“So you took it upon yourself to defend me?”

“No. I wanted to make it clear to you that you don’t need to find an unworthy whipping boy when you’ve got me. I was jealous of the attention you paid to him. And I was pissed he was looking at you with the same adoration I would’ve been had you given me the chance.” That part was hard to admit.

Her gaze softened. “I like having you as my champion, Knox.”

He relaxed.

“But this incident will require some discipline.”

Fuck. Nothing in her eyes was soft now.

But why did the idea of being at her mercy make his dick rock hard again?

CHAPTER ELEVEN

SHIORI wasn’t surprised by the sullen look on Knox’s face.

She probably should’ve waited to tell Knox about his impending punishment. But then again, letting him think about what he’d done and how she intended to correct that behavior might be easier on both of them since this was the first time he’d screwed up.

In the scheme of things, it wasn’t even that bad. And she’d gotten a secret thrill when Knox told the guy he wasn’t worthy of her. Knox’s jealousy surprised her.

It shouldn’t have. He’s the type of man who, once he stakes his claim, he’ll do anything to protect and defend it.

And yet again Shiori was glad they wouldn’t be playing at Twisted. Because Knox would spend his time snapping and snarling at any sub who even looked at her, and she’d be forced to keep him leashed. Which would be a pity because the man was magnificent when defending her honor. She’d never experienced anything like it before.

Silence had settled between them as the car service drove them to Knox’s house. He held her hand, but he’d directed his attention out the window. She ran her fingers through his hair. Such a fighter. Such a leader. Such an amazing lover.

Knox leaned into her touch, letting his head fall back against the headrest and closing his eyes. “Why are you staring at me, Nushi?”

“Because you are so very nice to look at.”

“Am I just a toy to you?” he asked softly. “Take me out and play with me when it suits you, and the rest of the time I’m shelved someplace where I can be admired but not touched?”

She’d never credited him with so much insight. “Have I made you feel that way?”

“Not yet. But I do worry that it’s in my future.”

She rose up and tugged his earlobe between her teeth. “It’s not in your future tonight.”

He turned his head, and their faces were so close their noses almost touched. Those blue eyes were dark with determination. “I want to renegotiate the time we spend together.”

“Now?”

“At some point tonight.”

“All right. We can discuss it.”

The car stopped. And of course Knox leaped out to help her out before the driver had a chance to.

Once they were inside the house, he led her to the kitchen. He hoisted her onto the breakfast bar, the highest counter, which gave her the height advantage.

“I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”

“That’s not an apology.”

His nostrils flared. “I don’t know if I can apologize, because if I had it to do over again, I’d do the same damn thing. If that increases my punishment, so be it.”

“Such a stubborn man.” She framed his face in her hands. “I don’t expect I’ll have to discipline you often. But when I do, the punishment will fit the crime. So since you switched into the Dominant role, I have to remind you you’re not a switch. I want you to go into your backyard and cut a switch from a tree and bring it to me.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Then he was gone out the side door.

Shiori closed her eyes and played through the scene in her head.

Knox returned sooner than she expected. He handed her a thin branch. By the green color, she knew it was all new growth. Lightweight. Lots of give.

“Good.”

He said nothing as he kept his head bowed.

“Go into the living room and strip. Then wait for me.”

After he was out of sight, she slid off the counter and tested the give of the switch. The top section was so thin it almost had the feel of a stiff whip.

Okay. She could do this. She had to do this. For him. For them.

When Shiori reached the living room and saw Knox was standing in rest position, she snapped her fingers.

No response.

She moved in behind him. “For future reference, when I say wait for me, that means on your knees.”