Excerpt:
On the writing desk in Kai’s chamber lay a gift package. Wrapped in pale blue silk and tied with a midnight blue ribbon, it was clearly paddle-shaped. Paddles were a common joining gift in Senne. They were sold in shops along with binding ribbons and other ceremonial keepsakes. Gael knew that some couples treated them as a joke, leaving them in a drawer with pretty garters and other souvenirs. She’d seen some proudly displayed on mantelpieces beside family photos. But she never thought anyone would have the audacity to give her one. She didn’t often use her title and position to avoid unpleasantness, but she would have now if she could.
Kai handed it to her and the weight of it made her catch her breath. It was exactly what she feared. She read the small tag that hung from the midnight blue ribbon. To Princess Gael and Admiral Kai with every good wish for a happy union.
“You may open it,” he said, watching her intensely.
With an enormous effort she forced her demeanor to remain neutral, not wanting the dread surging through her to register on her face. “Who is it from?” she asked, grateful that her hands weren’t shaking as she undid the bow.
“You’ve seen the tag. You know as much as I do. My guess is that it must be from someone close to you, someone who knows how difficult it’s going to be for you to settle into a joined life for four years.” The corners of his mouth lifted in a knowing smile.
Gael stared at his resolute, unreadable face, wondering how she would manage for the duration of their mateship. Four years. That’s how long the vows would bind them. It might as well be forever.
When the silk fell away, she held a long-handled ochre-colored paddle. One side of the round head was decorated with Celtic knots. The other side had the words naughty girl carved into it backwards. She puzzled over it, tracing the letters with her index finger.
“It’s written in reverse so that when it’s properly used, at length and on the same spot, those words will be paddled into your backside.” Kai said coolly.
Gael shoved the package at him, trying to step away.
He caught her by the wrist and his huge hand engulfed hers. Once again, his muscular fingers imprisoned her wrist as effectively as an iron manacle. She was helpless against his superior strength. Worse still, the memory of how those powerful hands had lit her backside on fire and drenched her pussy weakened her at the knees.
“Don’t make your fate any worse that it is already,” he said, his voice soft.
Gael looked around the room, wide-eyed, as if an escape portal might magically appear.
Kai nodded at the paddle. “This is a fine gift. We must use it immediately for good luck.” He sat on the end of the bed, drawing her close to him.
Thank you for this incredible spotlight on the Lighthouse series. I hope everyone enjoys the free novellas.
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