Page 8 of Hidden Heart

“That girl would have most likely been punished at the very first lie. I say that because they seemed to have a very strong protocol between them.” He sounded as though it should make sense to her, but it only confused her more.

“He would hurt her?”

He shook his head. “Not hurt. Punish. There’s a difference.”

“Punish how?” Her parents had rarely punished her, yet here she stood in front of Royce asking how he would handle her punishment. It would be easier to shove the idea away if her body wasn’t already reacting to his words. Her heart beat a little faster. Excitement brewed. The idea didn’t turn her body cold, even if her mind continued to demand it to stand down.

“Well, that’s different for everyone. Some spank. Some take away privileges.”

“Spank? As in hit?” Why was she still discussing this with him? She should have flung the door open and ran. He could keep her damn coat.

“No. As in spank,” he clarified with a bit of force. His hands dropped to his sides, and his shoulders eased. “Why don’t we sit in the living room?” He held his hand out to her. “I’d like the chance to explain this to you, before you make your decision to run off.”

Out of curiosity, she’d listen to what he had to say. Ignoring his outstretched hand, she headed toward the other room. She took the large armchair facing the windows, and he sat on the couch opposite her.

“What about you?” She tried to put more force into her voice. She couldn’t let him think she was considering what he was talking about. Though, she wished she could make sense of why she had agreed to sit in his living room after he’d made such an outrageous statement.

“It would depend on the offense.” He leaned back on the couch.

“I don’t understand. I mean, I think I do. I’m not completely ignorant, it’s just…I’ve never met anyone who does that.”

“Well, now you have,” he said with a lopsided smile.

“And what is your preferred method?” She tilted her head, as though his next answer held more weight than most of what he’d said up to that point.

“Well, in this instance, lying, I’d probably give you a spanking. Nothing too serious, but enough to make you understand honesty is extremely important to our relationship.”

She rubbed her palms over her knees in quiet reflection. “Honesty.” She spoke softly. “I didn’t lie about something huge. I lied about why I waited outside. There’s no meaning there.” Finding her courage again, she firmed her voice.

“True, but a lie is a lie. With me, there is no hiding truth. Everything is done for a reason. You not wanting me to go to your apartment would be understandable, but lying about it made it more than it was. It makes it look like you’re ashamed of your feelings.” His voice held steady, giving her the impression he not only meant what he said, but also felt strongly on the subject.

“It doesn’t matter.” She shook her head, as if to wave off the topic. Nothing made her more uncomfortable than the subject he seemed determined to discuss.

“Your feelings do matter,” he pointed out.

“Do you think that woman punishes him when he deserves it?” She turned the spotlight away from herself.

“Probably not.” He raised his eyebrows. “It looked like the control went one way there. Same with me. I hold the reins.” The firmness in his eyes shot a tingle up her spine. Everything he said should have made her inner feminist scratch his eyes out, not turn her insides into molten arousal.

“Well then, we’d have a problem…if thiswasn’tjust a friendly dinner.” Her sarcasm returned. “I don’t like being controlled. I like to be in control.”

He seemed unconvinced. Hell, she wasn’t entirely sure of it either.

Seeming to come to a decision, he clapped his hands. “Let’s try something. Stand up.”

“Why?”

“You’re so sure of yourself, and you aren’t the least bit interested in what I’m trying to explain to you. Prove it. If not to me, to yourself. Let me lead, and you’ll see if it lights a fire in you or not.”

She regarded him for a moment, then stood up. He couldn’t be further from the truth. There would be no fire, not even a hint of spark. He also got to his feet and stepped toward her until the toes of his shoes touched the tips of hers.

“You obeyed at dinner when I asked you to pour the wine, told you where to sit, and to bring your dish into the kitchen. You did all of these things, and it didn’t diminish you one bit.” His voice wrapped around her like silk as he stroked her cheek with his fingertip.

She told herself to move, but she disobeyed. “I didn’t know I was obeying commands,” she whispered. But hadn’t she been doing just that? It hadn’t occurred to her it was even happening, but he had taken control of their evening. And it had felt…natural.

He pulled her chin up with his finger to look into her eyes. “I wasn’t being an ass and barking out orders. I don’t do that,” he answered, running his finger over her dry lips, the scent of lemon lingering on his fingertips.

“I’m no good at being obedient,” she warned him.

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