit Kat bar would be nice she thought innocently.
"Ya sing, ya tell jokes, what else can ya do, little girl?" Merle asked playfully, honestly curious to know what other hidden talents she possessed.
"Fuck up." Addy acknowledged grimly on impulse, the guilt and pain of the night still weighing heavily on her heart.
"Awwh, now, now, now." Merle warned, an ominous weighed tone surfacing as he clicked his tongue at her with a condescending tisk-tisk sound. "We were havin' such a nice little chat and ya wanna go and ruin it with that self-pity talk? Didn't I tell ya I don't want ta hear no more of that shit?" Merle reminded grimly a biting serious edge to his voice that was deeply unsettling to Addy and her sore backside.
"Yes, sir. I'm sorry." Addy apologized in meek tone putting her head down bringing her attention back to the carpet feeling shame and guilt creep back within. It was not her intention to irk Merle again. She just couldn't seem to do much right tonight. What the hell was wrong with her?
"Ya go on, now, and git yerself ta bed." Merle instructed sternly jutting his chin towards the hallway thinking the woman needed a long rest of recuperation. Although, his voice was calm and even there was clear annoyance that lined his tone.
Addy felt her heart lurch with disappointment and dread. An undeniable panic started to rise within her at the thought being alone with her thoughts.
"M-Merle." Addy began trying to keep her tone even, but there was clear distress in her small voice. Building up all the courage she could muster in her sore and weary body she tilted her head up to look at the man.
"I-I…I don't want…to be alone." Addy finally admitted feeling her heart ping with utter fear of rejection.
Merle raised his eyebrows astounded by her meaning. She wanted to stay with him. That was the reason for her coming out here and telling him a joke? She wanted his company after the switching he gave her?
"Ya wanna cuddle up next ta the man that wailed the tar outta ya?" Merle asked in a tone of uncertainty and surprise.
Addy nodded timidly to the floor feeling her cheeks burn with embarrassment and awkwardness. She knew she was acting pitifully giving into weakness exposing her personal desires to be close to him, but she just couldn't help it. All her pride and stoicism were spanked out of her and just wanted the comfort of the man that cared enough to go after her.
Merle sighed heavily feeling his tense muscle slacken against her openness and vulnerability. He didn't have a problem with it, in fact, there was part of him that felt a warmth toward her soft need.
"Well, come 'ere and sit on my lap." He offered patting his hard thighs before spreading his arms out inviting her to come over to his embrace.
Sit? Oh God, how?
Despite her sore bottom, Addy felt a heavy weight lift off her shoulders and a profound sense of relief washed over her like a bucket of water. She gratefully walked over to the man's outstretched arms. Unsure how to position herself, Addy slowly and awkwardly turned to her side, leaning her hip onto the arm rest allowing her bottom to stick out away from the contact of the chair. She leaned the rest of her body in towards Merle laying her head on his chest just blow his chin as she crunched up her legs inward towards her chest allowing them to position off the ground against Merle's warm body.
Without hesitation, Merle wrapped his bare toned arm around her waist and pulled her into him allowing her to adjust and wiggle herself till she was comfortable. A wave of exhaustion hit Merle's overworked muscles as he sunk in deep to his well dented cushions letting his tired limbs rest feeling a great and unforeseen comfort in having Addy beneath his arm knowing she was safely pressed by his side where she belonged. It just seemed right somehow.
"Merle…" Addy's small voice murmured cutting through the blissful silence.
Merle nearly groaned at the interruption, irritation pitching at his nerves as the woman just couldn't seem to rest. He was done talking and wanted to get some much-needed sleep that was, ultimately, rudely interrupted by Addy's impulsive sunt this evening.
"Thank you for… coming after me." Addy expressed hesitantly in a sincere tone as she subconsciously picked at a loose snag on the front of Merle's shirt in a nervous manner. Despite everything, she wanted him to know she was grateful for him caring about her.
Merle hummed deeply in his throat his chest vibrating soothingly against Addy's cheek.
"Ya thankin' me fer that switchin'?" Merle asked evenly keeping his eyes shut and his head pressed back against the cushions.
What?! "No." Addy declared adamantly with a small bite of bitterness to her tone at his outrageous interpretation.
How the hell did he get that out of what she said? Perhaps he was hoping she would admit she earned it. Huh. Fat chance.
"You're-You're just the only one that ever came after me." Addy admitted openly, appreciation and honest warmth lining her words. She didn't know where all this sharing of her feelings came from, but the events of the evening and perhaps the soreness in her backside brought it out of her. It was such a powerful and desirable feeling to realize she was wanted and treasured by someone, something she had never truly experienced before and it just made her want to cry at the joy that it brought to be troubled heart.
"Hmmm." Merle hummed thoughtfully and soothingly finding odd comfort and warmth in her sincere heartfelt words. "Like I said yer ours, darlin', and ain't nothin' gonna change that. I'll always come after ya and tan yer little hide fer ya. Now, ain't that a comfortin' thought." Merle bantered somewhat mischievously in a tone that was far too serious to be taken lightly. He was completely aware of the irony in his statement, adding fair warning to the young woman that if she found herself under similar circumstances that is what she could expect from him.
Addy couldn't help, but scrunch her face into grimace of disgust. She was thankful for his care and protection towards her, not the dreadful switching she received. Well, his statement was a half comforting thought and, at this moment, Addy took it for what it was worth and it was worth an abundance to the young woman more than Merle knew. An unstoppable warmth spread through chest as she nestled her body closer to his, feeling an irrepressible affection bloom in her burdened heart, feeling safe, protected, and cared for in his embrace.
"Now, ya be a good little girl and hush. Old Merle needs some fuckin' sleep." Merle declared patting the side of her hip firmly, generously avoiding her sore bottom. Addy flinched slightly a bit taken back by the affectionate pat, but extremely thankful he saw fit to leave her bottom alone. His calloused palm met her ass far too many times tonight in her humble opinion.
Addy knew the man must be exhausted and a pinch of a newfound guilt came creeping within her as she was the one who kept him from a peaceful and well-deserved nights rest. Addy obliged him as she settled herself into the man's chest further taking in his familiar sent and comforting protective arm that lay wrapped around her waist. It had been a long night and although her bottom ached and throbbed something fierce she was able shut her eyes with Merle and find peace within his embrace. Without another word, the two of them fell into a deep sleep on the recliner together.
After a short while, Daryl walked into the tailer stopping dead in his tracks by the sight before him. Initial shock crossed over the teenager's face, but soon a small smirk tugged on the side of his lip, a hint of amusement twinkling in his eyes.
Well, shit.
TBC?
Well, I hope you all enjoy that chapter. Let me know if you would like the story to continue or if there is a specific scenario you want to see. Please review and share your thoughts, suggestions, critiques, comments etc. I love and appreciate it all.
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Thank you so much for reading!