Alessia
He sent me to my room like I was a child. But what really upsets me is that I listened to him. I should’ve stood my ground. Instead, I obeyed. Why? Because I didn’t want to cause another scene in front of Antonio. He’s Val’s cousin—his most trusted associate. As much as I want out of this nightmare of a marriage, the last thing I want is to be the reason for tension or a fight between them.
Valentino’s footsteps grow louder, each one sending a fresh wave of dread through me. I know what’s coming—another one of his lessons. It’s not the first, and I’m sure it won’t be the last. The door creaks open, and Val steps inside, a wooden paddle gripped in his hand.
“Why are your clothes still on?” he asks, his tone demanding.
I meet his stare, refusing to flinch.
“Answer me, .”
I force down the bile rising in my throat. I can do this. I refuse to let him see me cower. “You only told me to go to our room,” I say, trying to sound sweet. “You didn’t tell me to undress, and I didn’t want to disobey you.”
“Don’t get fucking smart with me,” he growls, his voice rising. “You know what I expect,” he says, his voice raising with each word. “Take off your clothes. Now.”
My hands shake as I fumble with the buttons on my blouse. Valentino watches, his eyes gleaming with a predatory intensity. My fingers move to the zipper of my skirt, but my hands are trembling so badly that I can’t get a grip on it.
“Move faster,” Valentino snaps, stepping closer.
I’m finally able to unzip my skirt and let it drop to the floor.
“All of it,” he commands.
I swallow hard, my mouth dry as I reach behind to unclasp my bra. It falls to the floor quickly, followed by my panties. I stand there, naked and vulnerable, forcing myself to keep my chin held high. I won’t give him the satisfaction of seeing me break.
Valentino’s eyes rake over me with a twisted satisfaction. “Bend over the bench.”
I hesitate for just a second before moving across the room. The spanking bench stands like an ominous figure, always there, a reminder of his control. I fold my body over the center, gripping the handles on the other side, my legs splayed on the rests. My heart races in my chest as I wait for him to unleash whatever cruelty he has in mind.
The first strike of the paddle takes my breath away, the sting sharp and searing. Tears well in my eyes, but I blink them back. He wants to see me cry, but I won’t give him that satisfaction. Another strike follows, then another, each blow harder than the last, each strike punctuated by his harsh breathing.
Finally, after what feels like an eternity, he stops. My body shakes uncontrollably, and my skin burns. Slowly, I push myself up from the bench, turning to face him. His eyes are cold, but there’s a glint of satisfaction in them—like he’s accomplished something.
“Remember this,” he says, voice low and threatening. “Next time you think about defying me.”
I don’t respond. I simply stare back at him, my silence a small act of defiance.
“I’m going out,” Valentino declares and turns, leaving the room. The door slamming shut behind him.
For a long moment, I stand there, my body throbbing with pain. Slowly, I gather my clothes, my mind racing. I can’t keep living like this. I can’t keep letting him control me, hurt me.
Somehow, I have to find a way to escape this hell I’m living.