Page 41 of Vicious Union

“Because you were asleep, and I didn’t want to wake up,” I say. “Besides, I don’t have to tell you everything about where I go. You’re not the boss of me.”

“I’m your husband. I have a right to know where you’ll be. It’s for your own safety, Caterina. My family has enemies. You could have been hurt.”

I frown. “Huh. I … didn’t even think about that. Sorry. I was just hungry and wanted some food, so I went to a café. That was it. It didn’t feel dangerous at all. But I understand I worried you, and for that, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to. Truly.”

“So, you weren’t just doing it to mess with me?”

I sigh and brush past him as I kick off my shoes and toss them to the side. “Not everything is about you, Emilio.”

He opens his mouth, then closes it. “Why were you gone for so long?”

“Uh …” I flush.

He narrows his eyes. “What is it?” His tone says I shouldn’t even consider lying to him.

“Someone stole my purse. My ID, wallet, and phone were in there. And they … stole the car keys, too. So, the car is gone. I had to walk back.”

The look of fury on Emilio’s face would be funny if I wasn’t worried he would spank me again. “Caterina, seriously?”

“What? It’s not like I asked for my purse to get stolen.” I pause.

He drops his head into his hands. “You’ve got to be kidding me. Danger follows you everywhere.” He sighs, looking back up at me. “Ok, fine. I’ll concede. It wasn’t your fault your purse was stolen.”

I stand up straighter. “Thank you.”

“But you still shouldn’t have gone off on your own because if I were with you, you would never have had to walk back on your own, putting yourself in more danger!” he semi-shouts.

“Oh.” My shoulders deflate. “Well, I’m …”

“What? Sorry? You already said that. But, Caterina, I don’t think you’re sorry. I don’t think you realize how much trouble you get yourself into. I don’t want to clean up after your messes. Now, I have to make sure no one can use your ID against you, and I have to cancel all your credit cards.”

“I can do it. I’m not a child.”

“Really?” His eyes are wide. “Because you act like it.”

“Hey, no need to be an asshole. We’re making progress. We were going to go on a date today.”

“Well, cancel that. Because I have to clean up your mess. All because you couldn’t wait for me to wake up and go with you.”

“You wanted to go with me?” I ask in a softer voice.

He stares at me for a second before huffing. “You’re unbelievable. That’s what you take away from what I said?”

I shrug. “Yeah. Got a problem with that?”

“Yes, I have a problem with that. You can’t seem to understand when you’re in trouble. I’ll make sure you understand.” He advances on me, picks me up, and throws me over his shoulder before I can react.

“Excuse you,” I say, slapping his back.

He drops me onto the couch, then he bends me over it and begins to spank me.

I cry out, but honestly, it’s for show. Sure, it hurts when he does this, but I kind of like it. I feel wild, which is the opposite effect he’s hoping for, I’m sure.

Emilio takes his time spanking me. He ends up ripping my pants and underwear down and spanking me on my bare ass—which I like even more. I love when I can feel Emilio’s touch. It’s electric.

I arch my back and moan.

He pauses. “Are you … are you enjoying this?”

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