“Ready?”
I’m not. I’m not sure I’m going to be.
“Let’s find out, baby.”
He drags the whip up the inside of my thigh and I tremble, afraid this will be like before.
“Remember that you brought this on yourself.” He exhales. “One.”
The strike is hard and its sting burns hotter than any spank I’ve endured. It’s not the same as the beating Eva gave me, although there’s no pleasure in this. There’s control, there’s restraint. There’s enough to make this hurt, but no more, and I’m surprised to find myself relaxing now.
“You thought this would be like her?” Enzo asks.
I nod and the sting takes hold.
“Baby, I will never do that to you. I will push you and punish you. I will demand more than you think you can give, but I will never hurt you like that. Never. I may want more—crave more—but I will only ever take what you can give. I know precisely where the line is, Adriana.”
I nod and rest my head on the table.
“Good girl,” he says, calmly. “You’re doing so well for me, baby.” He pauses. “Two.”
The pain is intense and I close my eyes, letting it wash over me. There’s nothing pleasurable in this, although there is a kind of peace. I’m not sure what this is or where it came from—andperhaps it doesn’t matter—but the pain brings me the clarity I need. I’m calm and I’ve found acceptance. Of Enzo and what he’s doing. And of myself.
Enzo waits until I’ve thanked him before continuing, counting out strike after strike. My ass burns and Enzo moves to strike my thighs. The pain is even more severe and the sting even sharper. My screams grow louder and my skin starts to sweat as Enzo pushes me with the cane.
He rests the heel of his hand on the small of my back, pressing me onto the table. It’s hard and forceful but also comforting, and he waits until my rapid breathing eases before continuing.
“How do you feel?” he asks.
“How many are left?” I reply.
Enzo laughs low. “As many as necessary, baby. A number would make this far too easy. You’d know when this is over and you’d count it down.” His hand spanks my ass and I cry out. “Now, answer my question.”
“Sore.” I’m not lying. “Really sore.” I exhale. “It’s confusing. It isn’t bad afterward. It’s sort of…” My eyes dart around, trying to find the words my brain can’t seem to locate. “Clear maybe? There’s just this. You and me and nothing else.”
He grunts an acknowledgment.
“Who is in fucking charge, baby?”
“You are, Daddy.”
His hand runs over my hot thighs that burn and drip with sweat.
“Are you going to obey me now?”
“Yes, Daddy.”
“I fucking mean it,” he roars and for the first time, he sounds like he’s close to losing control. “Even though you’re a fucking Altair, Adriana. I cannot lose you. I will not lose you. So help me, I will teach you to obey me.”
“Yes, Daddy.”
“Adi, I’ve never been so fucking terrified. I fucking mean it. You’ve got to fucking obey me. For your own fucking good. Do you fucking understand?”
“I do…”
“Good,” he says. “Good girl. I will be firmer from now on. For your own good. We will be back here again if you don’t. I fucking mean it.”
“Yes, Daddy.”
