they moved into a circle around us, a hardwood chair positioned in the center of the hard, cold marble. I was almost paralyzed. “No. No, please.” My whisper was hoarse, completely ignored.
Christian darted his gaze in my direction before moving toward Matteo. “You know what must be done for the betterment of the Sacred Sect.”
Matteo glared at the strap, exhaling in an exaggerated manner. “Perhaps one day someone is going to have to explain the concept of betterment. I thought things were going to be different once you took control. I can see I was wrong. Make certain her parents are not forced to witness this.”
The bitterness of his voice was evident, the words echoing as many faces expressed utter disdain for his challenge, yet they remained quiet. The group completely surrounded us, able to get a bird’s-eye view of the utter humiliation they wanted me to face. This was sick, horrible.
“Absolutely.” I noticed Christian whispered to one of his goons, sending the man on his way.
After accepting the implement, Matteo fingered the leather, finally giving a solid nod. “I will do as required,” Matteo stated with no inflection. Several of the guests as well as my father lifted their drink glasses. I could swear someone called him a good boy. Matteo turned to face me, taking my hand into his. I was surprised to see encouragement in his eyes, even kindness.
“Be a good girl and accept your punishment. Then it will be over and we can start a new chapter of our life together.” While his words were loud enough that everyone could hear them and bask in the glory of Matteo being able to require me to succumb, they were also stilted. Just like my mother’s had been. He smiled and cupped my face, sweeping his thumb back and forth across my lips.
He was entirely too enigmatic, his rugged demeanor and handsome face creating a warm buzz dancing throughout my body. I could almost pretend we weren’t surrounded by two dozen people, all hungry to see a bad girl punished for her sins.
Almost.
He lowered his head, brushing his lips across my cheek, a single subdued growl pushing past his lips. My God. He was doing this for show.
I fisted his shirt, tipping my head until I was able to whisper in his ear, “Just keep in mind that I will hate you for all eternity.”
Matteo slowly eased back, the look of kindness replaced with pure darkness, as if his very soul was on a steep precipice. “Then so be it, my lovely fiancée.” He yanked me by the hand, moving toward the chair, sitting down with a hard thud. I was shocked by his vehemence.
Just before he dragged me over his lap, I noticed far too many of the others salivating for what was about to occur. Maybe they’d all hoped I’d balk against their ridiculous rules in order to see an adult woman being spanked. As he jerked up my dress, showing the guests my naked bottom, I closed my eyes. How was I supposed to get through something so horrible?
The feel of the cool leather being pulled down my spine then Matteo tapping both ass cheeks was enough to force bile into my throat. Was he grandstanding for the cause? “Get on with this,” I hissed, expecting repercussions for my impatience. Why weren’t the others chanting, urging him on?
“You’ll receive twenty-five for your insolence and disrespect to the community,” Matteo stated in a matter-of-fact way. If he was playing a part, he was a damn good actor.
The first hard crack across my bottom was all about the sound, the whoosh of the strap amplified. But there was utter silence in the room, not a single gasp or exclamation. They’d all witnessed this before, every wife trained to be a good little submissive. Matteo would have a hellion on his hands.
As he brought it down four times in rapid succession, only tingling sensations drifted down my legs. The single hard crack across my sit spot finally allowed the pain to explode, jetting into every tendon and muscle like wildfire. Jerking up, I threw back my hand.
“Stop. That hurts!” I yelped, unable to control my body’s reaction. I undulated back and forth, clawing at the floor in a desperate attempt to get off his lap.
“Stop fighting me,” he snarled. “You’re going to behave, or the punishment will become much harsher. Do you think you can do that?” The soothing sound of his voice was mixed with the warm