Page 58 of Give In

I hated seeing it.

“I gave up a Friday for myself,” I corrected. “Everyone deserves a break.”

The hint of a sardonic smile pulled at his lips. “That’s something we agree on. Which is why your break from that club will be permanent.”

Between his ridiculous proclamation and the cocky way he said it, I couldn’t hold back a laugh and eye roll. “Yeah. Good luck with that.”

Before my eyes finished their rotation, his shoulder went to my belly and he lifted me. Ignoring my startled yelp, he growled, “That fucking attitude, Eden. Did you think my warnings were idle threats?”

I bounced on his shoulder as he started up the stairs. “It isn’t up to you what I do or say.”

“Yeah, good luck with that,” he said, throwing my words and attitude back at me. Dropping me to my feet, he kept hold of my hips as he sat on the edge of his bed.

“Did you really just carry me like a sack of potatoes?”

“And I’ll do it again.” Before I knew what was happening, I was bent over his lap with my head hanging. One of his legs went over mine and his arm at my shoulder held me down.

My mind was trying to catch up with the sudden movements when his hand came down hard on my ass. I cried out as a stinging pain radiated.

“What the hell?” I thrashed, trying to move away. My struggle was cut off when his palm connected again.

“I’ve wanted to do this since the first time you gave me attitude. That very first week.” His hand landed again. “Now do you get why I didn’t talk to you?”

“No! Let me go!” I cried, humiliated tears gathering in my eyes. I wished I could go back and tell myself to be happy I didn’t have his attention. To be grateful he was ignoring me.

“I’d say you’ve earned at least seven more, and that’s because I’m feeling nice.”

“This is you feeling nice?” I screamed, trying again to move.

“If you don’t like my generosity, I could give you what you’ve earned.”

I frantically shook my head, my hair a rippling curtain that blocked my face. “No! No, no, no.”

“Take your punishment, and then we can talk, okay?” His tone was soft as he soothingly rubbed my back and ass, the tenderness at odds with what he’d been doing. With what he was planning to do more of.

I opened my mouth to argue. To roll away and scream at him, calling him every name in existence and then some made-up ones.

But nothing came out.

Instead, I nodded my head, telling myself I’d make it through seven more before getting my keys and leaving. For good.

His hand cupped my ass cheek, his tight hold renewing the sting. “Say it, Eden.”

I nodded again, my breath hitching as I quietly whispered, “Yes.”

He groaned and rearranged me on his lap until the thick, hard length of his arousal jerked against my stomach.

When his palm hit my ass, I jolted but not nearly as bad as before. I focused on counting down in my head, worried he wouldn’t stop at seven.

As soon as the last blow landed, he removed his hold on me completely.

Clumsily bolting up, I nearly tripped on my own feet, my legs weak as I violently shook like a leaf in a tornado. Tears streamed down my face.

“Eden,” he whispered, thick and agonized.

I rubbed my ass, rapidly backing away from him until I hit the door. My skin was hypersensitive, whereas my brain was hazy. “Why do you hate me?”

Intensity burned in his gaze, his quiet words harsh as he swore, “I could never hate you.”