Page 51 of Pure Vengeance

“Don’t be crass and stop deflecting.” She turned to face me. “I know I agreed to your plan, but Natasha isn’t like Steve. It’s not right what we’re doing to her.”

“And you know this after one day?”

My sister laid a hand on my arm and sighed. “Let me ask you something. Were you too busy gloating to look at her face?”

Unwilling to admit I’d been paying too much attention to her curvaceous backside and wishing the brand was healed enough to uncover, I asked, “What about it?”

“Someone…” She hesitated, then added, “Did you beat her last night?”

“No. Why do you ask?”

“Well, someone did,” she retorted. “Her face is black and blue. It must have happened either the day of or the day before the wedding. The ones on her ribs are faded a bit, so I think they came earlier.”

For a moment, I wondered if Steve knew someone had touched his precious daughter but shook the thought away.Whoever had beaten her wouldn’t get another chance, and I liked knowing Steve would never get his own vengeance over the person who hit my wife.

Although Natasha’s immediate future would be filled with humiliation, degradation, and debasement, she wouldn’t be physically harmed. After I set her free, she could remove the piercings, and her brand would eventually fade. Steve might even be able to find her another husband who would accept my sloppy seconds—especially after I trained her for obedience.

It was more likely she’d find another husband quickly. After all, it wasn’t every day a man got to marry a trained slave who was also competent to navigate society. Then again… I wondered ifIought to choose Natasha’s next husband. I wanted someone who would understand the value of the time investment I’d be making.

I considered a few gentlemen of my acquaintance and made a note to present Natasha to them at her pseudo coming-out party. Fuck, that day couldn’t come soon enough, but for now, I had a sister to placate.

After kissing her cheek, I pulled her into a hug. “You know why I’m doing this, but I’ll understand if you don’t want to watch it happen.”

“I’ve already had the pilot file a flight plan for Boston. I’m leaving as soon as I pack.”

“Of course.” I accepted her kiss on my cheek, then added, “You’ll be back in six weeks, right? I don’t want you to miss the look on Steve’s face when he sees Natasha.”

“I’ll be there,” she promised. “I just hope you can live with yourself afterward, because I think you’re crossing a line.”

“Don’t worry.” I allowed myself a small smile as I gazed at the kennel. “It’ll be worth it.”

I waited until Saoirse’s driver took her out of sight before making my leisurely way to the kennel, but Jerome met me halfway.

“Did she say anything?”

“No, sir. I kept expecting her to beg for her no-account father, but she hasn’t said a word.” He shrugged, then added, “There isn’t much we can do while she heals from the piercings and brand.”

“You’re the only man I’d trust to take care of her.”

“I’m honestly not sure why, sir. I seriously considered strangling her.”

Darragh wasn’t our only loss that day. Ben, Jerome’s oldest son, had died trying to protect my brother.

He scowled, then added, “I’m not inclined to beat on a woman’s face but looks like someone already taught her some manners. Maybe that’s why she’s quiet.”

Jerome didn’t question me like Saoirse had, but I knew what he was thinking. Unfortunately, I had no idea who hit her. My ignorance irritated me more than it should have.

“Just imagine the look on Steve Ashland’s face when he sees her.” I slapped his shoulder companionably. “We don’t have much time, so get her bathing protocols started today. If she misbehaves, use the strap on the backs of her thighs, but be careful not to hit the brand.”

“The dragon tongue is easier to handle and hurts more, so I doubt she’ll act up after the first time I use it.”

“I bow to your wisdom, but remember, I don’t want her to know why she’s here.”

“She won’t hear it from me.” He grinned, then added, “Would you like to watch me work?”

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

CHAPTER SIX

---