<em>"Ouch!"</em><br/><br/>This last volley of swats had been unexpected, and it hurt even more than any before, although Lucy couldn't say whether that was because it was delivered with a heavier hand or because her cheeks were already sore.  Tears sprang to her eyes, and she blinked them back, refusing to let him see her weakness.  She hadn't exactly been contrite, had in fact not understood what she was feeling, and even now, she did not know if the watery eyes were because of the pain or because her pride was stung.  Here she was, arse in the air, a strange man staring at her and touching her in intimate ways, and she was not fighting it.<br/><br/>It was for Katie, she told herself.  A ruckus would draw the attention of others, and that would not do at all.  Lucy had put herself in this position by getting caught, and this punishment was far better than any alternative.  She would tolerate it because she had no choice.<br/><br/>"I'm sorry," she moaned.  "Pray, be done with this punishment upon my body, my lord," she pleaded.  "I shouldn't have snooped in your chambers, and I won't again."  She could only hope that it was enough to convince him.