Page 38 of House of Lies

“Story?” It comes out with a bark of a laugh. “It’s the truth!” Partially, anyway. Was he an acting coach or something before he retired? All his talk about committing to the bit, and scenes and stuff?

I’m so fucking confused.

I wave a hand like I’m washing a window. “And I have no idea what ‘scene’ you’re talking about?—”

I cut off when he snaps the belt. “Turn around and bend over.”

Oh, God. I saw the white-capped waves, but I went for a swim anyway. Now I’ve been swept into the ocean. And that ocean is the formidable Ethan Remington… who’s apparently quite serious about disciplining me in the most corporal sense of the word.

I lick my suddenly dry lips. “Look, Mr. Remington, there’s no need for?—”

“This is happening.” That sadistic smile is back on his lips when he adds, “One way or the other.”

He rips my coat out of my hands. Snatches the blanket from my shoulders.

There’s a wild light in his eyes. Something savage and raw that makes a dull heat flicker deep inside me.

I grab his wrist as he wraps his fingers around my upper arm, but I’m not strong enough to pull him off.

“You’re only making this worse for yourself.”

His smell drifts into my nose, and my body tenses, my pussy tingling in response to his pulse thrumming under my fingertips.

“I—”

“Five.”

I glare up at him. “You’re kidding, right?”

“Four.”

His fingers tighten. There’s no pulling free. He’s locked onto me with frightening strength.

“Three.”

I swallow hard, refusing to give in, refusing to look away. “You can’t do this.”

“Two,” he murmurs.

My heart kicks against my ribs like it’s trying to break free. Maybe it can sense the hellfire that’s about to rain down.

He steps closer, until there’s no space between us. The hard ridge of his cock digs into my lower belly.

“Last chance, Cassidy.”

“Fuck you, Sir.”

We stare at each other for a beat before he whips me around. He herds me forward in a rush and then shoves me down on the edge of the bed. My hands barely have time to shoot out, catching me just before I face-plant the mattress.

He rips up the hem of my nightie, growls, and then yanks down my leggings like they’ve done him some personal injustice.

I don’t even have time to brace myself before he lands the first blow.

Pain blossoms bright and furious on my ass cheek.

“Fuck!”

Even though I knew what was coming, I’m so shocked, I can’t even scream.

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