Claimed by the Zandian (Zandian Brides 6)

I glance at the screen, but he closes it with a swipe of his hand. “Later.”

Maybe it’s some perverse form of flirtation, but I push him. “Come on, just tell me. Don’t leave me in suspense.”

“Zina…”

I grab at his wrist. “I deserve the results. Show me.”

Stars, his arm is like iron. He holds his forearm at chest level, and as I grab at it, even putting my whole weight onto his arm—tucking my knees up like I’m ready to do a pull-up, he doesn’t budge. My whole body is hanging from his forearm and he’s not even trembling. “Give me the numbers!” I exclaim, panting.

“Are you done?”

Stars, he’s sexy when he’s stern. I lower my feet to the ground. “Um, yes?”

I know I’ve crossed the line. It was a move you'd pull with a lover, a mate, not a trainer— even one whose gaze smolders. Even one who vecked you hard just a week ago.

“I’m sorry?”

“You will be.” His tone is conversational but his face is serious. “Zina, I am your master here and you’re overstepping.”

I bite my lip. “Are you going to punish me?” I try not to sound so hopeful.

His eyes turn a deeper purple, the brown fading out. His horns lengthen and tilt in my direction. “Yes, I need to reprimand you.” His voice is smoky.

“You need to?” I repeat, breathless.

“I want to.”

Heat pools between my legs. My pulse picks up speed.

“Go over to that wall and fetch the leather strap.” He points. “It’s hanging beside the other tools.”

I balk. I may have bitten off more than I can chew with this male. My whole body fills with adrenaline. “Oh. Stars.” I can’t seem to move.

“If you delay, it only adds more strokes. You’re starting with fifteen. I’d go quickly, if I were you. But it’s your ass.” He smiles, a wicked masterful grin. My nipples go hard as Zandian crystal. My pussy drips. “You want more, I can oblige.”

I walk over, slowly. There are a multitude of things hanging on the wall, most of which I don’t understand and are probably for fixing flight equipment. This strap, though, in the corner— surely that's not used for navigation? Why is it even here?

I take it off the hook. It’s supple and firm. I shudder with a mixture of anxiety and desire. Is he really going to use this on me?

“The planet rotation’s not getting shorter, Zina.” His voice rolls over me, low and seductive. “Put it in my hand. And take off your dress.”

Stars. I’m going to combust right now, just from his tone. It’s like honey and sex mixed together with dominance.

“What if someone comes in?”

“We’re alone. And I’ve locked the doors. It’s just you and me, Zina. Get that dress off. If I have to help, I’m adding extras with the strap.”

In a trance, I walk up to him. Put the leather into his huge purple palm. I look up into his sightless eyes and pull the stretchy material down over my shoulders, past my hips, and let it pool at my feet. I’m naked underneath except for a pair of gossamer panties. I have no idea what his sensors show him, but when I glance at his thighs and see how hard his cock is, I know he must like it.

I smile and bite it back. “What now?”

“Bend over this seat.” Without waiting, he grabs me up. I squeal and kick in surprise as he carries me effortlessly to a hover seat in the corner. “Get comfortable… for now, anyway.”

He helps me adjust, folded at the waist with my hands resting on the seat, pulls my panties down and off so that my bare ass is presented for his punishment. “And don’t try to get away.”

We’re both breathing hard.

“Don’t spank me too hard. I don’t deserve it.” How did my voice get so husky?