Page 15 of Vicious Union

“Well, aren’t we right now?” I look at him with a smug grin while I cross my arms.

He has the decency to smile just the tiniest bit before his typical stoic expression takes over. “Don’t be clever.”

“Why not? Don’t like a smart woman?”

“No. I like a smart woman, but I think you’re too smart for your own good. I might have to throw you over my lap and spank you for running away from me.”

I’m silent. He’s joking … right? The longer Emilio looks at me, the more I realize he’s most definitely not joking. Holy shit. I don’t even know what to think about that. Of course, I don’t want to be spanked like a naughty child.

But … I wouldn’t mind Emilio’s hands on me. They look big and strong. I’ve never been touched intimately like that. The few kisses I’ve shared with men at the club were just that—kisses. Nothing more. To be touched by a man as powerful as Emilio makes my body warm.

I still don’t want to be fucking spanked, though.

“You’re ridiculous,” I mutter, turning away from him.

“I’ll do it, you know. The next time you act out, I’m going to spank you. Teach you a lesson.”

“I’m not a child.”

“No. You’re going to be my wife, and I want my wife to be obedient.”

I make a sound between a scoff and a laugh. “Then you’re going to be disappointed with me. Either accept me for who I am or be sad because I am not an obedient girl, Emilio. Never have been. Never will be.”

“I can change that,” he in my ear, making me gasp.

When I turn back to him, I realize just how close we are. Close enough to kiss.

Might as well shoot my shot. Emilio will be my husband soon enough. I want to know what it’s like to kiss him.

I lean in and press my lips to his. He’s tense for a moment before kissing me back. It only lasts a few seconds before he pulls away.

“Why did you stop it?” I ask.

“Because I’m not going to make out with you on the sidewalk in the middle of the night. You will be my wife. I want a classy, obedient wife. Not one who acts like …”

“Like what? A whore?”

“I didn’t say that.”

“Well, you were thinking it! Why is it such a problem I kissed you just now? Most men would be happy to have a wife who isn’t afraid to kiss.”

“Maybe I’m not like most men.”

I snort. “So, what? Is that the male equivalent to ‘I’m not like other girls’?” I roll my eyes. “Because if it is, Emilio, I have to say … eww.”

“Why is it ‘eww’?”

“Because it just is.”

He sighs, running his hand over his face. “Excuse me for not wanting a wife who’s made out with half the city.”

I almost choke on my own spit. “Excuse me? I haven’t made out with half the city.”

“No? You’ve probably slept with half the city,” he mutters.

“Slut-shaming much? I’m not the whore you think I am, Emilio.”

“No? Then what kind of whore are you?”

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