Page 7 of In Service to the Duke

With a swift jerk of my hand, I capture her wrist and pin it to her back, easing her forward until she lies pressed up against my desk. Soft, pitiful squeaks erupt from her lips as she thrashes about, thinking to be free from my iron hold. Both lust and irritation war within me as I hold her there, allowing her to settle into her punishment.

“What is this about you taking your punishment as a lady of your station? Hold still or I will double the strokes.” Her body trembles in my grasp, but she stops twisting and turning, trying to be free. It’s a start, at least.

“Please, Your Grace,” she wheezes out, fear lacing her words. “This is unseemly. You shouldn’t see me like this.”

“Oh?” I lean forward, capturing her gaze. “And how else should I administer your punishment? Are you so knowledgeable in the ways of retribution to think you can school me?” Her face falls as she sags against the desk.

“Forgive me, Your Grace. The few punishments I have received were not of this nature.”

“Enlighten me.”

“As to the punishments?” she stammers, jerking back to look at me, her expression one of horror.

“I’m curious as to both the punishments and the causes behind them. You may have gotten away with only being interviewed by the butler, but you answer to me now. I wish to know what manner of woman will teach my sisters.”

Misery lines her face as she slumps back down. “I do not wish to tell tales of my myriad wrongdoings. ‘Tis unseemly to recount them in this manner. Perhaps if you put my skirts down?”

A light chuckle vibrates through my throat. “Ahhh, my errant little governess. Are you so depraved that you cannot reveal to me the nature of your indiscretions? Are there too many to name? Tell me, truly, are you that disobedient?” The way she shivers at the word disobedient makes my vision blur around the edges.

If this were The Rose and Thorne, I know exactly how I’d drive those secrets from her lips. I’d hoist her aloft, spread open by the multitudinous hanks of ropes stashed about the den of debauchery. She’d feel the kiss of my whip against her skin as she sobs, recounting each and every sin weighing heavy upon her soul.

I’d grant her relief. Eventually. But not until she begged for her release. I can see her now, her tawny hair glinting in the candlelight as sweat gathers on her body from the strain. How would she sound as she cried out, begging me for the sweet rapture only I can provide?

Even now, I want nothing more than to slide my hand lower and delve into her nether region, stroking her until she can no longer think straight. I glance at the shift as it hugs her curves again, picturing what her pussy would look like. I’ve seen enough quim to be able to picture it in my mind, but my imagination will pale in comparison. I’m sure of it.

“Well?” I rasp out, slapping the crop onto the desk so I can rub my cock behind her.

Miss Gillet flinches as soft whines fill the air. “Please, Your Grace. My injury. It worsens with your rough treatment of me.”

A smile curves my lips as I trail my hand down the front of my breeches. It’s no injury that ails the poor girl. Hunter didn’t even touch her. No, it’s arousal, pure and simple. I smell it on her skin, that honeyed scent deepening the more excited she becomes.

“Tell me what I wish to know, submit to my punishment, and then I’ll see to your injury.”

Moments go by, and I fear she will not tell me. If only she were a harlot for me to slake my lusts upon. Alas, as a governess, I must tread far more carefully to keep both of our honors intact. Even now, I play with fire by keeping her closed in with me, where no one else can see our activities.

With a soft sigh, she squirms again before extolling her sins as if I’m a priest ready to hear her confession. Granted, most are benign actions, that of a child finding her boundaries. What scratches at my brain, refusing to let go, is knowing in all her punishments, no one has ever physically disciplined her.

That is, if she’s telling me the truth. There is no reason for her to lie, but she is a woman, after all. Those of her sex are prone to falsehoods and misleadings. Whether or not she’s been disciplined in this way truly matters not.

It will not stay my hand from taking her to task. In fact, my aching cock demands it. If only I could see the evidence of my punishment on her, to see the red blossom across her skin as I smack my leather against it. How pretty those marks will be as they mar her delicate flesh.

CHAPTER 4

ROBERT

Still though, as Miss Gillet finishes her spiel, I cannot help but feel as if she’s keeping something from me. Unfortunately, she’s not mine to fully take in hand and demand she spill her secrets. Pity. Grabbing the crop, I slide the flat portion across her cheek, drawing her gaze back to me.

“I wish to make it clear as to why you’re receiving this punishment from me. You took no care of your life as you strode in front of my horse. You could have been gravely injured, or worse. This is to remind you to keep your wits about you, even while traversing my estate.”

Before she can either refute or give a rebuttal, I bring the crop down on her upturned backside. A loud shriek erupts from her lips as she howls and bucks forward. With a growl, I rip at my cravat and slide it from my neck.

“Open,” I demand, holding the cloth to her lips.

The moment her mouth parts, I shove it in, forcing my fingers past her teeth to lodge the article of clothing as deeply as I dare. She tosses her head back and forth like a frightened mare. Once more, I place the crop next to her and run my fingers over her hair.

“Shhhhhh,” I murmur, fighting the urge to purr for her. She has not earned such a privilege. No one receives this sort of comfort in the middle of a punishment. “If you are not quiet, then everyone will know you are in here with me. Alone. Do you wish to sully your reputation because you cannot keep your noises to yourself?”

Her eyes widen, frantic as she bucks up against me. With an exasperated sigh, I rest my hand against her back and press her firmly into the desk. “You have five more swats. Do try to take them with the dignity afforded to one of your position. Trust me. You do not wish for me to find a different way of punishing you.”