“What kind of information?” His cold tone makes me shiver. I really messed up. He’ll never forgive me for this, will he?
“Anything I could find. S-she didn’t specify.”
He leans forward, arms resting on his knees. “That’s why you searched my office.”
It’s not a question, but I nod anyway.
“That just… doesn’t make any sense,” he says to himself, sounding perplexed. Then his expression turns hard, unreadable. His gaze finds mine. “Did you really think you could betray me and get away with it?”
I swallow hard, and nod again.
A cruel grin twists his lips. “You were wrong. So very wrong,bella. Are you still spying for Mrs. Rizzo?”
“No.” Adamantly, I shake my head. “No, I stopped as soon as we returned from our honeymoon. I told her the deal’s off and swore her to silence.” For all the good any of that did. I should have made her promise not to use any of that information to hurt my husband.
“I see.” He studies my features, but I’m not sure what he’s looking for, a lie perhaps? “You’re still in big trouble,cara mia. So,somuch trouble.” His soft tone frightens me more than any threat ever could.
I hang my head. I deserve this, I know I do. I give a shaky nod, accepting my fate.
Abruptly, he lashes out, sweeping the decorative vase from the coffee table with so much force that it flies across the room before shattering on the marble floor. Shards fly everywhere.
I startle. Pulse spiking with fear.
Maximo stands up. “Fuck!”Fishing his phone from his pocket he makes a call. “Cancel the doctor. Don’t let anyone up here until I say so.” He hangs up.
Shirtless, all of his tattooed flesh on display, those dark slacks hanging around his hips, he looks like wrath incarnate. I stay kneeling on the floor, waiting for whatever comes next.
Will he hit me like Papa used to beat Mama? Or has he decided I’m not worth the effort and instead he’ll kill me here and now? What I did is unforgivable. I know that. No don can have a wife who betrays his trust. In our world, he has every right to end not only this marriage, but also my life. Everyone will understand.
The rattling of his belt buckle captures my attention. He undoes it, slowly sliding it free from the loops, his gaze burning with fury. Doubling it over, he holds both ends together in one hand. The dark leather catches the light, gleaming with the promise of punishment.
I try to swallow, but my throat’s too dry. Is this how it ends? He strangles me to death with his belt?
“Stand up,” he commands. His entire body’s coiled with tension.
Immediately, I do as I’m told. Tears freely stream down my cheeks, as I can no longer hold them back. What’s the point anyway?
“Take off your clothes.”
What?My gaze snaps to him. His hard stare has me trembling as I obey. Quickly, I undress.
“I’m sorry.” Naked, I hang my head, unsure what to do next.
“Place your hands on the back of the couch and bend over.” When I hesitate, he barks, “Now.”
Stomach in my throat, I obey him. My palms land on the backrest as I lean over, bending at the waist. I swallow hard, choking on my silent tears. Even though it’s not cold in here, I shiver.
Maximo’s heavy steps sound behind me, drawing every iota of attention to him. What is he going to do? My pulse spikes as he remains quiet.
He paces at my back. Anticipation builds to unbearable heights.
Without warning a crack splits the air as white hot pain erupts across my ass. The intensity of it drives the breath from my lungs. Before I can recover, another strike of his belt burns my butt cheeks. I lift up onto my tiptoes, wriggling, but knowing if I shy away from this punishment he’ll only make it worse.
So I take it. After all, I deserve this.
“I’m so sorry,” I cry out.
“Yes, you are.” His belt comes down again, this time lower across my upper thighs.
