Page 186 of Dirty Discipline, Vol. 2

If it is a medical facility, it’s an extremely luxurious one. I know such establishments exist to cater to the super-rich, but I can’t imagine how I would have ended up in one. Besides, there’s no sign of medical equipment and the décor strikes me as being a little too cozy.

“It’s not a clinic.” Jacob gives me a look that’s a cross between amused and anxious. “It’s my home.”

“Your home?”

“One of them, yes.”

If he’s trying to tell me he’s wealthy, he needn’t bother. Everyone knows about the Donovan brothers. It would be hard not to have heard of them since one or other of them is in the news regularly. Their collective wealth and influence makes my parents’ money look like small change and, of course, their suspected links to organized crime fascinate people.

“I see,” I say carefully, not really understanding what’s going on here. “So, why am I in your home?”

“You’re here because my brother asked me to look out for you.” Jacob stares at me like I’m a puzzle he’s yet to figure out. “Do you remember anything about last night?”

I shake my head in despair, and the doctor lays a reassuring hand on mine.

“That’s not unusual, dear. I’m sure it will come back to you in time.”

“Not unusual?” I find that hard to believe. “Forgetting what I did last night, and how I got here, isn’t unusual?”

My voice goes up an octave as I worry there’s something they’re not telling me.

“Calm down, sweetheart.” Jacob’s words are a command, not a request. I get the feeling he’s a man who likes to be firmly in control. “You must know your memory can be affected by substance abuse.”

Outrage courses through my veins and I forget all about my aching muscles and pounding headache. I wrench myself free from Jacob’s grasp and turn to face him.

“Are you suggesting I’ve been taking drugs?”

“You can cut the innocent act, sweetheart. You were totally out of it last night.”

My mouth drops open. I’m floored by his accusation, and I take a minute to react.

“I was not.” I don’t care that I sound hysterical. This man, a virtual stranger, has no right to assume I was high. “I never touch drugs. Never!”

“I guess we’ll find out when your blood tests come back,” Jacob says, and I want to slap the smug look right off his face.

“You took my blood without permission so you could find out if I’m on something? How dare you, you utter bastard!”

“I dare,” he says with lethal calm, “because you have just become my responsibility and if you ask me, you are long overdue for a damned good spanking.”

“Yes, but not right now,” the doctor interjects, before I can respond. “Right now, we need to concentrate on getting Miss Carmichael back to full fitness. What discipline you choose to administer once she’s recovered is up to you.”

Discipline? I can’t believe what I’m hearing. What sort of doctor would condone a man threatening to spank a grown woman? And since when am I Jacob Donovan’s responsibility? I’m twenty-four years old, and more than capable of looking after myself. Clearly, everyone around here is nuts.

I struggle to get off the bed, but Jacob takes a firm hold of my arms and pushes me back onto the pillows.

“You’re not going anywhere, Helena.” His tone leaves no room for argument. “Not until we understand what’s wrong with you. So, are you going to lie back down like a good girl while the doctor examines you, or do I have to tie you to the bed?”

He’d do it, I realize. He’d actually do it, the barbarian. If I resist, Jacob won’t show the slightest hesitation in restraining me. The very thought is frightening, not because of what he might do to me, but because of how I may respond. The idea of being held captive by this man is strangely exhilarating, but I can’t allow myself to entertain ridiculous fantasies about being dominated by him. Unwilling to risk what might happen if I allow him to pin me down, I shake my head.

“But,” I address the doctor, “can you ask Mr. Donovan to leave the room, please? I don’t want to discuss personal matters in front of a man I don’t know.”

“Jacob?” the doctor prompts when he makes no move to leave.

He looks like he might actually object to my perfectly reasonable request. He’s a domineering ass, but I can be stubborn when I want to be, and I am not prepared to divulge intimate details of my life with Jacob in the room. As his insanely gorgeous lips set in a disapproving scowl, the internal struggle is reflected in his eyes as he debates whether to do as I asked.

“Fine.” He makes his displeasure abundantly clear as he gets up from the bed and stares down at me. There’s an almost menacing look in his eyes, but he doesn’t force the issue. “I’ll wait outside but, believe me, Helena, you are going to have to deal with me, eventually.”

As I watch him striding from the room, an air of annoyance wafting around him, I realize I am going to have to deal with him at some point. I just have no idea how.

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