Page 76 of The Brigadier

Now Nikolay was deliberate in his actions.

He’d lifted me from the hot tub, immediately grabbing a towel in case there were prying eyes. His eyes never leaving mine,he eased the robe over my shoulders, his expression so dark I wasn’t entirely certain what he was going to do.

After drying off and donning a robe himself, he instantly scooped me up in his arms, carrying me inside the house. The sexy Russian was completely ambidextrous, easily able to lock doors, check the communications system in his office, and take me up the stairs to his bedroom. He turned on the light on the nightstand, allowing a warm glow into the room. After that, he closed the blinds, glancing in my direction every time he did one of them.

There was no need to keep the door open, the baby monitor in place and working. We could tell by the little snores coming from Damien, which made both of us smile.

But within seconds, the man turned to all business again, gently untying and peeling off my robe. After allowing the soft terry to drop to the floor, he cupped both sides of my face. I could not believe his expression, the stern but passionate look. He was definitely all-consuming, his physique so impressive I couldn’t help but be completely mesmerized by him.

He lowered his head, softly kissing my lips before dragging his tongue from one side of my jaw to the other. That was it. He took a step back, holding his index finger in front of my face, using it to trace lines, shifting down to the cleft between my breasts. After swirling the tip around one nipple, he pinched until I issued a ragged moan. As expected, he repeated it with the other hardened bud. That was it. He took a step back, still holding out his finger.

“Do not move.”

His words were dominating, full of authority, and not to be ignored.

Of course, as soon as he walked into the bathroom, I couldn’t help myself, my mischievous side erupting to the surface. I held back laughter, moving to the walk-in closet, finding a nice dark spot behind a long trench coat that was his. It was tough not to giggle like some kid.

I didn’t hear anything for what seemed like ten minutes, although I sucked at telling time without a clock or my iPhone.

There was no indication he was anywhere close but when the door was suddenly thrown open, bright lights highlighting the expansive room, I shuddered all the way to my core.

And there he was, yanking the coat aside, his shoulders heaving as he uttered a series of deep growls. As before, he said nothing, merely tossing me over his shoulder. And I couldn’t help but notice he’d grabbed a belt.

I kicked out, even pummeling my fists against his back, although I knew that was useless. Once inside the bathroom, I realized the water was running in the shower.

He wasted no time, daring to whistle as he placed me inside, the spray of heated water cascading down my hair and face. Who the heck whistled for something like this? He spun me around to face the gorgeous granite wall, taking his time.

When he yanked one of my arms over my head then the other, I had a feeling I was in for it and resisted laughing. He used the belt to secure my wrists, tugging after doing so.

I wasn’t going anywhere.

There was no point in my saying anything, doing nothing more than trying to control my ragged breathing. At least he allowed me to see him undress so I could admire his muscular body all over again.

When he stepped inside, closing the glass door, he instantly brushed his hands down my back, allowing tingles to settle in.

“Good and bad,” he said gruffly. “You are a dichotomy of delight.”

I certainly hadn’t been called that before.

He continued caressing, taking his time as he pressed kisses against the side of my neck. “Such a dirty little girl who needs to learn another lesson. Didn’t anyone ever tell you not to torment your master?”

Why was it his words thrilled me so much? “I know how much you like it.”

His chuckle was dark, just like I adored it. “And did you also know that water intensifies the pain of a spanking?”

Shit. I should have known the man was up to something. As usual, he certainly didn’t provide me with an opportunity to say anything, bringing his big palm down on one side of my buttocks then the other. I didn’t need to be a rocket scientist to know he was right. I was shocked at how the pain stole my breath, even though I knew it would be short-lived.

He continued the spanking, once again whistling as if he was having way too much fun with this. Truth be told, maybe so was I.

But I complained anyway. “Ouch. That burns.”

“Yep. You’ll need to remember that in the future.” The cracks of his hand came fast and furious, his entire demeanor so controlling it was amazing.

I writhed and wiggled, doing everything I could to free my hands.

As if that was going to happen.

But I continued to twist and turn, likely arousing him even further.

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