Arms wrap around my waist and my feet no longer touch the ground as I'm lifted into the air. I thrash and pummel against Enzo's hands and he simply carries me back to bed, refusing to let me go.
I scream and thrash and cry, kicking and punching him as hard as I can. I stretch toward the bedside lamp and he yanks me away, controlling me without even trying.
“Stop this, Adriana. It gives me little pleasure to see you hurt yourself.”
I sit up and stare at him, absolutely still, as I meet his gaze. He smiles, congratulating himself on his win, and I whip my hand across his face. The slap sounds out and he blinks, surprised by my outburst.
He grabs my hair and pulls me toward him, twisting it until searing pain erupts across my scalp.
“Bad girl.”
Enzo's tone is pure evil and I shudder, absolutely terrified. He drags my head down, bending me over his lap and forcing my head onto the mattress.
“Don't fucking move, baby. Not a goddamn inch. Not if you know what's good for you.”
I'm too damn scared to stay still, shaking uncontrollably as I wait, bent over his knee.
“I will not forgive behavior like this again, Adriana. Understand it has consequences. Severe ones for you, and I will enjoy punishing you harshly.”
I whimper and my legs almost can’t take my weight, damn near to collapse from the strain of the terror and pain they're experiencing.
“Tonight is new for you and I will give you some leeway. I won't be so kind again. Understand me?”
I nod, frantically.
“Use your words, baby. Am I quite clear?”
“Yes,” I rasp, swallowing dry, acid air.
“Yes, Sir,” he corrects.
His hand circles my ass, and the threat is damn clear. Give him what he wants or suffer the consequences. Painful ones. Humiliating ones. Despicable ones he'll relish.
“I...” I close my eyes, dreading the burst of pain that doesn't come. “Yes. Enzo?”
He hums and his hand taps my ass.
“I'm scared.”
“I know,” he says, cold and unfeeling. “And I fucking live off it. Tell me you understand and this is over.”
I grind my teeth against each other. “Yes, Sir.”
“Good girl.”
I move against his hold, and he doesn't release it. I'm surprised and confused, unable to do anything but accept what's happening as he holds me still.
“There’s still the slap to deal with, baby.”
I really fucking hate it when he calls me that and the anger rising in me threatens to boil over.
Enzo shushes me, stroking my back until I relax, leaving him in control.
“Pain or pleasure, Adriana?”
I whimper, and he laughs low.
“Choose, sweet girl. Before I pick for you.” Enzo's free hand keeps stroking my back and I moan, enjoying the softness of his touch and the way it soothes my body. It's relaxing my mind too, easing my anxiety and helping me find my center.
