I definitely didn’t want to talk about my sore butt. “I think I can manage.” He slid off the bed, holding out his hand. I took it and groaned as I stood. It was uncomfortable but not something I couldn’t deal with, I decided quickly.
“Good?” His gaze searched my.
“I don’t think I’m incapacitated.” I gave him a look that said it was all his fault, then grinned. It was a little humorous in a really weird way that he was concerned about my backside when he was the reason it hurt.
“I won’t apologize, because I think the point was made. I am sorry you’re uncomfortable, though.” He was dressed in a pair of sweats now and looking over my nude form. I guess he decided I should be covered too. He moved to his chest of drawers and pulled out a t-shirt.
Dressing me like I was a small child, his words gave me something to think about. He didn’t like me being in pain, but he would obviously repeat his punishment if I displeased him again. What did I do with that information? Since my stomach growled loudly at that moment, I obviously wouldn’t do anything with it, yet.
“Let’s get you fed.” He smiled warmly, draped his arm through mine, and led me down to the dining room. Now the perfect gentleman, he held out a chair for me that was thoughtfully cushioned with a pillow.
Shaking my head, I sat down, watching as he took the head of the table next to me. It was perplexing how he could be so considerate and such a disciplinarian, too. My Jack was a contradiction in many ways.
With the added cushion, I did not spend dinner completely focused on the dwindling ache. Nadine had outdone herself again with the meal, and I devoured it like a starving person. I can’t say that I’ve ever enjoyed a meal that completely.
“I hope that’s not how I have to get you to eat every night.” He was looking over my clean plate in amusement and it took me a minute to understand what he meant.
I definitely didn’t want him thinking the events earlier had left me famished. “I kind of skipped breakfast and lunch today.” That made much more sense than me needing to eat because he’d beaten it out of me. I decided beating was too strong a word, because from what I understood of corporeal punishment, many parents spanked their children that way. Legally, I knew it wasn’t something frowned upon.
“Of course you’ll never let that happen again.” The look in his eyes said he found me not eating another reason to administer one his spankings and I tensed.
“I don’t normally skip meals. Today was a rare exception.” I spoke quickly, knowing my backside couldn’t take another firm hand at the moment. The truth was that I knew I’d let him do it, and it was a humbling thought. Now that I knew he didn’t get pleasure from hurting me, a spanking wasn’t a deal breaker for us.
“We won’t speak of it again. What happened is over, and I think you learned from it.” He pushed back his plate. “You need to call your sister. I’m afraid she thinks I’ve locked you up in my dungeon and am holding you hostage.”
“Do you have one?” I’d call Kim, but the dungeon statement had my eyes widening.
Chuckling, he stood up, placing his napkin on the plate. “No, but if you want one later on, I’m sure I could accommodate.”
The relief I felt was indescribable. “I guess I should call her before the police show up here.”
He gave me his nod of approval, and I hadn’t even realized what I was doing. I’d think about later why I’d asked his permission to make a call. “There’s a phone in the study.” He held out my chair and I followed behind him.
Jack left me alone as I spoke to my sister, and it was hard to focus on what she was saying being surrounded by the library of books here. I guess he was a very well read man. It would take a person a lifetime to go through all the ones lining his shelves. What else didn’t I know about Jack?
Pulling my head back into the conversation, I tried to catch up with her rapid fire questions. “I’m sorry. Yes, I’m fine. No, he didn’t force me to stay. And I was tired so I fell asleep.” Kim was livid that I hadn’t called things off and hounded me with inquiries. I’d had enough when she told me I was going to end up seriously hurt if I didn’t walk away now.
“I’m sorry you feel that way, but I’m staying with Jack. I’ll see you when he brings me home.” Another dozen comments and questions were brought up and I was getting antsy. “Kim! I’ll see you when I get there.” I didn’t want to sound rude, but I was tired of being grilled. Hanging up the phone, I knew I’d answer for that rudeness later on.