Page 33 of Beautiful Beast

“You shouldn’t have told me that. Trusting me with your secrets is not a smart move.”

“I don’t care.”

He sighs deeply. “Anya, you just told me your sister is who you care about most in this world. You just gave me permission to hit you if I wanted to. I have no desire to hit you. But telling me you care about Nadia means I can use Nadia against you.”

“You wouldn’t,” I whisper, backing away from him. “You can’t.”

“I didn’t say I would. But it’s an option now because you handed it to me on a silver platter.”

“Please don’t hurt her.”

“I’m not going to hurt her. But I can use her for my own benefit. I’ll have to think about it. But for right now, I’m taking you home. We’ve been married for less than a day, and you’ve already tried to run from me. Strike one against you, Anya.”

“What does that mean?”

Without a word, he holds out his hand. I know I’m expected to take it, so I do. There’s no point in fighting because I’m not going anywhere.

Erik takes us back home. The guard glares at me as we pull into the driveway.

“Jerry hates you now,” Erik says. “You made him look like a fool.”

“I didn’t mean to. I was just trying to get to my sister.”

“Sometimes, Anya, it’s good to look outside yourself.” He gets out of the car and shuts the door behind him. Erik doesn’teven look back to see if I’m following. He knows I will because I have no other choice.

We get inside and go to our bedroom.

“Now, I didn’t want to do this to you so soon, but I have to admit, I’m kind of glad you already acted out. I’ve been wanting to spank your ass ever since I first saw you.”

I gasp. “What?”

“You need to learn you can’t run from me, Anya. So, get on the bed. Let’s get this over with.” His grin tells me he wants to make this last for as long as possible.

“If I do this, do I get to see Nadia tomorrow?”

He considers it, then nods. “Deal. Lay on the bed.”

I do as he says and feel Erik step up behind me. His entire presence is strong and masculine and intimidating.

I’m used to pain. None of this is new. And I’m willing to face pain again to save my sister.

Chapter

Six

ERIK

Isee the moment all the fight leaves Anya’s body.

It’s fascinating. I expected her to kick and scream her way through this, but she’s decided to accept it.

I grab the edge of her pants and rip them down.

“What are you doing?” she gasps.

“I want to spank your bare ass. Hold still for me, Anya.” Sliding her panties down her legs, I admire her backside.

It’s beautiful. But then again, she has a beautiful body. It’s one I want to fuck with everything inside me. I was truthful with Anya—I have no desire to fuck a woman who’s terrified of me.

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