Page 30 of The Brigadier

“Understood, boss,” Maxim hissed.

“We’ll take care of the bastard,” Danny added.

“Good. I need to spend time with Chantel.” I was worried sick but knew they were right. She was a tough girl. But she needed to learn there was evil in this world.

They left and I continued fuming, trying to figure out how to handle her. When she finally walked into the room, acting shy and demure, it was all I could do not to launch into her.

Instead, I moved to the bar and poured us both a scotch.

She was still shaking, but at least she was wearing warmer clothes. I took another deep breath before heading toward her. It wouldn’t do me any good to lose my patience or my temper at this point.

“Take the drink, Chantel. You’ve been through a terrible ordeal.”

She did, her eyes piercing mine. The electricity was shooting like stars between us, crackling to the point I had to swallow bile in my throat.

“Sit down. Tell me everything.” I pointed toward the couch, refusing to take no for an answer.

She did as she was told, easing down as if the couch would break underneath her. I couldn’t help but notice she was rubbing one hand on her jeans as she brought the glass to her lips, her arm shaking badly.

After a few seconds, she proceeded to tell me every detail of what had occurred over the last two days. Including what her asshole boss had said and done.

And what her cousin, her mother’s niece had said to her.

What the hell was going on?

I allowed her to finish before saying anything, doing my best to keep my tone even. “You ran from the car.”

Her eyes opened wide. “Yes. I was scared. I’m sorry. The man was tossed on the hood and he looked at me. And smiled. Is he dead?”

I looked away briefly, taking a swig of my drink before answering. “He’s on ice so to speak. Not dead. I plan on getting information out of him tomorrow. Now, you ran.”

“I know I did. I said I was sorry.”

“Not good enough, Chantel. You knew better and you could have gotten yourself or my men killed.”

She dropped her head, taking very deep breaths.

“There are rules to follow now that you’re under my protection and in my house. I won’t tolerate you doing anything so stupid again. Do you understand?”

“Yes. I do.”

“Well, I’m going to help reinforce that understanding.”

Jerking her bead back up, she searched my eyes. “What does that mean?”

I rubbed the stubble on my jaw, debating waiting for the spanking. Nope. She needed to learn. “I’m giving you a hard spanking.”

CHAPTER 11

Chantel

Did the man just tell me he was giving me a spanking? What?

It was worse than the horrible moment when we’d both been caught like deer in the headlights. I’d prayed I’d never see him again, but karma obviously had other things in mind.

The bitch.

This was different. He was different. No longer my mysterious lover.