Page 31 of Punish Me

“Because you belong to me. Every time you resist or challenge me, I will punish you. For every year you pushed me out, I’ll punish you. The way you freely gave yourself to me at Bleu Curve, I want that all the time...minus the attitude.”

“God, I hate you!” she hisses, jerking the door open.

“You lie so damn good.”

She storms away, slamming my office door closed. I pull it open just as she’s opening hers.

“Bryn?”

She turns around and faces me. “I’m just getting started, baby,” I say, winking just before she slams her door.

10 – BRYNLEE

Nerves bundle in my belly as I look around the crowded auditorium. Our front-line staff, mid-level staff, managers, directors, and the entire executive team are gathered here except for one person. Ambrose should have been back in town by now. I’ve missed seeing him.

It’s been two and a half weeks since we had sex and two weeks since I last saw Ambrose in his office when he “left something” on my mind.

Gabriel is discussing a new rollout that the IT department will embark on in the new year. It will change how we do business in our accounting, marketing, and HR departments.

I glance at the screen to see the waves he references about who will be impacted, when, and the preparatory steps needed to prepare for the transition.

I’ll be going up to speak once Gabriel finishes his presentation, but it’s difficult to stay focused when all I can think about is Ambrose.

A tingle runs up my spine, and chill bumps break out on my arms. Slowly lifting my head, I look around again, and my eyes connect with those beautiful hazel ones. His gaze burns a hole in me, heating me up like a fireplace on a midwinter evening. A wicked, delicious smirk changes his handsome features to devilishly handsome.

I bite back the smile that wants to dance across my lips at the sight of him, looking forward to a spanking or orgasm denial.

“...St. Clair.”

Hearing my last name and the subsequent applause interrupts my thoughts, alerting me that it’s my turn to take the stage.

I leave my seat and head to the stage, clutching my iPad tightly.

Once the applause dies down, I launch right into my speech.

“Rumors have circulated about layoffs. I will start by saying there are no layoffs...this year.”

Applause and cheers swell in the auditorium.

“We’ll be hiring more staff next year. I’m sure everyone knows we’re about to embark on a thirty-two-million-dollar project. It will require more hours, overtime, and commitment to the same excellence this company’s reputation has been built on for decades.”

I continue my speech, providing them with the information they want to hear before stepping down and allowing Noble to take over and give them third-quarter numbers and the fourth-quarter forecast.

“May I see you in my office?” Ambrose’s deep voice rolls over me like thunder.

I turn in my seat to see that he looks displeased.

“I’m scheduled to close out the meeting,” I whisper.

“Now,” he rumbles.

Oh shit!

Ambrose doesn’t wait to see if I’ll obey. He arrogantly steps out of the auditorium, knowing I’ll follow him.

“What was that about?” I ask as I step into his office and close the door.

“I should be asking you that.”

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