Page 69 of Forbidden Desire

“As it should be!” Rasmie roared. “Continue.”

I swatted her again, raining the strikes until plaintive mewls escaped her throat. Peppering her delicious backside, I eased one finger past her labia, teasing the tiny bundle of nerves that promised her such hedonism.

“I sense we should now display her, Maighstir.” I had no desire to do her true harm and had, in fact, vowed never to do so. Cupping her punished cheeks, I waited on my brother’s verdict only for show. Elodie’s spanking was over.

“So soon?” Rasmie’s brow rose, his reply eliciting another huge round of applause from the villagers.

“Aye, it is enough,” I assured him. “The greatest ignominy of the penance is to be displayed for all to see.”

“So be it.” Rasmie waved his hand dismissively. “The rack is prepared.”

I glanced toward the wooden rack he referred to, my gaze scanning over its length and the leather straps secured at all four corners. About the size of a door, the rack consisted of a strong wooden frame, but the middle panels were missing, allowing the recipient and their blazing bottom to be viewed from multiple angles.

“Come.” I rubbed her lower back, soothing her back to life as I tipped her back to her knees.

Resigned blue eyes met mine, stubbornly refusing to acknowledge her new fate.

“Allow me.” I swept her into my arms without waiting for her consent, my organ hardening at her breathy gasp as I carried her to the rack. Secured to the platform, it stood erect and would ensure every set of eyes had access to her shame. Lifting my gaze to the blue sky, I was grateful the weather was fair, but still, she would not last long out here exposed and alone. I hoped Rasmie would be satisfied before too long.

“Don’t do this,” she whispered, clinging to me as I approached the rack.

“We shall both do as we must,” Unwrapping her long limbs from my body, I forced her feet to the ground. “You shall endure, and I shall be here with you.”

“Oh no.”

She didn’t protest as I strapped her left, then her right wrist into place, and I was thankful for her grace. Resisting now would have put on quite a show, and while the revelers would no doubt have appreciated the performance, I should prefer to go without it. It was better we both accept Rasmie’s judgment and settle the matter once and for all. The sooner he was placated, the sooner I could soothe and ravish her again. Finishing the binds at her ankles, I rose, taking in her wonderful body. I was proud to show it off to those assembled, with her spanked ass on display for them to enjoy.

“Audra.” I beckoned the florist forward. “Bring the blooms.” I stroked Elodie’s hair as the woman advanced.

“Which floral tribute have you selected for your bride?” Rasmie inquired. “I gave you leave to choose.”

Glancing at the selection in Audra’s wicker basket, I smiled.

“There was only one choice, Maighstir, the bloom my bride herself has already shown a fondness for.”

Elodie’s brow creased.

“Remember?” I purred, selecting the first of the blossoms and ensuring they were thorn-free. “You pointed them out on the way here yesterday.”

Her gaze widened as if she, too, could not believe we had only known each other for such a short time.

“Roses.” She nearly smiled as I held them aloft.

“Aye.” I raised my voice. “My bride has chosen our wonderful wild rose.”

Once more, the volume of the crowd swelled.

“Aye!” Rasmie agreed. “‘Tis a fine choice, for they are as tempestuous and strong as she.”

“And beautiful,” I added, moving closer and tucking the short stem into her lush hair.

“They’re lovely.” Her voice was husky as I collected more blooms and sprinkled their petals over her nubile body.

“No,” I insisted. “You are; these only prove the point.”

“Shower your bride in the blooms, brother.” Rasmie rose, striding toward me and swiping a handful of the roses from Audra’s basket. “For each petal that falls, the spirit of harmony grows between you.”

Her gaze lowered as he threw the assortment over her head.

---