Page 49 of Cole's Command

“But you said you wouldn’t hurt me.” She could scarcely believe her surly tone. Why was she replying at all? It wasn’t as if she would ever let him do that to her.

“I said I wouldn’t cause you harm,” he replied. “And I meant it. A spanking causes short term discomfort, but nothing more. I would never do anything to cause you real harm. I might be young, but I am not a novice at this lifestyle.”

“Lifestyle?” She felt her brow furrow. “Is that what this is?”

“It’s a figure of speech.” His expression softened. “I happen to think my preference for power exchange is genetic. It seems as though all of my brothers share it, too.”

“Really?” Now, that was interesting. “And your father?”

“I was too young to ask questions like that.” Cole’s smile was sad. “But maybe? I wouldn’t be surprised.”

“Wow.” Lifting her palm to her cheek, Eden acknowledged how hot her face was. “This is a lot to process, Cole.” That’s an understatement. “Can’t you just take me home so I can think about it all?”

“I understand.” Reaching for her hand, he stroked her fingers. “And I’m sorry, Eden, but no. You know too much to leave right now. I need you with me while we figure this out.”

Figure this out? What the fuck was that supposed to mean?

“You can’t just take me hostage.” Her heart accelerated as she articulated his proposal. “You know that, right?”

“I’ll do what I have to do to protect my family.” Placing his palm over her hand, he squeezed her gently. “I’m sure you get it, Eden.”

No! The thought exploded like dynamite as her gaze scanned the controls of his Tesla. There has to be a way out of here! “No, I don’t get it, Cole.” Yanking her hand away, she scowled. “You’re talking about my life, my career, about everything I have.”

I have to get away. Frantically trying to calm her heart beat, her attention skimmed the button that was responsible for unlocking the doors. Stop thinking, she chastised herself. He’ll hear you!

“I’m talking about a few hours up the mountain with me,” he smirked, apparently not concentrating on what she was thinking. “Is that so bad?”

“A few hours?” she balked. “I think it might take a little longer than that to persuade me not to mention to anyone that you’re a dragon-shifter!”

“Eden.” He sighed, evidently exasperated that she had the audacity to refuse him. “Don’t be difficult.”

“Difficult?” I’ll show him difficult! Cole was only proving how little he knew her. “I know we didn’t get to work together long, but you obviously need more help than I’d realized.”

“See.” With a shake of his head, his frustration seemed to morph into amusement. “That’s precisely the sort of quip that will see you over my knee.”

“It’s the truth.”

Her heart pounded faster at his thinly veiled threat, though the worst of it was she couldn’t truly decide how she felt about the idea of him spanking her. The rational part of her was insistent. There was no way it was happening, and if he dared to try then she would prosecute him for assault. But there was another aspect of her response, an intrigued facet that longed to know more. What would it be like upturned over his lap? How would his hand feel on her ass? Could she even tolerate the pain his smacks would produce?

Stop it! The dominant part of her that categorically denied any interest in eroticism commanded attention. Stop thinking about it. You know what you should be doing...

“What should you be doing?” His brow rose as he read her thoughts again.

That was the final straw. She couldn’t consent to a man who so readily invaded her personal space. She had to be logical.

“Taking care of myself.” Eden lurched for the control, pressing the button and releasing her seat belt before opening her door. Flying out of the seat before he could respond, her feet hit the hard earth, and she started to run.