Page 152 of Axe Marks the Spot

Exciting. Safe. Like home.

“Someone’s been a naughty wife.” Sir’s deep voice rumbles, sending a shiver up my spine. Not only from the devilish tease in his tone but also because I love it when he calls me his wife—almost as much as when he calls me his. It makes my insides melt and flip in a way I’ll never get used to.

His fingers brush over the top of my head. My hair is down and slightly curled, as he likes best. He walks in front of me, and his strong fingers grip my chin, lifting my gaze to meet his. His hazel irises are warm and steady with a sparkle of mischief in them. It’s a look I’ve come to know well: one that means I’m in for a night of pain and pleasure. My favorite.

He strokes my chin. “So pretty like this,” he murmurs. “Too bad kneeling won’t get you out of your punishment.”

My pulse spikes, and I wet my dry lips.

“Tell me,” he continues. “What did you do today that displeased me?”

“I talked back when you asked me if I had done my morning routine and I hadn’t.”

“Hmm.” He traces my lower lip with his thumb. “You did. And why did you do that?”

Embarrassment burns through me, hot and heavy in my lower belly. I naturally try to look down, but his grip on my chin stops me.

“Tell me,” he commands sharply.

I swallow hard. “I—I don’t know, Sir.”

His mouth curves into a slow, dangerous smile. It’s the kind that makes my core clench and my pussy wet.

“You don’t know?”

I swallow again and shake my head.

“I see.” He pulls his hand back, and I keep my eyes on him since he didn’t tell me to look down. He looks near menacing in his black slacks and black button-up, the attire he likes to wear when we’re doing a scene.

Dane puts his hands in his pockets. “Do you want to know what I think?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“I think that you wanted my attention,” he says, almost amused. “That you’re a needy wife who missed her husband’s hand.”

“Yes, Sir,” I say, not denying it because…he’s right. He usually is. I do want his attention. I’ve been craving his touch, his control, the grounding presence our scenes give me.

Life’s been hectic lately. We still have sex, we still care for each other daily, but we haven’t had time for real scenes, the kind that center us in our dynamic. The kind where I’m his and he’s mine in a way only a submissive and Dominant can be.

Over the last two years, Dane and I have shaped our D/s relationship into something that truly fits us. He gave me my permanent collar on our honeymoon six months ago, and since then, our connection has only deepened.

He’s my Dominant, and I’m his submissive, but not every moment of every day. We’re partners first. We’ve created a structure that allows us to be everything else life demands: parents, professionals, and people who sometimes just need to rest.

Still, our dynamic is always present, woven into the fabric of our lives like a thread we can pull tight when we need it. Small rituals keep us grounded: our routines, the way he reminds me to drink water, how I kneel beside the bed for our Sunday check-ins. Even when we’re not in a scene, that trust and structure is always between us.

To the outside world and to Kas, Dane and I look like any other married couple. And in many ways, we are. But beneath that, there’s intention in how we move through our life together. Beyond the check-ins and routines that keep our dynamic alive, there are other, subtle ways I serve him, and countless ways he shows up for me. He takes care of Kas and me in every way that matters. He’s renovated our home, stepped in as a steady provider—something that took me time to adjust to after so many years of doing it alone—and he’s become the kind of “Logger Dad” Kas brags about at school.

With his support, I was able to cut down on hours at the hospital over the years and spend more time with Kas, something not only I needed, but she needed, too. Dane, for lack of a better word, is perfect. He doesn’t like when I say that, but to me, he is. He’s the man of my dreams, and I find so much joy and happiness in what we’ve built together.

The only downside to the life we’ve created is our lack of alone time. Kas has gotten very into axe throwing, and we’ve been entering her in some competitions for kids that take us all over the place. Then there’s the fact that she loves having friends over, and we’ve also got her school projects and other activities. It’s a lot, and by the time our heads hit our pillows at night, Dane and I are exhausted. The last time we had a good scene was weeks ago now, and I need him. So yes, now that I think about it, I did act out this morning on purpose.

Sir hums, and my mind focuses back on him along with my gaze.

“And now you’re going to get it, aren’t you?” he asks.

I nod quickly, my cheeks burning.

Dane takes his hand from his pocket and brings it to my lips, this time palm open. “Kiss it, and ask me nicely.”