Page 35 of Lukas

I think I’ve warned you about leaving without a proper goodbye and how that gets someone punished. That was your third strike, princess.

Oh God. Lukas. She didn’t even waste time wondering how he’d gotten her number. She typed back quickly.

I figured avoiding an awkward goodbye was probably easier for both of us. But thanks for a great night.

There. Easy. Sophisticated. No fuss.

She ignored the wetness prickling at the back of her eyes at the thought of this being their last conversation. It was so much better this way. She was surprised when she got a response.

Night isn’t over yet.

She didn’t even know how to respond to that. Then she heard the knock on her door. Oh, sweet Jesus. Lukas was here.

She sat up in bed trying to figure out what she should do. Did she pretend not to be here? Tell him she was somewhere else?

The knock came again, louder this time.

If this door is not opened for me in one minute, I promise you will not sit comfortably for days by the time I’m done whaling on your ass.

She stared at the phone, unable to move. What would it mean if she did? What would happen? What if he found out the last few hours were basically a fraud? That she wasn’t really the passionate woman he thought she was.

I can’t.

Her phone rang five seconds after she sent the text. She answered even though she knew she shouldn’t, but didn’t say anything.

“Are you afraid, princess? Is that why you can’t open the door?”

“Yes,” she whispered, the word barely a sound.

“Because you’re worried for your physical safety? You’re afraid I’ll hurt you?”

“No.” She wasn’t. Lukas wouldn’t in the way he was referring to, she knew that.

Too late she realized her mistake. He might’ve backed down if he’d thought she was truly afraid for her safety.

“Then you will get up right now and open the door. If you do you’ll save yourself a spanking, princess. Stop overthinking and do it.”

She was out of the bed and already walking toward the door. She couldn’t resist him when he talked in that commanding voice.

And she was honest enough to admit she didn’t even want to.

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