Page 51 of The Duke's Pet

He leaned close, his breath on her face. “Be very careful. I could never forgive myself if something happened to you.”

There was such earnestness in his eyes, such concern that she brushed her lips with his. It was a compulsion; she hadn’t even really meant to do it.

He smiled, just a small tilt of his lips. “Down you go.”

She obeyed. This branch was easier to reach though she was still glad of his support and hold on her.

Again he followed.

They were halfway down now.

“Here, don’t forget this.” He handed her the tail, which was drifting below her.

“How could I?” She took it, then batted at a small bug that had landed on her breast.

“I’ll go first on this one and reach back for you.”

On the next climb down she had to stretch her legs wide apart. Cool air washed over her pussy. A quick glance at the duke told her what she already knew.

He was studying her intimate folds.

“You’re doing well.” His gaze lifted to her face as she drew level. “One more and we’ll be there.”

And they were, within another few seconds her feet were sinking into the cool grass and being high and scared was already a distant memory.

“Little kitten.” He cupped her face and ducked so the tip of his nose touched hers. “You behaved both abominably and bravely.”

“Thank you for coming to get me.” She held his forearms; his tendons were tense beneath his skin and the material of his shirt. “And I’m sorry for climbing like that, for disappearing into the tree.”

“I’m sure you are.” He shook his head, their noses rubbing. “But what would I have done if you’d fallen and broken your back or your neck? What would I have done if you’d been taken from me like that?”

“But I didn’t.”

“But you could have.” He sighed and stepped away. He picked up his cane. “And for risking yourself your bottom will be suffering the consequences.”

Another spanking!

Her buttocks tingled at the very thought of his palms slapping against her flesh again. She clenched then gasped as her ass locked around the plug.

He set his attention on her and swiped the cane through the air. It made a sharp whistling sound.

Her breath caught in her throat. Did he mean to use that to punish her?

“No, please.” She stepped backward.

He caught her wrist. “Oh, no, you are not escaping again, little kitten, you are coming with me back to the house.” He tugged her close. “And you will learn to obey.”

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