Broken by His Hand - Piper Stone Page 0,53

I was.

He’d altered my entire world, not only by his prowess and control, but by the fact his appearance into my world had forced me to choose between my job and what could end up being noting more than a fling.

But I wanted to take the chance.

He swirled the brush in his hand, and I was able to see a pained look on his face. While the wound wasn’t bleeding, I was still concerned, a moment of fear gripping me. Who the hell had shot at him and why? What kind of life did he lead every day? Was this the norm, always being forced to look over his shoulder? Could I even adapt to that kind of life if things between us continued to move forward?

There was no reasonable answer, no way of making it right in my rational brain, but I wasn’t able to think about anything else but the passion we shared.

“You will eventually learn to follow the rules,” he said with such dark intensity that a lump appeared in my throat, butterflies bouncing in my stomach.

When he dragged the wooden side of the brush down my spine, all I could do was hold my breath. I knew this was going to hurt like a son of a bitch. Maybe I deserved the harsh spanking. Maybe I was a bad little girl in need of a firm hand. All that didn’t matter when he smacked both ass cheeks, one coming after the other.

“Oh, fuck,” I spouted, my entire body shaking. My grip on the counter was white-knuckled, my heart skipping several beats.

“Spread your legs for me, Sophia.”

Reluctantly, I did as I was told, trying to keep my position just like I knew was required. I heard the snap of his wrist as he delivered four in rapid succession, hitting me exactly on my sit spot. I lowered my head, gasping for air as the pain rushed down my legs, tingling my toes.

Taking a deep breath, he brushed his knuckles across my heated bottom, taking his time caressing. Then he fisted my hair, twirling the long strands around his hand and holding me in place as he swung the brush again. And again. Every strike seemed harder than the one before, leaving my mind blurry and my pulse skyrocketing. I was stuck in some time capsule where men were always in charge of the household.

And I was embarrassed that I craved more.

How could a strong woman want to have a controlling man? How could a single part of me be willing to follow rules, his rules?

“Keep your eyes open, Sophia. I want you to watch everything that happens. I want you to know what occurs when you break the rules.”

“Yes, sir.” I did what he commanded, although seeing the way my face contorted, wincing even before the dense wood hit my backside was excruciating. I realized I’d lifted onto my toes as he issued a wicked volley of smacks, keeping a perfect rhythm as he moved from side to side. The pain was incredible, rolling through me like a wave of thunder. I finally kicked out as I doubled over, whimpering like some small child.

“Stay in position or I’ll start over. I don’t think you want me to do that.”

“No... No, sir,” I whispered, the sound of my voice unrecognizable.

“Why don’t you count off the next ten for me, Sophia? Maybe that will bring the point home.”

I was ready to retort, to snap at him like I did everyone else, but I nodded, still trying to catch my breath.

He brushed his fingers across my bottom, and I knew without a doubt it was cherry red and bruised. I would have difficulty sitting for at least a day, maybe more. As I bit back a series of cries, he snapped his wrist again, planting one savage strike on each side.

“One and two...”

“Hmmm... Have we lost all respect already, Sophia? I’m going to start this round again.”

“No. No!”

But he pulled on my hair then gave the same two in rapid succession.

“One and two, sir.”

“Better.”

Another two were slapped down with ferocity.

“Three and four, sir.” I had difficulty keeping my eyes open as tears welled in them. I couldn’t believe I was going to cry in front of him. I never cried. Not for anyone. Ever.

“Excellent.” He stared me in the eyes for a few seconds without blinking before repeating the action.

“Five and... Six. Sir.” I was forced to blink, two salty beads slipping past my lashes. I was humiliated that I