Page 70 of Stone
“I was worried something happened to you before.” The excuse sounded weak even though it was true.
“What can happen to me here? I’m not going anywhere, Stone, because you won’t allow it.”
“You’re right. I just don’t trust the system. I also still believe you’re in danger.”
“Go surfing. Go swimming. Go amuse yourself. I’ll be fine.”
Why was it that just being around her created such significant dilemmas in my life? A shiver rolled over my skin and while the dark craving for her continued nagging at whatever decency I had left in me, I couldn’t ignore the concern regarding her safety plaguing my mind.
If my instincts were correct, a storm was brewing and I didn’t like the odds of survival.
“Not going to happen until you learn your lesson.”
She appeared in front of me seconds later, the defiant expression on her face one of the first things that I’d remembered during long nights alone.
“Here I am, safe and sound.” With a graceful turn, she presented herself as if a gift to be opened and enjoyed.
She had no idea how much I wanted to do just that. However, necessity trumped desire.
“Come on. We’re going hunting.”
“For what?”
I grinned when I answered her. “A switch.”
“You are a terrible man.”
“Maybe that’s something for you to keep in mind.” I led her into the forest and I knew instinctively the perfect wood to use. The Koa tree. Fortunately, I found the perfect specimen, the tree providing what I called low-hanging fruit. I found the right-sized limb easily and was thankful I’d brought my pocketknife with me.
She remained incredulous that I would do something so drastic. Her stare was hard and cold, but I also sensed she was tingling all over.
When I pulled out the knife and showed it to her, she harrumphed as if I wouldn’t go through with the promise I’d made.
But when I cut the stem free, she lifted her eyebrows, wrinkling her cute little nose when I held out both the knife and the twig.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“This is the correct wood to use and a knife so you can strip the bark to prepare the perfect switch.”
“What do you want me to do with them?”
I leaned closer, incapable of keeping a smile off my face. “You’re going to prepare the piece of wood for your spanking.”
CHAPTER 19
Daniella
Stone had always been one powerful man even when he was younger. His command of every room he’d walked into had been legendary. He’d commanded the football field as well, his reputation as being rough and tumble earning him several nicknames over the years.
I’d adored his prowess and his domination of the field. I’d also enjoyed his control over me, always taking full command of my heart and my body.
But this… This was crazy.
He wanted me to cut a switch for him to use on me? Was the man out of his mind? Evidently, he believed he was all that and a bag of chips and that he could control me once again. Nope. That wasn’t going to happen.
I folded my arms instead of taking the switch, lifting a single eyebrow as I glared at him, “You are out of your mind.”
“I’m being safe. You need a solid reminder of your situation and it’s obvious you can’t control your actions. Prepare the switch.” Even his tone was more commanding than before.
