Knight's Legacy by Trenae Sumter Page A

their anger and live by a harsh code of justice. If any one of these men would have put others in danger, I would have had them flogged. You are my wife, but the daughter of an enemy. I cannot ignore what you have done without jeopardizing their loyalty. I told you I would never hurt you, but I did not foresee your putting me in this position. You have given me no choice.”
    â€œLet me understand you. If I let you beat me with that strap, the men of your army will feel I paid my debt and hold no ill will toward me?” She was incredulous.
    â€œYes. It is not just that you endangered their lives, but your own. What possessed you to raise your sword to the Laird?” he demanded.
    â€œThey came out of the trees! I was protecting Kenneth!”
    â€œThey threatened the boy?”
    â€œWell, no … not exactly.”
    â€œWill you swear to me never again will you use a weapon in such a manner?”
    She sighed and shook her head, refusing to give him the answer he longed to hear. Roderic’s eyes narrowed when he spoke.
    â€œYou give me no choice. You must be punished.” He picked her up by the waist and strode to the bed. His little wife was remarkably strong as she fought him. Bending her over one knee, he pinned her flailing legs down with one of his own.
    â€œIt will help in this ruse if you manage to scream at the proper time.” He spoke in a sly tone as if conspiring. Holding her at the waist, he raised the strap again and again to hit the side of the bed. Brianna squirmed to look up at him when she realized what he was doing.
    â€œRuse?” she demanded in a startled whisper.
    He was not hitting her at all! At once she understood. Her green eyes were full of mirth and laughter when he continued to slap the belt with a loud pop. She cried out, but it was hard to keep from laughing when he winked at her. Turning her over as if he were really spanking her, she did her best to let out an outraged scream with each of his strokes, and he kept it up a good while. She drummed her fingers on the bed and put her face down to muffle her occasional giggles. After thirty strokes, Roderic threw down the strap.
    She turned over to face him, her head propped, resting on her elbow. Extremely provocative, she looked up at him, her green eyes warm and sensual.
    â€œWhy, Sir Roderic … as a brutal husband, you fail miserably.”
    He pulled her close and cupped her cheek. “Do you think I
want
to hurt you?”
    She licked her lips and stared at his mouth. “No, you are too gentle. Kiss me, Roderic.”
    â€œDon’t mistake me, Brianna. My wish to keep a promise to you so early in our marriage does not mean that you will dictate to me in any way. Endanger yourself or my men again …”
    He brought his hand down to land a stinging slap to her backside. She gasped and rubbed her bottom.
    â€œAnd you will feel enough pain to make it memorable!”
    â€œI’m sorry I displeased you. Forgive me,” she pleaded. She put her arms around his neck, stroking his hair when his mouth came down to hers. Their passion exploded with the first touch. Her hands caressed him while he pleasured her mouth.
    Roderic all but tore her clothes from her. Her hair made a glorious veil over the pink tips of her breast when she took it from the braid and shook her head. He pulled the silky chanise from her, and held her waist in the span of his hands. Shifting, he brought her up to straddle him. His gaze quickly found hers, hoping he wasn’t handling her too roughly.
    Eyes glittering with excitement, she was as aroused as he. Placing her hands on his shoulders, she took a deep breath, thrusting her soft breasts to him. He sucked her nipple into his mouth and stroked the soft skin of her legs and hips.
    â€œRoderic, it feels so … wonderful.” Cat whimpered as he gave both her breasts the attention they craved. He reached down and slipped a finger inside her, his thumb