Page 9 of The Brat's Bargain

Damien's free hand came up to grip Antonio's jaw, forcing him to meet that piercing blue gaze. "No, you're not a toy," he said, voice low and dangerous. "You're so much more than that, pet. You're mine. My property, my responsibility, my greatest temptation."

He leaned in close, his lips brushing Antonio's ear. "And it's time you learned what that really means."

Before Antonio could respond, Damien was hauling him to his feet. With effortless strength, he tossed Antonio over his shoulder in a fireman's carry.

"Put me down!" Antonio yelped, pounding ineffectually at Damien's broad back. "Where the hell are you taking me?"

Damien's hand came down hard on Antonio's ass, the sharp sting making him gasp. "To teach you a lesson, brat. One you won't soon forget."

As Damien carried him deeper into the penthouse, towards a door Antonio hadn't noticed before, a thrill of fear and anticipation coursed through him. He'd pushed too far, crossed a line he couldn't uncross.

And now, it seemed, he was about to find out exactly what it meant to belong to Damien Benedetti.

The heavy door swung shut behind them with an ominous click, leaving Antonio trapped in Damien's domain, at the mercy of the man he'd so foolishly tried to defy.

CHAPTER 4

CONSEQUENCES

The room Damien led Antonio into was dimly lit, its purpose unmistakable. Antonio's heart raced as he took in the various implements arranged neatly on the walls. This was clearly a space designed for discipline and control.

"Eyes on me, pet," Damien commanded, his voice low and dangerous.

Antonio reluctantly met Damien's piercing gaze, a shiver running down his spine at the intensity he found there.

"You tried to run," Damien stated, circling Antonio like a predator stalking its prey. "After I made it clear what the consequences would be."

Antonio lifted his chin defiantly, even as his insides quivered. "I'm not your property. You can't just keep me here against my will."

Damien's hand shot out, gripping Antonio's jaw firmly. "But I can, pet. That's exactly what our deal entails. And now, you're going to learn what happens when you defy me."

Without warning, Damien spun Antonio around and pushed him face-first against the wall. Antonio gasped as Damien pressed against him, the older man's body a solid wall of heat at his back.

"I'm going to punish you now," Damien murmured, his breath hot against Antonio's ear. "And you're going to count each strike. If you miss one, we start over. Understand?"

Antonio's breath caught in his throat. He should protest, should fight back. But something in Damien's tone, in the commanding presence of him, made Antonio's knees weak.

"Y-yes," he whispered, hating how small his voice sounded.

"Yes, what?" Damien prompted, his grip tightening.

Antonio swallowed hard. "Yes... Sir."

The first strike caught him off guard, a sharp sting across his clothed backside. Antonio yelped, more in surprise than pain.

"Count," Damien reminded him, voice stern.

"One," Antonio gritted out, face burning with humiliation and something else he didn't want to examine too closely.

The punishment continued, each swat precisely placed and steadily increasing in intensity. By the tenth strike, Antonio was panting, his body trembling with a confusing mix of pain and... arousal?

"You're doing so well, pet," Damien murmured, his free hand caressing Antonio's back in a soothing gesture. "Just five more. Can you be good for me?"

Antonio nodded jerkily, beyond words. The final five blows were the hardest yet, drawing gasps and muffled whimpers from his throat. When it was over, he sagged against the wall, overwhelmed by sensation.

Damien gathered him close, strong arms wrapping around Antonio's shaking form. "Shh, I've got you," he soothed, guiding Antonio to a nearby sofa. "You took your punishment so beautifully. Such a good boy for me."

Antonio's mind reeled, torn between indignation at being treated like a misbehaving child and a desperate need for more of Damien's praise. He curled into the older man's embrace, burying his face in Damien's chest to hide his conflicted expression.

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