“Every time you cum before we reach the bed,” I say, my voice cool and measured, “you’ll get a spanking. Do you understand me, Ms. Daniels?”

Her head bobs in a nod, and I can feel her body tense as if she’s trying to hold back, but it’s no use. The vibrator is relentless, and with my finger buried in her ass, it’s impossible for her to resist. She cums again, a soft cry escaping her hood as her body convulses, and I smirk.

“That’s one,” I say, my voice low and husky as I guide her up the steps. “Keep going, my brave girl.”

By the time we reach the bedroom, she’s come three times, her body trembling with each orgasm. I push her facedown on the bed, her legs spread wide, her asshole ready for my cock. I don’t waste time, my hands gripping her hips as I guide myself to her entrance.

“Relax,” I murmur, my voice a soft command, as I push into her, inch by slow inch. She moans, her body arching as I fill her, the sound guttural and desperate.

I spank her ass, the sharp sound of my hand meeting her flesh echoing through the room, and she cries out, her body jerking as she cums again. I thrust into her, each movement deep and deliberate, alternating between spanking her and filling her until her body is shaking with pleasure.

Her orgasm hits hard, the deluxe vibe shooting out of her pussy amid a spray of squirt, and I groan, my own release crashing over me as I cum deep inside her ass. I collapse on top of her, my body pressing her into the mattress, her helpless form writhing and groaning beneath me as the aftershocks of her pleasure ripple through her.

I unbuckle the secretary yoke first, the leather cuffs sliding free from her wrists with a soft hiss. Her arms fall limp at her sides, and I run my fingers along the faint red marks the cuffs left behind. She shivers under my touch, her body still humming from the intensity of what we’ve just done. Next, I carefully remove the deluxe vibe, her soft whimper muffled by the discipline hood. I set it aside on the nightstand, its quiet hum now silent.

The hood, though—I leave it on. I’ve seen the way it centers her, the way it makes her surrender to the sensations I give her. I brush a hand over the smooth vinyl, my fingers tracing the curve of her jaw where it peeks out beneath the material. Her breathing is steady now, her body relaxed, and I can’t help but pull her closer. I curl around her, my chest flush against her back, my arm draped over her waist. She shifts slightly, nestling into me, her head tilting as if to listen to the steady rhythm of my heartbeat.

“Comfortable?” I murmur, my voice low, almost a whisper.

She makes a soft sound, something between a hum and a sigh, muffled by the gag. It’s enough of an answer for me. I tighten my hold on her, my hand splayed across her stomach, feeling the rise and fall of her breath. Her skin is warm, eventhrough the hood, and I press a kiss to the back of her head, the vinyl cool against my lips.

She drifts off quickly, her body melting into mine as sleep takes her. I watch her for a moment, the way her chest rises and falls, the way her fingers twitch slightly as if she’s dreaming. It’s strange, this feeling in my chest. It’s not just desire, though there’s plenty of that. It’s something deeper, something I haven’t felt in decades—if ever.

I care about her. More than I should. More than I ever thought I would.

The realization hits me like a fist to the gut. I’ve sworn oaths to Veritas, to the Trident Alliance, to the mission that keeps humanity’s future intact. But if it came down to it—if I had to choose between her and the cause—I’m not sure I could sacrifice her. The thought terrifies me. I’ve never been this vulnerable, this… attached. Cora has a power over me that no commander, no oath, no duty has ever had.

“I will keep her safe,” I think, the words sharp in my mind. “No matter what it takes. I love her.”

The warmth in my chest grows, spreading through me like a slow, steady fire. I pull her closer, my arm tightening around her waist. She shifts in her sleep, her body pressing even more firmly against mine.

“I love her,” I think again, the words softer this time, more certain.

I close my eyes, letting the rhythm of her breathing lull me toward sleep. For now, she’s safe. For now, she’s mine. And for now, that’s enough.

CHAPTER 9

CORA

I’m sprawled on my bed, the afternoon sun filtering through my curtains, my phone glowing in my hands. Orion’s latest text makes me bite my lip to stifle a laugh.

“Send me a picture of your pussy, I miss it.”

Typical Orion—straight to the point, no preamble, no wasted words. I glance toward my bedroom door, listening for footsteps, but the house is quiet. Mom’s probably in her studio downstairs, and Dad’s likely bench-pressing his body weight in the garage. Safe enough.

I tug down my yoga pants, the cool air hitting my skin as I angle the phone just right. The click of the camera feels loud in the quiet room. I send the picture with a follow-up text.

“Here you are, Mr. Weller, Sir. Though I think maybe it’s YOUR pussy. After all, you’re in charge.”

His reply is instantaneous.“If you were in arm’s reach, I’d already have you naked.”

I laugh, twisting a strand of hair around my finger. But before I can type a response, the door bursts open.

“Cora!” Mom’s voice is bright, her paint-splattered smock flaring as she strides in. I yank my pants up so fast I nearly give myself whiplash, my face burning.

“Mom! Do you ever knock?” My voice cracks, and I shove my phone under a pillow like it’s incriminating evidence.

Her eyes sparkle with mischief. “Oh, honey, I knocked. You were just… preoccupied.” She gestures vaguely toward the pillow, and I groan, slumping back against the headboard.