It’s that hard crying where you just blubber and can barely get any words out. Phil shushes Jane as he holds her on his lap. He reminds her to just breathe as he undoes her bun and runs his fingers through her blonde hair.

“Y-you think I’m some kind of m-monster,” Jane says through sobs.

“No baby, I don’t,” Phil says, continuing to shush her softly.

“You d-do,” Jane says with a little hiccup. “You think I’m an ice queen.”

“Nope, though I do think you’re a little hard headed sometimes,” Phil says with a smile, working to untangle Jane’s locks.

“Like when I was mean to Alice at dinner?”

“Yep. Or that time that we had to cancel our vacation because you waited too long to renew your passport.”

Jane frowns a little, recalling the hard paddling she got for that. But then she smiles when she remembers the little day trip Phil took her on in lieu of their big trip. It was a tour of local bookstores and dinner at a cute Parisian themed cafe.

“Sometimes,” Phil says, finally working the last of the tangles free, “I forget there’s so much goodness under this thick candy shell.”

Jane laughs at his stupid joke, and it’s in that laugh that she realizes everything is going to be okay. She’s not losing Phil. She’s not losing anything. Except possibly some control. And maybe that was a win.

“You know I’ll always choose you, Janey,” Phil says, looking into her tear soaked eyes. “Above everyone and everything. Even the rules. So if you want to have a, well, I guess ‘normal’ marriage, we can do that. Or if you want to just skip this punishment with Alice and her friend, we can do that, too.”

Jane thinks for a moment. And then she shakes her head. “No, I want to do this. I want to make you proud. I want to be your good girl. But beyond that, I think I need this. The panty rule is stupid, and part of me hates it. But part of me craves it.”

“Yeah,” Phil asks, “how’s that?”

“I’m responsible for so many people and I have to make so many decisions at work, you know,” she asks as Phil listens and nods. “But with this rule, I don’t have to decide what panties to wear. I don’t even need to think about it. I know what’s expected of me, and I can just let that one small decision fall away.”

“That’s a great way to look at it,” Phil says, encouragement in his voice. “I also think that you can lose your ability to let yourself feel sometimes, and the punishments help with that.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. Like, you’re so focused on producing at work and on being the tough boss lady that you push your emotions down and don’t allow yourself to feel them. And that’s part of why I want you to get punished.”

“Because it grounds me?”

“Yeah,” Phil nods, “that’s a good way to put it.”

Phil leans over and grabs a box of tissues from a nearby side table and pulls a sheet out. He hands it to Jane, and she blows her nose. Then he grabs another tissue and dries her tears. The two are silent for a few minutes as Phil holds Jane and strokes her hair.

“So,” he asks finally, “should I text Alice and tell her and her friend to come over at seven?”

Jane nods, and this time without any hesitation. “I promise I’ll be a very good girl during my punishment.”

Alice arrives at Trudy’s apartment in her beat up sedan at a little after six-thirty. She has to reach over and open the passenger door from inside because the outside handle on that side doesn’t work. Trudy hops in, closes the door, and buckles up. As she is getting into position, Alice reaches into the back seat and grabs a pretty wooden box.

“Here,” Alice says, handing the box over to Trudy. “This is for you. It arrived at my desk via courier a little before I packed up for the day.”

“What is it,” Trudy asks, hefting the box.

“I don’t know. Open it,” Alice says, a teasing lilt in her voice.

Trudy unlatches the box and opens it. Inside is a silk lining. Atop the lining is a very finely crafted hairbrush. The bristles appear to be made from natural fibers, and the handle looks like mahogany or teak.

“Oh wow,” Trudy says. “This is so pretty.” She pulls out her phone and uses the AI photo search feature. The results pop up, and Trudy opens the manufacturer’s website. “Oh my god, this brush is like four-hundred dollars,” she exclaims with authentic surprise.

Alice is speechless for a moment. And then pulls an envelope out of her purse. “Oh, there’s a card, too.” She hands the light orange envelope over to Trudy, who opens it with shaky hands.

“Dear Trudy,” the girl reads aloud from an enclosed, handmade card. “Thank you so very much for spending time with me today and for helping Alice correct me. Sincerely, Jane Elise Pierce.”

“That’s so sweet,” Alice says with a little smile.

“I guess she’s not such a big bitch anymore,” Trudy says, still in shock.

“I don’t think she was ever a bitch,” Alice replies.

“No,” Trudy asks, confusion pouring over the words.

“She spends a lot of time in and out of work doing philanthropic work for a lot of important charities. And she and Phil donate to those charities, too. Between you and me, it’s a lot. I’ve seen the paperwork. Plus, she has mentored a lot of young women.”

“Has she mentored you,” Trudy asks defensively.

“I’m not saying we haven’t bumped heads, or that she’s perfect. But maybe we’ve misjudged her just a bit.”

“Do you still have a little crush on her,” Trudy asks with a sly smile.

“Maybe,” Alice says before reconsidering. “Yes. Probably more so now because I’ve seen a more human side of her.”

Alice is silent for a minute before squinting at her friend. “You can’t tell anyone.”

“I would never,” Trudy promises. “But, you’ve got to tell me your thoughts on her mysterious husband.”

Alice giggles and shakes her head as they pull up to the gate in front of the big house. “I’m going to let you form your own opinion.”

The front door opens a few seconds after Alice knows. Both Phil and Jane are in the doorway, and they welcome Trudy and Alice in with hugs. “Hi, I’m Phil, you must be Trudy,” the tall man says as he dwarfs the young woman in a warm embrace.

Trudy mirrors Alice’s earlier eagerness and excitement about the house. “It’s way bigger than Alice described. I bet it has so many bathrooms.”

Phil chuckles and says he usually tells a joke about having a different place to shower each day.

Jane asks Trudy if she got her gift. “Oh my gosh, yes, I did,” Trudy exclaims with delight. “That was so generous of you, thank you, so, so much.”

“It’s my pleasure,” Jane says with a smile. “I’m sorry that yours got ruined. I’m sure you’ll be happy to know it’s in my desk ready for whenever it’s needed.” It’s quiet for a second until Jane breaks the silence with an earnest giggle and then everyone joins in.

Jane points to Alice’s skirt, which is patterned with green and white flowers. “That’s so pretty,” she says, “do you mind if I ask where you got it?”

“It was my grandma’s,” Alice reports. “I got so many cute outfits from when she was younger.”

Jane welcomes everyone to come further inside and they all plop down in the sitting room. “Can I get anyone anything to drink,” Phil asks. “Alice, would you like a sparkling water,” he checks, smiling at the younger woman.

“Yes, please,” Alice responds.

Trudy asks for the same and Phil says he’ll be right back.

“We’re planning on ordering pizza, but would you girls prefer something else,” Jane asks. “We’ve got really good sushi nearby or we could do Chinese.”

Alice looks at Trudy. “Ummm,” both girls say.

“Pizza,” Alice replies.

Trudy nods at Alice and then looks at Jane. “Pizza, please.”

The three discuss toppings until Phil finally returns from the kitchen, drinks in hand.

“I have a small favor to ask,” Jane says quietly. Trudy and Alice both nod and listen intently. “Would you both be willing to handle my punishment before dinner? I’d just rather get it over with so we can all have a lovely meal and evening together.”

“Of course, whatever you need,” Alice says as Trudy nods eagerly.

Jane stands before the group and undoes the clasp on her slacks. “I thought maybe I could start by showing you both that I’ve already learned my lesson,” Jane says, lowering the zipper on the pants. She pushes the waistband down to her hips and shows her plain white cotton bikini panties to the girls. And for the second time that night, everyone has a good, happy laugh.

Jane fixes her clothes and sits next to Phil. They make light conversation with the girls, and everyone enjoys their drinks.

“Okay, can we head up stairs,” Jane asks politely. Everyone nods and the group heads up a large spiral staircase. On the way, Alice and Trudy compliment Jane and Phil on their decorative choices.

Jane unlocks a door with a key and she leads Phil and the girls within. Inside is a large and ornate spanking bench. It’s made from cherry and features a deep, rich stain. “Phil made this a little over a year ago,” she says to the impressed girls. “We haven’t really had a chance to use it properly until now.”

Standing near the front of the bench, Jane points. “See, it even has stocks for my wrists, so no one needs to hold them for me,” she says with a little chagrin. As she undresses, Phil locks the top of the stocks. “Alice, would you and Trudy be able to help secure me,” Jane asks.

Once naked, Jane lays on the bench. The padding is very comfortable, and Jane feels well supported on the surface. She places her neck and wrists in the cut outs on the lower half of the stocks. Once she is in position, Phil puts on the top half and locks it in place.

While Phil works on locking Jane up front, the girls help Jane put her feet in place. Each girl straps the ankle on her side of the bench and then both girls fiddle with the strap that goes across Jane’s waist. Finally, everyone steps back and looks at the now very secured Jane.

Crossing the room, Phil opens a cupboard and retrieves two big paddles from within. The spanking implements match the wood, stain, and finish of the bench. Phil hands a paddle to each girl and then gestures toward Jane.

“Okay, Jane, do you know why you are being punished,” Alice asks.

“Umm, well, because I haven’t been a great boss or friend or partner. I’ve been breaking my rules and I haven’t been patient. But I want to try harder. I want to be a good girl.”

Phil nods so Jane can see. He has Alice stand on Jane’s left and Trudy stand on her right. “Whenever you’re ready, Alice. Nice and hard,” he coaches. The young woman steps out of her heels and stands on the carpeting in bare feet. Then she imagines the box Phil drew on Jane’s bottom. Lining up the paddle, Alice raises the paddle back and then swings it forward. The impact makes a loud crack and Alice can see Jane’s bottom - still a little red from the earlier spanking - compress under the paddle.

Jane yells out and a cry of pain. Phil nods at Trudy. Trudy follows Alice’s example and spanks from the opposite side. Again, Jane cries out.

“Just like that, girls,” Phil instructs. “One after the other - just as hard and in the same spots. Just keep going back and forth until I tell you to stop.”

For Jane, the paddling is a painful blur. The heat and pain is building faster than she can tolerate. Soon, she’s crying real tears and apologizing to Phil and the girls. She sobs hard and the tears run down her face onto the bench. She balls her fists and curls her toes, trying anything to escape the pain.

But there is no escape.

It’s hard for Trudy and Alice, too. The girls are starting to sweat a little. But they continue without a break, trying their best to bring Jane the justice she’s asked for.

Jane cries louder now. But something is changing, twisting for her. She’s feeling herself slip closer and closer to release. Toward subspace. Unlike before, she’s comfortable and feels safe enough to give in. And she does. And that submission is rewarded finally. She relaxes as the girls spank her.

After a few more cracks from the paddles, Phil signals to the girls to stop. The girls immediately cease the spanking and everyone reassures Jane.

“You’re forgiven, the slates’ clean,” Phil tells her as he strokes her hair.

“You’re such a good girl,” Trudy says, as Alice pets her back.

Phil collects the paddles and puts them away as Trudy and Alice unlock Jane and slowly, carefully help her to her feet. It’s clear that Jane is feeling this spanking more than any other, but she wears a slight, self-assured smile. She knows that she’ll need Phil to hold her and stroke her body later. And he will. But for now, she’s proud of herself and grateful for this little community that came together for her.

“I was reading, and I guess that lotion can help your bottom after a spanking. C-can, um, I want to put some lotion on your bottom, Jane,” Alice says. “I promise to be very gentle.”

Jane nods and Phil goes to another room and returns with a small bottle.

“Hey, why don’t we go and order the pizza,” Phil asks Trudy. The pair leave Alice and Jane alone.

Alice sits on a nearby sofa and Jane crawls across her lap. The younger woman pops the bottle open and squirts some lotion into her hand. She rubs her hands together and gingerly rubs some on Jane’s butt. Jane winces but is able to relax a little bit as her secretary rubs it in.

“I’m sorry that I have been cold with you,” Jane says, sniffling a little.

“And I’m sorry,” Alice begins, “that I haven’t been more supportive after your punishments. I kind of just spanked you and then left you there to deal with the fallout on your own.”

The pair are quiet as Alice applies another layer of lotion to her boss’s bottom. She doesn’t rub it in so much as strokes the punished flesh, applying coat after coat of the cool cream.

“I appreciate you so much, Alice,” Jane says sleepily. “There’s so much stuff that you handle for me that I just don’t even need to think about. Let alone worry about.”

“I appreciate you, too,” Alice says with a smile. “You hired me off the street and put a lot of trust in me. Thank you for that.”

It’s silent during the third and fourth applications of the lotion, and soon Alice realizes that Jane has dozed off. She lets her sleep for a few minutes across her knee before gently waking her.

Jane rises and stretches before Alice leads her back to her clothes and helps her dress. Alice puts her heels back on. Before heading downstairs for dinner, the pair smile at each other, sensing a newfound closeness.

Thank you so much for reading. I got some good feedback on this story and I tried my best to end it on a happier, more fair (for Jane) note. I hope this worked well for you as the reader.

I especially appreciate comments and interaction with the folks who read my stories. If you enjoyed this series, or have any thoughts I would be grateful if you took the time to let me know.