Page 36 of Captive Ruin

With my fear receding, my anger returns. It’s like I can’t control my emotions. And why the hell should I? He’s still forced his way in here, stripped me naked, and made me come over his lap. Especially the last. God, especially the last.

“You spanked me!” I bite out, focusing on that instead.

“You wanted me to.”

How dare he? “The hell I did!”

“You pushed for it,” he points out. “All I asked you to do was behave.”

“And that’s another thing! I’m not yours to command!”

He gives me a look like I’m being unreasonable. His eyes flick up to my bound wrists, down over my naked body, then back to my face as if to say… really?

“I do expect you to obey me, and yes, you are mine.”

“The hell I am!”

“Yes, you are.” His tone has gone cold again. It’s the one he uses when the conversation is done. This conversation is so not done.

“You don’t get to—”

“Amelia.” Just the single word, warning carried in every syllable. A whole new level of cold telling me exactly what happens if I finish that sentence.

Part of me wants to keep arguing. Part of me thinks that would be very, very dangerous.

The silence holds. My scowl; his steady, unflinching stare.

“Fine,” I mutter at last, glancing away. “Do whatever you need to do, then get the fuck out.”

But he doesn’t move. “Do you believe me when I tell you I won’t harm you?”

“Spankings aside?” I retort.

“That was playful. It barely hurt.”

The hell it didn’t. “Shall I try it on you? See how you like it?”

“It’s not really my kink, but I appreciate the offer.”

Did he just imply…?

“It’s not my kink either, you bastard!”

He raises his eyebrows. “Are you certain?”

“Of course I’m goddamn—”

“You did get very wet when I spanked you.” He pauses, then adds, “…Both times.”

I glare at him.

“I know,” he says, “why don’t you spread your legs, and I’ll spank your pussy, and we’ll see how wet you get.”

I grit my teeth. “No. Thank. You.”

“See?” he asks reasonably. “Civility costs nothing.”

Fuck, I hate this man.