Page 11 of Absolution

“But…” She hesitated as though she understood what her protest would earn her.

“But what?”

“I…” She glanced down at her plate. “How can I eat the bread without a knife and fork, sir?”

“Oh, so that’s what’s on your mind?” He’d thought as much.

The delectable mental image of what he demanded of her bubbled in his mind, making it difficult to think straight. He couldn’t wait to see her on her knees in the kitchen, and it would be even sweeter to watch her struggle with her breakfast.

“I suggest you cut the bread into small, bite-sized pieces and mix it with the egg.” He forked another piece of scrambled egg into his mouth for effect, reinforcing how he could use cutlery while she was forbidden to.

Life had never been sweeter.

“You’re really going to make me do this?” Catching the corner of her lower lip between her white teeth, she looked suddenly nervous.

“Thisis your punishment,” he reminded her. “So, yes, I am.”

“Oh.” She exhaled as she swiveled back to the counter and followed his advice. He enjoyed the quiver in her backside as she divided the toast into numerous, tinier pieces.

“This breakfast is good, little girl.” He moved another portion of egg around his plate, waiting for her to bring hers over to him. “You should make eggs for us more often.”

“Er, thank you.” She shifted to his side, holding her plate.

“Go on then.” He gestured to the tiles at her feet. “Get down there and eat.”

“Sir!” She was practically cringing as she let out a sigh. “I don’t want to do this!”

“Good.” He slid the belt of his robe from his middle and shrugged out of the sleeves. “That’s how I know it’s a decent punishment.”

“But,” she tried again. “I only—”

“Save your excuses.” He cut her off with a hard stare as he rose and draped his robe on the ground. “We both know what you did. I’m offering you my robe to kneel on as a mark of kindness, little girl, but those are my terms. I suggest you take them.”

“Okay.” She pressed her lips into a hard line at his terse tone, lowering to place her plate in front of his robe.

“Okay, what?” He grabbed her wrist and jerked her toward him, gleeful at the yelp that escaped her throat.

“Okay, sir!” She eyed him accusingly, although the recriminations didn’t dare make it to her lips.

“Turn around.” Evidently, he’d been too kind to his little girl of late. Her petulant performance suggested a punishment of this nature was overdue.

“Wh—” She bit back whatever inane query was about to leave her mouth, her brows knitting as she did as she was told.

“Better,” he encouraged, smacking her alluring ass when she’d settled into place. “I’m going to help you get into position. Hands behind your back.”

She glanced back reflexively as she complied, her stare grazing over his growing erection before it landed on his robe’s belt.

“That’s right.” He could guess what she was thinking. “I’m going to bind you while you eat.”

“But sir!” she pleaded in the same grating tone that reminded him of a spoiled teenager. “I don’t know if I can manage without my hands.”

“You’re young and strong.” Winding the belt around and between her wrists, he ensured she had no choice. “You’ll be fine, little girl.”

Lifting the binds an inch, he offered both enticing cheeks another smack, enjoying the noise of the impacts as they reverberated around the large room.

“Now, get down there.” His gaze fell to her plate of cooling egg and bread. “I want to see you with your face in that food.”

He might have taken umbrage with the withering look she threw him had her flaming embarrassment not risen to save her. Ella looked utterly adorable as she lowered to her knees on his outstretched robe.

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