“Twenty-two.”

“What the hell for this time? I didn’t…” Sage swallowed the rest of the complaint as she watched the light of pleasure dance about like fireflies in his dark eyes. The damn Dom was enjoying this way too much! She dragged in a calming breath. The quicker he spanked her, the sooner she could get back to work. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound disrespectful again… Daddy.”

This time, Sage could only stare as her dutiful response dulled the sharp-edged demeanor that was consistent with the orthodoxy of this powerful Dom. A softer side presented itself in the form of a smile that completely stole her breath away.

“Ahh, how sweet that word sounds from your lips, little Patty Cakes, mainly because I didn’t have to ask you to use it. Just for that, I’ll take back the last two counts.”

Well, slap me silly with a wet fish. It’s that easy to please this big, hulk of a Dom? By calling him Daddy?

Just walk softly and don’t overuse it, Patty Cakes. He doesn’t strike me as the kind of man who would fall for being manipulated.

Right. Got it.

The voice of her subconscious briefly settled a frayed mind until he stepped closer and knelt between her legs. Then it went into overdrive.

“Face forward, Patty Cakes.”

“But—”

Crack! Crack!

“Sweet Hells Angels!” she cried out as two slaps landed, one on each cheek. “Okay! Jeez! You don’t have to be so… so strict, Daddy.”

“I’m only strict when the situation demands it and, in your case, I’m afraid it does. You need a little attitude adjustment, not to mention a lesson in honesty.”

“I’m an honest person! It’s just…” Sage bit her lip. Just what? She couldn't blurt out why she was here, no matter that it was suddenly the only thing she wanted to do—to tell him everything. Be honest and level the playing field. Start over and be his little Babygirl for real.

Damn, Sage. You definitely overdid watching those videos.

No shit, Sherlock.

For once, she was in total agreement with her psyche. She had to pull herself together and remember why she was there in the first place.

“Yes, it’s just that.” He brushed his palm over her smarting cheeks, rubbing the pain deeper until she could feel it bouncing off her bones.

“You chose to come into my club, Miss Lovett, and I will make sure you get what you came here for. I can only do that if you are honest, not only in what you say, but in how you respond to me now, or while in a scene with a Dom. Overstating your experience could easily turn into a disaster. Not only for you but also for the Dom you’re with. One thing you need to realize, my pet, is that it’s not only a sub that is invested in a scene, the Dom is twice as much drawn into it. If he fails to give you what you need, it impacts on him emotionally just as much. Unfortunately, lying on your application is what has put you in this very position. Once the lies start, it’s very difficult, if not impossible, to stop them. I’m sure that’s not something I need to tell you. I can’t allow such actions to go unpunished. Not only to adhere to the protocols of the club but to ensure you realize the magnitude of your deceit by coming to a place such as this under false pretenses.”

“I’m beginning to realize that,” she mumbled.

“That’s good. Now, you already know the safeword to stop is cucumber. If you need a breather or wish me to slow down, let’s go with a word I’m sure you won’t forget—lies.”

Sage thought it wise not to respond. She was already in so deep it was starting to become difficult to stay afloat. Opening her mouth seemed to just suck her down even more.

“For whatever reason you came to the club, you’re solely responsible for ending up here with me. In my view, no one but me is equipped to deal with you in the appropriate fashion. Now, I'm going to spank you for the blatant lies and disrespect toward me.”

“I’m sorry, Daddy.”

“Maybe you are now, but not as much as you will be.”

This time she winced from biting down so hard on her lips. If he thought she was going to cry and shout cucumber, he had a surprise coming. Sage wasn’t a wuss. And he was right. She deserved to be punished. If there was one thing everyone in the Bureau knew about FBI Special Agent Lewis, it was that she could take her due like the trooper she was.

“Beautiful.”

Sage hissed in surprise as his hand suddenly covered the heat between her legs, bold, hard, and without any hesitation. Knuckles turning white from tightening her hold on the stool, she stared through the window with wide eyes, barely noticing the milling people dancing and having a pleasant time. Then, the initial shock gave way to warmth flooding her mind as she relaxed into his touch and just… felt.

Heat cascaded from him to her as his fingers began a meandering caress, spreading her labia to gently toggle her clit before dipping a finger just inside her wet folds.

“Ah, such heat and eagerness.” There was no surprise in his tone. Of course, he had known before touching her that she was aroused. How and what made her so wet and ready to feel all of him buried deep inside her, she had no idea, but there it was. She was primed, slick and ready. “Keep still, Patty Cakes. You don’t move unless I tell you too. Is that clear?”