Page 157 of High Roller

He doesn’t usually make me count, so I’m caught off guard for a moment.

“I said count, Mariposa.”

“One,” I whisper.

The belt lands against my skin again and I manage to squeak out the next count. “Two, Sir.”

“Good girl,” he murmurs as he pulls the belt back again.

“Three,” I cry when the belt hits me again.

At twenty-three, I’m barely able to get the number out and Victor drops the belt and pulls my hair.

“Are you taking more than you can handle, Mariposa?” he growls. “You won’t come for a week if you are.”

“I was going to take two more and then safeword,” I cry. “I promise.”

His teeth sink into my neck. “Why two?”

The question takes a minute to filter through the fog of lust and pain, but I let out a chuckle when it registers. My reason is silly, and I know it. “I don’t like odd numbers unless it’s a multiple of five.”

Victor throws his head back and laughs. “Back in position then, Mariposa. Let’s get to twenty-five.”

He picks up the belt again and puts a hand on the small of my back.

The belt lands just as hard across my ass and I hiss through the searing heat. “Twenty-four.”

“One more. And I’m putting this one on your thighs. Take it like a good girl and I’ll reward you.”

I grip the back of the sofa and close my eyes. The belt hits my thighs, and I stomp one foot as I grit my teeth and spit out the final number.

He tosses the belt to the side, sits on the couch, and pulls me into his lap.

“I’m proud of you, butterfly.”

“Can we go find Lili?” I whisper.

“Don’t you want your reward first?”

I tighten my hold on him and shake my head. “I just want all of us to be together again. You can give me my reward later.”

He chuckles. “You got it, butterfly. Let’s go.”

He stands, lifting me, and I wrap my arms around his neck.

“Thank you, Victor. For helping me find my normal. I’m lucky to have you.”

“It is I who is lucky, Grace. Far more than you know.”

Chapter 45

Lili

Thebedroomdooropeningwakes me up, and I sit as Victor carries a teary-eyed Grace into the bedroom.

She’s naked and her ass is red and welted. Victor’s belt is missing, so I assume that’s the culprit.

“You’re awake,” she says sheepishly.

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