Page 84 of Required Surrender

Her wistful expression shifted into mischief, allowing the fury to begin to fade.

“No, I don’t. You’re one of the most powerful, enigmatic, and sexiest men I’ve ever met.” Her soft purrs were making me crazy, my balls tightening.

“Thank you, my little pet, but that won’t get you out of your spanking.”

“I said I was sorry.”

“I heard you, but I don’t think you understand the seriousness of the situation. I’m going to do a much better job doing that right now.”

Lark sighed. “I’ll let the police do their jobs. Okay? Satisfied?”

“Uh-huh. For now. However, I’ll make certain you have a reminder for at least a day or so.”

She shifted her playfulness to full blown denial, shaking her head. “I don’t deserve it.”

“Yes, you do. Go up to the bedroom and remove your clothes. Lie over a pillow and wait. I want you to think about what might have happened if the killer snatched you from the club.”

“You’re trying to frighten me.”

“Yes, I am. Now, go.”

While she remained right where she was, I sensed she was doing everything in her power to find the right words. A split second of confusion slipped into her eyes. “You really do care about me. Don’t you?”

“More than I should.”

“I’m not trying to be a bad girl.” She laughed nervously, once again pressing her fingers across her lips.

“I know that. You can be a very good girl.” Expressing the words felt right and I was acknowledged with affirmation by the way she looked at me, her eyes bright once again from the praise.

She twisted her mouth once again, her glare as cold as ice. “You’re just…”

“Yeah, baby. I am. Now, go.” What I’d learned from the few minutes was that she desperately craved a father figure, someone who could nurture and provide the kind of praise she’d never been provided with. That burned me almost as much as her level of disobedience.

I let her go, watching as she backed away. Her eyes never left mine, a strange yet quiet moment of understanding passing between us. Perhaps she now understood the seriousness of the situation.

When she disappeared into the hallway, I took a deep breath.

Whether Lark wanted to admit it or not, she’d positioned herself inside a lion’s den.

As I headed for my office to retrieve an implement for her round of discipline, I realized the heaviness in my heart was caused by just how much I cared about her. Enough that I found it difficult to breathe.

I’d been right moments after the auction.

One week wasn’t enough.

Only a lifetime would do.

God help me.

* * *

Lark

Another spanking.

Was the man out of his mind? Did he really think I was his toy for the taking and using?

Yes, he does, because you are.

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