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Before I could react, he grabbed me, spun me around, and bent me over the table. My hands hit the tabletop, the wooden surface cool against my palms.

“What are you doing?” I gasped.

“Don’t start.” His voice was tinged with amusement.

I twisted my head, glaring at him over my shoulder. “You could’ve just asked nicely.”

Silas smirked, his large hand pressing against the small of my back, keeping me pinned. “You like it when I ask nicely?” His fingers drummed against my spine, deliberate, teasing. “Because I don’t think you do, Wildcat.”

Heat wound through my middle.

I shrugged. “Maybe I just like giving you ahardtime.”

His hand moved, dragging over my flank, then down my thigh, slow and deliberate. “And maybe I like reminding you what happens when you do.”

I shivered. I knew exactly what that meant. I arched my back slightly, pushing against his grip, daring him with my body to do his worst. He growled. A deep, low warning that sent a zing straight to my core.

His hand lifted—and thensmack.

I gasped, my fingers digging into the wood as a sharp sting spread across my ass.

He did it again, harder.

My breath hitched, a mix of heat and surprise flooding through me.

“You love pushing me, don’t you?” he grumbled, his palm soothing over the heat he’d just left behind.

I caught my lip between my teeth, fighting the shiver that ran through me before I replied, “Maybe.”

Silas chuckled, shaking his head. “And here I was, trying to be sweet this morning.” His fingers took hold of me and pulled me back against him.

I felt how hard he was against my butt cheeks and pressed my thighs together.

He leaned down, his breath hot against the back of my neck. “So, tell me,” he murmured, his tone humorous, “are you still feeling feisty, my little mate?”

I exhaled slowly, hoping he couldn’t hear the rapid beat of my heart, and smiled.

“Yes,” I shot back.

Always.

Before I could say anything more, his hands slid beneath the hem of the shirt I was wearing,hisshirt. The fabric was already oversized on me, hanging loose around my thighs, and it took nothing for him to lift it, baring me completely to him.

His hand left my hip for a moment, and I had just enough time to brace myself before he spanked me again. A brutal sting burst across my ass, fire blooming instantly.

I sucked in a breath and firmed my hold on the edge of the table.

Another smack, this one harder.

I bit my lip, my back arching slightly. His hand smoothed over the spot he had just punished, the contrast between the sting and his soothing touch making my pulse race.

Another smack.

He exhaled slowly, dragging his thumb over the curve of my hip. “You’re taking this so well, Wildcat,” he praised.

He bent down, his lips grazing against the sensitive skin of my right cheek, kissing the spot where his palm had just left its mark. The warmth of his mouth sent shivers racing through me, an overwhelming contrast to the sting still burning across my skin.

My thighs trembled.