as Diego tossed them. When he drew his weapon, a rush of adrenaline flowed.
“Diego is right. The next twenty-four hours are critical. You will obey.” Jack’s whisper was husky, authoritative, creating a series of shivers.
“Yes, sir.” There was still an air of rebellion in my tone, my inability to turn it off something I’d dealt with my entire life. Maybe it had actually kept me out of harm’s way.
I grabbed the small bag, refusing to allow Diego to drive off with it still inside. As I rubbed my neck, I was glad I’d made the exchange, although the joy of providing a gift suddenly didn’t seem important on any level. Guilt surged through me, creating a wave of nausea.
Guilt because of my father’s activities.
Guilt because of the horrible men he’d likely saved.
Guilt because I’d pretended to be something I wasn’t.
And guilt because I’d been careless, childish.
The quiet surrounding us was deafening, Jack immediately checking the balcony and windows for any breach in security once we were inside. I would no longer challenge him regarding his expertise. Both he and Diego certainly knew what they were doing.
He immediately checked that the communications device had been left untouched in the hiding spot he’d created in the air duct. Seemingly satisfied, he stayed by the balcony door, the gun firmly planted in his hand until Diego returned.
“No sign of activity,” Jack stated.
“Jeep secured,” Diego commented, eyeing me as he moved further inside. “Now, we need to deal with your disobedience.”
“That’s not fair. I already told you that I’d never go against your rules again,” I commented, although I knew I wasn’t going to get out of another round of discipline. They were regimented and perhaps I deserved whatever punishment they deemed necessary.
“It’s very fair. You just don’t seem to understand. When we leave this location, danger will follow. If you don’t do exactly what you’re told, all the chances we’ve taken will mean nothing.” Jack yanked me by the arm, immediately sitting down on the sofa. As he dragged me over his lap, jerking up the dress, I didn’t bother to fight him.
There was no use.
A growl pushed past his lips as he wrangled down my panties, wasting no time before bringing his hand down, issuing one smack after the other.
“Ouch,” I dared to say, my arms and legs flailing involuntarily.
“I’d suggest you stop fighting me,” Jack said under his breath, continuing to give me one hard strike after another.
I tried to obey, to keep my arms and legs in position, but my pride was hurt this time. I was a grown woman who’d been reduced to an impetuous child because of fear and uncertainty. For God’s sake, I was a trained doctor, a woman capable of repairing the tiniest hearts, providing life all over again.
Jack threw his leg around mine, dragging me closer to the heat of his body. I could sense his frustration as well as his hunger, his hard cock pushing into my belly. “You know what you did was wrong.”
“Yes, okay? Yes!”
Diego remained standing, his arms folded and if I didn’t know better, I’d say there was a twinkle in his eye as he watched the round of punishment. Why did I have the distinct feeling that he would soon take over, adding his spin on how I deserved to be disciplined? When he walked away, I cringed, my instincts telling me that he was searching for an implement of doom.
The heat on my bottom increased, the pain shifting into my legs. Jack refused to stop, moving from one side to the other, making certain I was well spanked.
“You’re going to listen.”
“Yes,” I huffed. “I will.” I realized I was humping his leg, the friction as I rubbed against him making me wet all over. I couldn’t avoid or deny the intense attraction I felt, the kind of yearning that would keep me awake all night long.
“I think it’s time for me to take over now,” Diego said, amusement in his voice.
I glared at him, the odd-looking wooden spoon sending shivers down my spine.
“Four more,” Jack stated, the harshness of his smacks driving straight into the very core of me.
I was panting, my blood pressure rising, stars popping in front of my eyes.
As Diego eased onto the chair, sitting on the edge, he reached for me, forcing me to stand in front of him like a bad little girl. I felt ridiculous with my panties wrapped around my ankles. Nothing could be as humiliating. He held up the horrible