relationship with my angel."
It was Phillip's turn to chuckle. "Is this threat coming from the same man who just very thoroughly spanked the poor little bottom of said angel for fighting?"
"Nope, this is a promise coming from that angel's papa."
"Don't worry, I understand," Phillip assured him. "Once I do find that special woman who wishes to be both my special little girl as well as my passionate wife, I would fight to the death to protect her as well."
The two sat in silence for a bit, each remembering how they'd always known they were cut from a different cloth than most of their friends. While they knew that corporal discipline wasn't a stranger to most of the homes of their married acquaintances, they knew that most husbands used a spanking only occasionally to keep their wives from overspending, or for showing flagrant or repeated disrespect. Phillip, Douglas and men sharing their proclivities used those same techniques to give pleasure to the women who had made the choice to be far more than a loving bride. The women they sought, the women they needed in order to be truly content, gave themselves on a far deeper level than most wives. While Douglas had found his perfect companion in his fiancée, Rachel, Phillip had yet to find that one woman who would choose to give him the gift of her total submission, and would be his soul mate in all ways.
"Did you give Eleanor any specific name?" Douglas asked, placing the remainder of his cigar in an ashtray and taking another sip of brandy. "There aren't often students available who haven't been claimed, but I know there were a few. How about that pretty little redhead, Sarah? She seems promising."
"No," Phillip said. "She appears very sweet, but not only wasn't there a spark between us, I felt she was trying too hard. It’s like she was adjusting her expressions, her tone, even her phrases, as if playing a part." He took a sip of his brandy to hide his grin as he remembered Lilly having no problem telling him exactly what she was thinking.
Douglas was nodding. "A spark is definitely required. How about the blonde? You know, Rachel's friend, Kathryn? It would be great if you two become a couple as the girls would already be friends."
Again Phillip shook his head. "Sorry, but no. Kathryn is just a bit too…"
"Too what? Plump?"
"Don't be an ass, Douglas. You know that doesn't matter to me."
"Then what? Did you feel she wasn't being truthful about her needs?"
"No, I'm afraid I'm just not able to offer her all that she is seeking."
Douglas finished his drink and turned to his friend, his eyebrow lifting. "You're not getting any younger, Carrington. Are you losing interest?"
"I haven't lost interest, I can assure you," Phillip said, finishing his own drink. "I'm just not going to settle." He stood and clapped his friend on his shoulder. "And, old man, don't forget, I'm a year younger than you."
"Ten months is not a year!" Douglas countered, rising to escort his friend to the door. "I'll see you at the club?"
"Yes, I'll be there. Thanks again for allowing me to come with you for the visit."
"You are more than welcome. You know my little Rachel protests when her punishment is being witnessed, but she is a little exhibitionist and gets soaking wet."
Phillip chuckled and wondered what his friend would say if he told him that he hadn't been the only witness to the intimate punishment, but knew that was a tidbit he'd keep to himself. He said his goodnight and, waving off the offer of Douglas's carriage, he set out to walk home. The distance required made it more than an evening stroll, but he didn't mind. He had a great deal to think about and almost every thought had to do with a girl named Lilly.
Chapter Three
Another tree offered Lilly concealment, though this time her feet were planted firmly on the ground. Her dark hair and clothing helped her blend in where she was pressed against the trunk, her eyes on the house across the street. Carriages were arriving as
Albert Cossery, Thomas W. Cushing