All I do is chuckle maniacally, walking her backward while loosening my belt buckle. She’s so fucking cute with how scared she is. With a flourish, I slide the leather strap out from the loops. Her thighs hit the edge of the mattress as I fold it in half and give it a few snaps.
“Get. On. The. Bed.”
She doesn’t move, only lifts her chin in defiance. I snare it with my thumb and forefinger, holding the belt out to the side as a threat.
“Did you talk to that fuck I told you not to, baby girl? Did youspeakto him?”
Fire darts behind the glare she gives me. “I’m not following your rules anymore, asshole…with a fiancée.”
“Oh, but you will.”
With a jolt, she attempts to shift her posture away, but Isnatch her hair. A squeal rips from her belly as I swing her around, forcing her onto the bed. Hand planted on her back, I bend her over it. Before she can move, I raise the strap and swat the shit out of her ass. Her calves kick as she wails, hands clawing at her blankets.
“Stop!”
“Quit fighting me, and I will,” I bite out, my waist locked onto her plump ass. When she doesn’t move fast enough, I spank her again. And a third time. “You’re enjoying this too much.” I almost let out another chuckle.
She makes some moaning affirmation, but shimmies up onto the bed, ripping her coat and then thick pink sweater off while holding out a hand as if that will ward me off.
“Stay back. You’vebruisedmy butt. What do you want, Cardell?”
Leaning over, I snag her wrists and tie them securely with the leather. I shift her toward the headboard and loop it through one of the thin wooden bars and buckle it. “I want you to stayhereuntil I come back for you tonight.”
“Tonight? You have to beinsane!I’m not laying like this until you come back!”
Wicked smile on my face, fist under my chin, I behold my creation. She digs her heels into her bedding, trying to sit up, but can’t. “That’ll do.”
Her eyes widen comically. “I have to pee!”
“So? Wet the bed, I don’t care. But you’ll stay there. And I’ll come back.”
“I’m hungry!” she shouts, indignant.
“I’ll bring you bread. And some Sweet Tarts, my sweets. But only if you’re a good girl.”
Her jaw locks up tight, nostrils flaring. Skin peppered pink that sets her golden hair aflame. “I hate you.”
I graze the tip of her nose with mine. Voice low and rough, I grit out, “I hate you more.”
And with that, I spin toward the hall.
“I hope you die!”
I give her a wave and a smirk. “If I do, you’re seriously going to miss me…”
She screams like a demon as the door slams behind me.
The President’shouse glitters like a stage set, every eave laced with white lights. It looks less like a holiday gala and more like a velvet trap for anyone stupid enough to think they’re safe.
Hand tucked inside my suit jacket like a French emperor, I stroll inside. Confident. And flush with secrets as rich as dirty money.
“There you are!” Hailey flutters in rose-colored sequins, breathless with relief. Honey-blonde hair piled high into tight ringlets, pink lips parted into a desperate smile. At least she doesn’t smell like cat piss tonight. But like an overwhelming bouquet of lilies.
She latches onto my hand as if she can anchor herself in me. I slip it over my bicep and march into the ballroom, all smiles and handshakes, the perfect groom-to-be.
Dad’s eyeing me carefully as we enter. Dutifully, I aim Hailey first toward him and the board members surrounding him. Mainly allies. But I have to be careful here.
Tonight is the death of obedience. The end of pretending submission is strategy. I’ve spent years smiling through control, feigning respect while plotting their fall. But no more.