My breath hitched, then came the sound—the sharp, metallic clink of his belt.

“I’m going to show you exactly why I paid for you,” he hissed. His hand found my ass in a stinging strike that made my vision blur. “By the time the sun rises, my name will be the only thing left in your head.”

“Please—” I whimpered, but the word was cut short.

His fingers tangled in my hair, pulling my head back until I had to look at him. “Kneel.”

When I tried to struggle, he used his strength to force me down onto my knees. I gasped, my eyes snapping open in total shock as...