Chapter 3 Punishment

Dinner ended with silence stretching between them like a taut thread. Damien paid the check without a glance at the server, his focus solely on Emma, who sat still in her seat, flushed and uncertain. Her wineglass trembled slightly when she set it down.

"I'll have the car take you home," he said.

She blinked, surprised. "You're not coming with me?"

A small, knowing smile curved at the corner of his lips. "Not yet. You're not ready for that."

Her cheeks burned. She wasn't sure whether it was shame or disappointment that hit harder.

"But you disobeyed me," he added quietly.

Her breath hitched. "I did?"

He leaned forward, eyes fixed on hers like a wolf scenting weakness. "You questioned me. Twice. And you hesitated when I gave you the command to wear the dress."

"I wore it."

"But you hesitated." He stood slowly, letting his height and quiet control push down on her. "And in my world, hesitation is disobedience."

Emma rose as well, barely reaching his chest, but she didn't back down. "So what happens now?"

He tilted his head slightly, gaze narrowing in challenge. "Now, you learn."

Back at Her Apartment

The driver dropped her off with instructions to wait inside. Ten minutes later, there was a knock at the door.

Damien stepped in without a word, locking it behind him.

She opened her mouth, but he raised one hand with a silent command. And she obeyed.

"Turn around."

Emma hesitated. Just long enough for him to step closer. "You're doing it again."

Heart pounding, she turned.

"I don't hurt," he said softly behind her, "but I do correct."

She could feel the heat of his breath at her neck. A single finger grazed her shoulder, then slowly traced the dip of her spine. Every nerve in her body came alive.

"I told you I wouldn't touch you until you were ready," he murmured. "But make no mistake, I will own every inch of your obedience."

His hand moved lower, fingers splaying at her hip. Not invasive just... possessive. Like a threat wrapped in silk.

"You feel that, Miss Hartley?"

She nodded, her voice barely a whisper. "Yes."

"That's power. And this " he tugged gently on the zipper of her dress, just an inch, "is restraint."

She gasped when he let go, the zipper sliding back into place untouched.

He stepped away. "You'll sleep alone tonight. But you'll remember how close I was."

Emma turned, breath ragged. "That's it?"

He smirked. "That's discipline."

And then he was gone.

The Next Morning

Emma arrived at the office with fire beneath her skin.

She had barely sat down before Lydia entered. "He wants you in his private suite."

Emma's heart dropped. "Why?"

Lydia shrugged. "He didn't say. But he's... not in a mood."

Emma climbed the glass stairwell to the top floor-his domain. The hallway was quieter than usual. The air becoming thicker.

When she entered, Damien stood at the window, phone in hand, his expression unreadable. He ended the call and turned.

"Did you enjoy your lesson?"

Emma wasn't sure how to respond. Her skin still hummed from his touch. Her mind hadn't stopped replaying the sound of his voice.

"I... I think I understand more now," she said quietly.

He crossed the room slowly. "Good. Because things will escalate from here."

Her breath stuttered.

"You want me to stop," he said, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face, "say it."

She didn't.

Not even when his thumb brushed the corner of her mouth in a gesture far too intimate for a workplace.

"You'll be expected to attend a charity gala this weekend," he said suddenly, switching gears. "As my date."

Her stomach flipped. "A... date?"

"It's just a word," he murmured. "But you'd better learn how to wear it."

He stepped back, already turning away. "Dismissed."

Emma left with her heart pounding harder than it had the night before.