Page 9

A heavy sigh flits through my lips as I rest my palm against the curve of her ass cheek. It feels so wrong to touch her, but also so fucking right. Even as my thumb twitches, grazing her satiny-smooth skin, I simply want to devour her. Instead, I have to play the role of strict disciplinarian without any of the benefits of doing so.

“The Loftry Lantern isn’t the free press, Miss Hartwell. It and your employment there lie in my good graces. And you’ll be smart to remember that. Nowhere does it say a university has to have a school paper. I merely humored you, giving you something productive to put your mind to. Do not make me regret it.”

Before she can fire off with some quippy comeback, I raise my right hand and bring it soundly against her ass. Her soft yelp goes straight to my cock, making my balls clench as I watch her rise up onto her tippy toes in a pathetic attempt to get away.

“You hit me!” she screeches as she twists her body around.

“Yes,” I reply, keeping my voice calm and devoid of humor. “This type of punishment usually warrants a strike or two.”

“But you did it with your hand! You’re supposed to use the paddle! This... This... This is inhumane,” she sputters.

As I watch her, the thin veneer of bravery begins to crack, exposing the vulnerable girl underneath. Oh, how I wish to strip that mask fully from her so I can drink in every quavering inch. Soon. Oh, so achingly soon.

“Inhumane? I beg to differ. If I had started with this paddle, you would be screeching about how painful it is and how abusive I’m being. Honestly, I was only thinking of your comfort.”

This time, as her eyes and lips narrow, I do laugh. We both know I’m lying, but thankfully, she doesn’t seem to understand what it all means yet. There’s something so innocent, so questioning in her gaze.

“I’m glad you find this funny. You’re not supposed to enjoy this. I sure as hell am not. Now please finish this so I can get the paper prepared for the printer before I miss the deadline.”

“If you insist.”

Without any preamble, I smack the other cheek. My insides clench as I watch her ass quiver from the blow. To Ashleigh’s credit, however, she takes this one like a champ. Nothing about her shows any sign of distress at how hard I smack her.

Time to up the ante. Sliding my foot between hers, I kick them out a touch, forcing her to lean over even more to keep her balance. “That’s it. Spread your feet and turn in your toes until they’re at an angle.”

“But why?” Her eyes sparkle with pure curiosity.

“Because it prevents you from clenching, which in turn makes you feel the punishment all the more keenly.”

“Sounds like you’ve done this before.”

The truth lies heavy on my tongue. What would she think if she knew I initiated nearly every submissive that now is a part of The Society? Would it make her run screaming to the hills? Or would it increase this curiosity I see brimming at the surface?

“I happen to be well read.” This, at least, isn’t a lie.

“So I’m your first?”

Is that a note of hopefulness in her tone? I have no idea what to do with that or where to even begin. This is such a dangerous game already, and her naivety is only making it worse.

“Not quite. Now then, what is Loftry University’s stance on sensationalist journalism?” I growl, bringing her attention back to why I’m punishing her in the first place.

It’s as if cold water douses her, reminding her to be angry and incensed. “That Loftry prides censorship over everything else.”

“Wrong answer.”

Hefting the paddle in my hand, I smack it across her left cheek, my lips twitching as a mournful howl drips from her lips.

“That fucking hurts,” she whines as she twists back and forth, as if that will somehow alleviate the discomfort.

Wishful thinking, pure and simple.

“Language,” I bark out, tapping the offended cheek with the edge of the paddle. “I’ve already warned you about that. Unless you want me to wash your mouth out, you’ll be respectful.”

She turns her head so she can look at me. Her eyes shine with unshed tears. “Well, it hurts. Okay?”

“It’s supposed to. Now then. What is Loftry University’s stance on sensationalist journalism?”

“Go to hell.”