Page 12 of Vicious Vows

My lips snap together, and I look out the window, even though I can’t see anything. Anger radiates off him in waves that actually feel like it’s washing over me. I have no idea where we’re going. Is he taking me home to tell Grandmama I’ve been out? Why does he even care? I think back to what he said to Flynn. He’s not even married to my mother yet and is calling himself my stepfather. My lower stomach tingles, and I cross my arms over my chest. I need to stop this nonsense. Now.

We come to a stop in front of another building, and Odin gets out first, motioning for me to follow. I do, realizing we’re only a few blocks away from my house. The front doors of the building open as we approach, and two men dip their heads as we pass. In the posh lobby, we go to the elevator and Odin swipes a card before pressing the top button. Does he live here? I assumed his house was in his territory. Maybe he has a house here because it makes it easier when he has business to attend to? My mind is racing as the elevator rises high into the sky.

He's silent as the doors open, taking us right inside the penthouse. Holy cow. Grandmama is wealthy, but even her home doesn’t look like this. The entrance gallery is dramatic, with its white stone floors and white walls. There’s a spiral staircase immediately to the right, leading to the second floor. Ahead, the living room has a panoramic view of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline. The stone floor carries throughout the penthouse and makes the dark leather furniture stand out. How can a room be cold and warm at the same time? Beyond the living room, I spot a spacious balcony with an outdoor pool on it. To the left is an impressively sized dining space decorated in a modern theme with another floor-to-ceiling window with another beautiful view.

There’s a part of me that wants to explore further, knowing the rest of the house must be just as lovely, but the look on Odin’s face has me swallowing down the words in my mouth. He takes off his suit jacket, tossing it over the back of the couch. His gaze never leaves mine as he rolls up the sleeves of his shirt, moving into the living room. Why does he have to make that look so sexy? I glare as I see the tattoo on his forearm. The Vilulf Family crest. That should have been a huge red flag last night, since I’m pretty sure Hans doesn’t have any ink.

When he pulls his belt from his waist, my heartbeat kicks up a notch.

“What are you doing?”

“Apparently, you thought I was kidding when I said you were mine. Perhaps a lashing will show you just how serious I am.” He sits on the couch, patting his lap. “I suggest you take off your coat and get over here before I have to resort to getting you myself.”

I’m frozen to the spot. Like, I couldn’t move even if I wanted. When his eyebrow lifts, my legs move, carrying me across the floor. I take off my jacket, laying it over the arm of the couch. I turn to face him and find myself shocked at the heat in his gaze as he looks me over.

“Where in the fuck were you going dressed like that?”

“To get a drink, for one.”

He grunts, reaching for me. I gasp as he pulls me over his lap in a fluid motion. What’s even more shocking is the firmness of his thighs. Holy moly, this man is all muscle. It’s on the tip of my tongue to ask if he’s a God like his namesake when his hand runs up my thigh, right under my skirt.

“Where were you and that tool going?”

His hand comes to a stop on my butt cheek, making it hard to think.

“A club,” I finally answer.

“Tell me, baby girl, did you have a death wish for that boy?”

I shake my head at the same time he smacks my butt, rubbing away the sting.

“I think you did. I warned you what would happen if you showed what was mine to someone else.”

I laugh before I can think better of it.

“This is madness. I’m not yours, Odin. You’re engaged to my mother, and I thought I was chatting with Hans. Not you.”

“That may be true, but I meant everything I said last night.”

“I did too. I meant it for your brother.”

He strikes my butt, making me squirm in his lap.

“Ow! That hurt!”

“It’s supposed to. Now, you’re going to count the lashes and tell me you understand that you’re mine. If you fail to do this, we start over. Understand?”

I look at him. “You can’t be serious.”

He lifts the belt, swatting me hard enough that I yelp.

“Shit! One.”

His eyebrow lifts, and my face flames. I know little about Odin, other than he’s known to be vicious. If he says he’s going to start over each time that I fail to say those words, then I know he will.

Looking away, I mutter, “I understand that I’m yours.”

“Good girl,” he purrs as he strikes me again.

---