THE STRICT BRITISH BARRISTER: ACT ONE by Maggie Carpenter Read Free Book Online Page B

needing his body to support her weight, and closing her eyes she inhaled his warm, spicy, masculine scent.
    “I think we have things to talk about tonight,” he purred, encircling her with his arms.
    Words failed her, but her need for his unique brand of attention swam in her head.
    Please don’t leave me, please don’t make me wait until tonight, please come inside with me.
    “Now I must get back. I have to contact my formatter and cover artist, let them know I’ve finished the first draft, and start my read through,” he said, breaking away.
    “I really am looking forward to hearing about it, the story I mean,” she said softly, hating to extricate herself from his bear hug but taking a step back.
    “As I said, if you’re a good girl,” he twinkled at her. “I’ll see you later.”
    She watched him for a moment as he strode down the hall, then slipped inside her door. Closing it behind her she leaned against its solid wood, seeking support for her quivering body.
    I’ve never been kissed like that in my life. He’s going to break my heart. I know I shouldn’t see him tonight but I have to, I absolutely have to.
     
    Meandering back to his stateroom, Duncan smiled his Cheshire Cat grin. He’d seen the look , the one that exposed her hunger, her craving, her need to be over his knee with her bottom bared and his hand slapping with gusto.
    It had made him instantly hard, even more than the exquisite feel of her breasts pressed against his chest, or her soft yielding energy as she had sunk into his arms.
    Entering his stateroom he found the breakfast dishes had been cleared, and the dining table was sporting a fresh basket of fruit. He paused, letting his eyes scan the room as he decided where he might warm her behind that night.
    The couch? Hmm, maybe bent over the table, that’s always a delight. I think I’ll just play this one by ear. Poor baby, you need to be spanked so badly. I really am looking forward to this. I think there’s be a true submissive living inside you just waiting to be freed.
    Dropping on to the sofa he placed a call to room service and ordered their dinner, adding a decadent chocolate dessert, imagining exactly how she would be devouring it.
    I can’t wait to spoon that delicious pudding between your lips as I thoroughly scorch your bottom.
    The unexpected events with Brittany had buoyed him, and he decided to take a jog around the ship’s track. As he changed into his shorts and a T-shirt he could feel the energy buzzing through him. The afternoon would be a long one, but anticipation was half the fun, and he knew the hours would be ticking by much more slowly for Brittany than for him.
     
    In her cabin Brittany was pacing. She had tried to relax on her deck chair but the wind had been blowing, forcing her back inside. Picking up Educating Emily she’d settled on the couch and searched out a few of her favorite passages, only to find they made her even more unsettled. She was consumed with thoughts of what was to come, but a nagging doubt had crept into her head, one that would not release its hold on her.
    Having plucked up the courage to see her fantasy become a reality, the worry that he might decide to simply have dinner and send her on her way had become almost impossible to bear.
    He didn’t come right out and say he’s going to spank me. I’m just assuming that. I can’t stand this, I have to be sure, I have to know he’s going to spank me. I can’t leave this to chance, I can’t. I have to do something, something that will make it happen, but what?
    There’s always your fantasy…! You could sneak into his cabin…! The maid will be here soon. You could walk past, just like in your dream, you could slip in, open his computer, take a gander at his new book.
    Ooh, that’s really bad.
    Yep, and he’ll bend you over his knee and wallop you for sure.
    But that’s really, really bad.
    It will make sure of the outcome.
    Yes, it would…but…heavens…
    Do it.
    I’m