She scrunched her eyes tightly shut, shielding them from the late afternoon sun. “You bet. I’ve got a thousand little men with hammers inside my head trying to get out.”
“Well, if you insist on drinking alone in seedy bars, you’ve only got yourself to blame. I can’t believe you managed to get yourself in such a state.”
He watched her becoming defensive. “I can’t help it, Max. I felt hurt. I wanted to escape for a while, and alcohol seemed the answer.”
Max opened the front door and led her through. “Go and take a shower. It’ll help you sober up fully.”
“I’m sure you’re right.” She held out her hands to take the bags he was carrying. “I’ll take those.”
“No, I’ll bring them along in a moment.”
She nodded, and began walking from the entrance hall, toward her bedroom, then abruptly stopped and turned. “I know I’ve upset you, but I just felt sure you knew about Kirk’s affair. I’m sorry if I misjudged you.”
“At least you’ve come to your senses now.” He realized she’d been hurt and had lashed out because she thought he’d taken advantage.
“Max? What are you going to do?”
“Do?”
“You said you would punish me.”
“I am. I am also not going to tell you what it will be. This is your first lesson, Ella, and as such, a harsh one to learn. It is what it is. Now go and take your shower.” Max kept his voice even and strong.
“Okay,” she answered meekly. He guessed she was getting worried now. Well, that was the whole point. At least it would focus her mind on something other than self-destruction.
Chapter Twelve
When Ella had finished showering and dried herself, she went to her bedroom to put on some clean clothes. Her freshly packed bags were nowhere to be seen. She returned to the bathroom, noticing that even her dirty clothes were missing. Perhaps Max was still angry with her, and he’d decided against bringing them to her bedroom. If that were the case then she’d have to collect them from the entrance hall herself.
After wrapping the damp towel around her body, she hurried down the corridor to the entrance vestibule. It was a pleasant, tranquil space, with a small fountain in the center, and relaxing views over the inner courtyard. She could just make out Max sitting by the pool. His chest was bare, and his hair appeared damp from a recent shower. He certainly looked magnificent and all-powerful in the greenery and shrubbery of the inner sanctum.
When she realized her bags were nowhere to be seen, she decided it might be best to return to her room and keep a low profile. She’d already caused enough problems today, without adding any more. Perhaps, it would be best to keep out of Max’s way. Maybe then he would forget about her punishment entirely. The old adage, out of sight out of mind, entered her head. The anticipation was winding up inside her like a tight elastic band. Any minute now and it would spin out of control.
Ella took a deep breath and returned to her bedroom. She carefully closed the door to the corridor behind her, trying not to make a sound. She was surprised to find the glass door to the courtyard wide open, and Max standing there. Her stomach knotted in anticipation, and she gasped, holding a hand to her mouth. “Max, you startled me.”
His bright, silver-gray eyes held hers. “I saw you in the entrance hall. Why didn’t you come outside?”
“I haven’t any clothes to put on. What have you done with them?”
“You don’t need any clothes. Perhaps you didn’t join me because you are worried about the punishment you have yet to receive?”
Ella opened her mouth to speak, but Max raised an index finger before she had a chance. “Remember, we should have no secrets from one another. Have no doubt that I will know if you lie.”
“I wanted to keep a low profile, Max. I was hoping you’d forget about the discipline.”
He smiled and moved closer. When he was within reach he stretched out his hand and untied her towel, letting it drop to the floor. “Good girl, telling the truth will always make me act more favorably toward you. Now I want to see what belongs to me.” Ella felt glad she’d shaved her p*ssy
. His gaze devoured her naked body, and then he stared right at her. “The Master is pleased with how you present yourself. You will always be mine.”
“Yes,” she whispered. Her whole being felt out of control and aroused. The way Max looked at her sent delicious shock waves coursing through her body. She wanted him to take control. She wanted to feel every part of his soul directed at her.