He said nothing, simply strode toward her. When he rounded the side of the bed, she made a dive across. Scrambling as fast as she could, she jumped off the other side and ran for the door. Before she could lift the bar, hisarm snaked around her waist, hauling her back against him. She howled her frustration, kicked, pulled at his arm, but couldn't break away. He dragged her back toward the bed. Amidst her attempts to squirm free, she found her wrists caught. As if he barely noticed her resistance, he sat on the bed and stretched her across his lap. She continued to kick and scream, but he merely lifted her skirts before pinning her legs between his.
The first blow landed, hard and sharp. She shrieked in outrage. Another blow, and another, and still another, until fire raged in her arse. She tugged against his hold, then inhaled sharply.
He paused to reach between her legs. Heat scorched her cheeks to know he'd discovered her shameful secret. She twisted her head to look at him. A shiver passed over her at the odd smile curling his lips. He returned his fingers to her pussy, teasing and stroking until her cries softened to moans and pleading whimpers. His fingers could make her forget her anger.
"Do you like that, Wildcat?"
A low moan escaped her when he thrust his fingers deep inside her. The heat in her arse added to the tumult and lust fogged her thoughts. She should be fighting him, but what he did felt too good. If he kept up, she would come, and she strained against him, aching for the release.
The sudden withdrawal of his fingers left her breathless. Gillian turned to look at him, a pang of alarm screeching along her spine to see his stern expression, his tawny eyes cold.
"No pleasure for you. You're being punished."
She barely had a moment to ponder his meaning when he struck her arse again. Hard. This time, the pain seemed more intense. He struck again and again and she squeezed her eyes shut to contain her tears. The pain blended with the desire he'd stirred, until both sensations became one raging blur. Tears burned her eyes but she didn't know if the spanking or the denial caused them.
Either way, she would not weep.
When he stopped, the fire seemed to burn hotter than ever. Her head spun when he lifted her and settled her onto his lap. Her tender bottom throbbed and she gave a screech and tried to rise.
He didn't release her.
"I will be obeyed."
She sniffed, squirming in an attempt to ease the pain in her arse. His arms around her seemed to offer comfort, but she held herself stiff.
"You're a monster." She sniffed again, wiping at the stray tear that escaped.
He chuckled. The sound rumbled through her, and she silently cursed the shiver of longing passing along her spine.
"And you're a hellion. But you will learn."
He stood, shoving her from his lap.
She stumbled and righted herself, maintaining a straight spine. He folded his arms and studied her. How she longed to know what thoughts turned in his head.
"Today's attack raised many questions."
"Such as?" She had no idea what he spoke of.
"The rebels knew my men would be patrolling the surrounding area. Someone from within told them."
She rolled her eyes. She should have expected this. "You think 'twas me."
"I didn't say that. But there are many in Lyndon who possess Welsh bloodlines."
He knew. She didn't care, really, but had no doubt the fact she didn't tell him herself made her a target of his suspicion. No reason to deny it. 'Twas not completely unexpected he'd be aware of the fact.
"Aye. Such as I."
"I wondered when you would tell me."
"'Tis common knowledge, my lord." She folded her hands together, desperate to hide their shaking. Truth be told, it came more from the unsettled arousal still spearing her. God's bones, he'd turned her into a wanton overnight!
"I would have preferred learning it from my wifeherself."
"I didn't think you didn't know." She sensed he recognized her lie, but she didn't care. Let him think what he wanted.
"Only someone loyal to the Welsh cause would aid the rebels."
