Obtaining what I wanted would never happen with them controlling every aspect of my life.
In fact, it would never happen at all. Period.
“Have you learned your lesson?” he asked.
“Which one? Not to head to a bar owned by the family when I crave spending time with a man?”
The way he sucked in his breath surprised me. The hitch was… Was he slightly jealous? I’d seen the look in his eyes. He’d been furious not only with me but with the three men.
He’d also been antsy, possessive.
“That means the answer is no. Ten more.” He’d already resumed the spanking before I could yelp or issue a retort.
I continued to struggle, furious with myself as much as with him. I shouldn’t have teased him, but when I was around the man, my naughty side came out.
The strikes were even harsher than before and he was taking his time finishing what he’d started. I was furious at the entire situation, but further taking it out on him or continuing to act like a child around him would only lead to further punishment.
I stopped moving altogether, allowing him to finish without my interruption even as the ache grew stronger.
By the time he stopped, I sensed confusion. He didn’t stroke my bruised skin again before he pulled down my dress. When he helped me to my feet, he couldn’t seem to look me in the eyes. Maybe the game we’d been playing for years had finally reached an end.
We both knew it had to. The attraction was based solely out of the taboo aspect and nothing else.
I backed away, wishing the dress was longer. “You’re really worried they are cartel members?”
“Yeah, I am. Their behavior is just too odd.”
He wasn’t faking his concern and his instincts were spot on. They always had been. There was nothing the man wasn’t good at.
Which had been another frustration.
“Okay. You can have someone follow me home. The girls are staying the night with me so we should be okay.”
He rose to his feet, nodding when he did. Even raking his hand through his hair. “That will be fine. Why don’t we say an hour or so? That will give you some time to enjoy yourself.”
It was all very matter of fact, no longer the exciting game we’d once played. A line had been crossed. I could feel it all the way to my bones.
“Okay. I think I can compromise.” This go-around. I moved toward the door, feeling as if I should say something to him but nothing came to mind.
Maybe we both knew this was the end of our flirtatious chapter.
Time for both of us to move on.
CHAPTER 7
Donatello
After rounding a corner and heading to Emmeline’s house, I froze.
A fucking asshole was stalking her.
Are you kidding me?
The lone figure caught my attention.
Before I knew what I was doing, I took off running. Two seconds later, I had my weapon in my hand as I chased them down the tree-lined street. With a quick glance over his shoulder in my direction, he fled between houses, heading toward another street.
The bastard had been doing the same thing I was doing.
