And that he expected her to keep hers as well.

When he finished, he eased his cock from her body, then hurriedly dealt with the condom and cleaned his hands with antibacterial wipes.

“We’re all done, sweetheart,” he whispered as he freed her from the spanking bench. “No more punishments.”

At least he hoped not. Two punishment spankings were more than enough for one day.

Her eyes were red and swollen, and tearstains covered her face. She staggered when her feet hit the floor. “I’m really sorry, Mark. You’re trying to help, and I was rude and ungrateful.”

“I know, and all is forgiven.” After lifting her into his arms, he carried her into the bathroom.

“Well, until the next time I mouth off anyway.”

Chuckling softly, he turned on the water, then helped her into the shower. “Let’s get you cleaned up.”

He stripped down and followed her in, then carefully washed away all traces of her spankings. After patting her dry with a fluffy towel and wrapping a second one around her hair, he dabbed arnica gel on her bottom and thighs, then helped her to bed. From the minibar fridge, he got her a bottle of water and stroked her back while she drank it.

“Do you want a snack?” he asked after putting on his sweats and T-shirt. “I know you’re not much for aftercare, so I want you to tell me what you need.”

“I’m good, thank you. The water is fine.” Making sure to stay on her side, she snuggled against his chest, then added, “So, what other games do you have aside from the ones you mentioned?”

“Cribbage?”

“Meh. What else?”

He got up and pulled a box from his overnight bag. “Rivals for Catan?”

“Oh, I love Catan, and the Rivals version is just right for two!” Her eyes brightened and she rolled to her stomach. “Why didn’t you mention that one in the first place?”

He snorted and carried the game to the bed. “Why am I not surprised you like a game based on world domination?”

Smirking, Kendra opened the box and laid out the game. “Let’s play, false prince.”

They played for hours, and although Kendra was truly brutal, he managed to hold his own and split the wins with her. “I didn’t realize Catan was a blood sport,” he murmured as he put the game away.

He wasn’t much for strategy games and got more enjoyment out of watching her have fun than anything else. It was good to see her relax and enjoy something as simple as a board game with him.

“Only when you play it right.” She smiled and uncrossed her legs, then stretched out. “When is supper?”

“Hungry?”

“Starving.”

“Good.” He glanced at the clock on the nightstand, then said, “How does thirty minutes sound?”

“Perfect.” She got up and put on her apron, then returned to bed and laid her head on his chest. “Hey, Mark?”

“Hmm?”

“I had a really good time today. Thank you.”

“Even the spankings?”

She grimaced and glanced over her shoulder at a few red splotches on the back of her thigh. “Well, maybe not that part.”

He kissed her cheek, then touched her jaw to make her face him so he could do a more thorough job of it. “Me too, and same.”

By the time he finished kissing her, they were both breathless, and he wanted nothing more than to make love to her properly, but that wouldn’t happen unless she behaved herself over supper.