Page 54 of Brutal Vows

In a frantic bid for relief, I lift my hand instinctively to delay the next strike.

“Move your hand,” he orders, his voice low and uncompromising, echoing through the charged atmosphere.

A small, choked whimper escapes me as I shake my head. “Please, Vitali. Just stop. It hurts.” My voice is little more than a tremulous plea amid the unrelenting symphony of pain.

“It’s a punishment, Gia. It’s supposed to hurt,” he replies, every syllable clipped and devoid of sympathy. “Now move your hand.”

“Please—” I beg, but my words are cut short as he clamps my wrist and presses it mercilessly against the small of my back, obliterating any chance of resistance.

“Vitali!” I scream, my cry breaking through the haze of agony, yet it vanishes into the cycle of relentless strikes. Each lash blurs into the next, stitching together a continuous stream of white-hot pain that floods my senses until an oppressive warmth, born of torment, sweeps over me.

And then, as suddenly as it began, it stops.

He lets go of my wrist, stepping back with a sigh. Not ready to face him just yet, I pause, taking a deep breath to steady myself and wiping the back of my hand across my tear-streaked cheeks. The metallic jingle of his belt being threaded back through the loops of his pants fills the silence, causing an involuntary shiver to ripple through me, a reflexive anticipation of another blow.

Gently, he tugs my dress back down, the fabric brushing against my skin, soothing the sting of my burning backside.

“Stand up,” he instructs, his voice firm yet unexpectedly gentle. I push myself upright, swiftly turning away from him, fingers fumbling to smooth out the wrinkles in my dress and tame my disheveled hair.

He cups my chin with surprising tenderness, guiding my face until our eyes meet. His mouth is a stern line, buthis eyes have softened, a contradiction that leaves me wondering who the hell I married.

“I can’t believe you did that,” I sniffle, my voice trembling with disbelief and residual hurt.

“Believe it, sweetheart,” he replies, his gaze steady and unwavering. “Do something like this again and you won’t be able to sit for a week.”

“I’m not a child, Vitali,” I whisper, my voice laced with a quiet defiance. “You can’t just spank me because I don’t follow your rules.”

Vitali shakes his head, a wry smile curving his lips, catching me off guard. “Remember what I said on the plane, Gia. Good girls get rewarded. Bad girls get punished.”

“I didn’t like this punishment,” I mutter, my voice petulant as I scuff the floor with the toe of my shoe.

Vitali shrugs, one shoulder lifting casually. “Last night wasn’t a true punishment. I don’t mind sass, but I won’t tolerate disobedience. You put yourself in danger by leaving the hotel.”

“I wouldn’t have left if you hadn’t been such an ass,” I retort, crossing my arms over my chest.

Vitali takes a deep breath, the rise and fall of his chest visible, and nods, his agreement surprising me.

“You’re right,” he concedes, pulling me into his chest and wrapping his arms around me in a warm embrace. Despite my anger and the fiery sting still lingering on my skin, I find comfort in the safety of his hold, a confusing mix of emotions swirling within me. “I’ve never been in a relationship, Gia. Never had a woman for more than one night.”

I really did not need to know that.

“This is all new to me, and I am bound to fuck it up,” he continues. “But I didn’t intentionally mean to hurt you.Liam and I have been here all day going over Salvatore’s security footage. That is all. I swear it to you.”

Knowing that if I open my mouth to say anything I’ll just sob, I nod my head against his chest where I’ve buried my face. We stay that way for a few more minutes, relishing the silence around us. When Dario knocks on the door, telling him the driver is ready, he surprises me again by picking me up in his arms. I wrap my legs around his waist and rest my head in the crook of his neck as he carries me out into the back hallway.

I’m tired and can barely keep my eyes open.

By the time we get to the SUV, I’m already halfway asleep.

Thirty

Another day,another plane ride, the hum of the engines a constant backdrop to my thoughts. It’s been two days since the incident at the club, and I’ve settled into a comfortable routine with Vitali. One thing I truly appreciate about my new husband is his ability to let go of the past when it’s unnecessary to cling to it. I disobeyed, he had punished me, and from what I can gather, all is forgiven. While most people might hold my recklessness against me, he has chosen to let bygones be bygones, and I can’t help but feel a growing affection for him because of that. Vitali could easily wield it against me or withhold his trust, but he hasn’t.

Our flight takes off in the stillness of early morning, the sky a pale wash of dawn colors. Once we level off, I recline, resting my head gently on my husband’s lap, and drift into sleep for the entire journey to our destination.

Miami. The vibrant, sun-drenched city that Vitali calls home.

This trip feels different. Adrian and Kenzo are absent, leaving just the two of us and the loyal men Vitali keeps by his side.

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