Page 95 of Yours

“This isn’t up for debate,” she’d said, her voice sassy and defiant. “Leena’s my best friend, and I’m not just going to sit here and twiddle my thumbs while you?—”

I’d cut her off with a single look, my patience already worn thin. “You’re not coming, Kiera. This isn’t up for discussion.”

“And if I say no?” she’d asked, her chin tilting up in that way that always made me want to either kiss her or spank her.

I’d taken off my belt without another word, letting the leather slide through the loops of my jeans with a quiet hiss. The sound alone had made her falter, her lips parting slightly as her cheeks flushed.

“You’re not allowed to tell me no, love,” I’d said calmly, doubling the belt in my hand. “And now, I’m going to make sure you can’t sit comfortably until I’m back.”

Her bravado had cracked then, but only slightly. “You wouldn’t.”

I’d stepped closer, the belt dangling from my hand, my eyes locking with hers. “Try me.”

“I’m going,” she said with a defiant tilt to her head.

“Turn around and put your hands on the back of the couch. Now,” I said, my voice low.

Her jaw tightened, but she didn’t argue. She turned slowly and placed her palms on the back of the couch. The tension in her posture was palpable, her breathing quick and shallow.

I’d stepped behind her, my free hand brushing against her hip as I’d hooked my fingers under the waistband of her leggings and her panties.

“These come down,” I’d said firmly, sliding the fabric over her hips and down to her knees. The sight of her bare beautiful ass had sent a thrill of possessive satisfaction through me.

“Ronan…” she began, her voice trembling, but I hadn’t let her finish.

The first swat had landed with a harsh snap, the sound of leather against skin echoing through the room. She had gasped, her hands tightening on the couch, her body jerking slightly at the impact. I’d watched the color bloom across her cheeks, first white, then pink, until it turned a bright cherry red.

“That’s one,” I’d said, my voice steady. “We’ll see how many it takes before you understand that you’re staying here.”

I’d followed through with a second swat, harder this time, and she’d let out a soft cry, her head dropping forward. I’d continued, showing her no mercy. By the fifteenth, her breathing had quickened, and I could see the tension draining from her shoulders, her defiance melting into reluctant submission.

“Alright,” she’d finally squeaked, her voice shaky, but resolute. “I’ll stay! You win.”

I’d reached out, my hand brushing lightly over the reddened skin of her ass, soothing the sting I’d left behind. I’d slipped a hand between her thighs, delighted to find her soaking wet and ready for me.

There would be time for fucking later. For now, I’d leave her aroused and needy for me.

“Good girl,” I’d murmured, leaning down to press a kiss to the back of her neck. “Now pull your leggings and your panties back up and behave while I’m gone.”

“Yes, sir,” she’d said, a beautiful pout on her lips.

As I walked out the door, I couldn’t shake the image of her standing there, her panties and leggings down at her knees, her bright red bottom on display, her pride bruised, but her fire still burning. It made leaving harder, but I knew I’d made the right call.

Because keeping her safe mattered more than anything—even if it meant being the bastard who had to teach her that.

The memory lingered as I gripped the steering wheel tighter, my jaw clenching. As much as I hated the idea of leaving her behind, this was too dangerous. Kiera might have been brave enough to face my men, but the Ivanovich family was something else entirely.

This wasn’t her fight.

It was mine.

“Boss.” Seamus’s voice cut through my thoughts, bringing me back to the present. “We’re getting close.”

I nodded, my focus snapping back to the task at hand. The cabin was ahead, and every move we made from here on out had to be perfect.

Because the Ivanovich family had made one mistake. They thought taking Leena was the endgame.

They didn’t realize it was just the beginning of mine.

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