The second he pinched my nipple between his thumb and forefinger, the heat between my legs intensified, dampening my panties. The man could easily arouse me with a single touch. "Yes. Sir."
His breathing ragged, he crawled his hand to my other breast, repeating the move. "I think tonight is an excellent time for that overdue spanking."
I pursed my lips in an attempt to pout, my reward a husky laugh, the sound sending chills all through me. "Tell me about the alliance."
He sat back, a smirk on his face. "Attempting to dissuade me?"
"Just curious. I've certainly seen their faces in the news and I've heard the stock information as reported, but I'm curious how and why you developed those friendships."
"I honestly never thought of it as a friendship, but after everything we've been through, you're right. I was approached by Dominick. It was his idea. Honestly, I don't think any of us have ever asked why he developed it. I'll have to ask him one day."
"Do you plan on continuing to work together?" When I asked the question, I was surprised by the twinkle in his eye.
"Honestly? It's a family legacy and one I'm proud of being involved in." He took my hand into his, kissing my fingers. "Now, about that spanking."
I also realized that Lorenzo was only comfortable telling me but so much about his business and what he was involved in. He'd told me once that it was also to protect me. I wasn't certain if he simply didn't trust me, but now wasn't the time to press. I was enjoying being around him and in his arms. I was also thrilled to see him somewhat more relaxed, able to enjoy sharing a least a few dinners together.
While bullets flew.
While men died.
I couldn't shake the realization no matter how hard I tried.
"Really? What if I promise to never allow that to happen again?" I asked as he dragged me to my feet.
"Uh-huh and you honestly think I was born yesterday, don't you?"
"Not at all. You're very old." I couldn't help but grin. At least he'd allowed me to see several sides of him, including his vulnerable state. I did love this man more than words could express, my desire for him all consuming.
Even as a sadness remained.
He tugged on my hand, taking long strides down the hallway and to his office. The light was already on, the soft glow of the desk lamp giving me another round of chills. He'd cleared off his desk in preparation.
"You've been very naughty," he said in a demanding tone. "You need to repent your sins."
"In your office?"
He closed the door behind him and gave me a stern look. "I have a very thick paddle with your name on it. When you act like a child, you get treated like a child."
There was something so thrilling about the man when he moved into his dominating ways. I licked my lips in a provocative manner, tempting him to forget all about blistering my bottom.
He was having none of it.
Lorenzo folded his arms and shook his head. "Undress, young lady."
I waited until he moved to one of his cabinets. When he pulled the paddle into the light, I couldn't help but moan. While we'd made love several times, languishing in his king-sized bed, he'd refrained from punishing me for any infraction.
I knew why. He was fearful the experience would remind me of the horror from before. What Lorenzo had no way of knowing was that his firm hand excited me. Gone was the humiliation that I'd surrendered to him, our connection so strong. Still, my hands were shaking as I removed my clothes, my heart fluttering.
He drank me in with his eyes, his chest rising and falling. The way he was looking at me told me he wanted to devour me.
And I loved it and everything about the man.
His brawn.
His devotion.
His command.
"Lean over my desk," he directed.
I did as I was told without hesitation, realizing the instant I bent at the waist that I hadn't worn the anal plug for days. I gripped the edge of his desk, holding my breath.
He instantly noticed my infraction, taking both hands and opening my ass cheeks. "I see your spanking needs to be severe."
"Ugh. I'm sorry. I forgot." I almost laughed given my lame excuse.
"I have a feeling that you won't forget again. That will add ten smacks to the thirty I was going to give you."
"Forty? I'll die," I whined on purpose as I pressed my face against the cool wood.
"I doubt that," he said gruffly. "Hold still or I might have to start again." He tapped the paddle against my bottom several times and I wanted to scream to get it over with.
He rubbed his hand down my back, sending another series of chills into my arms and my legs, another trickle of pussy juice slickening my inner thighs. There was no way he hadn't been able to gather a scent of my desire. When he positioned his hand on the small of my back, I cringed.
Wasting no time, he brought the paddle down in quick, even strikes, moving from one side to the other.
I whimpered, unable to control my legs, pain immediately rushing into every muscle. Within seconds, my bottom was on fire, the hard thudding noise echoing in my ears. My breath was caught in my throat, tears forming in my eyes and he'd only smacked me maybe eight times.