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Smirking, I nudged the chair into place with my foot and perched on the edge of its seat. Refusing her frantic pleas to be free, I insisted she come with me, yanking her to my right side. Teetering on the brink of the moment I’d fantasized about since I’d first laid eyes on her, there was no way I was going to back down. Little Erin had pushed, apparently anxious for a response, and she was about to get one.

“Eli, please.”

“Much though I like to hear you beg, you can save it for now.” My grip on her wrist stiffened as her face blanched. “I’ll help you, Erin, but I won’t tolerate such flagrant disrespect.”

“I...” That stopped her in her tracks, her free hand rising in a conciliatory gesture. “Okay, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be such a bitch. I’m just worried about Chelle and...” Her voice trailed away.

“And?” My stare drilled into her. “Andwhat, Erin?”

“And I’m embarrassed.” She twisted away from me, avoiding eye contact. “About what happened last night.”

“Embarrassed?” What did that mean? Did she regret what we’d done?

I’d assumed her behavior was down to her neurosis about her friend. It hadn’t even occurred to me that she was uncomfortable about the orgasm I’d inspired.

“Why?” Tugging her harder, the front of her thighs grazed the side of the chair. There was no way for her to avoid my gaze anymore, her focus forced back to my face. “Whyare you embarrassed?”

“Because...” She squeezed her eyes closed, her only remaining option to block out the sight of me.

I was definitely losing patience. “Because you seemed mightily fine with me looking after your needs last night. I don’t remember any complaints.”

“Fine!” She straightened. “Because I’m mortified that I fell asleep afterward!” She spat out the words as if they’d left a nasty taste in her mouth.

My lips tugged at her reluctant admission. “Is that all you’re worried about?”

“No.” She tried futilely to free her wrist again. “I’m worried about Chelle. I was just trying to avoid having this conversation with you, that’s all.” Her concentration fell to the floor. “I was wrong. I should have stayed to talk before I left.”

“Yes, you were wrong.”

The way she swung from one emotion to the next fascinated me.

“But you have nothing to be embarrassed about.” My free hand rose to capture hers, our digits enmeshing as I continued. “I bloody loved pleasuring you.”

A spot of rouge pooled on her cheeks. “I’m not good at this, Eli.”

“Telling the truth?” My tone was wry. I was the last person in a position to lecture her about honesty.

“Maybe,” she mumbled. “Not where my feelings are concerned, anyway. I just wanted to get out there and help Chelle.”

“Okay.” My thumb stroked the side of her hand. “I get that Chelle was your focus, but it still doesn’t mean you can indulge in outbursts like that around me.”

“Why?” Her breathing had accelerated again, as though she instinctively understood how risky that line of argument was.

“Because there are consequences.” My fingers closed over hers.

I’d intended to drag her over there and haul her pretty little ass over my lap for a well-needed spanking, but her sudden contrition had altered things. She was still going to have her ass tanned, but I was more inclined to talk her through her mistakes rather than only act.

“What kind of consequences?” Her tone had shifted to little more than a teasing purr, suggesting she might already know the answer.

“The type that sees your backside red and sore.”

Her eyes were the size of teacups. “What?”

Obviously, I’d been wrong. She hadn’t seen my answer coming.

“You heard me.” The excitement whipping around me had morphed into that same visceral energy that had seen her surrender so beautifully in bed. “I’m going to spank you.”

“I’m not a child.” Her protest was weak by comparison to her earlier outrage, and I noticed how she no longer tried to pull away.