Warrior's Pain (Cadi Warriors Book 4)(62)

How did she find out about that? Cyprian’s eyes pinned Riley’s.

“I see that doesn’t surprise you. You’re not the only one who can scent bullshit,” Riley replied with her obnoxious smile.

“You will keep that information between us. Do you understand me?” Cyprian snarled. It was imperative she didn’t utter a word of this.

“I’d tell you yes, but I doubt you’ll believe me.”

Cyprian gripped Riley’s shoulders as he stared her in the eyes. He was having trouble gauging if she understood the seriousness of this situation. He’d never had this much trouble questioning someone. Riley scrambled his senses.

Riley was smart and dangerous. She was leaving out something about her encounter with Aculus. She was somehow keeping the location of the human colony secret. And now she knew Vintor’s involvement with Adeoda’s death. There was too much at stake here. Cyprian had to have answers and her unwavering cooperation.

“This incident with Aculus isn’t the only thing you’ve been keeping from me. Did you know you talk in your sleep?” he countered. Riley’s eyes widened slightly and Cyprian knew he’d hit a nerve. “You will give me your vow to stay quiet about what you’ve seen. You will tell me everything you’ve been keeping from me, and you will do it earnestly, so I have no doubt about the veracity.”

“Or what? You’ll tie me up and fuck my brains out. Have at it, Casanova.”

Riley tugged open her cloak, and dropped it to the floor. She stood wearing only the purple garment that cupped her breasts. Her hands defiantly gripping her full hips.

Cyprian moved swiftly. He had Riley perched over his lap in an instant, with her bare rear in the air.

“For starters, I’ll reprimand you for telling half-truths,” Cyprian growled as his palm descended on Riley’s bottom. “Maybe it’ll put you in the mood to talk.”

Riley jerked as he smacked her ass, but she didn’t make a sound. The full globes of her bottom jiggled and turned red from the strike. The sight of it reminded Cyprian of the way her skin flushed when she was overcome with passion. His palm fell again, on the opposite cheek.

“This isn’t my first spanking, but I’m guessing it’s yours. You already have a giant hard on. How long do you think you’re going to last?” Riley taunted.

Cyprian’s hand paused. Any normal female would’ve been upset, but Riley wasn’t bothered by his reprimand at all. He should’ve known it wouldn’t drive the truth from her lips.

Cyprian hated to admit Riley was right. He was aroused. The way she goaded him, only riled him further. It made Cyprian desperate to bend her to his will.

Suddenly Cyprian realized the implications of Riley’s biting comment, and a feral growl erupted from his throat.

This isn’t my first spanking!

The image of Riley bent over another’s knee, incited a possessiveness he couldn’t reign in. It melded with the stabbing jealousy over how she protected Aculus.



Riley

“Don’t ever speak to me about other males,” Cyprian snarled.

Cyprian’s stiff cock ground into her stomach, as she dangled over his lap. Her ass was smarting after just a couple swats, yet still she needled the man. Cyprian was angry and aroused. It was a daunting combination. Her flippant comment only served to stoke the fire. Riley couldn’t seem to help herself. They were like gasoline and a match, whenever they got together. Goosebumps erupted on Riley’s skin as a nervous thrill moved up her spine.

The general hooked her around the waist, and unceremoniously dropped her on the bed. He looked every bit the menacing demon, a snarl twisting his lips. Riley steeled herself against his savagery.

“So now you don’t want to know everything?” Riley asked with mock innocence.

She should have left well enough alone, but he pissed her off. Riley couldn’t believe Cyprian resorted to spanking her, like a petulant child.

If he thinks this is going to make me spill my secrets, he’s delusional. Some things were more important than the way her ass burned.

“This is not a game,” Cyprian rumbled at her defiance. “You think it’s amusing to tease. Like when you goaded the males this morning with that lewd suggestion. But, you don’t know what is going on, or the kind of people you are tempting. The second I leave you alone, they’d take you up on the offer,” he growled through clenched teeth. “How do you expect me to keep you from harm, when you pull these stunts, and refuse to tell me the truth?” With every word Cyprian’s anger ratcheted higher.

Okay, maybe I should’ve kept my mouth shut.