Page 56 of Cole's Command

“I thought it was over, sir?” Her heart raced at the prospect of more, although again she couldn’t decide if it was with apprehension or excitement.

“It can be.” His tone was thoughtful. “If that’s what you want.”

“What I want?” She was genuinely bewildered. “Sir?”

“Yes.” Stroking her sore skin, his voice was soothing. “Did you enjoy it? Do you want more?”

Her brow rose at his questions. “I...I don’t know. I’ve never experienced anything like this.”

“But you didn’t loathe it?” he pressed. “Didn’t hate being spanked.”

“I guess not.” Her toes curled at the conceit radiating in his tone. “But you still had no right, sir.”

“Careful.” His tone invited caution. “You don’t want to earn yourself another dose unless you’re sure.”

That much was true. “You’re right, I don’t, sir.”

“Come on.” Caressing her shoulder, he eased her down to her knees before sweeping her back onto his lap. Holding her close to his chest, he went on. “Let me hold you.”

Hold me? Her instinct was to break free of his grasp, although she couldn’t say why. It wasn’t that she didn’t appreciate his embrace, or enjoy the comfort of his strong arms around her, but her conditioning to be an independent woman meant it was difficult to cede.

“Do you always do this?” She reverted to form, turning her attention on him as though the spanking had been a regular part of their appointment.

“Do what?” he asked as his hand rose to her hair and caressed her temple. She paused at his touch, disturbed at the intimacy. After the things Cole had done to her so far, the tenderness wasn’t expected.

“Cuddle afterward.”

She didn’t know how else to put it. The act of spanking her had seemed like such a violation that she hadn’t anticipated any affection.

“Oh.” He laughed gently. “Always. It’s important to talk afterward and make sure you’re all right.”

“Okay.” She had not seen this coming, and fidgeting on her sore backside, she wondered why the atmosphere between them wasn’t awkward. “What should we talk about?”

“The spanking.” Shifting her on his lap so she faced him, he smiled. “How you found it.”

“Confusing,” she admitted. “I didn’t want you to do it, and I still don’t think I warranted it...” She stifled her own amusement at the way his dark eyebrow cocked. The gesture was ridiculously suggestive. “But now that it’s over, I’m not sorry you did it.”

Eden couldn’t believe she had just told him that. She should have been livid, and a part of her absolutely still fumed at the way he’d used brute strength to compel her, but then there was that other facet, the aspect that found his power absurdly attractive. Her emotions were all such a puzzling mess.

“How were the strikes?” he probed. “Too hard? Not hard enough.”

“Both.” She clenched at the memory of them, the subtle movement provoking her chastened skin. “I mean, some were fine, but others felt intense.”

“You did so well.” His hand slid to her ass, stroking her as he spoke. “I’m proud of you.”

“Proud?” Fresh heat bloomed in her face. Why, after everything they’d discussed, was the idea of his pride in her so difficult to manage?

It’s a trigger, her mind decided. Because no one has told me they’re proud of me since my dad.

“Yes.” He tilted his head as though he was trying to read her responses, although she knew he could hear everything she was thinking. “You’re pretty awe-inspiring, actually.”

Eden couldn’t resist her grin at his praise, but her mood was soon dampened as she glanced around the luxurious looking lodge he’d brought her to.

“What are we going to do, Cole?” I can call him Cole now, right? “I can’t stay here.”

“Yes, you can call me Cole, now.” His gaze was warm as it met hers, temporarily blinding her to what should have been clear—she was a captive on the peak in all but name. “But you stay here until I’ve figured out what to do with you.” He leaned closer, skimming his mouth over hers, and despite her incredulity at her capture, her eyes fluttered closed at the stimulation. “You’re mine, Dr. Lewis.”

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