Page 48 of Forbidden Desire

Could he truly be right that Desiree enjoyed this rough treatment? Surely, that was only a lie spewed to encourage my cooperation. No sister of mine would actually seek this ordeal... would she?

“Shit,” I muttered as a particularly firm strike landed. “Stop!”

“I shall need to work on your language as well, doe bheag.” Jeemie laughed as he spanked me, each blow harder to bear than the next.

At some point, I folded, my instincts directed to the challenge of each new breath rather than the humiliating torment his hand enacted. I had to survive, to get through this so I could get out of here—and take Desiree with me.

There was no other choice.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Jeemie

The most peculiar aspect of the spanking was my response. I had expected to relish the moment—an opportunity to master my own woman—and in Rasmie’s seat, no less. A long-awaited chance for mastery. It was strange when the time came that it was not as sweet as I had imagined. Naturally, Elodie’s body was divine. Every caress of her smooth skin was as glorious as I had hoped, but beyond that, I did not revel in the glory of the crowd and did not soar at Rasmie’s appraisal. By the time I sensed her will had been dented, I was as eager to bring proceedings to a conclusion as she no doubt was.

“Enough.” My voice was low, my palm resting on her heated bottom as I glanced up at my brother.

“Already?” Rasmie’s tone was inevitably skeptical. “Are you certain it is enough to dissuade reoccurrence?”

“No,” I concurred, disregarding the protests of the throng. “More work is required, but not everything needs to be accomplished this day.” I stroked her behind, my free hand rising to soothe her back. “Time is not our foe, brother.”

“Aye.” Rasmie tugged Desiree closer, kissing her forehead. “Agreed. The spanking is over.”

Groans of disappointment rang out from those assembled.

“To clarify her sentence, Maighstir.” Erik stepped forward from the sidelines. “She is to be Jeemie’s bride?”

I locked eyes with Rasmie.

“Aye.” He nodded. “I see they shall be a good fit.”

I could not resist the smile that rose at his blessing.

“This trial is concluded.” Rasmie rose, tugging Desiree with him before he swooped and collected her in his arms. “Jeemie, we shall arrange the union.”

“Aye, Maighstir. Taing do.”

“How wonderful the gods have delivered us two healthy women.” He grinned. “We must give thanks and offer tributes.”

The crowd parted as he strode to the door, carrying Desiree. Those assembled departed once our leader had left.

“Elodie.” Leaning toward her, I eased her from my lap. She complied, her body limp like a rag doll as I collected her on my lap. “You survived your spanking.”

“No.” Her tone was terse. “I did not.”

“Of course, you did.” Smoothing her hair from her flushed face, I wanted to laugh at her petty display. Did she think I would change my approach based on her behavior? This was the time of solace after the penance, a period that could bring us closer if she would only let down her guard and give in to me. “It is over.”

“It’s never going to be over,” she replied, refusing to meet my eyes until her final question. “Is it?”

“What do you mean?” I had known women to be overwrought and angry after punishment but had never seen this response. Her gaze was glassy, her jaw tense as she waited on my answer. “We are to be wed.”

“We are to be wed.” She repeated the words with little excitement. “So, what? That only means a life of this servitude, a world where you can spank me whenever you choose.”

“I shall only punish when necessary.” I yearned to hold her, to have her close and get to know her. I did not want to waste this precious time with needless conflict. Could she not see that? “I should prefer it be a private matter between us.”

“Private?” Finally, her gaze softened.

“Aye.” I was relieved to have chipped away at the ice queen. “It is by far my preference.”

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