Page 33 of Suspicion

“I said no more tantrums.” Looming by her side, he noticed the imperceptible way her eyes widened. She was still afraid then, as well as aroused by his show of authority. “And I told you what would happen if you disobeyed.”

“Oo.” Shaking her head, she turned to him with big, imploring eyes, and what a sight she was.

With her expressive green eyes, long limbs, and bared breasts, she was scintillating, but Tucker suspected what he had in mind for her next would only increase her appeal.

“Yes.” He should have grown tired of her constant countering, yet her insolence empowered him to go even further than he’d planned. Clearly, she sought his punishment. Why else would she continue to push him? “You tugged these up earlier when you thought I’d forgotten.” He signaled to her joggers. “But I hadn’t forgotten, Ella.”

A strangled scream seemed to get stuck in her throat as he stood beside her, both of his hands resting on the sides of her pants. Presumably, she’d guessed what was coming next, yet with her arms out of action, she was unable to prevent it.

“That’s why I’m going to help you with them.” His grin grew. “You deserve to be displayed, and as it turns out, they’ll provide a wonderful impromptu type of bondage until your boots work free of them.”

If they ever did.

“Ooo!” She screeched another protest, jerking at the ropes as though the rafters would spontaneously take pity on her plight and give her up.

He never let go of her joggers, despite her intent wriggling, waiting until she’d finally relented before he whipped them down her thighs. She whimpered at the initial humiliation, her head falling like the fabric.

“Stop fighting.” He murmured the instruction as his palm brushed over her ass cheeks. He’d already had the delectable diversion of spanking them, the evidence of the encounter demonstrated in their rosy hue, but he’d be happy to do so again if his new guest required it.

Her body stiffened at the caress, although he noted that she didn’t try to avoid it.

Finally, she’s learning.

It was about time.

“You’ll be displayed for my pleasure.” Grabbing one of her cheeks, he watched as her chin rose. Likely, she had an opinion about his plan, but she managed to hold in any grievances. “And just to make sure you’re safe, I’ll make a bed here in the hay and stay with you.”

“Oh ‘od.” She sighed, her head leaning between the inside of her elbow and her shoulder.

“I think you mean, thank you.” Releasing her backside, he wandered back to look into her eyes. “And you’re welcome. I knew breaking you in would take a little time.”

A glimmer of disdain glowed in her gaze, but ultimately, it looked like weariness that closed her eyes. Her lids were heavy, her body obviously exhausted after the day of shocks and surprises. He’d intended to nurture her, to warm and feed her by the fire, but Ella had insisted on an alternative plan. As it was, the wildcat was still awake inside her, but Tucker reasoned that he’d done enough to cage it for the night.

“Good idea.” Glancing around, he looked for a suitable place to crash for a few hours. Although goodness only knew how he’d get any sleep with the wonderful distraction of Ella there to stimulate him. “Let’s get some rest.”

Choosing a reasonably-sized bale, Tucker strode back to the door and ensured the chains were in place. He didn’t want a stray wolf wandering in before dawn.

Briefly, his attention flitted back to the cabin. The fire would burn itself out eventually, and though he loathed wasting the logs, he hoped it would keep the place warm for when they returned. Fortunately, it was only the start of autumn, and the cold hadn’t yet closed its claws around the forest. The two of them would survive one night in the confines of his outhouse.

Satisfied that he had thought of everything, he walked back to where Ella was strewn. Hearing his approach, her eyes fluttered open.

“Don’t worry.” He met her eyes with a soft whisper. “You might not want to be here with me, but while you are, I swear to keep you safe.”

Her nose wrinkled at his declaration.

“No one can get in, and you can’t get out, Ella.” A rush of triumph flooded his senses. “All you need to do is dangle right there until morning.”

Chapter Four

Suffering and Solace

Ella

Darkness. Long hours of the black shroud swirled around her, splintered only by the occasional howl of what sounded like a wolf. Her pulse accelerated at the primal shrieks, although the noise brought distraction from her frustration and agony.

Agony?

Was that too strong a word?

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