40
Monday mornings were never my favorite, but after the eventful weekend I'd just had, the thought of walking into the office with Luca waiting for me sent a strange thrill through my chest. It was ridiculous how even the idea of him sitting behind that massive desk, barking orders and being all grumpy and broody, was attractive.
I couldn't stop replaying yesterday in my mind—the way he'd completely undone me in the kitchen. The things he'd said. The things he'd done. My cheeks burned just thinking about it, and I was fairly certain I'd never be able to look at that counter the same way again.
I stepped out of the elevator, trying to collect myself. But the second I entered the office and saw him, seated at his desk in a perfectly tailored black suit, his intense gaze flicking to mine the moment the door opened, I knew I was doomed.
"Good morning, Mr. Maroni," I said, my voice deliberately teasing.
His eyes darkened at the sound of my voice, his jaw clenching as he leaned back in his chair. "Good morning, Lenora," he replied, his tone low and laced with warning.
I smirked, deciding to push him a little. "Sleep well?"
His brow arched, and a dangerous smirk curved his lips. "You know exactly how I slept," he said, his gaze dropping briefly to my lips before returning to my eyes. "Though, I can't say the same for you. Judging by how you were tossing around last night, I imagine you're still recovering."
My face went hot, and I struggled to maintain my composure as I stepped away from his desk. "Someone's awfully confident this morning," I muttered under my breath.
"What was that?" he asked, his voice sharp.
"Nothing!" I replied quickly, biting back a laugh as I headed to my desk.
The day moved along as usual—meetings, emails, more meetings. Luca was in his element, commanding the room with his sharp intellect and no-nonsense attitude. It was impressive, really. I watched him, the way he managed everything so effortlessly, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride.
But, of course, nothing ever goes perfectly smooth in the business world.
Midway through the afternoon, a junior associate made the mistake of presenting incomplete figures during a financial report. I could see Luca's expression darken with every passing second as the poor man stuttered through his explanation.
"Do you mean to tell me," Luca said, his voice deadly calm, "that you walked into my office, unprepared, with incorrect data, and wasted my time?"
The room fell silent.
The poor guy looked like he wanted to disappear into the floor, and honestly, I couldn't blame him.
"Luca," I said softly, placing a hand on his arm. "It's okay. Mistakes happen. Let's give him a chance to fix it."
He turned to me, his expression softening slightly as he met my gaze. For a moment, I thought he might actually calm down, but then he turned back to the associate, his voice cold.
"You have one hour to get me the correct figures," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "And if you ever come to me unprepared again, you won't have a job. Do I make myself clear Mr.Lea?"
"Y-yes, Mr. Maroni," the man stammered before practically sprinting out of the room.
I sighed, giving Luca a pointed look. "You know, a little patience wouldn't kill you."
He smirked, leaning closer to me so only I could hear. "And you know, you shouldn't scold me in front of my staff, sweetheart. It's not good for morale."
I rolled my eyes, fighting back a smile as I returned to my desk.
As the day wound down, I was organizing files when Luca approached me, leaning against the edge of my desk.
"There's a business party tomorrow night," he said, his tone casual.
I looked up at him, raising a brow. "And?"
"And you're coming with me," he replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
"Am I?" I asked, crossing my arms.
"Yes," he said firmly, his gaze locking with mine. "It's a formal event, so wear something appropriate. And by appropriate, I mean something that stops every man in the room from staring at you."
I snorted, shaking my head. "You're unbelievable, you know that?"
"Good," he said, a smirk tugging at his lips.
I opened my mouth to respond, but before I could, he leaned down, his lips brushing against my ear.
"Be a good girl and do as I say, Lenora," he murmured, his voice low and teasing.
I froze, my breath hitching as a shiver ran down my spine. He straightened, giving me one last smirk before heading back to his office, leaving me sitting there, flustered and very aware of the fact that I was not going to get any work done for the rest of the day.
The morning of the party was spent wrapped in anticipation and mischief.
I knew exactly what I was doing when I scanned through the wardrobe and chose the dress—the kind of dress Luca had warned me against wearing.
It was daring, with a thigh-high slit and a neckline that dipped just enough to catch attention.
The deep cherry red silk hugged my curves perfectly, accentuating everything.
And it definitely wasn't the kind of dress I would want to wear normally, but today I was going to have some fun provoking Luca.
He'd lose his mind when he see's me in it.
I smirked to myself, slipping on a pair of delicate heels. I knew this was playing with fire, but I couldn't help myself. The idea of pushing Luca's buttons was thrilling in a way I couldn't explain.
You're going to regret this you stupid bloody idiot. My mind warned yet I chose to ignore.
By the time evening rolled around, it was time, the moment I stepped out his jaw clenched, and his eyes darkened.
He looked so hot.
"Lenora," he growled, his voice low and dangerous.
"Yes?" I asked innocently, smoothing the silk fabric over my thighs.
He didn't say anything for a long moment, just stared at me with that possessive, predatory gaze of his. Then, leaning in close, his breath hot against my ear, he whispered, "So fucking beautiful, but you're going to regret wearing that."
A shiver ran down my spine, but I kept my cool, looking at him with feigned nonchalance. "You said to dress appropriately for a business party," I teased, "and this is perfectly appropriate."
It wasn't completely true but I was going to be delusional.
His lips curled into a wicked smirk, but there was a dangerous edge to it. "We'll see," he said simply, pulling my hands leading me out towards his car where his driver waited.
The venue was extravagant, a large ballroom glittering with chandeliers and bustling with influential figures. Luca was, as always, the center of attention—powerful, commanding, and utterly captivating. But tonight, it seemed I was the one stealing glances and whispers.
I could feel the weight of countless eyes on me as we moved through the room, and I wasn't liking the attention, Luca's hand firm on my lower back. His possessiveness was palpable, and I could sense the tension radiating off him with every admiring look sent my way.
"Stay close to me," he murmured, his grip tightening slightly.
I gave him a slow smile. "Why? Afraid I'll wander off?"
Since when did you get the nerve to provoke him Lenora?
His jaw ticked. "I'm afraid I'll lose my patience if one more man looks at you like that," he said, his voice low and dangerous.
I was about to respond when a tall man approached us, introducing himself as a French client. He barely spared Luca a glance before turning his full attention to me.
"And who is this stunning woman?" he asked, his accent thick and his eyes lingering a little too long on me.
"My girl," Luca answered before I could, his tone icy making me instantly blush.
The man didn't seem to notice—or care—about Luca's warning tone. "Enchanté," he said, taking my hand and brushing his lips against my knuckles.
I felt Luca stiffen beside me. His hand moved from my back to my hip, pulling me closer to him in a blatant display of possession.
"That's enough," Luca said, his voice calm but filled with menace.
The man looked surprised but quickly excused himself, sensing he had pushed too far.
"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" Luca hissed, his lips brushing against my ear as he leaned down.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," I replied, feigning innocence as I gave him my puppy eyed look.
Though I did like seeing jealous Luca.
His eyes burned into me. "Just wait until we're alone, stellina. You'll see exactly what happens when you tease me."
I couldn't help but be excited.
The night dragged on with more flirtatious glances and unwanted attention from men who clearly didn't care that I was with Luca. By the time we left, his temper was barely contained.
The car ride back to his place was suffocatingly tense. He didn't say a word, his jaw tight and his grip on the steering wheel white-knuckled.
When we finally arrived, he wasted no time. As soon as the door closed behind us, he spun me around, his eyes blazing with a mix of fury and desire.
"You think this is a game?" he growled, backing me against the wall.
"Luca—"
"Don't," he interrupted, his voice rough. "You knew exactly what you were doing tonight, didn't you?"
I bit my lip, my heart racing. "Maybe."
His eyes darkened further, and before I could say anything else, he grabbed my wrist, pulling me toward the living room.
"Luca, what are you—"
"You're going to learn tonight, angel," he said, his tone dripping with authority.
He sat down on the edge of the sofa, pulling me over his lap in one swift motion.
"Luca!" I gasped, struggling slightly.
"Stop squirming," he ordered, lifting the hem of my dress. "You brought this on yourself."
My cheeks burned as his hand slid up my thighs, his touch firm and possessive as he ripped off my panties.
"Look at you," he murmured stroking my already wet pussy, his voice thick with lust. "You enjoy this, don't you? Being put in your place."
"Luca..." I whispered, my voice trembling.
"Quiet," he said, delivering a sharp smack to my ass.
I gasped, the sting sending a jolt of heat through me.
"Do you have any idea how hard it was for me tonight?" he continued, his hand kneading the tender skin. "Watching all those men look at you like you belonged to them when you're mine?"
"I—I'm sorry," I stammered, my breath hitching.
"No, you're not," he said, smirking. "But you will be."
His hand came down , hard, and I couldn't hold back the soft moan that escaped my lips.
"Your body tells me everything I need to know," he said, his fingers tracing the curve of my ass. "You love this, don't you? Being punished. Being reminded who you belong to."
"Yes," I admitted, my voice barely a whisper.
"Yes, what?" he prompted, his tone demanding.
"Yes, Daddy," I replied, my face burning.
He groaned, his hand sliding between my thighs again. "That's my good girl," he murmured, his fingers teasing my core.
"Do you know how perfect you are?" he continued, his voice softer now but no less intense. "How much I crave you? Every. Damn. Second."
I whimpered, my body trembling as he continued his ministrations.
"Say it," he demanded, his fingers slipping beneath the fabric.
"Say what?" I asked, my voice breathless.
"Say you're mine," he growled, his lips brushing against my ear.
"I'm yours," I whispered, my body arching against him.
"Damn right, you are," he said, his lips capturing mine in a searing kiss.
The burn of Luca's hand on my skin lingered long after each sharp smack, and I was trembling—partly from the heat pooling in my core, partly from the weight of his dominance that left me breathless.
His lips brushed my ear as he leaned down, his voice low, thick with authority and raw desire. "I'm not done with you yet, angel. Stand up."
My legs shook as I tried to push myself upright, but he didn't give me the chance. His strong hands gripped my waist, guiding me up with ease. He stood as well, his tall frame towering over me, his dark eyes fixed on me with an intensity that made my stomach flutter.
"Take off the dress," he commanded.
I froze, my hands hesitating on the straps of my gown.
"Now," he barked, his voice sharp enough to send a shiver down my spine.
With trembling fingers, I slipped the straps from my shoulders, letting the silk pool at my feet. I stood before him in nothing but my lace bra that did nothing to cover, feeling vulnerable and exposed under his piercing gaze.
"Take. everything. off." He gritted. I quickly unclasped my bra, letting it fall.
"Good girl," he murmured, his tone dark and approving. He stepped closer, his fingers trailing down my arm, making my skin tingle.
"I warned you, stellina," he said, his voice low and lethal. "You disobeyed me, and now you're going to take your punishment like the good little girl I know you can be."
I whimpered, my knees trembling as he gestured for me to turn around. My legs felt like jelly as I obeyed, my hands gripping the armrest of the sofa for support.
"Such a pretty sight," he murmured, running his fingers down my spine before stepping back. I heard the metallic clink of his belt as he pulled it free from his slacks, the sound sending a shiver down my spine.
Oh god.
His hand slid to the small of my back, pressing me forward until I was bent over the armrest of the sofa.
"Count for me," he commanded, his voice firm and unyielding.
I swallowed hard, my voice trembling as I whispered, "One."
The first strike landed across the curve of my ass, the sharp sting making me gasp. It was nothing like his hand—it was sharper, more deliberate, and it left a searing heat in its wake.
"Louder," he barked, his tone leaving no room for argument.
"One," I said again, my voice louder this time.
"Good girl," he praised, his voice a deep rumble that sent warmth pooling in my core.
The second strike followed, the leather kissing my skin with a fiery sting. "Two," I counted, my voice trembling as tears pricked at the corners of my eyes.
"Your body is trembling," he said, his voice low but filled with a wicked kind of pride. "But you love it, don't you, angel?"
"Yes," I admitted between gasps, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Yes, what?" he prompted, his hand sliding over the heated skin of my ass, soothing and teasing all at once.
"Yes, Daddy," I sobbed, the words tumbling out without hesitation.
He growled in approval, his fingers slipping between my legs to cup me. "You're dripping," he murmured, his tone dark with satisfaction. "You're such a good girl for me."
"Mhmm.."
He continued, each strike calculated and precise, alternating between the tender curves of my ass and the tops of my thighs. By the time we reached ten, my breathing was ragged, and my body felt like it was on fire.
"You're doing so well, angel," he murmured, his hand trailing over my reddened skin. "Taking your punishment so beautifully."
"Thank you, Daddy," I whispered, my voice cracking.
"That's right," he said, his voice dark with satisfaction. "You thank me because you know this is what you deserve, don't you?"
"Yes," I sobbed, the confession spilling out without hesitation.
"Yes, what?"
"Yes, Daddy," I cried, my body trembling under his control.
He groaned, the sound filled with primal satisfaction. "You're mine, Lenora. Every inch of you belongs to me."
By the time we reached twenty, my legs were shaking, and tears streamed down my face, but I couldn't deny the heat pooling between my thighs. The line between pain and pleasure blurred, and I was completely at his mercy.
He paused for a moment, his hand gently stroking the reddened skin. "You're doing so well, angel. So fucking perfect."
His praise sent a wave of warmth through me, and I couldn't stop the sob that escaped my lips.
"Do you want me to stop?" he asked, his voice softer now but still filled with authority.
"No Daddy," I replied quickly, shaking my head, my voice cracking with emotion.
"That's my good girl," he said, his hand sliding up my back, grounding me. "Keep going. You're almost there."
By the time I reached fifty, my body was trembling, and tears streamed non-stop down my face. But it wasn't just the pain—it was the release, the catharsis of letting go completely, of surrendering to him.
He paused at sixty, his hands gently pulling me upright and into his arms. His lips pressed against my temple as he whispered soothing words, his touch gentle and comforting.
"You're so beautiful," he murmured, his fingers brushing away my tears. "So perfect for me."
"Luca..." I whispered, my voice hoarse.
"I know," he said, holding me tighter. "I know, angel."
Finally, he stopped, the belt dropping to the floor with a soft thud. His hands were on me in an instant, gently pulling me upright and into his chest. His arms wrapped around me tightly, grounding me as I sobbed against him.
"You're okay, angel," he whispered, his voice softer now, filled with care. "I've got you. Daddy's got you."
He carried me to the bedroom, laying me down on the bed as if I were made of glass. His hands were gentle as he ran them over my skin, soothing the reddened marks with a cooling balm he retrieved from the nightstand.
"You were so good for me," he murmured as he kept on massaging my ass with the cooling balm, his lips brushing against my temple. "So perfect."
I sniffled, my voice shaky as I whispered, "I'm sorry."
"Shh," he said, pressing a finger to my lips. "You have nothing to be sorry for, angel. I love you just the way you are."
His words broke something inside me, and I clung to him, my tears soaking his shirt as he held me close.
He pressed soft kisses to my hair, murmuring sweet nothings as he cradled me against his chest. "I'll always take care of you, Lenora. Always."
I felt safe in his arms, the pain and pleasure fading into a haze of warmth and comfort. For the first time in a long time, I allowed myself to believe him—to trust that he would protect me, no matter what.