Page 29 of Kronos’ Consort

Pushing down the startling revelation, he forced himself to focus. He would need time to process his emotions, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t relish her correction.

“Tell me what you did, little one.”

His free hand snaked around her waist, drawing her closer to the edge of the seat and against his body. His shaft strained at her hip, frantic to claim her all over again, but the organ, like both of them, was going to have to be patient.

“I tried to leave you, Master.” She blinked at him as though she, too, couldn’t believe what she’d attempted.

“Yes.” His hand lowered to squeeze her ass, finding her skin cold.

She’d moved to the chair because she’d claimed to have been too hot, yet it seemed the time apart from him had allowed her body heat to disperse altogether. Not that it was going to be a problem for long. He would make sure her backside was hot, at least.

“I know there were no specific rules about staying in bed until your master returned, and I know I had vowed to be here when you awoke, but attempting to flee definitely constitutes a breach of rule one, don’t you think? Good little ones do not run at their first opportunity.”

She tugged her lip into her mouth. “It was disobedient to leave, Master.”

“It was,” he agreed, thrilled that she’d recalled what rule one was without him needing to clarify. “You knew how upset I’d have been if your scheme had succeeded, and surely, you must have known that I’d find you again.”

She pulled in a breath. “Yes, Master.”

“This isn’t over, Kristina.” Tugging her hand to his lips, he skimmed his mouth over her knuckles. “This is far from over. Didn’t you realize that?”

A crease appeared in her brow. “I didn’t think that far ahead, Master. It wasn’t planned. I just saw a chance, and I took it.”

“You took it.” He squeezed her ass cheek harder. “And got yourself killed.”

He was certain that he’d warned her not to go beyond the threshold, yet she’d done so anyway. It had been a miracle that he’d got to her in time to save her.

“I know.” She fidgeted against him. “I’m sorry.”

Releasing her digits, his hand brushed a caress at the side of her face. “I know, and once you’ve been thoroughly spanked, you’ll be entirely forgiven.”

Although, he suspected, however much he might have wanted to, he’d never be able to delete the lifeless image of her body from his memory.

“What else, little one?”

“Rule four, Master.”

“What about it?” He released the pressure on her backside, massaging the cheek instead.

She sighed. “I didn’t tell you how afraid I was to be left alone in my cell.” Her gaze burned into his. “I thought you’d use that fear against me and leave me there more, and I couldn’t bear the thought of that.”

“You thought the worst of me,” he summarized, although he could understand why she’d have questioned whether his motivations had been honorable. He had snatched her away without her say-so. Her fear was at least logical.

“I know better now, Master.” She pushed the words out in one long exhalation.

“What do you know now that you didn’t know then?” he probed, relishing the visceral energy that was sparking between them.

With her there on the chair, there was nowhere for his little one to hide. Every movement and each expression were exposed for him to witness and enjoy, and as his cock could well and truly attest, he was reveling in her obvious mortification.

“I know how powerful you are,” she admitted, her cheeks burning an even deeper shade of crimson. “But there’s something else too, Master.”

“Oh.” He grazed his hand down along her chin until it reached the back of her neck and cradled her head. “And what’s that?”

“I know how much you care for me.” Her smile was back then, lighting the depths of her alluring eyes. “I can hear it in the things you say and see it in how you treat me, and I’m glad, Master, because I care for you, as well.”

Tightening his grip at her nape, he wanted to cheer with glee, but he didn’t dare. That moment was about clarity before her punishment. His elation would have to wait.

“I’m glad to hear it.” He pressed a kiss to her parted lips. “We shall discuss this matter further.”