Something about the way he pronounced her his left her unable to think of an adequate answer. If she spoke the truth of Simon's relationship to Lyndon, her brother could be banished, or worse. Yet, if her husband believed Simon to be her lover, he faced the same fate. An answer would not be found tonight. If they thought him any threat, 'twas better Simon appeared as nothing more than a besotted guard. Someone with a claim to Lyndon ran the risk of disappearing for good.
"Tell me, what are you thinking about?"
She met his gaze, and gave a small shake before lowering her head. He tilted her chin up. "Do not keep secrets from me. 'Twill go badly for you."
She stiffened and tried to ignore the burst of panic. "I keep no secrets."
Proud of her steady voice, she boldly held his stare.
"I'm not so sure. But I don't wish to think on that now. First is the matter of your punishment."
"What? I've done nothing to warrant it!"
"Ah, but you have. Do you not recall striking me last night?"
Heat scorched her cheeks. God's blood, she had hit him. It had led to the beguiling brutal and tender kisses they'd shared. A shiver slid through her veins.
"You insulted me."
"There was no need for you to strike."
He set her away from him and a chill drifted over her. Barely a moment later, he caught her wrists in one hand. She had no time to resist as he sat on the bed and hauled her across his lap.
She kicked and twisted, trying to free herself. "You bastard, let me go! I will not be treated this way."
He said nothing while he caught her legs between his, imprisoning her further. She tugged against his hold on her wrists, but 'twas like pulling against rock.
She screamed her outrage, but his grip only tightened. With his free hand, he stroked her arse and she gave another furious screech.
"Unhand me, you beast!"
His reply was to bring his hand down hard on her bottom. She stiffened in shock, the sting of the blow not truly painful. When the second strike landed much more harshly, she began to struggle once more.
"You cruel monster!"
"I expect to be respected and obeyed. You did neither."
Another blow, and another, and another. Fire bloomed in her arse and she squirmed against his hold. Tears escaped her squeezed eyelids, but she held back her sobs, refusing to let him see any weakness. After several more strikes, however, the pain oddly seemed to fade, replaced with a heat that near matched what he'd stirred with his kisses. She stopped fighting, falling limp against his lap and waited for the next strike. When it came, she rolled her hips toward him.
The next blow seemed to take longer to come, but she anticipated it by counting the seconds between. This time, he didn't hit hard, he lightly stroked her burning skin. A moan escaped to feel the fire spark still hotter at the gentle touch.
"Your skin turns a lovely shade of pink. I find myself hoping you will disobey often so I may enjoy the sight."
His words, spoken in a gruff tone, added another dimension to the riot of thrills that took over her thoughts. And, 'twould seem, her body. What had the man done to her?
She found herself suddenly upright, her sore bottom pressed onto his leg. Burying her face into his shoulder, she whimpered at the fresh burst of pain. Oddly, her nipples remained rock hard and eager. For what? The heat and wetness coating her sex left her unable to take a steadybreath.
His hand slid along her breasts and she looked up into his face. His tawny eyes caught hers for a moment, before lowering to watch while his fingers rolled her nipple between them.
Flames erupted and she made no effort to conceal the moan of delight. His touch was unlike any pleasure she'd ever known. Her heart seemed to beat in time to the throb in the heated flesh of her bottom. Her husband continued to pinch and pull at her nipple, now turning his attentions to the other.
The wanton sensations flooding her left her quivering. To her horror, she pressed her breast into his hand, wanting more caresses. A husky chuckle accompanied a sharp pinch.
"I see you enjoyed my punishment. I don't think you'll like what I have in mind next."
Before she could respond, he stood, scooping her against his chest before laying her out on the bed. The feel of the feather tick against her sore arse made her attempt to rise, but he held her down with one hand on her chest.
"Stay."
