Chapter Seven
With the incident of the car behind them Jane and Berto’s love had never felt closer. They both realized after wards that their love was stronger then either would have believed. It had survived a significant trial and what had resulted was a much deeper love between them in the end. Jane still couldn’t believe how the leadership and discipline from the man she loved could actually make their relationship so much stronger but for some reason it did and Jane wasn’t about to question why.
The hectic pace of running both a winery and the horse business was beginning to wind down for the year. The harvesting of the grapes for the year was behind them. The year’s wine had been barreled and was aging and with the holidays rapidly approaching Jane and Berto were enjoying a well deserved break.
Berto had even surprised Jane with a vacation to Viareggio on the Italian coast and they had a wonderful time. It was a beautiful area and one Jane had never been lucky enough to visit until then. She had heard that the Italian coast was beautiful but to really understand it’s beauty Jane had to see it for herself. Berto had rented a villa perched on the cliffs overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. The views were stunning. Each morning she and Berto would have coffee on the veranda overlooking the sea. They were the most relaxing days that Jane and Berto had ever spent together and Jane never wanted to leave. She would cherish the memories of their time together there and never forget the sunset walks on the beaches that she and Berto had shared.
Berto had enjoyed their time together there so much that he was planning on surprising Jane with the purchase of the small villa where they had stayed as her Christmas present. He had always loved the Italian coastline and now with Jane to share it with him a vacation home in Viareggio would be the perfect get away for them both occasionally throughout the year. Besides it was time that they had a place just for the two of them. Berto knew that Jane loved Villa Chellini, but it was his family home and he thought that Jane would love a home that they could call their own. It was the first time in years that Berto could barely keep a secret till Christmas. He felt like a child again waiting for Santa Claus to arrive. Only this time he would be Santa and Jane would be receiving a wonderful gift in her stocking.
Shortly before Christmas Berto received the shipment of two new Friesian Stallions that he had purchased to add to his breeding stock. Jane still to this day was in awe of the beautiful horses that Berto raised. They were so unlike the American quarter horses that she had been raised with. She loved her horses back home but the Friesians were so awe inspiring. Their height and stature along with the solid black coloring and long thick mane and feathers made these horses seem almost royal. Jane always imagined if the Greek gods were to ride horses they would be seen riding Friesians. They were the most majestic animals she had ever seen. And as the new stallions were unloaded Jane couldn’t help but catch her breath as the second of the stallions came off the truck.
His name was Tusca, short for his registered name, Tuscany’s Black Beauty. He was the largest horse Jane had ever seen and the most spirited. As Phillipo tried to unload Tusca from the truck he was met with a powerful resistance that included rearing and pawing at the ramp. Tusca wanted none of what was happening and meant to let all around him know that he was unhappy with the situation. Berto was surprised with Tusca’s behavior. Friesians were known for their gentle and docile temperaments and Tusca was being neither gentle or docile at the moment. He had not seen this side of the horse when he had purchased him. His breeder Gianna Spentori was well known for her prize winning Friesians and Tusca had shown no aggressive behaviors when Berto had chosen him. Berto hoped he was just spooked from the long trip and unfamiliar surroundings.
Finally with Berto’s help he and Phillipo were able to unload Tusca and get him into his stall. Tusca’s aggression however was not diminishing even after settling into his new surroundings and Berto warned Jane that she needed to keep away from him until Berto or Phillipo had a chance to work with him and hopefully calm him down. Jane agreed, Tusca was too large and too unpredictable to approach for the time being and even Jane found herself a little frightened of him.
Two days later Berto was working with Mahji the other new stallion when Jane arrived back from town. She loved to watch Berto work with these magnificent animals. He was so good with them, he took the time to get to know each horse individually and never had to raise a crop or his voice to command his horses. He treated them with the respect that he demanded from them and it amazed Jane how both he and his horses could read one another and know what the other wanted or needed. It was one of the things that had made Jane fall in love with Berto. His gentleness when working with these incredible animals. Just watching him work with Mahji made Jane realize what a strong man Berto truly was.
After watching Berto work Mahji for a few more minutes Jane went into the barn to see the other horses. Tusca was in his stall along with the other stallions in the barn. Each seemed to give Jane a welcoming neigh or head nod as she approached each one and said hello for the day. Each horse knew Jane, she was the “treat giver”. She always had a carrot or apple to give to each horse as she petted their heads and talked to them. She had still not been able to approach Tusca. Berto has warned her that he was still unpredictable and not to go near him. Today however even Tusca was head nodding and nickering for an apple.
“Berto must have finally been able to work with him and get him over his fears.” Jane thought to herself. Tusca was being much friendlier today so Jane felt safe to approach him. Jane held out the apple and Tusca gently nibbled on it from her hand. Jane was so relieved that Tusca was coming around. He was, in Jane’s mind, the most beautiful horse she had ever seen and even with his aggression issues he had quickly become Jane’s favorite.
Jane talked quietly to Tusca and petted the top of his head. The more she petted him the more Tusca leaned into her hand, almost begging for more. Jane had to laugh to herself. This was the big dangerous horse that Berto had warned her to stay away from? He was nothing more than a big baby at this point. She loved petting Tusca, he was so smooth and his mane flowed like silk into her hands. Tusca gently finished the apple and nudged Jane’s hand as if asking for another one. Jane obliged and reached into her pocket for a second apple. Tusca was happily nibbling on it and enjoying being petted when Phillipo walked into the barn.
Instantly Tusca’s demeanor changed. He reared up, neighing his disapproval of Phillipo’s presence. Jane quickly backed away from Tusca as Berto entered the barn to see what was happening. Again Tusca reared and neighed pawing angrily at the ground as Berto approached.
“Mia, back away from that animal! I thought I told you not to go near him!” Berto scolded Jane angrily.
“I’m sorry Berto, I thought you had…..” but Jane was unable to finish her sentence.
“Go to the house, we will discuss this later!” Berto had enough to deal with he did not need Jane there getting in the way.
Jane left the barn and headed for the house, confused at what had caused Tusca to suddenly become so out of control again. Jane would have never had disobeyed Berto and gone up to him if she didn’t think that Berto hadn’t have worked with him and gotten him to calm down. It was like night and day. But Jane couldn’t figure out what had set Tusca off.
A few minutes later Berto came into the house still angry from the scene in the barn. “Did I not tell you to keep away from Tusca?”
“Yes, Berto but I thought…” once again Berto cut her off.
“You thought what Jane? That the rules I lay down around here don’t apply to you? That I make them just to hear myself talk? Why can’t you do as you are told! That animal is dangerous and until he can be dealt with you are not to go near him. DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME?”
“Yes Berto but Tusca was fine with me.” Jane tried to explain, “He let me give him an apple. He let me pet him and asked for more. He wasn’t dangerous at all.”
“So now you know more about the horses then I do? Is that what you are telling me?” Berto was angry not only had Jane disobeyed him but she had put herself in danger doing so.
“No Berto, I didn’t say that. I just said that he was fine one minute and then the next minute something set him off. We need to find out what. He’s an incredible horse and I want to work with him.” Jane tried to reason with Berto.
“No one is going to work with that horse, not me, not Phillipo and definitely NOT YOU! The animal is being sent back as soon as we can arrange it. He does not belong here with his disposition. I only hope his breeder realizes how dangerous he really is.”
“I think you’re wrong Berto, why can’t you just give him a chance. He is an incredible animal and I think he just needs a chance. Please don’t send him back.” Jane had never felt so strong before about how badly Tusca needed a chance. She didn’t want to see him sent back to his breeded. He needed her. Something about him told her that. His reaction to her in the barn was so different. As he leaned into her hand it was like he was begging for her to love him. And she would love him. It was as if he had been sent to her for some unknown reason and the time she had spent with him today just made it all the more clear that he needed her.
“Please Berto, let me work with him. I think I can get through to him.” Jane pleaded.
“Absolutely not Jane! I will not take the chance of you being injured by that horse. He is going back and I don’t want you near him again. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes, Berto you do.” Jane lied. She was disappointed but there was no reasoning with Berto at the moment. Maybe in the next week she could work with Tusca and prove to Berto that he was wrong about the horse. All Jane knew is that she wanted Tusca and that one day he would he hers and hers alone.
For the rest of the day Jane avoided Berto. She was disappointed in him and in his decision. He was not giving Tusca or her a fair chance. She had never seen this side of Berto. He was being unreasonable and she wasn’t going to sit by and let it happen.
After dinner when Amelia had cleared away the dishes and brought them desert Jane decided to bring up the subject of Tusca again.
“Berto, why are you being so unreasonable about Tusca?” Jane asked.
“Don’t do this Jane,” Berto warned, “you won’t like the outcome.”
Berto’s answer just made Jane angry. “Don’t tell me what to do or not to do unless you are willing to discuss it with me!”
“I am warning you again Jane, the Tusca issue is closed! Finito. (Finished) Do you understand me?” Berto was beginning to get angry but Jane didn’t care.
“No Berto, I don’t understand! Why can’t we even talk about this? We are suppose to be a team, a partnership yet you make all the decisions regardless of what I think and I am tired of it!” Jane knew she was pushing but she wanted Tusca to stay no matter what the cost.
“When it comes to my horses and your safety you are damn right that I make the decisions. Now let the matter lie Jane or there will be consequences.” Berto had given his final say on the issue. His last statement let Jane know that it was over but she simply continued the argument.
“Berto, I want reasons! I want to know why I can’t work with Tusca, he trusts me, you didn’t see him with me! Why can’t you just give me a chance! You are being unreasonable and I want to know why!” Jane knew she was treading on thin ice but this was one time that she didn’t want to take no for an answer.
“The matter is closed Jane. Please leave it at that.”
“NO!” Jane argued back, “I won’t leave it at that. Why can’t you be man enough to give me your rea…….”
“Man enough! You want me to be man enough. Fine Jane, I will show you man enough!” Taking Jane’s wrist in his hand Berto stood her up and lead her up the stairs to their room.
Jane knew she had pushed too far but she wasn’t done yet. If she was going to be punished for stating an opinion then Berto would hear it all before he was done!
“Is this the only way you know how to deal with things Berto! Fine! If it isn’t something you want then you just punish it out of me! I think that is bullshit! You won’t give me your reasons and when I ask this is how you respond! If you think I am going to cooperate when you won’t cooperate with me then you have another thing coming!” Jane was mad, upset and feeling defeated all at the same time.
Berto allowed her to vent her frustrations. He knew the horse had captured Jane’s heart but he also knew from past experiences that a horse like that would never work out and Jane had to learn, even if it was the hard way, that he knew better then her where Tusca was concerned. He wouldn’t argue with her. It didn’t work when she got into a mood like this. Better just to hear her out and then deal with the situation when she had finished her ranting.
“See you don’t even have a decent argument! Do you Berto!” Jane continued. “You know you are wrong but you have to play the big strong Italian man who is always right! I hate it when you get like this! Why aren’t you saying anything!” Jane was frustrated with Berto’s silence. He wouldn’t even argue with her which just made Jane more and more angry. “Dammit Berto say something!”
“What do you want me to say Jane? I have explained to you my point of view on the matter. Nothing is going to change my mind you should know that by now. But I will listen to you and when you are done we will deal with this my way.” Berto answered matter of factly.
Jane knew she had lost. Not only would Berto never allow her to keep Tusca but he was going to punish her for not accepting his answer on the subject and arguing with him. The punishment hadn’t even begun and Jane wanted to cry. Not because she was going to receive a punishment but because she had lost in more ways then one.
“When you are done Jane, you know what to do.” was Berto’s final statement on the matter.
Jane simply turned her back to Berto so he would not see the tears of disappointment that had already began to fall. She knew that she had earned this punishment. She had argued and cussed and accused Berto not being a man. But the tears came from knowing that Tusca would soon be gone and she could do nothing to stop it.
Defeated Jane did as Berto knew she would eventually. She lowered her pants and undergarments and placed herself over his knee. Berto felt sorry for Jane. He knew how badly she wanted the horse but this punishment was not about that. It was about her disrespect toward him and the decision he had made that had landed her over his knees. And he would let her know as the punishment began that arguing with him was not the answer.
The lecture began as several hard swats from Berto’s hand began coving Jane’s bottom. “I know you wanted the horse, but he is too unpredictable Jane. You are not being punished for wanting Tusca.” Smack, smack, smack. “You are being punished for the disrespectful way you continued to talk to me even after I said that the matter was closed.” As he continued to warm up Jane’s bottom with several more hand swats Berto wanted Jane to know that he understood her feelings for the horse but that she would not be allowed to talk to him in such a manner.
“Your attitude toward both me and my decision was completely disrespectful and I will not allow you to continue to act that way towards me. Now stand up and lie down on the bed.” Berto instructed.
Jane did as she was told. As she did she heard the dreaded sound of Berto unbuckling and removing his belt and knew that this punishment was far from over.
“I warned you not to continue with this conversation earlier but you did and now you will pay the price for not listening!”
With that Berto began an long and hard assault on Jane’s bottom with the belt doubled over in his hand. Each swat seemed to grow harder than the next one. Jane could tell from the severity of the swats that she had angered Berto more than he had led on. He was swinging with full power and each strike of the belt left a lasting impression not only on Jane’s bottom but on her mind as well.
“Usually, I would leave the punishment to the belt Jane but you had to continue well after I warned you to stop and the language you used was not acceptable either. You want to know what type of a man I am? Well you are about to find out!” With that Berto reached into his nightstand drawer and removed the paddle that his father had made. Seeing it made Jane panic. Berto had only used the paddle on her once and she remembered the pain and the burning all too well.
“Please Berto, I didn’t mean it, I’m sorry. Please don’t use the paddle.” Jane pleaded.
“You wanted to know what type of man I am? Well perhaps this will remind you that you are dealing with not only a man but an Italian MAN!” Berto’s disappointment over the way Jane had talked to him was showing. He didn’t punish in anger but he had to admit that the way Jane had spoken to him and told him that he wasn’t man enough had him close to punishing with an angry edge. He knew he had to be careful to keep his feelings in check.
“You will receive twenty swats and you will count each and every swat. Do I make myself clear Jane?” Berto stated knowing that if he could hear in Jane’s voice how the swats were affecting her that it would keep him focused on her and not the anger.
“Yes sir” was the only reply Jane could bring herself to say. She knew she had angered Berto with her attitude and knew that she deserved what she had coming.
As the first burning swat landed somewhere between her lower bottom and her sit spot Jane counted out. “One, ow!”
Each consecutive swat seemed to land in the exact same place. Berto didn’t seem to move the swats around at all. By the time Jane had reached fifteen she could barely concentrate on the counting all she could feel was the deep burn and pain as each swat landed again and again in the same spot.
“Fifteen, ow, Berto please not the same spot! It hurts so badly, please move it around.” Jane begged not for Berto to stop but at least for a break from the one area that was being assaulted.
The pleading didn’t work as Berto applied the last five swats to the exact same place. The twentieth swat being the hardest as was Berto’s trademark. He always emphasized the last swat so that Jane would remember the last one just a little more.
“Twenty. OW! Please, are we done?” Jane couldn’t wait to stand and rub the burning on her bottom.
“Yes Jane, I am done but I want you to go stand over in the corner by the fireplace and DO NOT touch your bottom. I think you need a little time to think about this one.” Berto answered.
Jane wanted to die. Corner time! Berto hardly ever gave her corner time. All she wanted to do was rub the burn away yet Berto just told her that she was not to touch her bottom anytime soon. Jane did as she was told. The time she stood in the corner seemed endless. Her bottom was burning and sore and she knew that sitting anytime soon would be a reminder of why arguing with Berto was pointless.
Eventually Berto called Jane to him and she gladly went into his arms to accept his forgiveness. This was the one part of a punishment that made it all worth it. Forgiveness always felt so good to Jane. Especially when she knew that she had pushed too far. Berto held her for a long time and kissed away the remaining tears. Jane apologized for her attitude and as she left the safety of Berto’s arms to retrieve a cool towel for her bottom Berto gave her a quick swat just to remind her that he loved her and that he was in charge. Jane looked over her shoulder towards him and gave him a wink and a smile to acknowledge that she indeed still felt loved and cherished by her man.
Chapter eight:
With Christmas right around the corner most businesses had closed for winter holiday. Luckily for Jane, Tusca’s breeder, Gianna Spentori was leaving for the holiday season as well and Tusca could not be sent back until after the new year. Berto continued to warn Jane that Tusca was dangerous and that she was not to go near him but Jane had other ideas. Something about Tusca told Jane that he was not dangerous. He was scared of something and unsure of himself but whenever she was alone in the barn with the other stallions Tusca simply neighed a welcome and continued to head nod for Jane’s attention. So far Jane had kept her distance. She didn’t want to disobey Berto until she was absolutely sure that Tusca could be trusted. But Jane also knew that in a few weeks Tusca would be sent back and she was running out of time to convince Berto that Tusca could be trained.
Jane had even gone as far as to call Gianna Spentori and get some history on Tusca hoping that would give her some insight as to what was happening with him. Jane had learned that when with his breeder Tusca’s temperament was that of a normal Friesian, docile and gentle. He had bonded well with Gianna and had never shown any aggressive behavior toward anyone while in her care. Jane did learn however that Tusca had been sold once before to a gentleman from France, Jean Luc Deblois, who was known for his training of world famous dressage horses. His horses were some of the best trained horses on the dressage circuit, although it was rumored among those in the horse business that some of his training techniques bordered on cruelty. Tusca had been returned to Gianna after a few months in France when Jean Luc had claimed that the horse was too difficult to ever be any good in dressage.
Gianna explained to Jane that once Tusca had returned to her he was the same loving horse he had always been toward her. She had been so pleased when Berto had chosen him. She knew of Berto’s reputation as a prize winning breeder and a gentle yet competent trainer and knew that Tusca would finally be in good hands. Gianna apologized several times to Jane for the troubles they were having with Tusca and wished she could offer more help but except for once again having Tusca returned there was nothing more she could do. What she didn’t realize is that with their conversation Jane felt as though she had pretty much figured out why Tusca was behaving the way he was. She truly felt that now that she could help him, she just needed to convince Berto, and that wasn‘t going to be easy.
That evening after dinner Jane set her plan into action. First she would have to find out a little more information on the trainer who had purchased Tusca and Berto would be just the man to ask.
“Berto, have you ever heard of the French dressage trainer Jean Luc Deblois?” Jane asked acting completely innocent.
“Why do you ask Mia?” Berto responded.
“I was just wondering, I had heard that he worked with Friesians as well and wanted to know what you thought of him.” Jane continued to act as innocent as she could so that Berto would not suspect that she was up to something.
“Yes I have heard of the man and I can’t say that I think too highly of him.”
“Why is that? I hear he has trained several world famous Friesians in dressage. I was thinking of possibly learning dressage and thought maybe he’d be a good choice for a trainer.” Jane continued.
“Well he certainly wouldn’t be my choice for someone to work with you or any of my horses. His training techniques are from the old way of thinking. He believes that horses are stupid animals that can be broken if treated harsly enough. The only way he gets his animals to do anything is through fear. That is not how a horse should be handled ever, someone should have run him out of the business years ago!” Berto’s attitude toward Jean Luc Deblois even took Jane by surprise. Usually Berto gave people the benefit of the doubt but when it came to Jean Luc, Berto made it quite clear that he did not approve of him.
Jane didn’t know what to do at this point. She wanted to tell Berto that she felt Tusca had been a victim of Jean Luc Deblois’ training and that was where his fear was coming from but maybe now wasn’t the time. Christmas was only two days away and to start an argument with Berto now would just put a strain on the holidays. Jane decided she would wait til after Christmas to tell Berto what she had learned. That would give her a few days of working with Tusca when Berto was out. By then she felt she would have all the proof she needed.
The next day as soon as Berto left to finalize some business in Lucca before stopping for the holidays Jane went to the barn to see Tusca. Phillipo had taken the week off for Christmas so it would be the perfect time for Jane to spend time alone with him. As she approached him Tusca gave her a welcoming whinny and a head nod. Once again there were no signs of aggression at all. Jane reached out and petted Tusca on the head, talking gently to him as she continued moving down to pet his neck and withers. Tusca simply leaned in toward Jane’s hand as if asking for her to pet him more. Feeling secure with Tusca’s mindset Jane opened the gate to his stall and let herself in all the while continuing to talk to him in a soothing tone. Tusca stepped back allowing Jane room to enter and continued to enjoy being petted.
Jane wished so badly that Berto could be there to witness this. She knew if he were this wouldn’t be happening but somehow he had to see that Tusca was not being given a fair chance. Still moving slowly Jane took out a brush she had brought with her and began to brush Tusca’s back and haunches. Still the horse just leaned into the brushing and enjoyed the attention he was receiving from Jane. Feeling more comfortable Jane reached for the halter from the gate and put it over Tusca’s head. There were still no signs of aggression from him at all. Jane attached a lead rope to the halter, opened the gate to Tusca’s stall and lead him to the training arena. Never once did Tusca attempt to rear or become angry, he simply followed Jane where she lead him
Removing the lead rope Jane instructed Tusca to trot around the arena by making a clicking sound. Hearing Jane’s command Tusca instantly began a slow trot around the arena. Jane was amazed at the beauty and grace of Tusca’s movements. His mane and tail flowed like a silk scarf caught in the wind with each trotting motion. His powerful muscles rippled under his jet black coat. Each movement that Tusca made seemed flawless. He was indeed an incredible horse and to see him here working so well with her only increased Jane‘s love for him. She had to see more. Jane made a kissing sound with her lips to get Tusca to canter around the arena, instantly his gait increased. Tusca did exactly what Jane was asking of him. His cantering was flawless as well, he never tried to cut the corners of the arena he simply continued cantering, holding close to the walls of the arena until Jane commanded him to stop.
Once she finished working him Jane called Tusca to her. The horse met her in the middle of the arena and Jane patted his neck and praised him for being such a good boy. Tusca whinnied at the approval and leaned into Jane as if asking for more. Jane had to laugh again at the sight of Tusca standing there wanting nothing more than to be loved. Yes something had spooked him before but today he was a completely different horse and Jane couldn’t wait to show Berto.
Showing Berto would have to wait for a few days however. Jane knew that the next few days were going to be extremely busy. Tonight once Berto got home they had the annual Christmas dinner with all of their employees and several of Berto‘s business acquaintances. Every year Berto took them all to Buca di S. Antonio, a tavern in Lucca that dated back to the 1780’s for a special meal and a gift exchange. The evening was one that all involved looked forward too every year. The food was wonderful, the surroundings classically Italian and the gifts that Berto gave to each and every one of them usually cost a small fortune but Berto didn’t mind. He was always one to show his appreciation for what his employees gave to him year after year with their loyalty and hard work. Tonight would be no different, Berto had chosen beautifully engraved Rolex watches for each of the men attending and a lovely gold and diamond bracelet for each of the women. To go along with the watches and bracelets each employee would also receive several gift certificates to many of the local restaurants and shops. It was Berto’s way of giving back to the town of Lucca that he loved so much.
The day following the party would be Christmas Eve. Berto and Jane would spend the day with Berto’s two brothers and their families exchanging gifts, then they all would attend midnight mass at the Cathedral of St. Martin in Lucca. After mass Berto and Jane would return to Villa Chellini and exchange their gifts to one another. Then off to bed for a few hours of sleep before a huge Chellini family get together on Christmas day. It all seemed exhausting to Jane just thinking about it. Christmas in her past had been rather low key with just her, Marc and the children. Once the children had grown and married she and Marc would spend a quiet Christmas eve together at home exchanging gifts and then spend the day with their children at one of their homes. There were no big parties to plan for, no shopping for hundreds of people like this year just a simple quiet Christmas at home. Jane didn’t think see how she would get through the next few days and she knew for sure that her working with Tusca would definitely have to be put on hold.
The evening of the annual Christmas party was more stressful then Jane could have imagined. Berto arrived home late from his final meetings of the year. It was almost seven thirty before they were dressed and ready to go and the party was due to start at eight. The drive to Lucca would take more than fifty minutes if the weather and traffic were good and Jane was stressed about being late for their own party.
“Couldn’t you have gotten home any earlier Berto?” Jane complained on the drive into Lucca, letting Berto know with the tone of her voice that she was not happy at all.
“Mia, I tried my best to get business tied up early but sometimes things come up that can’t be avoided. I am sorry that it went so long. Don’t worry the party won’t start without us.” Berto replied apologetically.
“I just don’t see why you had to wait til two days before Christmas to finish up for the year. Couldn’t you have done it sooner so that we weren’t rushing around like this? What is it with men! Why do they always have to wait til the last second to do things!” Jane continued on letting Berto know that no apology from him would change her point of view. She hated to be rushed, she hated to be late, and so far the entire holiday season seemed to her as if they were constantly rushing. Why couldn’t they just have a quiet Christmas at home, the two of them. No parties, no rushing from here to their and no huge family get togethers with people she didn’t even know. This was just not how she had pictured her first Christmas together with Berto and she didn’t hold back letting him know that she was not happy about it.
“Can’t we just stay home tomorrow and have a quiet day just the two of us then go to midnight mass with your brothers. I’m sure they’d understand, they know how hard you work.” Jane continued hoping that Berto would agree to at least one quiet day together.
“Mia it’s Christmas. Christmas here in Italy is meant to be shared with family and friends. It’s the one time of year that I can take a few days and spend time with the people I care about. You’ll have fun once you get there, you’ll see.” Berto answered.
But Jane didn’t want to see. She didn’t want to spend all Christmas eve with Berto’s brothers and their families and she definitely didn‘t want to spend Christmas day with a bunch of strangers whether they were Berto‘s family or not. Yes, she enjoyed the times they had all spent together in the past but Jane just couldn’t see why it had to be an all day and all night event leaving her and Berto only a few hours together to enjoy their Christmas. Maybe she was being selfish but it was her and Berto’s first Christmas and she wanted it to be a special one.
It was going to be a special Christmas, Berto had seen to that. Little did Jane know that he was not being completely honest with her about the plans for Christmas Day. In order to surprise her with the villa he had purchased for her on the coast he had told Jane that they would be spending Christmas day with all of his extended family. Aunts, uncles, cousins, a huge get together that he had told Jane occurred every Christmas. The entire event had been fabricated so that Jane wouldn’t make other plans and he would be able to whisk her off on Christmas day to their new villa and spend the week together, just the two of them.
“Ahh Jane,” Berto thought to himself, “if you only knew what Christmas day held in store for you, perhaps you would find a bit more Christmas spirit.”
Berto had to laugh to himself at the way Jane was behaving. So much like the Jane before they had begun their HOH relationship. She had been sulky and childish ever since Berto had arrived home that evening. But it was Christmas and he wasn’t being completely honest with her, even if it was for a good reason. So Berto decided to allow Jane to continue with her attitude this one time. After all Berto thought again to himself, he wouldn’t want to spend Christmas day the way he had told Jane they were going to spend it either!
The rest of the drive into Lucca was quiet. Too quiet for Berto’s liking. Jane continued to sulk and wouldn’t talk to him. She simply stared out the window until they reached the restaurant. Berto had hoped that Jane’s attitude would have improved a little now that they had reached the party but she simply stepped out of the Ferrari when Berto opened the door for her and shrugged past him. Becoming aggravated with Jane’s brashness Berto grabbed her upper arm as she headed toward the door of the restaurant. Turning her to face him he gave her a warning that he would no longer accept her behavior.
“Abbastanza, Jane” (enough, Jane) Berto warned in Italian.
Jane knew that when Berto resorted to speaking to her in Italian that he had pushed him to his limit.
“I know that you are unhappy with the our plans for the holidays but I will not have you embarrassing me in front of my employees or friends. You have been acting like a spoiled child all evening and I will not tolerate it any longer. Consider this a warning Jane. I am trying to be patient with you because of your disappointment but it needs to stop here and now. Do I make myself clear?” Berto finished with a tight squeeze to Jane’s upper arm for added emphasis that he was serious.
“Yes Berto.” Jane answered back. Berto was right, Jane thought to herself. She was acting like a spoiled child but she just couldn’t hide her dissatisfaction with the plans that Berto had made for the holidays and like it or not it had put her into a foul mood. This was not going to be a fun evening, but Jane would try for Berto’s sake to grin and bear it.
Once inside Jane’s attitude improved a little. It was nice to see the employees from both the winery and the horse business laughing and enjoying the evening together. Jane was able to meet several of the employees spouses and children and it was wonderful to see the anticipation of Christmas on the faces of the children who attended the party. Berto always brought a large bag of toys to hand out knowing that many of his employees would be bringing their children. He wouldn’t have it any other way. Christmas was indeed a time for families and he loved spending time with his employees families and seeing each year how their children had grown or meeting their newest editions. Jane had to laugh when Berto appeared wearing a Santa suit and handing out toys as the children all gathered around him with joy. He was way too tall in her mind to make a proper Santa but none of the children seemed to notice at all.
With a wonderful meal behind them and the gifts handed out to the employees with a special word of thanks to each person individually from Berto for their hard work and loyalty for yet another year the party began to wind down. Jane was surprised at how beautifully the evening had gone. She enjoyed every minute of it and was glad that her attitude had improved as the night went on. Everyone she talked to had mentioned to her what an incredible man and boss Berto was and how lucky Jane was to have him and by the end of the evening she knew that they were right. He had been the perfect host and thrown an incredible party that all enjoyed. As the last of the guests left Jane couldn’t help but to seek out Berto and give him a hug and a kiss.
“What was that for Mia?” Berto inquired. He enjoyed seeing how much fun Jane was having at the party and how her mood had improved.
“Just for being you. I love you and I am sorry for my behavior earlier tonight.”
“Ti amo, Mia. (I love you) I am glad you had such a wonderful evening. Let me just catch up with Phillipo before he leaves and then you and I can head home as well.” Berto said returning the hug and kiss that Jane had given him.
Jane watched as Berto approached Phillipo. She watched as the two men talked and saw Berto hand Phillipo a small box covered with Christmas wrap. Jane was sure that she had seen Berto give Phillipo a Rolex along with the other employees and was curious as to what was in the box. She watched as Phillipo opened the box and gazed at its contents. She couldn’t make out what they were but saw Phillipo shake his head as if saying he couldn’t accept whatever it was and hand the box back towards Berto. Berto simply pushed the box back toward Phillipo and said something to him that seemed serious. Jane then saw Phillipo reach out and hug his employer with a thankful gesture. She saw a large grin appear on Berto’s face as he patted Phillipo’s back and wished him a Merry Christmas. With that Phillipo left the party leaving Jane and Berto finally alone. Appearing very pleased with himself Berto returned to Jane and told her once he took care of the bill they would be ready to leave. Jane went to collect hers and Berto’s coats while she waited for him to pay still wondering what she had witnessed between Berto and Phillipo.
Once in the car Jane broached the subject of what she had seen between him and Phillipo.
“Berto, what did you give to Phillipo before you left?” Jane asked.
“I gave him his Christmas gift, why?” Berto questioned back.
“I just thought that you had given him the watch when you gave everyone else their gifts. I remember seeing you give it to him.”
“Yes, he received a watch like all the other employees but I also got him a gift from me as a friend not employee and employer. We’ve been friends for many years and through a lot together and I just felt that it was time that I thanked him for that.” Berto explained.
Jane knew that Berto was close to Phillipo he had worked for Berto for nearly twenty years now and was there to help him when Berto lost his first wife. It had been a hard time for Berto to get through. If Phillipo hadn’t stepped in and taken care of both the winery and the horses Berto didn’t know what he would have done or even if the businesses could have survived. He owed a lot to Phillipo both as an employee and as a friend. Jane respected both the working relationship and the friendship the two men shared. Without it Berto wouldn’t be as free to travel as much as he did or spend extra time with Jane. With Phillipo around to manage things Berto could leave the businesses in his hands and know that things would be taken care of. But it was there that Jane’s respect for the man stopped. He had never been overly friendly towards Jane. He didn’t care for American’s and had no problem making Jane aware of his views. For Berto’s sake Jane had always been civil to Phillipo and kept a good working relationship with the man but she simply didn’t care for him and she was fairly sure he felt the same way. So when Berto told Jane that he had gotten Phillipo another gift along with the Rolex Jane couldn’t help but feel that in a lot of ways Phillipo didn’t deserve the special treatment that Berto gave him. She also found that her foul mood from earlier in the evening was quickly returning.
“So what was in the box Berto?” Jane inquired. She had to know what made Phillipo respond the way he had when he opened the box.
“It was a set of keys to a new truck. Phillipo has been driving the same truck for years. It is constantly giving him problems and it was time he got another one. Every time I mention to him that I would have no problem getting him a work truck he gives me some excuse that his truck is fine and that it would be a waste of money. Well, it’s my money to waste and I figured he wouldn’t turn it down if it were presented as a gift. Oh he tried to tell me no but he knew I wouldn’t take no for an answer.” Berto smiled just thinking about how Phillipo had tried to not accept the gift but he knew all along that deep down his old friend was thrilled with the thought of a new truck. “That’s why I was late,” Berto continued, “The dealership in town was suppose to deliver the truck to Phillipo’s house this afternoon but something came up and they couldn’t get it out to him until later. I knew by then he’d be on his way to the party so I had to come up with some other way to give it to him. Since it didn’t get delivered until he was gone I figured giving him the keys would have to do, although I admit I wish I could have been there to see him when he sees it for the first time. The trucks a beauty, it’s just the one that he has always wanted.”
Jane couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Berto hadn’t been at some important business meeting earlier. He was late because he was trying to deliver a truck to Phillipo’s house.
“You mean to tell me that you were late tonight because of that?” Jane was furious. Berto had never mentioned to her that he was purchasing a truck for Phillipo and he had lied when he said he was at a business meeting. He had made them late and almost ruined the night for her because of some stupid truck that he should have never bought the man in the first place!
“Well we were hoping he’d be there when we delivered the truck but he wasn’t. I waited as long as I could, I really wanted to be there to give him the truck myself. But I guess in the end it all worked out.”
“No Berto it didn’t all work out!” Jane was growing angrier by the minute. “We were late to the party so you could be there to give Phillipo a truck that you never even told me about! How dare you! The man doesn‘t even deserve a truck!”
Berto was completely taken back by Jane’s response. He thought she’d be pleased with his generosity instead she was infuriated by the gift he had given to his long time friend.
“Abbastanza!”(enough) was Berto’s response to what Jane had just said. “Phillipo is a good man, he has stood by me for years. I owe him much more than just the gift of a truck! And I do not care for your attitude towards him, not one bit Jane!”
“I don’t care if you like my attitude towards him or not! The man is rude to me, he always has been. He treats me like a second class citizen and I’m tired of it. I don’t know why you think he is so wonderful. As far as I’m concerned he is just another employee and should be treated as one. What do you think the other employees are going to say when they find out you bought him a truck? Or are you planning on buying everyone a new vehicle to show them what a great guy you are!” Jane’s answer only infuriated Berto more.
“This discussion is over! Finito! (finished) Your attitude towards me today has been completely unacceptable Jane. I was going to let it go because I know that you are unhappy with our holiday plans but I will not be talked to in such a manner! You and I will discuss this further when we get home and not until then do you understand me?” Berto was angrier with Jane then he had been in a long time. Her attitude all day had bordered on complete disrespect and her attack on his friendship with Phillipo had finally pushed him over the edge.
Jane didn’t answer him. She simply stared out the window and refused to say a thing.
“I asked you a question Jane and I expect a reply.” Berto continued.
“You want a reply fine!!! You’ll get one but I could have sworn you were the one who said this conversation was over!” Jane curtly replied. “No Berto I don’t understand you! I don’t understand anything you have done today! Why you bought Phillipo a truck and didn’t tell me, you made us late for the Christmas party to deliver the damn truck. None of it, I don’t understand any of it! And while we’re talking about things I don’t understand why don’t we talk about YOUR plans for OUR first Christmas together! They suck! I don’t want to spend all day with your brothers tomorrow, I don’t want to have to wait until after midnight mass to exchange gifts only to rush off to bed so we can get up bright and early and spend another agonizing day with more of your family! I don’t want to do any of it and maybe I just won’t!”
With that Berto had enough. Pulling the Ferrari off the road Berto parked in a secluded wooded area and ordered Jane out of the car.
“Uscire!” (get out) Berto ordered Jane opening her door. Jane couldn’t believe what she was hearing.
“NOW! You had your say and now you will deal with the consequences!” Berto was furious.
Jane didn’t know what to do. Did Berto really intend to punish her here out in the middle of the country. Yes she had been completely disrespectful, she had lost her temper and taken her foul mood out on Berto and probably deserved what she was about to get. But not here, not now.
“Berto please, I know I was wrong, I’m sorry please take me home and we can deal with this.” Jane had to convince him to take her home.
“I will do no such thing!” Berto said while removing his belt. “We will deal with this hear and now!” With that Berto took Jane’s wrist and lead her to the back of the Ferrari. With one quick motion he bent her over the back of the car, lifted her skirt and began an assault on Jane’s bottom that she wouldn’t soon forget.
“Ow, please Berto not so hard, it really hurts, please I said I was sorry.” Jane pleaded with Berto.
“Sorry! You think that’s enough! You have been disrespectful to me,” swat, swat swat, “disrespectful to my friend,” swat, swat, swat, “and completely out of control with your attitude today! If you think saying sorry will resolve this situation you better think again! I tried to give you space Jane but you just kept pushing and now it’s my turn to push back!” Berto continued with the belt for several minutes. Jane’s bottom had never felt so on fire. Just when she didn’t think she could take much more Berto stopped.
“You will remain here and not move.” was all Berto said.
Jane didn’t know where he had gone or what he was doing but she did know Berto was serious and that for her sake she’d better do as he said. Suddenly Berto was back, in his hand he held a thin branch from a nearby tree. He reached for Jane’s panties and slid them down. Unable to see what Berto had retrieved Jane assumed that he was going to continue with the belt, she never expected what she felt next. The pain from the switch Berto had gotten was unbelievable each strike left a thin line of burning pain across her upper thighs. Once again Jane found herself begging for Berto’s mercy, “Please Berto enough. I know I angered you but this hurts more than you know. Please stop.”
Sensing that Jane was about to panic Berto stopped for a few moments. “I will give you time to catch your breath Jane but we are far from over.”
“Thank you.” Jane was thankful for even the short break that Berto was offering. All too soon however Berto began again. Once again the pain to Jane’s upper thighs felt like fine lines of fire. It was all she could do not to dance around to avoid each strike. Jane knew though that she had angered Berto far too much and would do her best to remain in place. Again Berto gave her a break. “Take a few deep breaths and we will finish this.”
Jane did as she was told thankful once again for even the slightest reprieve from Berto’s punishment.
“You will receive twenty more strikes,” Berto told Jane, “I want you to count them out, it will help with your concentration. I also want you to think about all that has occurred today and why this is happening. Then we will be done, we can put this behind us and concentrate on Christmas. I’m sorry this had to happen so close to Christmas Jane, but that was your decision not mine.”
With that Berto applied the first of the last twenty strikes to Jane’s upper thighs. These strikes were even harder then the last two sets and it was all Jane could do to count out. “One, ow, oh Berto that really hurts….Two, ow, ow, ow….Three, please Berto.” Jane once again begged. What she didn’t know was that Berto had been careful to check her bottom and thighs for signs of too much damage during her last break and he had seen none. Yes he knew this was painful but in no way was it causing damage so he continued on despite Jane’s pleading.
Jane couldn’t believe he wasn’t stopping, didn’t he know how much this hurt. Didn’t he care at all! But Berto did know how badly a punishment with a switch could hurt. He had received them in the past from his father. He also knew that every lesson he had been taught with a switch was one that he didn’t soon forget and neither would Jane. Finally Berto reached the last strike. It was the one Jane had dreaded. Like always it was much harder then any others and felt as if it had burned right into her thighs.
“Twenty.” was all Jane could say as Berto took her into his arms and held her as she cried. There was so much to cry for. She cried for the intense pain she was feeling in her buttocks and thighs, she cried because she felt terrible for the way she had spoken to Berto, but mainly she cried because she was sure she had ruined their first Christmas together and didn’t want it to be ruined.
“I’m so sorry Berto,” Jane sobbed into his chest, “I don’t know what got into me, please don’t be angry, please. I didn’t mean to ruin the holidays for you. I wish I could take it back.”
“You ruined nothing Mia. You made a mistake, that mistake has been dealt with. Its over now. Finito. Now look at me Mia, see how I still love you and how I am looking forward to spending the next few days with you.” Berto said lifting Jane’s chin so that she could look into his eyes.
“Ti Amo Mia, (I love you) Happy Christmas Eve.” Jane’s tears turned to a slight unsure laugh as she realized that it really was after midnight and therefore Christmas Eve. It was not how she would have ever pictured beginning their first Christmas Eve together but she felt loved and forgiven and that was enough for her.
Chapter Nine
Jane was never as glad to crawl into the warmth of her bed and snuggle with Berto as she was in the early morning hours of Christmas Eve. The last twelve hours had been filled with a mixture of emotions and she welcomed a few hours of sleep to help her relax. Just feeling Berto’s strong arms around her made her feel both safe and forgiven from her indiscretions earlier in the evening. It was at times like this one that Jane completely felt loved and protected and thankful that she and Berto had agreed to a domestic discipline relationship. No longer were things between them left to fester. If something was wrong it was discussed, taken care of and then forgiven. Jane even found herself wondering if a DD relationship would have helped in her first marriage as she fell asleep.
The alarm went off at seven am. Jane had only gotten about five hours of sleep but she felt refreshed and ready to start a new day. Turning over onto her back to stretch however reminded her of the one thing she would have to deal with today in front of Berto’s brothers and their families. Her bottom was still very tender. The punishment from the night before was still fresh in her mind and felt even fresher on her bottom. Sitting was going to be tough today but Jane welcomed the reminder that Berto had dealt with her attitude and they could move on. At least he could, Jane would move on when sitting was a little easier.
Besides it was Christmas Eve and Jane was so excited to finally give Berto the gifts she had bought for him. She hoped he would like them. It was so hard to shop for him. How do you buy gifts for someone who has everything. It had taken months for Jane to finally decide upon the perfect gifts for him. She had decided to get him a Rolex when she was purchasing all the other watches for the employees’ Christmas gifts. While they were deciding on which watches to get as gifts Berto had pointed out a watch that impressed him , the Rolex Cellini in black, although it was several thousands more then the Submariners that she had purchased for the employees, the Cellini was a beautiful watch and Jane knew Berto would enjoy it. Jane had also had a beautiful new saddle hand crafted for Berto. It had cost a fortune but Jane knew it was something that would last for years and that Berto would enjoy. The craftsmanship had been impeccable and it was the most beautiful saddle Jane had ever seen. Her last gift to Berto made her laugh. Berto had a passion for fine wines, he especially enjoyed wines from other countries. Jane wanted to purchase some Napa Valley wines for him since she was originally from California and knew that Napa Valley produced some outstanding wines. Berto was impressed with the quality of wines that were produced in the Napa Valley and Jane wanted to surprise him with a few choice vintages. What she didn’t realize at the time was what a bottle of good Napa wine could cost. One of the wines she chose was a 1996 Vintage Cabernet Sauvignon and what made Jane laugh was at over nine hundred dollars a bottle it was about eight hundred and eighty dollars more than she had ever spent on a bottle of wine in her life. However, the wine had come highly recommended from a good friend of Berto’s who was a fellow wine collector and Jane trusted his judgment. All she could do now was wait and see if Berto was also as impressed with her choices.
“Are you ready Mia?” Berto asked while entering their bedroom. He had gotten up before her and was anxious to be on their way to his youngest brother’s house.
“Just a few more minutes Berto.” Jane answered catching her breath at how incredible Berto looked in his new Armani Suit, the grey color almost appeared silver which set off the slight salt an peppering in Berto’s dark hair. Against his deep olive skin the suit appeared to shimmer and Jane hadn’t seen Berto look that handsome in a very long time.
“You look incredible my love.” Jane complimented. “You better wait downstairs for me or we may never leave and that beautiful new suit of yours may end up getting wrinkled on the floor.”
“Smettila, (stop it) Mia,” Berto warned with a smile on his face. He too would have loved to spend all day Christmas Eve in bed with Jane but they had plans and he didn’t want to be late. “I will meet you down stairs, please hurry.”
Jane just laughed to herself knowing that Berto would have easily given in if she had pressed the issue. Berto however, was never one to be late to any appointment, family or not, so she finished getting ready and met him downstairs a few minutes later.
Christmas Eve went beautifully. Jane enjoyed every gift that she both gave and received. Her favorite was a photograph that Alessandro, Berto’s youngest brother, had given them. It had been taken shortly after they had started dating, just outside of the walls of Lucca. Jane stood in front of Berto with his arms around her. She remembered how very much in love and safe she had felt with Berto even early on in their relationship and the photograph showed this. Berto looked so carefree in the picture. Alessandro was a wonderful photographer and had captured a side of Berto that not a lot of people ever saw. Jane thought it was the most wonderful photo she had ever seen of them together and would cherish it always.
The day had truly felt like Christmas there was so much family, good cheer, great food and even more gifts. Berto’s niece’s and nephew’s all loved their gifts and just having children around again for the holidays made Jane happy. Berto didn’t wear his Santa suit like he had the previous evening, but the children seemed to know who brought the endless supply of presents and each enjoyed the time they spent sitting with their uncle and opening them. Once again Jane found herself wondering why Berto had never had children of his own. He was so good with children and loved them so much. He would have made an incredible father. Berto always just said that the time had never been right and now he felt he was much too old to start a family. Jane didn’t agree, Berto may be older then most men when they started their families, but he was still young enough and so full of life. Jane though had raised her children already and had settled happily into being a grandparent. Even if she could, the thought of beginning a new family in her late forties seemed completely out of the question. She and Berto would simply enjoy all the children in the family and spend their time spoiling them. It still seemed sad though that Berto would have no one to carry on his legacy.
Midnight mass at the Cathedral of St. Martin was incredible. The entire inside had been decorated in fine white lights and candles with local pine trees decorated in antique ornaments. To Jane it was as if she had stepped back hundreds of years into history. The Cathedral had been built beginning in the early sixth century and still had the look and feel of its ancient roots. What an incredible way to end a perfect day Jane thought to herself. The mass had been more then worth the wait to exchange gifts with Berto. She had never felt as close to the Lord as she did that night while experiencing the celebration of his birth in such a special place. It was an experience that Jane would never forget and to share it with Berto and his family made it even more special.
By the time Berto and Jane made it home to Villa Chellini on Christmas it was nearly two in the morning. Jane was tired from the long day but still excited to finally be alone and share their gifts with one another. Berto lit a fire as Jane poured them each a glass of eggnog and brandy. In the glow of the fire they kissed for a few minutes then Berto handed Jane her first gift. From the shape of the box Jane could tell it was jewelry. She loved receiving jewelry from Berto he had exquisite taste and Jane was excited to see what Berto had bought her. Quickly unwrapping the box Jane opened the long rectangular case. Inside was a beautiful antique gold bracelet with a small oval centerpiece, surrounded by diamonds, with an engraving that read, “Ti Amo, Mia Amore.” (I love you, my love.) The bracelet took her breath away. It was so dainty and so beautiful unlike anything Jane had seen before.
“It was my grandmother’s.” Berto told Jane, “I hope you like it.”
“Like it Berto, I love it! It is the most beautiful bracelet I have ever seen. Here help me put it on.” Jane held her arm out and Berto connected the clasp. It fit perfectly as Berto knew it would. Jane gave Berto a long kiss of thanks and handed him his watch. As Berto opened it Jane apologized for the gift. She knew she could never compete with anything as precious as the bracelet had been. “It’s not an antique Berto, I’m sorry.”
“Why should you be sorry Mia, it’s the exact watch I have been wanting. Thank you for remembering which one. I love it as well.” Berto said as he put his new Rolex on and gave Jane a kiss.
“I only have one other gift for you Mia. I am sorry it looks like you have gone a little crazy on me. I would like to give you yours last if that is okay with you.”
“Of course it’s okay Berto.” Jane answered, “I just wasn’t sure what to get you so I got you a little of everything. I hope it’s all okay.”
“If it is from you Mia Amore it will all be perfect.” Berto replied as he opened the box of wines that Jane had purchased for him.
Once again Berto was impressed with Jane’s gifts. The wines were exactly the ones he would have chosen and it impressed him that Jane had taken the time to learn which wines he enjoyed. The saddle was, as Jane thought, exquisite. The leatherwork was better then Berto had ever seen and the saddle as a whole was beautiful. Jane had done an excellent job of choosing his gifts and Berto was well pleased.
Finally with all his gifts open Berto handed Jane another small box. “Not more jewelry, Berto you shouldn’t have, the bracelet was more than enough.”
“Just open it Mia, this one is my way of thanking you for being in my life.” Berto explained.
Jane opened the box but she didn’t find jewelry in it. Instead a well worn key with a note attached that read, To my love, Thank you for sharing my life with me. Now we can share something that is truly ours. Here’s to a future of sunset walks on the beach. With all my heart, Berto.
Jane was confused as to what the key was for. Before she had a chance to ask Berto handed her a picture of the Villa they had stayed at in Viareggio. It had been freshly painted and above the door had been stenciled the name Chellini Al Mare.
“It’s ours? You bought it? Berto, you bought the beach house?” Jane couldn’t believe what she was seeing. “Berto, is it really ours?”
“Yes, Mia, it is, a place we can call our own, together. And I have one more surprise, we will be spending the next week there just the two of us beginning first thing in the morning.”
“But Berto we have your family party tomorrow. We can go the day after.” Jane wanted to make everything as perfect for Berto as he had just made for her.
“There is no party tomorrow Mia, there never was it was just something I made up to keep our Christmas day open so we could go to the beach house.” Berto explained looking quite pleased with himself. He had managed to keep Jane in the dark and she had honestly believed she would be spending yet another day with more of his family not alone in their new vacation home.
“I don’t know what to say. I have never received such a wonderful gift from anyone. Thank you Berto. This is too much but I’m not complaining. I wish I had gotten you something as special.’
“You have Mia, you have given me your love and someone to share my life with, that is so much more special then anything that can be bought. Ti Amo Mia, Buon Natale.” Berto said smiling at Jane.
“Merry Christmas Berto, I love you too.” Jane replied reaching out to give Berto a hug and a kiss.
Chapter Ten
The week that Berto and Jane spent at the beach house between Christmas and New Years was perfect. It was the first time in their relationship that they had an entire week together completely uninterrupted by Berto’s businesses or the day to day interruptions of life. Each morning they started their day out at the café down the street from the beach house. They had become fast friends with the owners of the café and loved their morning visits along with the delicious fresh baked breakfast items that were served. From the café Berto and Jane would head over to the beach for a morning stroll, then back to town for some shopping for items that they needed to set up a new home.
Jane had picked out several antique furniture pieces. Her favorite was an old weathered sea chest. It would be perfect in the sitting room as a coffee table and would offer additional storage for the extra blankets that Jane liked to keep close for the cooler evening temperatures. Berto had let Jane do most of the decorating. The theme was easy for both of them to decide on, the beach, since it was a beach house. There was even one item that Berto had actually chosen which surprised Jane. Usually he wasn’t interested in shopping or decorating but this week he had taken an interest in the items they were purchasing for Chellini Al Mare. When Berto came across an antique captains bed off of an Italian trade ship from the late 1700’s he had to have it. Jane agreed that it was beautiful and the history behind it was quite interesting but it was enormous. Jane wondered if it would even fit in the small bedroom back at the beach house. If it did it would be the only piece of furniture in the room but seeing how taken with it that Berto was they decided to purchase the bed. If it didn’t fit, Berto said he would take it back to Villa Chellini and display it there.
Luckily the bed did fit along with a small side table and lamp that they had purchased separately and the bedroom came together wonderfully. It wasn’t what Jane would have thought of putting in such a tiny room but somehow it worked and looked very impressive as well. It was just the type of romantic bedroom that she would enjoy vacationing in whenever they visited Chellini Al Mare. In fact Jane was extremely happy with how the entire beach house was coming together and found herself thanking Berto several times a day for the incredible gift. For his part Berto was thrilled to see how much Jane was enjoying the house and the decorating. He loved to watch her move from shop to shop finding just the right items for their new home.
Unfortunately the week went by way too quickly for both Jane and Berto. Before they knew it the time had come to lock up the beach house until the next visit and head back to reality. Their last evening at the beach house had been amazing, they had celebrated New Years with their new friends from the café. After a wonderful dinner at a local restaurant the four friends headed back to Chellini Al Mare to watch the spectacular display of fireworks that was being shot off over the sea to celebrate the new year. Jane felt so fortunate, although the town was crowded with tourists, the four friends were able to spend a quiet evening watching the fireworks from the privacy of their balcony. All too soon it was New Years day and time for Berto and Jane to say good bye to their friends and close up the beach house until their next visit.
Jane was finishing packing up the last of their belongings when Berto entered the bedroom. “Sit down for a moment.” Berto said motioning her to sit on the bed next to him. “There is something I have been meaning to discuss with you this week and I just haven’t found the time to.”
Jane wondered what was so important to Berto that they couldn’t discuss it on the drive home.
“Can’t we talk about this on the way home?” Jane inquired, as much as she had enjoyed their week together she was anxious to get home and see how Tusca was doing.
“No Mia I would rather we sit here and talk about this together without other distractions.”
Jane couldn’t figure out what was so important to Berto, suddenly he seemed so serious. Jane did as he asked, approached the bed and sat next to Berto. She still couldn’t believe how big and comfortable the captains bed was. She was so glad Berto had chosen it for them. It was so perfect for the beach house, the bed sat higher off the floor then most beds and it easily allowed the perfect view of the ocean from where it sat.
“Mia,” Jane’s thoughts about the bed were broken as Berto turned her to face him. “I need to talk to you about something and I’d like your full attention.”
“I’m sorry Berto, I guess my mind was just wandering. I’m listening now what did you want to talk about?”
“When we began our domestic discipline relationship we agreed to try it for a few months and then talk about how we felt it was going. I’d like to discuss this with you before we head home and back to the chaos of our daily lives. I want to know your thoughts on this and possibly discuss some changes with you.” Berto explained. “How do you feel the relationship is going? Is it working for you? Is there anything you would like to bring up about your feelings towards it?”
Jane thought the relationship was going well, she felt like she had moved easily into her role and that she had made a lot of positive changes in her ability to submit to Berto. “I think it is going fine Berto.” Jane stated, “We are closer then we have ever been and my respect for you has really grown, and I am comfortable now being submissive to you. I think it’s fine just the way it is. What would need to be changed?’
With a slight chuckle under his breath Berto realized that Jane felt that she was doing quite well in her ability to submit to him. Yet every time something didn’t go Jane’s way she would still become argumentative and even angry at times. Yes, she had begun to submit to him, at times, when it was something that she didn’t feel strongly about but she still had a long way to go before she could claim that she was submissive and Berto felt that he needed to step things up a bit if she were ever to let go and submit to him the way he was hoping she would.
“You have gotten better with a lot of things Jane, however, you are far from being completely submissive. I think it is time to add a new dimension to our DD relationship to help it along.”
Jane couldn’t believe what Berto was saying. She wasn’t submissive? What did he mean by that, every time he had said she needed a punishment she had allowed it. What more did he want? “I don’t understand Berto, I allow you to punish me when you feel I deserve it what else should I be doing?”
Shaking his head slightly Berto tried to explain to Jane that the way she was viewing their relationship was far from being submissive. “I don’t think you understand a lot of what being submissive means. First of all you do not allow me to do anything. As the HOH I will punish you when you need it and I do not need to be allowed by you to do this.” Berto tried to put an emphasis on the word allowed as he spoke to Jane. “You believe that a DD relationship is simply about being punished when you misbehave but that is so far from the truth Mia. It is about learning to submit to my decisions not to just argue with me about them and then be punished. You need to begin to respect me and the decisions I make without the constant arguing. That is what submitting is about, not just agreeing to be punished. I think we need to add in maintenance sessions for a while until you can learn to not argue as much.”
“I don’t know what you mean by maintenance.” Jane replied starting to become annoyed with how Berto viewed her submission towards him. She honestly believed she had become completely submissive and now Berto was adding more demands on her.
“I think we need to choose a night or two a week to discuss things with each other. See how we are feeling, talk about where things can be improved and then have a spanking session so that you remember that I am the HOH. You need to show me respect Mia, even when you don’t agree with me or my decisions.”
Jane couldn’t believe what she was hearing. He honestly wanted to schedule spankings, even when she hadn’t done anything wrong. “I think you’re taking this whole HOH thing a little too far Berto.” Jane replied, “You honestly want me to allow you to spank me just to remind me that you are in charge?”
Once again Berto pointed out to Jane that she was not allowing him to do anything. She had agreed to a DD relationship and it was out of respect for him that she needed to submit to spankings, not to just allow him to give her one. “Mia you said you wanted to learn to submit to me. Yet you continue to submit only when it is convenient for you to do so. I think if we add maintenance sessions to our weekly routine then you will learn to submit even when you do not want to. All I ask is that we try it. If it doesn’t work out then we can go back to the way things were.”
As much as she didn’t want to out of her love for Berto, Jane agreed to give this new idea a try. “After all,” she thought to herself, “I can just tell him in a few weeks that it is not working.”
“Okay Berto, we can try. I really don’t see what good it will do but I will try it because I love you and I want this to work.”
“You are sure Jane?” Berto questioned, “You will submit to spankings at my will whether you feel you have earned one or not?”
“Yes Berto, I will.” Jane answered still thinking that she would simply humor him for a while then put a stop to it.
“Thank you Mia, I honestly believe it may help us move forward in our relationship.” Berto said. Standing up he took Jane into his arms and gave her a warm hug, then letting her go he sat back down on the edge of the old captains bed and motioned for Jane to come to him. “Come lay over my lap Mia it’s time to receive your first maintenance spanking. I think you need one before we head home just so you remember that no matter where we are your respect for me and your submission to me need to be a priority in your life.”
Jane couldn’t believe that Berto would honestly spank her as the last thing they would do on their vacation together. She had told him she would allow it but she never thought he would want to do it so soon.
‘Berto, let’s just go home and we can discuss it once we are there. I don’t think this is the place or time to do this.”
“This is exactly the place and time Mia. You agreed to this did you not?’ Berto asked.
“Yes, but….” Jane tried to argue but was cut off.
“Do as you are told Mia. It is only a maintenance spanking but if you wish to make it into something more then just continue to argue with me.” With that Berto reached for Jane’s arm and directed her over his lap.
With the first few strikes to her bottom Jane began to get angry. She had done nothing to deserve this and she didn’t have to lay here and take it. “That’s enough Berto,” Jane said struggling to remove herself from his lap. Her struggles were answered by a few very hard swats as Berto lifted her skirt up and slid her panties down to expose her bottom.
“You will submit to this Jane!” Berto stated as he placed his leg over hers to keep her in position. “You need to learn to do as I say and not question me. If you continue to struggle this will become much more severe then it needs to be. The decision is yours.”
By this point Jane was furious. A spanking was hard enough for her to submit to when she had done something to disappoint Berto but being placed in this position, just because, was more then Jane could take.
“Let me up Berto!” Jane demanded. Her demands were met by several much more severe swats to her sit spot.
“No Mia, you will learn to submit to me one way or another.” Berto too was becoming angry. If Jane couldn’t learn to submit to this what good would continuing their DD relationship be.
“I love you Mia, but you know how your lack of respect towards me has come between us in the past.” Berto said increasing the intensity and speed of the spanking. “We need this Mia, it has brought us so much closer and has made our love for one another so much stronger. I won’t give up on this and I won’t stop simply because you say to. You have taken much more severe punishments before so I know that it is simply your lack of submission causing this attitude, not that I am hurting you any worse I have in the past.”
The more Jane struggled to free herself from Berto’s hold the stronger his hold became and the more intense the spanking was given. “You need to realize that I am the HOH and you will learn to submit to me.” Berto once again reminded Jane, “I love you but I need your respect as well. Without it we will simply return to the way things were. The arguments, the power struggles, I will not live that way and I don’t believe you want to either.”
As Berto continued the lecture and the spanking Jane was surprised to find that she was agreeing with a lot of what Berto was saying. Before they began DD the arguments and the struggle for control between them was slowly tearing their love apart. Yet since beginning this new relationship things had become so much more relaxed between them. Their love and desire for one another was much stronger then it had been before DD. Slowly Jane found herself relaxing and settling down as Berto continued to make his point. Sensing that Jane had finally given in and understood what he was trying to do Berto ended the maintenance session and sat Jane up onto his lap. Taking her face in his hand he tilted her head up to face him and kissed her gently. “There now,” he praised her, “That’s my girl. I am so proud of you and I love you more then you know. This isn’t always easy for me Jane but it is something that we need to keep our love for one another as special as it has become.”
With a tear in her eye, not from the pain of the punishment but simply from the caring way Berto was speaking to her and holding her at that moment Jane buried her face into his neck and simply held him as closely as she could. She didn’t understand what it was about what had just happened but somewhere in the midst of the spanking Jane had found that submitting to the man she loved wasn’t the worst thing she could do.
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