Page 56 of Dirty Discipline, Vol. 1

Troy is grinning at her. “He’s already told you to knock it off, hasn’t he?”

Hallie hesitates before answering truthfully. “Only about ten times. Let’s just say that if he finds out about my slips tonight, I suspect I’d be testing out the lotion sooner rather than later. I think the only reason he hasn’t spanked me already is they’re trying not to scare me into leaving Eagle’s Pass.”

Troy is chuckling, a twinkle in his eye. “Hmmm… so what is my silence worth to you?”

She knows he is teasing her, so she plays along. “Blackmail? Really? If you tell him about my cussing, I might be forced to… to…” Her mind races to come up with something she might hold over his head. She doesn’t think things through before she replies. “I’ll be forced to tell him about why I broke into Traci’s that night in the first place. I’m sure he’d like to know all about that.”

Troy’s humor is gone instantly. He has backed her up against the wall again, hovering over her so close she can feel his warm breath. “Leave my sister out of this. She doesn’t need the gossips around town getting a hold of the story of how she celebrated her thirtieth birthday. Do you hear me?” His eyes are hard.

“Troy… I didn’t mean… Well… I would never hurt Traci like that. I was just joking.”

“Your mouth sure does get you in a lot of trouble. I would get ready if I were you. It’s only going to be a matter of time before your uncle gives you reason to test the lotion.”

Hallie has already pretty much come to the same conclusion and as a result, has spent endless hours debating if being near her aunt and uncle who love her is actually worth living in a place like Eagle’s Pass.

“Well, just the same. I’m just glad you didn’t try to test your newest gift out on me tonight.”

The worry lines around his eyes crinkle before he answers her seriously. “Hallie, I will never spank you. I am neither a relative nor your HoH, so as much as I may want to take you over my knee like the naughty little girl you act like at times, you don’t need to live in fear of me.”

She should be happy, right? He has just pledged not to hurt her, no matter how obnoxious she might get. So why does she feel disappointed instead of relieved? More importantly, why does her tummy flutter at the thought of being Troy’s naughty anything?

He doesn’t give her time to sort out her jumbled emotions. Troy backs off, giving her space to breathe. “Come on. Let’s go rejoin the party. I’m sure Traci is worried.”

Almost two hours later, it’s way past time for Troy to leave this party. Coming here hadn’t been one of his brightest ideas. As if their earlier sparring match hadn’t been fun enough, spending time around Miss Hallie Boudreaux was proving to be akin to plunking a diabetic down in front of a huge table of sweets. It’s so tempting to reach out and sample the tasty treats right there within his reach, but he knows damn well she is no good for him.

Setting the eleven-year age difference aside, the fact she talks and drinks like a rock star, and rejects the idea of a domestic discipline lifestyle with vehemence pretty much closes the door on the idea of getting to know her better. His brain accepts these truths, but unfortunately, the rest of his body seems drawn to her as if she’s the tempting treat. There’s something unique about her Troy can’t quite put his finger on. With so much he doesn’t know about her yet, it makes his growing attraction to her even more troublesome.

When Hallie starts to wobble on her high heels standing next to the punch bowl, Troy decides it’s time to intervene. He had tried to give her some space, mingling away from her for much of the party. About ten minutes ago, he’d sent Traci over to retrieve Hallie so they could leave, but his sister had ended up joining her instead. It looks like he’s going to have to go in himself.

Arriving next to the small group gathered near the refreshments, Troy prods them. “Come on ladies. It’s getting late. Time to head home. Santa has a few gifts to wrap.”

“Oh come on, Troy. Don’t be a party pooper. You need some more punch.” Hallie is holding a plastic cup filled with spiked punch out for him.

“No thanks. I’m driving and I already had one.”

“Light weight. I guess I’ll have to drink it instead.” It’s subtle, but her words are beginning to slur. Hallie diverts the adult beverage to her lips and takes a swig before Troy calmly takes the cup.

“I think you’ve had enough, Hallie. Your aunt and uncle are not going to appreciate me bringing their niece home sloshed. It’s time to get going.”

“You’re not the boss of me. I’m sure I can get someone else to drive me home. You can leave if you’re going to turn into a pumpkin at midnight or something.”

She doesn’t make a very good drunk. “Come on ladies, time to go.”

When his sister looks as if she might say something in return, she stops, thinking better of the idea and begrudgingly agrees. “You’re right. We do need to head out. It’s late.”

“Oh, not you, too! Don’t let him spoil your fun.”

Troy is relieved his sister is headed to the coat check area without additional prodding, leaving him to deal with Hallie. “Come on, Hallie. Time to go.”

“I’m staying. Just leave.” She whines with attitude.

“Nope. Your uncle put me in charge. You’ve had enough to drink. Time to head home.”

“Or what?” She has a fire in her eyes. She is throwing down an intentional dare. A group of teenagers gathered nearby are watching the interaction with interest.

“I’m not playing this game.” He reaches to secure her upper arm in his tight grip. He turns to head towards the exit, but she digs in her fashion heels and tries to hold him back. His anger is simmering. He hadn’t missed that she’s curvier than he had remembered, and he suspects Aunt Gina has been feeding her well, but it doesn’t change the fact she’s petite enough that he can hustle her along easily.

They’re at the coat check room before Troy releases her arm in order to dig out the claim check. They move aside to make room for the people lining up. Before the young attendant can return with their coats, Hallie is heading back towards the party.

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