Andrew glares at Asher. “Fine. Just remember what I said. Emma, I hope you continue to heal. I’m sure you’re eager to resume your research.”
“I am, thank you. Believe it or not, Asher has been taking good care of me.”
“Shit, really?” Aaron doesn’t even try to hide his surprise. “I think you’ve found a softer side of my brother no one else has uncovered. Keep it up, girl.” Then he winks at me.
Asher growls. “Get out.”
“We’re going.” Aaron holds up his hands in defeat.
I love watching the brothers interact. It’s like a sitcom from my childhood. While Asher is herding his brothers out the door, I lift my foot back onto the pile of pillows and ease back against the cushions.
“What were you thinking? You could have fallen and done some serious damage, needed more surgery, or broken something.”
“Maybe, but it’s done now. I waited as long as I could, and then I was careful.”
“Hopping down the hallway is being careful?” His anger is palpable, and a muscle twitches in his jaw.
This is not good. Instead of soothing him, I’m riling up his grumpy bear. “Well, yeah. I was either holding onto something or leaning against it. I would have used the crutches, but they’re all the way over there.” I point toward the far wall where they’re leaning in the corner. “Too far in the other direction when I had to go so bad.”
“I know you think I’m being unreasonable, and maybe you’re right. But I told you to call me. You even hopped right past my door. The smart move would have been to knock. At least I could have helped you from there. Right?”
“Maybe?” He’s correct, but I wanted to do it myself. I’m not inept or an invalid, even if he’s been treating me like one. “I’m not a child, Asher. It’s like you keep forgetting that.”
“I know you’re not. You’re a grown woman who was injured on our land because of me. I need to make sure you stay safe and recover. Do you remember what I said I’d do if you didn’t listen?”
“Yes, you said you’d punish me. But you can’t be serious.”
“Like hell I can’t.”
That’s all the warning I get before he scoops me up off the couch into a bridal style and heads back down the hall, toward his bedroom. “What are you going to do? You can’t spank me. I’m serious, Asher.”
“I’m serious, too. This is about your safety, and that will always come first. No one hurts you, not even you. Do you understand?”
His pinched gaze meets mine, and it makes my stomach knot in anguish, as if I’ve let him down. I didn’t do it intentionally. Not really. I couldn’t have held on for much longer. It’s just my bad luck that he came out two minutes after I was done. All my bravado deflates as he gently lowers me onto the bed.
“I’m sorry, Asher.”
“Oh, baby, you will be.”
Shiitake mushrooms.
eleven
Asher
When we were still in the living room, Emma asked how I was going to punish her. I didn’t answer on purpose. I want her to worry. My little Raindrop didn’t listen to her Daddy. Now she’ll have to suffer the consequences.
She thinks I didn’t realize how turned on she was this morning. I’m betting she is now, too, even though she probably wouldn’t admit it. My inner sadist can’t wait to teach her a valuable lesson.
“What are you going to do?” Emma’s voice cracks as she asks. She’s worried.
“You’ll find out soon enough. Stay there. I’ll be right back.” I don’t move until she nods. Even though I plan on punishing her, she is still the one with ultimate control. After seeing how she responds to my dominance, I am confident she won’t stop me.
After opening my closet door, I look back over my shoulder to make sure she hasn’t moved. Satisfied she’s staying where I left her, I walk further inside. It’s a large room with built-in cabinets and racks lining both sides. Behind the furthest rack is a hidden door to my safe room. As soon as Emma can stand up without hurting her foot, I’ll show her and explain how to use it. But that’s not why I came in here.
I don’t think she’s experienced being restrained, so I pick one of my silk ties rather than rope. It’s soft and won’t damage her skin. Though just thinking about my rope marks on her skin makes my cock throb against my zipper.
With the tie in my hand, I get a devious idea. Oh, yes, this’ll be perfect. My father always said that you should start as you intend to continue. Emma needs to understand that my dark side isn’t going anywhere if she’s going to make an informed decision about being mine—not that I’ll ever be able to let her go.
