Heartfield Ranch (Communities of Discipline Book 2) Read Online Free PDF Page A

pulls together, works together. But we are all subject to authority. I’m one of the leaders here, but I answer to the members of Heartfield. Were I to violate their trust, there would be consequences. I could be removed from my position or even banished. If a member here, male or female, breaks the rules, they are punished. Members can be fined, given extra chores, ostracized…but it’s rarely an issue. In private relationships, the men are the leaders. Their wives and children are subject to discipline and yes, some of the men do believe in spanking. And that option isn’t reserved just for the children. The women here know this and accept it. Some women who’ve come to Heartfield even find the notion of that kind of disciplinary structure attractive. The woman you hear being corrected is Sarah. She’s married to Adam and you’ll meet them soon enough. Like all the women, Sarah is here of her own free will and is quite capable of leaving if she wants to. But as long as she stays, it’s with the understanding that her husband can and will correct her.”
    Karen looked at the house. A man was emerging from the house. He had sandy blonde hair and was rolling down the sleeves of his plaid shirt as he walked down the porch steps.  A few minutes later a pretty blonde walked out onto the porch, rubbing her bottom and wiping her eyes on the back of her sleeve. She and the man exchanged words for a moment, and then she rushed into his arms and he held her close, kissing the top of her head. The scene puzzled Karen, who thought if that had been her she’d be on the phone to 911. And yet this woman seemed to be apologizing to her husband before being embraced.
    “It must seem strange to you.” Clay’s voice broke into her thoughts.
    “Culturally, socially … yes,” Karen said, inclining her head toward the couple. “Most people would consider that abuse.”
    “I was on the outside for years,” said Clay. “I regularly watched many couples – including my parents – abuse themselves and each other with words, actions, drugs, alcohol. You won’t see abuse here. You’ll see loving correction. They are two different things, and everyone is subject to it.”
    Karen turned to him. “Do the men get spanked?”
    “No,” Clay said with a small laugh. “The men here do not get spanked. But they do have to deserve the right to correct their wives. A dishonorable man is not allowed to live here, let alone marry here.”
    Karen cocked her head. “Are you married?”
    Clay laughed. “Funny, I just had someone picking on me about that today.” He jerked his head towards Adam’s house. “In fact, it was Adam there doing the ribbing. The answer is no. I’m not married. Eventually I want to be, but for now I’m unattached, which puts me in the perfect position to serve as your guardian while you’re here.”
    Karen shook her head. “I don’t need a guardian.”
    “No. But you’re getting one in me. It’s the rule. While you’re here, you’ll answer to me.”
    Karen realized her expression must have revealed her shock when he chuckled. “Don’t worry, Betty,” he said. “You seem pretty sensible. I can’t see you getting into much trouble.” He paused. “Do you see yourself getting in trouble?”
    His voice was light, and Karen had the feeling this man was picking on her, but an exhilarating chill unlike anything she’d ever felt shot through her at the words, sort of a scared excitement that made her blush.
    “No,” she said.
    “Good,” he said. “And remember, if you change your mind and want to leave, you’re welcome to.”
    “I think I’ll be OK here,” Karen said. “It’s not like I have many other options.”
    “Hmmm.” He regarded her for a moment. “Alright then,” he said. “I’m going to see if Randy and Lynette can put you up. They live a little ways down the road. It’ll be more appropriate for you to stay with them, being a single woman. I’ll let them know you’re under