Page 52 of Draco's Defiance

“I am going to spank you, Moira.” He held her gaze as he explained. “And I won’t be gentle because I want you to remember this lesson.”

“What lesson?” For the first time since he’d ushered her into the room, he couldn’t hear insolence in her voice. That, at least, was a start.

“The lesson about safety. Whatever this is—” He motioned between them. “—when it potentially affects your safety, it’s a problem, and I need you to understand that and do as you’re told.”

Do as I’m told? She shook her head. Who does he think he’s talking to?

“For your own good, little girl.” His voice was practically a growl. “It’s not safe out there until Monroe is dealt with.”

“So, I’m safer in here with you and your palm?” Her eyebrow arched at the thinly veiled accusation.

“A lot safer,” he confirmed. “I’ll make sure you can’t sit down without a cushion, and then I’ll keep you safe.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

Moira

“REMIND ME WHY YOU HAVE to bind me, sir?” Adrenaline was rushing around her bloodstream so fast that Moira couldn’t ascertain if she was queasy, dizzy, or about to pass out. Maybe she was all three? Watching Draco wind the length of silk around her wrists and secure her to the metal bedstead was certainly doing nothing to help her decide.

“To help you settle.”

The smugness in his tone told her that was probably bullshit, although she supposed he had a point. She had considered running from his apartment, but oddly enough when he finally relented and gave her the chance, she hadn’t taken it. She’d chosen to stay. She’d gone to the roof to catch her breath.

Why?

Brow furrowing, she was compelled to swallow the inevitable answer. Draco had been right. She hadn’t fled because she hadn’t wanted to. As terrifying as placing herself in his imposing hands undeniably was, facing a fiend like Monroe on her own was an even scarier proposition. She’d never truly contemplated leaving his apartment alone. Not once she’d discovered the threat Monroe posed. She remembered the intensity in Monroe’s eyes on the street outside the bistro. The thought of running into him without the security Draco offered was the worst possible outcome.

She was headstrong, but not stupid.

Grappling to catch her breath, she eyed his shirt, now discarded on the carpet beside the bed. What would she have given for the comfort and protection of that fabric as she contemplated what was to come. It hadn’t been much, but she missed its warmth and the way it smelled of Draco. The cool air of the anonymous bedroom was far more foreboding.

“There.” Pride echoed in his voice as he checked his handiwork one final time. “That should hold you.”

Moira had a horrible feeling that he might be right.

“Now.” Starting a half circle of her bound body, he allowed one palm to graze the small of her back. “Why are you here, Moira?”

Really? The question reverberated in her head, although she suspected he’d hear it. He wants me to admit my wrongdoing as if this is some sort of confessional?

“Yes, really.”

She tensed at his curter tone, the words spilling from her lips although she hadn’t had time to think them through.

“I tried to run, sir.” Is that the right answer? To be honest, she could scarcely keep up with her scattered thoughts any more.

“And?” His hand paused, delving to the cleft of her ass.

“And I didn’t want you to look after me?”

She shook her head at the ridiculous emotion that bubbled in her voice. Moira wasn’t even an especially emotional woman. What was it about Draco that affected her this way? It was like he could see into her soul.

“That’s right.” His tone was reassuring, his praise better than she remembered. “And it’s imperative that I do look after you, little girl.”

“Why?” She twisted her head to look at him, blinking away the impending tears. “I mean, I know Monroe is out there, but why are you so insistent, sir?”

“Because...” For the briefest moment, his brows knitted before smoothing out as he answered. “Whatever we have between us, I like it, Moira.” His breath was warm on the back of her neck as he pressed against her. “I like our dynamic. I like caring for you.”

Wow. I didn’t expect him to be so honest. “Thank you, sir.”