Page 80 of The Duke's Pet

“You naughty little witch. Burning books is a sin.”

“I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me.”

He poked the book but it was too late. Already it was turning to ash. “I do. You took out your emotions on a book and destroyed something that wasn’t yours.”

“I really am sorry. Can you forgive me?”

He turned, his face a picture of dark rage. His eyebrows were pulled low and his lips a thin tight line. “It is not just the book I have to forgive, it is your lack of control, your lack of patience with yourself and the process.”

“I’ll try and do better, honestly. Is there another book?”

“You really think I’d let you touch another of my books?” He paused. “Before you have been disciplined for this act and understand, deep down inside of yourself that your behavior was abhorrent?”

“I know it was, really I do.” She backed up, fear growing in her. This time she’d really pushed him, she could tell that, to his limit.

“Oh, no, you don’t.” Quick as a flash he harnessed her wrist. “Over an hour we have worked and each minute you have become less appreciative or concentrated.”

“That’s not true.”

“And perhaps I’m not the best teacher but nothing can excuse what you just did.”

“Please, Sir.” She yanked her wrist but it was no good. His strong fingers held her captive.

“Control yourself, you will take this punishment.”

Chapter Seventeen

Her ass tingled. Soonshe’d feel either his hand or the cane. She hoped it would be his hand; the marks from the cane were still there.

“Over here.” He dragged her to the desk she’d worked at the day before.

In one sweep he knocked everything to the floor, including the ink pot.

That alone told her how mad he was.

A shake of dread went through her. She’d pushed him too far. That much was clear.

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