Mountain Devil

Mountain Devil Sue Lyndon

Copyright Warning EBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared, or given away. The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is a crime punishable by law. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded to or downloaded from file sharing sites, or distributed in any other way via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the publisher’s permission. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000 (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/). This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are fictitious or have been used fictitiously, and are not to be construed as real in any way. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales, or organizations is entirely coincidental. Published By: Etopia Press P.O. Box 66 Medford, OR 97501 http://www.etopia-press.net Mountain Devil Copyright © 2012 by Sue Lyndon ISBN: 978-1-937976-02-6 Edited by Jennifer Fitzpatrick Cover by Mina Carter All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. First Etopia Press electronic publication: January 2012

Chapter One Raw pain coursed through Ella Emerson’s chest and emptied into the twisted knot that was her stomach. She had been so stupid. She was in over her head. Agreeing to marry Brandon Andrews was probably the worst mistake of Ella’s life thus far. She lay awake in her bed and stared solemnly at the wedding dress hung on the closet door. In twelve hours, she would officially become Mrs. Ella Andrews. The thought of her own wedding brought fresh tears to her eyes. Stubbornly, she wiped the salty moisture away, determined to enjoy the last few hours before repeating marriage vows in front of three hundred wedding guests. Heat lightning flashed outside, and Ella sat up to witness the wondrous display of light against the Catoctin Mountains. Her mind traveled back two weeks, to her solo hiking trip on those mountains. She’d explored every trail, some of them twice, until her legs had ached and burned. Brandon had scoffed when she’d invited him along. “Hiking is for tree huggers,” he’d said. No, she’d thought, hiking is for me. This is how I’ll escape you for a whole day. The lightning flashed again, casting a brief wave of white over Ella’s closet—and the damned wedding

dress that was too heavy to wear in this ungodly August heat. She’d picked the first design she’d liked back in January, without giving too much thought to anything else. But the wedding dress was the least of her problems right now. Brandon Andrews was a pig. There was hardly a pretty girl left in Catoctin that hadn’t caught his eye, and he acted like he was above everyone, including Ella. But he was generally well liked because at the age of ten, he’d saved a small child from choking. Back then, it was all the local news talked about for a good week. Ella figured it was probably the only good deed of Brandon’s life. Even before that episode, Ella’s and Brandon’s parents had conspired to get them together. Although Ella considered herself a strong person, she’d crumbled under pressure to allow Brandon to court her and accept his marriage proposal. Sure, he was attractive and successful, but Ella loathed him with her entire being, especially after his public marriage proposal. At her college graduation party in May, Brandon had proposed on bended knee in front of two hundred guests. Ella had hesitated for only a moment, as the burn of all those eager eyes scorched her own desires away, before accepting with a quiet yes. Since Brandon’s older sister was a wedding planner and Ella had finished school, a quick marriage at the end of summer only seemed natural. Three hundred guests would gather on the huge lawn

behind the Andrews’ house at 3:00 p.m. to witness the long-anticipated union. Again and again the lightning flashed. The mountains lit up. The wedding dress lit up. Again and again until Ella’s head spun with fatigue and dread, so much dread. How foolish I’ve been, she thought. She’d led Brandon on and on until there was no refusing his proposal. Her lips had said yes even though her mind screamed no. For a fleeting moment, she wondered if she deserved this fate. Yes, she’d dug her own grave, so perhaps she should stop lingering in doubt and jump right in. Another silent flash of white jarred her out of selfpity. Reason kicked in and her mind screamed NO with as much determination as she should have two months ago after Brandon’s proposal. No, I will not become Mrs. Ella Andrews! Maybe the heat lightning was fated to coincide with the eve of her wedding, because the constant flashes against the mountains caused an idea to blossom. The mountains themselves called her name. She couldn’t escape via her car, not when the keys were downstairs hanging above the creaking floor. But she could pack up her hiking gear and hop out a window. She could spend a few days alone where no one would think to look. When all the out-of-town guests departed and Brandon was too humiliated to consider marrying her still, she could wander home. The lightning flashed again. There were stabs of guilt from all directions, twisting harshly into Ella’s

heart. Her parents would worry…no one deserved to be stood up at the altar…dozens and dozens of guests had been flown in from across the country…and… Before those stabs of guilt pierced deeply enough to change her mind, Ella gathered her hiking gear and dressed. Before second thoughts overpowered her rashness, Ella scaled down the roof and jumped onto the soft lawn from a garage windowsill, quiet as the stillness of night. Before she’d thought of leaving a note, Ella was a mile through the woods on her personal path that led toward the welcome center of the Catoctin Mountains where a handful of hiking trails branched away. Up and down the hills she went until she reached the bridge, tiny flashlight in hand. A snake slithered into the bushes, shimmering in the beam of her flashlight, and Ella shuddered. But her pace didn’t falter, even as a wild screech overpowered the shrilling pulse of locusts and chirping crickets. Some locals claimed bobcats and bears roamed the mountain, though Ella had never seen one herself. Don’t be scared, she told herself. There were granola bars and two bottles of water in her pack. Enough to survive on for a little while, not to mention about a hundred dollars cash if she ventured near civilization. She wouldn’t dare use her debit or credit cards though, not while she wished to remain unfound. And as paranoid as she was about being tracked, she’d left her cell phone behind. At the edge of the path before the bridge, Ella rested against a large tree, planning to huddle against it until sunrise. Despite her gallant effort to remain

conscious, her heavy eyelids closed as she drifted off farther and farther, feeling a strange mix of worry, happiness, and foolishness as sleep flooded her senses.

*** Ed Peters wasn’t happy. For three days, escaped convict Chuck Dearing had given him the runaround over the mountains. Dearing’s reward had been increased to $25,000 for information leading to his capture. But a bounty hunter like Ed Peters always brought convicts in himself. There was no satisfaction in collecting a reward not fully earned. Ed planned to earn those five figures fair and square. His pack was heavy with a small tent, nonperishable foods, and enough water to carry him through another two days on the mountain. Chuck Dearing wasn’t prepared for such a long stay in the wilderness. No, Chuck would soon grow desperate. And desperate men were the easiest to catch—and the most dangerous. Ed could handle danger though. The forest swelled with the melodies of singing birds, and Ed couldn’t hear any man nearby, but the escaped convict wasn’t far ahead. Size ten footprints were sealed along the hiking trail and led down toward civilization. Toward the winding road and the welcome center. Chuck Dearing was hungry and

thirsty after being tracked for two days around the mountain. The convict was heading toward people, and with nothing to lose but freedom, the murderer wouldn’t hesitate to take another life for something as simple as a hiker’s lunch. Moisture hugged the bottom of Ed’s boots as he wound through the underbrush. The rising sun cast streams of warm light between the tall trees. Already, Ed knew the day would be hot and humid. But at least there’s no fog this morning, he thought as he hopped over a rock. His spirits rose as he discovered a fresh footprint below, another size ten. Today would be the day he caught Chuck Dearing. Along with $25,000. Not a bad payday for a retired cop. Although Ed was retired, he didn’t consider himself old. Not usually. He’d spent twenty years to the day in the force, and had retired at forty-one. Now he was forty-three, and with his pension and side business catching wanted criminals, he made a very good living. Ed had been tracking Chuck Dearing, who was last spotted trying to hitchhike two miles away from the Catoctin Mountain Welcome Center, for the last two days. And, truth be told, lurking through the forest on the tail of a criminal wasn’t so bad. It beat the usual places he ended up: dark alleys, seedy bars, houses of ill repute, or neighborhoods crawling with drug dealers and thieves. Out of breath, Ed stopped for a swig from his bottle. The water was cool going down, and he took a

long swipe at his mouth afterward. Just as he fixed the bottle on the pack, a scream pierced through the forest noise. A woman’s scream—dead ahead on a lower hiking trail. Adrenaline kicked in, and Ed bolted down the mountain, jumping over fallen trees and peeling through the underbrush. Someone was in trouble, though he suspected it was only a hiker. Probably a snakebite or a twisted ankle. But the screaming only intensified, and what Ed saw when he cleared the hill caused him to run faster. “Hey, Dearing, you son of bitch!” he shouted. “Leave the woman alone!” On the trail below, the criminal worth $25,000 was trying to rip a backpack off a woman. The woman fell facedown in the dirt, clutching the straps of her backpack while trying to crawl forward. Ed didn’t understand why she couldn’t just surrender the backpack. All Chuck probably wanted was food and water. When Dearing realized Ed was closing in, he favored an animal frozen in headlights for one moment before bolting through the woods and toward the god-awful winding road that cut through this part of the mountain. Ed stopped over the woman, and she looked up with terrified eyes. “Are you all right?” he asked, kneeling down, but keeping one eye on Dearing. She coughed and touched her throat. Ed suspected the bastard had tried chocking her. “I—I’m alive,” she said hoarsely but made no move to stand.

A surge of anger shot through Ed as he looked at her little backpack. Not giving the backpack up was foolish, damn foolish. If he hadn’t come along just now… “I’ll be back soon. Stay here,” Ed ordered, shrugging off his own backpack to race downhill through the woods. Dearing was still within visual range, and Ed was a fast runner. He was close…so close. His target jumped over fallen trees and rocks swiftly, but Ed quickly gained ground. The welcome center neared, and Ed hoped Dearing wouldn’t bother anyone else. That poor girl along the path was probably scared out her mind. But the parking lot was closer than Ed had realized, and Dearing sprinted across it right into a trap. Police cruisers sped through the lot, surrounding the criminal from all sides. Chuck Dearing went down without a fight, hands held high as he peacefully gave himself up. Twenty-five thousand dollars had just slipped through Ed Peters’s fingers. Swallowing his bitterness, Ed retraced his steps uphill, toward the poor girl and his abandoned pack. But when Ed reached the path, the girl was missing, along with his food and water supply. The ex-cop couldn’t help but smile at the irony of the situation. He’d stopped long enough to make sure the girl was OK, allowing Chuck Dearing a head start, only to be robbed by the girl he’d saved.

Ed’s smile faded as he considered the situation further. No ordinary hiker would steal food and water. No, this girl must’ve needed it badly. But why? As he followed the girl’s obvious trail up the mountain, Ed called his ex-partner’s son. The kid had a knack for being able to locate sensitive information in a crunch. Ed paid a fair price for his services. “Hello, Randy?” Ed kept his eyes trained on the forest as he spoke. “Boss! What’s up? Catch that Dearing guy yet?” Randy sounded as chipper as ever. “No…someone else got to him first,” Ed admitted, feeling the bitterness creep back. “Listen, Randy, I need some information. Send me everything you can find about any recent missing women in the area. Ages eighteen to twenty-five. Wanted criminals, runaways, missing persons, anything.” “No problem, boss! I’m on it!” the chipper voice replied. Ed hung up and followed the girl’s path through the waking forest. Instantly, he could tell her footprints were size seven. She couldn’t have gotten too far ahead on those little feet of hers. To his shock, the footprints continued along the hiking trail. Apparently, she didn’t know well enough to escape into the trees. It wasn’t long before Ed’s cell phone buzzed. Randy was one fast kid. The first information was a missing nineteen year old from Frostburg, but with blond hair. Definitely not the right girl. The second set of information was a twenty-four year old redhead

wanted for questioning in a bank robbery. Nope, still not the right girl. But the third set of information on Ed’s cell phone screen was a scanning of a flyer. A pretty brown-eyed brunette with freckles named Ella Emerson, along with the words “Missing: $10,000 reward for information.” Ed’s heart almost stopped. The girl who’d cost him $25,000 and stolen from his backpack was missing, probably a runaway—and there was a $10,000 reward for information leading to Ella Emerson’s whereabouts. Jackpot. Ed quickened his pace along the path, determined to catch this troublesome brunette and earn some of his money back in the process.

*** Ella Emerson raced along the rocky hiking trail and hoped no one was following. Her throat ached from the brutality of the first man, and the horrible memory drove her legs faster. Though the second man had saved her, she was smart enough not to stick around. It was 9:30 a.m. and she had no desire to be caught by anyone. At least not until after 3:00 p.m.— long after 3:00 p.m. No way was she going to become Mrs. Ella Andrews. No way in hell.

She ran until her side ached and her mouth tasted like pennies. A glance over her shoulder proved she was alone in the forest, save for the squirrels and noisy birds. In desperate need of a break, she hopped off the trail behind a wide tree and caught her breath. She crouched down with a bottle of stolen water. Not once in her life had she stolen anything from anyone. But she’d consumed her last bottle of water and couldn’t help but notice the second man’s discarded backpack. Impulsively, Ella had ransacked it for food and water, and took off up the path…as far away as possible. For the thousandth time this morning, she chided herself for falling asleep against the tree. Her intention of getting an early start up the mountain was ruined. Not only that, but she’d almost gotten killed by some crazy man who’d demanded her backpack. Before today, she’d always imagined she’d hand over her wallet or anything else a thief demanded. But today wasn’t just any day. Today she was hiding from her family and friends—and horrible fiancé. That backpack was necessary to survive another day or two on the mountain. Ella chugged half of the water in the bottle and leaned against the tree. The burning in her throat had lessened, but she was still shaken. In fact, she realized, she was shaking, physically shaking. The hands holding the water bottle were unsteady, and tremors riddled her arms and legs. She felt exhausted and weak, as if she were made of jelly.

It was then that Ella burst into tears. She sobbed into her hands as worrisome thoughts raced through her mind. By now, her parents and family would know she was missing. A pang of regret clutched her heart at the thought of her family, and even Brandon. She should’ve left a note. Why hadn’t she left a note? The heat lightning had been mesmerizing last night. Hell, it had been downright hypnotic, like a catalyst to her rash action. Running away was the boldest thing she’d ever done. One main thought had propelled her out the window: Brandon Andrews was not the right man for her. Sure, they’d grown up together. But only because their parents forced them to be playmates. Even as a child, Brandon had been a jerk, the subtle playground bully, the popular kid who made up nicknames for everyone. And once, when Ella was eight, he’d set her hair on fire and claimed he’d caught her playing with matches. Yes, she thought, Brandon Andrews is a pig. As Ella convinced herself that everything would be OK—eventually—she rose up and peered around the wide tree. At the top of the path there was a huge rock overlooking a valley. She could spend hours sitting there, far away from the welcome center and most other hikers. But just as Ella reached for her backpack, a firm hand clamped over her mouth. Instantly, she was pressed firmly against the tree by a large, muscular body.

A man—the second man, she realized—glared down at her with icy blue eyes. Her stomach flipped. She tried to squirm and kick, it was useless. His body was pressed so firmly against hers that she could smell him and feel his warm breath fanning against her cheeks. “Ella Emerson,” the man said, his voice like a winter chill. “I’m going to remove my hand from your mouth now. If you scream, you’ll be sorry. Do you understand?” She nodded, terrified and certain she was about to die. But this man knew her name so maybe… Though the stranger uncovered her mouth, his body didn’t move away from hers. Breathing under the pressure of his hold was a challenge. “My name is Ed Peters. I’m a bounty hunter. The man who attacked you was a wanted criminal with a $25,000 bounty on his head. Thanks to you, he ran right into the hands of the police.” “But—” “Quiet,” he snapped, and his eyes hardened. “Turns out I didn’t lose as much money as I thought I did because there’s a reward on your head as well. Not exactly $25,000, but enough to make it worth my while.” Ella’s guts turned to water. A reward on her head! Not only did her family know she was missing, but they’d gone public already. “Please,” she begged. “Please let me go.” There were plenty of hours left before 3:00 p.m. If Ed returned her now, she’d have to marry Brandon.

“Not a chance,” the man said. And with that, he pulled her onto the trail, holding her backpack in his free hand. “I can carry my own backpack,” she sneered. “It’s a three mile hike down to the parking lot. It’ll just slow you down. Besides, it’s heavy with all the items you stole from me.” Enraged and panicked, Ella had no choice but to continue. Ed’s grip on her arm was painful, and he kept urging her to move faster. “Please…Ed…you must listen to me.” “You have three miles,” he said. Ella glanced at him and cringed. He was so tall compared to her. And dreadfully muscular. There was no way she could overpower him physically, so she opted to negotiate. “My name is Ella Emerson,” she said, and immediately felt stupid. He already knew her name. “I’m supposed to get married at 3:00 p.m. today, but I don’t want to marry Brandon Andrews. He’s a big jerk. I can’t stand him. But the wedding plans got out of control…” Ed stopped and glowered over her. “How old are you?” “Twenty-one, sir,” she replied, and then wondered where the sir came from. For a moment, his eyes softened and Ella felt hopeful. “That’s awfully young to be getting married,” he replied. “But you’re a missing person with a reward on your head, and I intend to return you to your family and collect that money.”

When Ed turned to continue, Ella managed to kick his shin and wrench away. With no sense of direction, she zipped through the forest, her heart pounding in her ears. Less than an hour ago, a criminal had been chocking her and trying to steal her backpack. Now she was being chased by a bounty hunter. There was no way her day could get any worse…unless she had to marry Brandon Andrews. Just when Ella thought she was in the clear, Ed snatched her from behind a tree. Somehow, the man had managed to outrun her and hide. Startled, she summoned her remaining strength for the struggle, angry that his hand was again covering her mouth. “Stop fighting me!” Ed hissed into her ear, pressing her against the ground. Ella struggled to scream, but his hold was firm. She was belly down in the forest, with Ed straddling over her, preventing her escape. “Hold still right now,” he said into her ear, “or I’m going to have to teach you a lesson.” Although she was outraged, Ella paused. Truthfully, she wasn’t sure what teach you a lesson meant, but it sent a shiver down her spine. “Good girl,” he said, whispering gently into her ear. “Now, the next time you give me any trouble, you’ll be going over my knee for a sound spanking.” Ella wanted to scream, but logic kept her silent. This man—Ed Peters—was the devil. He had no right to touch her, no right to teach her a lesson. It was outrageous, but it was so outrageous that she believed it.

When Ed lifted her up, the harsh expression covering his face left her shuddering. He was large and handsome, and completely intimidating. A sudden breeze tangled with the short locks of his dark brown hair. But his gold-flecked blue eyes remained unmoving and angry as he glared down at her. “Please, Mr. Peters,” she said, as respectfully as possible. “Please listen to me for a moment before we continue.” A curious shadow crossed his face, and his hard eyes relaxed gradually. “All right, little lady. Go ahead. Say what you have to say.” “Wait and turn me in tomorrow. I don’t want to get married today, please understand…have a heart!” Ella lowered her head, anxiously awaiting his reply. It was unnerving to be at the mercy of a total stranger, especially one as handsome and rough as Ed Peters. “And just what am I supposed to do with you for a whole day?” he asked, clearly not amused by her suggestion. A brilliant thought crossed Ella’s mind, as sudden as a flash of heat lightning. “My parents are rich,” she said. “If you wait a few days to turn me in, the reward will only increase.” It was the truth. Both her parents and Brandon’s parents had more money than they could spend. The reward would increase and increase. A light crossed the bounty hunter’s face. Obviously, he understood and was weighing his options. Thousands of butterflies fluttered in Ella’s stomach as she waited.

“I’m parked on the other side of the bridge, near the welcome center lot. We will walk, normally, toward my car. You will get inside without fighting me. If you can manage to behave long enough for that, I will consider your offer.” Ed released Ella and stepped back, just daring her to run. “It’s a deal,” Ella said, reaching a hand toward Ed. When he reluctantly shook her hand, she added, “You won’t be sorry, Mr. Peters. The reward will increase.” “Just remember, Ms. Emerson, if you try to escape, I will teach you that lesson we talked about.” His eyes smoldered, and he seemed larger and more intimidating than before. Ella shivered but managed to nod. She would keep her end of the deal, for now. Even as other hikers passed them on the trail, Ella kept her cool and walked ahead of Ed. But to her surprise, when they reached his SUV, Ed shoved her into the back— behind the same wire caging she’d seen in police cars. “The back doors won’t open from the inside,” he said as he settled into the driver’s seat. “Buckle up, Ms. Emerson.” “You can call me Ella,” she said. “Fine. Buckle up, Ella.” His voice was sarcastic. But then with more seriousness, he added, “And you can call me sir.” An unexpected wave of arousal coursed through Ella’s center. Ed Peters was the most intimidating, most intriguing, and most handsome man she’d ever met. Though she wished to be miles away from him,

another part of her ached to be closer. No man had ever threatened to spank her before, and something about that excited her more than she cared to admit. Ed’s hand moved to the ignition, but stopped midair. Ella watched as he moved around the car to open her door. Her pulse raced violently as he moved closer. The air was electric. “I understand we can both benefit from this deal,” he said. “So I’ll keep you at my house for a few days to see if the reward increases, just like you wanted.” Ella’s eyes became glossy. “Thank you…sir.” Shyly, she looked at her knees, but it was impossible to ignore the large man beside her. His scent was a combination of musk and leather, more manly than Brandon could ever be. Another pang of heat shot between her thighs. When Ed produced a pair of handcuffs she thought she would die. “Just in case you decide to back out of the deal. I’ll return you to your family at your request, but I won’t allow you to escape me. I don’t take kindly to being cheated,” he said, pushing her forward to lock her wrists into the cuffs behind her back. “But…” “Quiet,” he snapped, and from nowhere he produced a strip of black fabric—a blindfold! “I don’t want you to have any idea where I live. That way, it’ll be near impossible to escape.” Ella nodded meekly as Ed adjusted the blindfold. The SUV’s windows were so darkly tinted that she knew no one would see her from the outside. Once he

checked her seatbelt, he leaned closer, and his hot breath pulsed against her neck. Her heart had never pounded so fast. “I don’t like having houseguests,” he said. “I have rules, and I expect to be obeyed. You will listen to me at all times. If you misbehave or attempt another escape, your bottom will pay the price.”

Chapter Two Ella wasn’t sure whether Ed Peters lived hours away from the Catoctin Mountains, or if he was simply driving in circles to confuse her. It seemed as if he’d been driving forever. Her wrists ached, and she was generally uncomfortable in the backseat. Just when the urge to scream overpowered her, the car rolled to a stop and the engine cut off. Without a word, Ed exited the car, slamming the door behind him. She straightened and waited nervously, wondering just what she’d gotten herself into. After all, she’d allowed this man—this bounty hunter—to put handcuffs and a blindfold on her before driving her to his home. When the door finally opened, Ella almost screamed. Almost. Ed slid close enough to unlatch the seatbelt and pull her out of the SUV. The feel of his hands on her was dangerously enjoyable. She struggled to breath and tried to ignore the traitorous longing between her thighs. He was the enemy…the devil! “Um, Ed?” she found herself asking. “Why won’t you take the cuffs and blindfold off?” Her feet crunched over gravel. His grip tightened as he marched her forward. “I thought I told you to call me sir.”

Something about the way he spoke terrified and aroused Ella at the same time. She’d never met a man so in control, so terribly certain of himself. What have I gotten myself into? Only once Ella was inside, the deadbolt locked and the alarm set, Ed removed her cuffs and blindfold. Her gaze darted around. The house was huge, but her gaze immediately wandered outside the windows. Trees swallowed the land as far as the eye could see, though her efforts to be nonchalant about looking outside were a failure. “There’s not another house for five miles in all directions,” he said, moving into the spacious kitchen. Ella followed, her heart beating louder with each step. “I’m not going to run off, if that’s what you’re thinking.” Although she was lying. What if the reward shot up to $25,000 overnight? She had no intention of returning to her family and Brandon that soon. Not when so many out-of-state guests were still in town. Ed shot her a scorching look, but didn’t reply. He moved about the kitchen with purpose, pulling items out of the fridge and cabinets. Ella lingered in the hallway, and realized she’d never felt more out of place in her life. She was supposed to stay here with Ed for a few days? Just the thought of being his houseguest for so long caused her stomach to flutter. “Sit,” Ed commanded, gesturing toward a breakfast nook between the kitchen and the dining room. Ella obeyed, and watched as he carried two plates forward. He placed them on the table. It wasn’t

anything fancy—turkey and cheese sandwiches and an apple—but she was starving. Those granola bars weren’t very filling, and the drive to Ed’s secretive house had lasted hours. “Thank you,” Ella said as Ed returned with two glasses of juice. He sat across from her with an unreadable expression. They ate in silence, and Ella fought tears throughout the whole meal. She was shy by nature. Ed was a stranger and she was completely in his hands in an unfamiliar environment. What have I gotten myself into? she wondered again.

*** Ed Peters checked on Ella occasionally from her place at the window. Each time he entered the room, she glanced at him with obvious fear before returning her gaze to the trees. It wasn’t his style to intentionally intimidate a woman, but Ella Emerson wasn’t just any woman. She was a runaway with a $10,000 reward on her head. Normally, Ed wouldn’t chase after anyone for an amount so small, but after losing the anticipated $25,000 reward for Chuck Dearing, he wasn’t about to turn down an easy opportunity to earn a little extra money. If the reward money didn’t increase in a couple of days, then he’d settle for the $10,000 and return Ella to her family.

He had no sympathy for her situation. Randy had e-mailed Ed a dossier about Ella and her family. She came from money, had a topnotch education, and had a job lined up with her father’s lucrative construction company. Ed tried not to stereotype people he’d just met, but it was difficult not to label Ella as a spoiled brat. Correction, he thought, a heartless spoiled brat. She’d run off without leaving her family a note. She’d run off just to escape a marriage to Brandon Andrews, a well-liked young man in the Catoctin area. Ella had done a selfish thing, and Ed had no plans to make her comfortable during her stay. Besides, Ed didn’t trust Ella. Her type would take advantage the moment he let his guard down. Ed walked the house, checking every window and door. The alarm would go off the second she attempted escape, and he would be on her in a moment. A woman as rotten and spoiled as Ella wouldn’t necessarily hold to any deal. If she tried to cheat him, he wouldn’t hesitate to teach her a hard and painful lesson over his knee. When Ed reached the living room again, he stood quietly along the wall, spying on Ella. She was young and very pretty, but he vowed not to allow her attractiveness to cloud his judgment. He noticed her wiping a tear away, and for a moment—just a moment—his resolve weakened. With a shake of his head, Ed tried to banish the temporary weakness. The beautiful young woman crying at his window was nothing but a spoiled brat

with a reward on her head. It was just business. Just business. Ella was still dirty from her struggle against Chuck Dearing, Ed realized as he continued to spy. Her shorts were grass and mud stained. Her tight Tshirt was ripped in the back and as dirty as the rest of her. The hiking boots she’d removed rested against the wall under the window. A thought suddenly occurred to Ed. He couldn’t hold Ella Emerson—the daughter of a wealthy and influential family—for several days without meeting her needs, as trivial as those needs might seem. She would need fresh clothing, makeup, and toiletries. Ed checked his watch. 2:15 p.m. He explained the situation to Randy over the phone. Randy, in his eagerness, said he’d stop by in three hours with everything Ed required. “Oh, and the reward hasn’t increased yet, Mr. Peters, but it will. Give it a full day or two. Those Emerson’s are swimming in money,” said Randy. Ed smiled. “I’m afraid I might have to give you a raise after this.” Until now, Randy had only provided Ed with information over the phone. The kid had never run errands for Ed. They hung up and Ed found himself standing in one of the guest bedrooms. It was directly across from the master bedroom, and he figured it would serve just fine for Ella. There was a bathroom inside, and attaching a deadbolt outside the door wouldn’t be difficult. Ed could lock Ella in each night and sleep soundly knowing the alarm was set as well.

A short while later, after Ed had installed the deadbolt, a strange noise drew him back to the living room. He lingered against the wall in the hallway, spying and listening. Ella’s shoulders heaved and silky sobs escaped her lips. She was crying. A warning bell went off in Ed’s head. No way did he wish to keep Ella Emerson here against her will. “Ms. Emerson,” he said as he strode into the room. To his surprise, Ella flinched and wiped at her face. The crying had stopped as quickly as it had begun. “I’ve no intention to keep you here against your will. I’ll take you directly back to your family this instant if that’s what you wish. This arrangement of ours will not include me holding you against your will. I want that to be clear.” Ella stood up, anger replacing her prior sadness. “I’ve made no attempt to escape, Mr. Peters. And I don’t wish to negate our agreement, thank you very much.” Her tone was challenging, purely insolent. Ed’s blood boiled and he moved closer, towering above like a giant. “You are a guest in my house, Ms. Emerson,” he reminded her sternly. “You will refrain from speaking to me in a disrespectful tone.” Her eyes flashed. “I promised I wouldn’t try to escape,” she said. “Nothing more. And right now I’d prefer to be alone. So if don’t mind…get out.” She nodded toward the hallway, dismissing Ed from his own living room. “I won’t warn you again,” he said, closing the space between them.

Ella seemed unaffected by Ed’s warning, and took her seat at the window again. “It would appear that we don’t get along, Mr. Peters,” she said, staring out into the trees. “I suggest you leave me the fuck alone for the next several days. You stay out, of my way and I’ll stay out of yours.” Infuriated, Ed grabbed Ella up, holding her arms between both hands. “I warned you, Ms. Emerson,” he said, his voice cold and sharp. “And now I’m going to teach you that lesson we talked about earlier.” Ella’s eyes bulged. “Get your hands off of me!” she yelled, struggling against his firm hold. “If you want to collect that reward, you won’t touch me!” “And why is that?” asked Ed, his lips curling in amusement. She fumbled for words, but eventually said, “My father won’t pay a man who beat me.” “Not beat, Ella, spanked,” he corrected. “And your father will have no choice. Legally, he’ll have to pay the reward money. And besides that, I seriously doubt anyone will believe anything you say for a while. Think about it: you just ran away without leaving a note, right before your wedding to this wellliked Brandon fellow.” To Ed’s surprise, fresh tears gathered in Ella’s sky-blue eyes. “I…I want to leave then. Right now. Just take me home.” She looked down and the tears followed her gaze. “Fine,” Ed said, “I’ll take you home—with a very sore bottom.”

Ed easily maneuvered the girl over his knee on the couch. She struggled and screamed and cursed, but that didn’t prevent Ed from yanking her shorts down. As he wrapped one leg around her flailing ones, he pinned her hands firmly down against the small of her back. “Please…please,” Ella begged. “Don’t do this!” “While you are in my house, Ms. Emerson, you will follow my rules. If you wish to leave after this, fine.” Ed wasn’t about to let some spoiled brat curse and scream at him in his own house. Ella Emerson needed a good spanking, and he was just the man to deliver it. When Ed placed a hand overtop her panty-clad bottom, Ella shuddered and struggled anew. Ignoring the hardness swelling in his pants, Ed lifted his hand and…smack! The first heavy slaps were delivered quickly overtop her silky blue panties. The girl was already crying on his lap, though he suspected it wasn’t yet from the pain. No, she was frightened and embarrassed. Although it wouldn’t be long before her cries increased with the intensity of the spanking. “Please…please…please,” Ella cried over and over again. She wasn’t struggling as fiercely, but Ed continued delivering the hard slaps. When Ed eventually paused, Ella’s shoulders relaxed. He couldn’t suppress a smile. Though the spanking was only just beginning, she thought it was over. “I believe I promised you a bare-bottom spanking, didn’t I?”

That got the girl’s attention, because she screamed and writhed as Ed pulled the silky fabric down, revealing her reddened cheeks. His hardness shifted again at the sight, but he resolved to finish what he’d started. This girl needs to be taught a lesson. “You ran away without leaving your family or fiancé a note, Ms. Peters,” he scolded. “And now you are cursing and raising your voice to me in my own house. You deserve to be punished.” And with that, Ed unleashed another fury of slaps across Ella’s bare bottom. When she gasped for breath in between sobs, Ed knew these were tears from pain. Feeling satisfied with his progress, he shifted his attention lower, and spanked the creamy smooth flesh of her thighs to drive the lesson home. “I’m sorry!” Ella screamed. “Please stop, I’m so sorry!” Ed paused with his hand resting on her bare flesh. “Why are you sorry?” he asked, and slapped at her thigh again. “I-I’m sorry I was rude. I’m sorry for running away,” she said in a voice choked with emotion. “I know it was wrong not to leave a note. It’s just that—I just couldn’t marry Brandon. I just couldn’t.” She dropped her head and sobbed harder. Ed tried to ignore the way her apology pulled at his heartstrings. Though he still believed Ella Emerson was a spoiled brat, he believed in the sincerity of her words. And though he also believed she’d learned her lesson, he feared coming across too

soft. “A few more and your lesson will be over,” he said, careful to maintain a stern voice. Ella yelled out as his hand crashed firmly down, applying another dose of punishment to her bottom and thighs. As she wriggled on his lap, he caught a glimpse of the sweetness between her thighs and his cock shifted again. After Ed delivered the final blow, he sat her upright and turned around, resisting the urge to watch Ella pull her panties and shorts up. “Mr. Peters?” Ed turned to see Ella wiping tears from her pretty, freckled face. “Shall we leave for your parent’s house now?” he asked. Obviously, making this deal with Ella had been a mistake. The sooner she was gone, the better. Although the lustful side of him wanted her to stay—the side that didn’t care if it was wrong to mix business with pleasure. Ella looked up, biting her lip. “I-I know I said I wanted to go home, but I didn’t really mean it. I can’t go home. Not yet. The longer I’m gone, the less likely the wedding is to be rescheduled on me so soon, especially if most of the guests are still in town. And, well, the reward will probably increase. I promise to stay out of your way.” Ed’s spirits rose and sank simultaneously. She wanted to stay longer, and that meant more reward money, possibly enough to replace that $25,000 he’d been expecting. But it also meant he’d have to keep an arm’s length from the girl. That lustful side ached to push her down and thrust hilt-deep between those sweet folds he’d glimpsed moments ago.

“Please?” Ella asked when he didn’t immediately respond. “No more than seven days,” he said firmly. “If the reward goes up, great. If not, you’ll still be going back. I won’t have your family worry after you for much longer.” “It’s a deal,” she said, sniffing and wiping a hand across her swollen eyes. An awkward silence stretched between them. Ed couldn’t wait for the day to end. Being around Ella Emerson was exhausting, both mentally and physically. “OK,” he said. “Follow me. I’ll show you to your room.”

*** In the guestroom bathtub, Ella enjoyed the feel of warm, soapy water against every inch of her body, save for her sore bottom. She remained shocked that the bounty hunter had had the audacity to spank her. Sure, he’d threatened it while on the mountain, but she hadn’t taken that threat too seriously. A small part of her had been excited at the prospect of the very handsome Ed Peters taking her across his knee, but the embarrassment and pain of the actual experience left her wishing she’d only behaved.

She refused to be attracted to Ed Peters. He was just a mean bounty hunter who only cared about money. A knock on the door made her jump. “Yes?” she called, wondering what couldn’t wait until after her bath. As far as she knew, Mr. Peters had bolted the bedroom door shut from the outside. “Ella, I just placed a bag for you on the bed. Clothes, shoes, makeup, that sort of thing. Enough to get you by for seven days.” Stunned, Ella’s throat tightened as she searched for her voice. “Thank you, Mr. Peters,” she managed to say. A few moments later, she heard the door close and the bolt slide across. Inside the duffle bag, Ella found a few pairs of shorts, flip-flops, shirts, even intimate wear and pajamas. Underneath the clothing, she found cosmetics and a variety of toiletries like perfumed soap and shampoos. As she dressed herself, her stomach twisted into a ball of knots. Just as she’d decided Mr. Peters was a soulless bounty hunter, he’d gone and done something thoughtful. Later on at the dinner table, Ed Peters was silent and stern. Ella played with her pasta and stole glances at him, searching for the courage to speak. She wanted to understand him, to know what secret experiences made him as hard as stone. His glances were not kind. He disliked her, but Ella couldn’t be sure why. “This is good,” she finally said, speaking of the chicken and broccoli fettuccini.

He nodded but said nothing. “So…how long have you lived here?” Ella dabbed the corners of her mouth with a napkin. “A couple of years.” He offered no additional information. “It’s very beautiful here.” Ella felt the walls closing in around her even as she spoke. Ed was so unreceptive, so cold. Talking to him was like trying to swim through the current of arctic waters. This time he hadn’t even nodded. When they were both finished, Ella bolted away with their plates. “I’ll do the dishes and clean the kitchen,” she said, darting out of the dining room before Ed could reply. As she stared at the mess and the dishwasher, it suddenly occurred to her that she’d never cleaned a kitchen in her life. Rosie and Angela, their housekeepers, had always done everything. Even while she’d been away during college, she’d used a maid service. Determined to fulfill her promise to clean, Ella returned to the dining room for the rest of the plates. Ed was just leaving, and shot her a curious glance before disappearing down the long hallway. A curious expression was better than a stern expression. She peered after him to witness him enter a room at the end of the hall. She decided to find him again after the kitchen was clean. Find him and thank him for the clothes. And for everything else. Ella managed to fill the dishwasher and wipe the table and counters down. When it was time to start the dishwasher, she searched for soap. Next to the

kitchen sink was a bottle of blue dish soap, so she squirted it into the square hole on the underside of the dishwasher door, feeling like a genius. When she returned home in a week, she could dazzle Rosie and Angela with her adventures in the kitchen. Down the hallway, Ella found Mr. Peters in a study lined with books and unusual metal sculptures of animals. Bears and wolves, lions and panthers. It would’ve been a frightening place to enter even without Ed Peters waiting inside. “Can I help you?” he asked once Ella was through the door. She’d knocked of course, but her voice failed her. His curious expression had vanished, taking her courage with it. The stern expression was back, as was the icy voice and darkened blue eyes. Everything about Ed Peters was intimidating, from his ridged posture to his piercing gaze. “I…um…the kitchen is clean.” The words falling from her lips sounded weak. She sounded like a child speaking. “Thank you,” he said, but his tone was sterner than his face. “Are you ready for bed?” “W-what?” “When you wish to retire for the night, I need to lock the deadbolt,” he said, holding a file in one hand as he spoke from behind the large desk. “Come find me before you go to bed.” “Oh…well…I’m kind of a night owl,” she said. “I just wanted to say…thank you again for the clothes. That was…very thoughtful.”

Ed Peters’s expression softened for the briefest moment, but Ella saw it—she’d been searching for cracks in that rock-hard exterior ever since he’d removed the blindfold. “It was necessary,” he said, returning his gaze to the file. Ella forced a smile, and felt extremely vulnerable standing in the large room. Say something else already, Ella, she thought, but the words never came. “Was there anything else?” Mr. Peters asked, looking up from his work—whatever work a bounty hunter did from behind a desk. “Um…no.” “Don’t forget the house alarm is set. Any window or door opened will set it off—even from the inside.” Ed glared at her, causing her stomach to flutter, and for what seemed like the thousandth time in front of Ed Peters her voice failed her completely. Ella fled from the study with her heart pounding in her ears. Surviving another seven days with Ed Peters wouldn’t be easy. He has secrets, she decided as she moved down the hallway toward the living room. There had been pictures along a shelf in the back of that room. She intended to get a good look at them and the rest of the house before bedtime. Mr. Peters was busy in his study, so he’d never know. As Ella snooped, she became angry with herself. Why did it matter if Ed Peters disliked her so much? In reality, they were just business partners. Business partners didn’t have to like each other, they just both needed to benefit from the deal. Ed Peters would be

several thousand dollars richer, and Ella would escape—or postpone—marriage to Brandon Andrews. The bounty hunter had once been a cop. There were pictures of him in uniform with other officers in various locations in Philadelphia. Ella glanced out the window and wondered if this property was near Philadelphia. The trees were so thick in all directions that it was impossible to tell. Given the driving time, she could be anywhere in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, or West Virginia. It was doubtful that Ed Peters would reveal their location. He would probably blindfold her on the way home in seven days. In her adventures around the house, Ella passed the kitchen, but stopped cold in the doorway. The dishwasher was pushing out suds—all over the kitchen floor. Oh God, I used too much soap. Desperately, Ella stepped into the mess and tried pulling the dishwasher open. It wouldn’t budge. “Damn it!” she cursed under her breath, randomly pressing buttons on the machine. Maybe she could get it stopped before Mr. Peters discovered the mess. She could clean the whole place up, and he’d never know. As she scooped up suds with a couple of towels from the bathroom, her mind drifted to the spanking Mr. Peters had given her not very long ago. Her stomach twisted and she cleaned faster. No doubt this mess would earn her another spanking. She shuddered at the thought.

When the dishwasher finally stopped spitting out suds, she sighed in relief. But her relief was shortlived, because a sharp voice cut through the room. “What are you doing?” asked Mr. Peters from the doorway, thick arms folded across his broad chest. Ella froze and watched as he drew closer to inspect the dishwasher. It was an accident, just an accident. “What kind of soap did you use?” “I…um…” But all Ella could do was point at the bottle of blue liquid on the counter. For a moment, she feared Mr. Peters would explode. His expression sent a chill down her spine. “To your room. Now.”

Chapter Three Ed Peters surveyed the mess in his kitchen in disbelief. His first instinct was to follow Ella and spank her to tears, but the more he thought about the situation, the more sense it made. Ella Emerson came from money. She’d probably never washed a dish or a load of laundry in her whole life. The Emerson’s had two live-in housekeepers. That information had been in the dossier Randy had sent. And yet Ella had insisted on cleaning the kitchen. Instead of playing the role of the spoiled brat and sitting back while Ed did everything, she’d made an effort to be helpful. Biting back a smile and shaking his head, Ed cleaned up the kitchen floor and got the remaining suds out of the dishwasher. When he found Ella, she was sitting on the edge of the bed, biting her lip. Once he strode through the door, she shot straight up, looking dreadfully nervous as moisture shone in her brown eyes. “So who taught you how to wash dishes?” Ed asked, unable to keep the sarcasm from creeping into his voice. Ella must have noticed, because her shoulders relaxed—just a little. “I…never learned,” she confessed. “I’m very sorry. I just didn’t want to be a bum during the next seven days.” Again, she bit her lip and fidgeted in place.

“It’s quite all right, Ms. Emerson,” he said. “I’ve already hidden the blue soap.” A smile tugged at the corners of his typically inflexible lips. And desire swelled within his pants. Ella looked incredible in the shorts and tank top she was wearing. Randy had done well. Too well. “You’re not mad?” she asked, continuing to fidget under his gaze. “Oh, I was mad,” he confessed, shocking himself in the process. What was he doing being so open to this girl? “But then I realized it was only an accident.” Ella’s sudden smile melted his heart. For a moment, he considered inviting her to watch a movie or sit on the front porch, but then he remembered her sins. She’d all but left a man at the altar. She deserved no kindness. “I’m locking your door now. Go to bed.” His stern voice and equally stern expression had resurfaced, just like that. He turned to leave, ignoring the disappointment flashing in her brown eyes. No kindness. Back in his study, he plunged headfirst into the dossier provided by Randy. The information he found was fascinating, and it was contrary to all his assumptions about Ella Emerson. She’d graduated third in her class from a local private school, the same school attended by Brandon Andrews. She’d gone to college in Roanoke and obtained duel degrees in English and Psychology, graduating cum laude. Sure, her parents had

millions—and so did Brandon’s family. But she wasn’t lazy, and her record was clean. Maybe she wasn’t such a spoiled brat, after all. But when he remembered how she’d left Brandon Andrews, his heart overflowed with bitterness. No kindness. The more Ed Peters thought about Ella’s fiancé, the more curious he became. Quickly, he called up Randy and asked the kid to prepare a dossier on Brandon Andrews. Randy was only too eager, and promised to fax everything by midnight. Sure enough, at 11:45 p.m., the fax came through. Ed poured himself a glass of whiskey and set to the task of learning about the man who wasn’t good enough for Ella Emerson. The information about Brandon Andrews was just as shocking as the information about Ella had been. On the surface, Brandon had everything: good looks, money, a job with his parent’s business, and a master’s degree in business. But his court records were troubling. He had one DUI arrest, two dismissed cases of rape, one expunged charge of assault, and he was currently being sued for slander. Maybe Ella knew about these things, and maybe she didn’t. But the truth was, the thought of Ella Emerson marrying Brandon Andrews made Ed’s stomach turn.

***

The next morning at breakfast, Ella quietly avoided his gaze. My fault, he thought, wishing he hadn’t been so harsh last night before locking her bedroom door. He watched her push eggs around on her plate. The only thing she seemed interested in was the coffee. When they were finished, Ella gazed at the table, at the ceiling, at the wall, everywhere but at him. He half hoped she would offer to clean up just so he could teasingly explain how the dishwasher worked. Before he could think on that further, the phone rang. It was Randy. Ed excused himself to take the call in his study. “What’s up?” “The reward has gone up, Mr. Peters. It’s at $15,000 right now. Just one day made a big difference,” said Randy, sounding chipper and sleepy at the same time. Somehow, this didn’t faze Ed. All he could think about was the sad girl pushing eggs around in his breakfast nook. Thinking about money seemed…dirty. “You there, Mr. Peters?” “Yes, yes, thanks Randy,” Ed answered. “Keep me informed.” Ella wasn’t in the kitchen when Ed returned. But the dirty dishes were waiting. Ed hurriedly cleaned up, resolving to find the girl afterward. Living in awkward silence for the next few days just wouldn’t do. Except in six days, Ella would be gone, and he’d

be a whole lot richer. The idea of turning the girl over for reward money made his stomach turn, just as it had last night when he’d discovered the truth about Brandon Andrews. Being a cop for twenty years had left Ed with little room for personal time, especially the time to forge a meaningful relationship. At the age fortythree, he was still a bachelor. While his feelings about Ella were conflicted, he wished to become better acquainted with the young lady. Ed found her in the guest bedroom, staring out the window at the never-ending forest. “Ella?” Startled, she stood up anxiously. “Yes?” She brushed an errant strand of hair behind her ear. Ed stared back, and longed to reach out and run his hands through that smooth brown hair. “I’m about to take a walk around the lake. Would you like to join me?” For a moment, Ella’s eyes looked hopeful. But when she said, “No, thank you.” Ed’s anger flared. “Suit yourself,” he said bitterly, and locked the door behind him. A solitary jog around the lake might help clear his mind. The idea of accepting $15,000 or more for Ella’s safe return didn’t turn his stomach as much as it had moments ago. Just as Ed reached the other side of the lake, his cell phone buzzed. It was the alarm company. The guest bedroom window alarm had been tripped. The

spoiled brat. “Would you like us to inform the police?” the operator asked. Ed suppressed a chuckle. “No thank you. My brother is staying with me right now,” he lied. “I’m sure it was just an accident. I’ll be home in about fifteen minutes to reset it.” Ed Peters tucked his cell phone away and sprinted toward home. Ella had treated him coldly this morning, but he never imagined she would attempt escape while the alarm was set. Though the only window in the guest bedroom wasn’t nailed shut, Ella knew well enough not to open it. Ed figured she would be running blindly through the forest right now, trying to find a main road to somewhere. The closer to home Ed got, the angrier he became. Ella had broken their deal and set his alarm off in the process. If she wanted to get home so badly, he would’ve taken her there himself—and collected the $15,000. But by running off, she meant to cheat him out of the reward money. It was time Ms. Emerson learned another lesson. And when he caught the girl, he planned to teach her a very long and painful one—across his knee.

*** As Ella ran and ran, one thing became clear: Ed Peters really did live in the middle of nowhere.

Though she dared not run on the gravel road leading away from the house, she ran parallel to it inside the thick forest. Running in her hiking boots wasn’t easy. What I wouldn’t give for a nice pair of tennis shoes, she thought, ignoring the pain in her ankles. Mr. Peters’s driveway carried on for miles and miles it seemed, though Ella knew she probably hadn’t yet completed a full mile. She still had her wallet, so she had enough cash for a night or two in a hotel without having to use a credit card. After that, she would have to face her family— and Brandon Andrews, the fiancé she secretly despised. Ella had planned to honor her deal with Ed Peters until simply being around the man had become unbearable. Last night, when he’d visited her in the guestroom, she’d been certain he was about to spank her. But to her delight, not only did he understand, he’d smiled a smile that had melted her heart—only to snap angrily at her before locking the door. Breakfast this morning had been torture, silent torture. But then he’d shown up in the guestroom with his demeanor changed yet again. Ella suspected Ed Peters was playing a mind game with her—from kindness to coldness to anger to kindness to silence to kindness again. It was all too much. Not only that, but Ella hated how this man’s moods seemed to affect her. Nothing made her happier than seeing him smile…but why?

Yes, he was handsome and a little mysterious. OK, very mysterious. But their relationship had been nothing more than a business deal, she reminded herself. A business deal and nothing more. The thought of Ed Peters exchanging her for money in a few days made Ella want to scream. Yes, Ed Peters was heartless. The devil. Worse than Brandon Andrews. Ella’s sorrowful thoughts were interrupted by a noise; it was a shout. She slowed just long enough to glimpse Mr. Peters closing in on her. They crashed on the forest floor with a thud. After a brief struggle, Ella found herself pinned down face first, with her hands restrained—in handcuffs! Obviously, running parallel to the driveway hadn’t been smart. Shouting obscenities up at Ed Peters probably wasn’t very smart either, but that didn’t keep Ella from vocally cursing his soul to the depths of hell. Oh, she hated the man! The bounty hunter…the devil…the man more heartless than Brandon Andrews. “Let me go, asshole!” Ella screeched as she writhed beneath Ed on the forest floor. Pine needles and dirt and weeds stuck to her body. Fallen twigs scratched at her legs as she continued to struggle. “Not a chance,” Ed said into her ear. He smelled of sweat and anger. “Get the fuck off me!” she screamed, unsuccessfully attempting to kick her legs up.

“We are going back to the house now,” Ed said, his voice cold and furious. “Are you going to walk, or should I throw you over my shoulder?” The thought of being carried over Ed Peters’s shoulder angered Ella to no end. “I’ll walk myself,” she hissed, and stood up with Ed’s help. He made no move to remove the handcuffs. Ella tried to shake the forest floor from her face, but it was no use. With her hands secured, she headed for the house with Ed trailing behind. It was humiliating. As the house came into sight, Ella’s anger gave way to a deep-rooted fear. She’d attempted escape, set the alarm off, and Ed would accuse her of trying to cheat him out of the reward money. Her stomach flipped. Ed Peters would teach her a lesson once they got inside. And her bottom was still sore from yesterday’s lesson. The thought of being spanked by Ed now terrified her more than it had yesterday. It would hurt terribly. She would surely die of humiliation. When the door closed, Ella turned to face Ed with her head held high. Hopefully her fear was hidden. She had no desire to give him the satisfaction of seeing her tremble. In fact, she resolved not to cry at all. But being brave was easier said than done. Ed Peters loomed over her like an angry giant, his blue eyes smoldering with untamed rage. “Why did you open the window?” he demanded, grabbing her by both arms, shaking her lightly.

“Why do you think?” she retorted, lifting her chin higher. His eyes flashed, and his grip tightened. “We had a deal!” The volume of his voice caused Ella to flinch. “I don’t care,” she said, finally looking away. “Attempting escape was a very foolish thing to do, Ella,” he said. “The nearest house is five miles away. It’s an hour-long drive to the nearest town. If you trip the alarm while I’m out, I know about it. If you want to go home, FINE. But I’m not about to let you cheat me out of the reward money. A deal is a deal, young lady.” Of course, it was about the money, she thought, and her heart broke. Worse than Brandon Andrews. Ella found herself being dragged toward the guestroom. When Ed removed the handcuffs and pushed her inside only to linger in the doorway, she was confused. Didn’t he intend to spank her? To teach her a lesson? “I need to clean up. I suggest you do the same,” he said. “But know this, Ella Emerson: the spanking you received yesterday won’t hold a candle to the one you’ll be getting soon.” And with that, he was gone and the door bolted shut. Ella stood frozen, terrified beyond words. Yesterday’s lesson was still fresh in her mind and Ed intended to surpass it in intensity. When she finally snapped out of her trance, Ella hastily jumped into the shower to wash away the remnants of the forest floor. Pine needles and dirt pooled at the bottom of the tub as she scrubbed

herself down. If she wasn’t cleaned up by the time Ed returned, she feared his reaction. When she visualized being bent over Ed’s lap, an unexpected tremor of arousal pulsed between her thighs. She would be at his mercy, and his hands would be touching a very private area on her body. Being punished by Ed seemed like an act as intimate as making love, a thought that scared her just as much as the fear of impending pain and humiliation. What was wrong with her? She didn’t really want to do this. Did she? Before Ella could put her conflicted thoughts in order, she heard a noise on the other side of the door as she dried herself off. Ed had returned. Damn. Her duffle bag of clothes was on the bed. All she had to cover herself was the towel. Ed was about to see her bare bottom, there was no stopping that. But she didn’t wish for him to see anything else. “You have thirty seconds, Ella,” Ed called through the door. Panicking, Ella cursed herself for not bringing her clothes in the bathroom. “Um, Mr. Peters?” “What is it?” He did not sound amused. “Could you please pass me the duffle bag that’s on the bed?” she asked. “Why?” Her heart pounded. Was he really that dense? “Because I don’t have any clothes in here.” To her horror, he opened the door enough to toss a tank top inside. A tank top and nothing else!

“Please, Mr. Peters, could I have the whole duffle bag?” “You won’t need anything else, Ella. I suggest you put the shirt on before I change my mind and take it away,” he replied, much to Ella’s continued horror. With tears in her eyes, she slipped into the tank top and smoothed her hair back. Never in her life had she felt so naked…so exposed. “Time’s up!” Ed called, and the door flung open. Ella gasped and held the towel around her waist. Yes, Ed would get a good view of her bottom again, just as he had during yesterday’s spanking. But the idea of him seeing her sex was terrifying. He’s the enemy…he’s the devil…worse than Brandon Andrews. She called him a number of things in her head as she wrapped the towel tight as he closed in. “Please…” Ella began, but Ed snatched the towel away. She fumbled for another one to cover the soft mound between her legs, but Ed was quick to deliver a warning slap to her bottom. She pressed back against the wall, attempting to use her hands as cover. “Ms. Emerson, I can assure you that after this spanking, you won’t be sitting comfortably for quite some time.” He advanced, pulling her back into the bedroom. Ella struggled, but it was fruitless. The spanking began the moment Ed positioned her over his knee on the bed. And true to Ed Peters’s word, it truly didn’t hold a candle to her first experience. The slaps rained down and down, swiftly across Ella’s bottom and thighs without mercy. It

wasn’t long before her backside was flaming though Ed kept on smacking. Ella concentrated on not crying. She concentrated on how much she hated Ed Peters. She concentrated on anything and everything she could think of to escape the pain. But each time her mind wandered a firm slap would bring reality crashing back full force. When Ed paused, Ella hoped the end was finally in sight. But to her dismay, he boldly rubbed her bottom and leaned down to whisper, “The next time you attempt escape, Ms. Emerson, I’ll be taking my belt to you.” She shuddered and gasped as his hand crashed down again, this time a fury of slaps landing across the bottom curve of her backside. It was the worst pain yet, and it managed to bring Ella to tears. She hated Ed Peters all the more for finally breaking her resolve not to cry. Damn him, damn him, damn him. He paused again, lightly tracing her bottom with his punishing hand, far too near her intimate folds. “I should’ve known a rich, spoiled brat like you would only try to cheat me. You’ll be spending the rest of the week locked in this room with the window nailed shut, Ms. Emerson.” Her heart sank low, lower than it ever had before. Why did Ed Peters’s words hurt so deeply? They hurt worse than any childhood taunt, worse than stupid girlie gossip, worse than Jon Walters breaking her heart in the sixth grade, and worse than any of Brandon Andrews’s sly insults. Her cries turned to

full sobs, and her shoulders heaved under the weight of despair. “Please…please, Mr. Peters…I’m sorry I tried to run away. I’m sorry I tried to cheat you.” It was the truth. And if her lesson wasn’t over yet, Ella resolved to accept it without struggle. Ed Peters wasn’t a ray of sunshine, but he seemed an honorable man—and she’d broken their deal. Maybe…maybe she deserved this spanking. “Are you really sorry?” he asked. “Or do you just want this,” he slapped her bottom again, “to end?” “I tried to cheat you, and I’m sorry,” Ella replied. “If you think I deserve a longer spanking, I’ll accept it.” She couldn’t believe the words falling from her lips—nor could she believe the truth of them. Yesterday, she’d been outraged when Mr. Peters had spanked her. But now her heart was changing— changing and breaking and changing some more. Hating someone she didn’t really hate was impossible. “Tell me why you tried to escape? The truth.” To her relief, his hand rested on the curve of her reddened, stinging bottom, still too near those intimate folds. “I…I…I was angry with you. Last night when you came to my room, you were so nice to me…until the very end when you slammed the door and locked me in. And this morning you seemed so cold and distant…I couldn’t stand it…I…” Ella couldn’t continue, so she cried quietly as Ed gently rubbed her bottom. It felt nice, but it was completely terrifying to be touched so tenderly by the man. Try as she might,

there was no denying the growing feelings she harbored for Ed Peters—the bounty hunter who would exchange her for money in six days. “Shh,” he murmured, and lifted Ella up—only to seat her in his lap. Too stunned to speak, she permitted the embrace. After the initial awkwardness, she buried her head under his chin. This feels like home, she thought, and began to cry harder. “Shh.” He stroked her hair until the sobs faded away. When Ella pulled back, they locked eyes. It was the longest moment of Ella’s life. He was going to kiss her. The bounty hunter was going to kiss her. And he did. Ed leaned down and captured Ella’s lips, tenderly at first, tasting and exploring while holding her tearstreaked face lightly between his hands. A tremor of arousal coursed through Ella’s body, and she felt his hardness swelling in his pants underneath her sore bottom. She returned the kiss as her heart pounded and pounded and pounded. She’d never felt anything nearly as nice with Brandon Andrews. Ella and Ed had chemistry between them, as twisted as the circumstances surrounding their meeting each other were. In a way, she was free. Free to leave, free to allow Ed to exchange her for the reward money. But in another way, she was captive. Captive to her own desire to stay in his arms—for longer than six days. “Ella,” he whispered, shifting her closer. The unmistakable erection pressed up into her punished

bottom, and another tremor of arousal coursed between Ella’s thighs. She was aching for him, literally aching to be filled and loved to completion. As he guided her down onto the bed, Ella didn’t resist. Hungrily reaching out, she pulled Ed Peters closer, and gasped as he pressed against her center. When she eyed his pants, he seemed to read her thoughts, because he stood up, leaving her empty and longing. Holding her gaze, he slipped the black leather belt off first, taking his time. The next time you attempt escape, Ms. Emerson, I’ll be taking my belt to you, he’d said. Ella shivered at the thought—partly from fear and partly from excitement. As Ed shed his pants, she tossed her shirt to the floor. The cool air rushed her hardening nipples. Ed stood, staring at her with darkened eyes, his need bulging forth from between his muscular thighs. God, he was a work of art. He settled over her, skin to skin, and worked at her nipples, sucking and pinching until they were as hard as the formation prodding against her aching entrance. The tip of Ed’s cock nudged between her folds, exploring through the gathering moisture. Ella arched her back, inviting him inside. When he lingered too long at her entrance, she moaned despairingly. She needed him. She needed him now. Ed pulled away from her nipple, gracing her with a wry smile before plunging deep in a movement so swift that Ella bumped the headboard. Bracing herself against his thrusts, she arched and permitted him deeper entry. He filled her up, satisfying the aching,

quenching the thirst, and building her up and up to territories previously unfamiliar. She moaned, low in her throat, writhing and meeting his fervent rhythm. Already, both their bodies were gleaming with a thin layer of sweat. “You were a bad girl,” he whispered in her ear, and increased the pace of thrusts. “Then punish me,” she whispered back. She was at the top of a mountain, riding a wave of energy from the clouds, a wave of pleasure so intense that she felt she was falling, falling into a pool of wet heat. Maybe it wasn’t love, maybe it was only lust. Chemistry in a form Ella had never experienced. But it didn’t matter. Not at the moment. All that mattered was that Ed Peters kept pounding deep, deep and zealously, inside where the wave of pleasure rose higher and higher.

Chapter Four The morning was humid but not unbearable as Ed guided Ella through the forest, toward the clearing he promised was soon ahead. It was almost a full mile from his cabin, but he knew the path through trees the like back of his hand. To his amusement, Ella gasped and jumped when a deer suddenly cut across the path a few feet ahead. “I thought you went hiking all the time?” he asked, laughing. “Are there no animals on your mountain?” She gave him her best death glare and punched his arm playfully. When he shot her a mock angry look in return, she blushed deeply and Ed’s desire for her stirred. Last night had changed everything. “So does this lake have a name?” Ella asked when she finally caught sight of the small body of water surrounded by rocks and lush vegetation with patches of orange spotted touch-me-nots. An old, magnificent weeping willow tree stood across the lake, its soft green branches cascading to the ground. It was Ed’s favorite place on the mountain. He shrugged and laced his fingers through hers, loving the feel of her silky-smooth hands. “No, no name. It’s at the edge of my property line, and this is the middle of nowhere, you know.” Her light smile melted his heart, and he realized his grip on her hand had intensified, as if he never

wished to let her go. After the intimate night they’d just shared, there was no awkwardness between them, but Ed felt a strange sense of possessiveness for the girl he’d only known for three days. Her acceptance of the two spankings he’d given her was surprising, and he found himself admiring her all the more. His last girlfriend had called him a caveman and threatened to call the cops, but Ella admitted that she deserved what he gave her last night. They walked around the lake once before finding a soft patch of earth under the weeping willow tree. Ed often found it difficult to hold a conversation with someone for longer than five minutes, but this wasn’t the case with Ella. She was the easiest person to talk to that he’d ever met. He wrapped an arm around her, and to his delight she rested her head against his chest, as if listening to the beating of his heart. “Ella?” “Yes, sir?” she asked playfully, wrapping both arms around Ed to snuggle closer. Her hair smelled like lavender and her skin like honey. “Is your bottom still sore?” He felt her tense in his arms, and knew the unexpected question had caused her a degree of embarrassment. “Um…well…yes. Trust me, I learned my lesson. It still hurts.” She sat up and they locked eyes. “But I’m glad you did it.” Something inside Ed gave at that moment, and a rapid flood of warmth for this woman filled his heart to the point of bursting. “Why Ella? Why are you glad I did it?” He had to know.

She studied his face and pressed her hands against his chest. Tears formed in her eyes. “Brandon has always been a control freak. He gets mad at me for the stupidest things, and he always berates me, tells me I’m worthless. He’s just plain cruel.” Ella paused and took a deep breath. “But you only got mad at me for a good reason, and you didn’t yell insults at me like Brandon would have. I’ll admit you shocked me the first time you spanked me, but the second time… I knew I deserved it and then…the way you held me afterward…” Her voice trailed off and she reached an arm around his neck, shifting even closer. Ed didn’t need her to complete the sentence. He knew what she couldn’t finish saying. That the way he’d held her afterward made her feel safe and loved. It angered him that Brandon Andrews had hurt her so badly. He leaned down to place a gentle kiss upon her lips, as if that simple act could heal the pain in her heart. It wasn’t long before the kiss became urgent, and their bodies pressed firmly together, hips rocking back and forth as their passion built. “I would never hurt you like that,” Ed said breathlessly against her ear. Ella kissed his neck and pressed her center against his erection. “I know. I trust you.” Her profession of trust touched Ed’s soul. He wanted to possess her body and mind right here, to make love to her under the swooping branches of the weeping willow tree in broad daylight.

“Did it turn you on when you did it?” Ella asked, leaning back to pull her tank top off. She rested her hands at the front clasp of her bra. “When you spanked me, I mean. Did it turn you on, even a little?” God, this woman was full of surprises. Of course it had turned him on, but he didn’t want her to think he’d punished her to satisfy his own sexual fantasies. He reached forward and brushed her hands away, unfastening the front clasp of her bra. Her breasts spilled out, round and firm and white. Her nipples were pink, hard peaks, and he gently twisted one until she moaned. “Yes, Ella, it turned me on when I spanked you. But that’s not why I did it. I did it because I wanted you to behave for me. When you disobeyed me, I had no choice but follow through with my threat. I am a man of my word.” A shadow fell over her face, and she leaned back into Ed’s chest, hiding as she spoke. “Even though it hurt, and even though it was rather embarrassing, a little part of me was excited. It was so…beyond intimate.” Ed knew this confession wasn’t spoken easily, for she had just admitted an embarrassing secret to him. He forced her to meet his gaze by firmly cupping her face in his hands. He’d never wanted a woman so badly in his life before, so great was his need to take Ella. But her admission had just presented an opportunity that he wasn’t about to pass up. “Do you really trust me, Ella?” he asked. She nodded, her expression slightly bemused.

Wordlessly, Ed guided her over his lap. To his delight, she didn’t protest, though he saw a flicker of doubt in her eyes just before lowering her head. He pushed the bottom of her cotton shorts and underwear up, revealing the sweet curve of her recently punished buttocks. His cock shifted at the sight, and he trailed his hand over her flesh. Ella shivered, but remained in place. He raised his hand up and delivered a sound smack to her bottom, prompting her gasp. Ed leaned down and whispered, “This isn’t a punishment, Ella. This is just because I want to. I want you to be a good girl and submit to this spanking. Do you understand?” “Yes, sir.” Her voice was high and breathless, and Ed knew she was as aroused as he was. He began slow, warming her up for the harder slaps to follow. Once her flesh was a beautiful deep pink, he moved his attentions to her thighs, smacking each one several times before returning to her bottom. Ella gasped and squirmed as he built his momentum, but she didn’t attempt escape. She gasped again when he slipped a finger inside her panties, probing the gathering moisture between her secret folds. Instantly, Ed knew the spanking had indeed aroused her, even though it had obviously caused a level of discomfort. She was slick for him, ready for the merciless pounding he intended to give her. When he slipped two fingers into her warm tunnel, she moaned and arched back, begging for more.

Ed couldn’t wait a second more. “On your hands and knees,” he commanded. Ella obeyed, and he helped her into position on the soft grass. With her breasts exposed and her reddened bottom high and inviting, she was a vision to behold. Ed quickly lost his pants and moved behind her. He gripped the fabric wedged between her buttocks and yanked upward, teasing her with the friction. She whimpered and bucked backward, and Ed yanked the fabric up twice more. She met his gaze from over her shoulder, her face flushed with need. Ed smiled wickedly, pulled her shorts and panties down, and thrust his length inside in a movement so swift she cried out in surprise. This woman was made for me, he thought, pounding her ruthlessly as he gripped her hips so hard his knuckles turned white. He was lost in a sea of pleasure, barely aware of the world surrounding them. There was only Ella and his consuming desire for her. A light sheen of sweat covered both of their bodies, and Ed’s heart pounded in his head as his rhythm increased. God, he was like a beast, functioning on some primitive, animalistic instinct he’d never known he possessed. It was a morning unlike any other.

***

Ella stared out the bay window of Ed’s living room as the sun rose up over the tree line, a hot cup of coffee between her hands. Two glorious days had passed since her time with Ed under the weeping willow tree by the lake. She refused to think about the future right now, refused to think about what would happen on day seven. Instead, she planned to focus on the here and now with Ed. Whatever happened in the days to come, at least she’d have these memories of Ed Peters to hold onto. The whole situation was mindboggling, Ella realized with a light smile. She’d run away from Brandon only to fall straight into the arms of a stranger who incited more passion in her than she believed humanly possible. She loved everything about Ed, his rustic voice, his piercing blue eyes, his musky scent, his kindness, his firm discipline. He was the flame, and she was the starved moth who’d spent years in total darkness. “Penny for your thoughts?” The deep voice interrupted her musings. Ella turned as Ed strode in from the hallway, his presence filling the room as it always did. He was already dressed in jeans and a form-fitting blue Tshirt, his biceps bulging under the sleeves. It was hard not to stare. “Good morning, Ed,” she purred, moving forward to place a kiss on his cheek. “Can I make you breakfast?”

He snorted, but his eyes twinkled with laughter. “Are you telling me you know how to cook, but not how to use a dishwasher?” Ella narrowed her eyebrows, but it was hard to be mad at Ed. He did have a point. And really, there wasn’t much in the kitchen she could do. Suddenly, she realized she would have to learn if she wasn’t going to marry someone as rich and pampered as Brandon. Maybe there would be no future with Ed, but if there was even the slightest chance… “I’ve already got some eggs going,” Ed said, wrapping an arm around her waist to guide her toward the kitchen. Breakfast took over an hour, because neither Ed nor Ella would stay quiet for more than two seconds. She realized with a pang of sadness that talking with Brandon had never been so effortless, or enjoyable. Ed seemed to value her thoughts and ideals, and he never once interrupted or berated her for anything she said. They talked about politics, science, travel, movies, animals, friends and family members, and everything in between. The remainder of the day was spent much like the others. After breakfast, they took a long walk through the forest and around the lake. Ed reluctantly permitted Ella to make them sandwiches for lunch. To her delight, he ate the whole thing and claimed it was the best turkey sandwich he’d ever tasted. She suspected he was fibbing, but she wasn’t about turn down such a nice compliment.

When a thunderstorm rolled in shortly after lunch, they decided to spend the afternoon in the bedroom. As if they needed an excuse! Ed was very much in charge in that department, dominant to the bone. He enjoyed spanking Ella until she squirmed and taking her frantically from behind. Other times, he captured her wrists above her head in one hand and lightly slapped her breasts before raising her hips to claim her roughly. Ella loved it. Sex with Brandon had always felt like a chore, something she did to keep his insults at bay. But she wanted to have sex with Ed, and she would burn up if he went too long without touching her. She craved his touch, both gentle and rough. All it took was a certain look from Ed to turn her legs to jelly and her set her desires aflame. In the evening, they sat on the front porch steps with glasses of wine. The night was alive with chirping crickets and shouting locusts. The lingering storm clouds had finally blown over the mountain, so the stars twinkled bright and lovely around the high crescent moon. Ed seemed pensive, but Ella didn’t dare ask what bothered him. She was too worried about what would happen when the seven days ended, too worried about facing reality after saying good-bye to this temporary, perfect world. Perhaps Ed was brooding over the very same problem. It hurt her deeply that Ed might still return her for the reward money, and she kept pushing the thought into the back of her

mind with every other unpleasant thought she tirelessly worked to avoid. Maybe I should tell him how I feel, she thought, resting her head against his shoulder as they shared their first moment of awkward silence. But how did she feel? She cared for Ed, but did she love him? Could she love someone after only knowing him a few days? Ella’s heart fluttered when Ed pulled her closer. He kissed the top of her head and softly ran his fingers through her long locks. She listened to the beating of his heart for what seemed like hours. That night in bed, for the first time since they’d begun their unusual relationship, Ed made love to her slow and gentle, silently holding her eyes in his magnetic gaze for the duration until his climax. It was the closest she’d ever felt to anyone, though no words were spoken. As Ella drifted to sleep, she prayed for the courage to confess her feelings to Ed. Prayed that he cared for her. Though he hadn’t said I love you, she at least thought he harbored tender feelings for her. Oh God, she begged. Please let this work out somehow. Please don’t let this end badly. Ella awoke several times that night, her mind too restless to sleep for more than a few minutes at a time. She watched the steady rise and fall of Ed’s broad chest, and a sudden thought riddled her with fear. He was in his forties and had never married. Maybe he didn’t want a lasting relationship with anyone.

Maybe she was a fool and he was using her. Maybe she shouldn’t trust him. Uncertainty ate at her until her mind was spinning like a whirlwind. She decided against confessing her true feelings to Ed, even if she managed to find the courage to do so. Brandon had made a fool of her far too many times, and there was no way in hell Ella would allow another man to make a fool of her. If Ed didn’t reciprocate her spoken endearments, the role of the fool would be hers again. No, she would wait for Ed to share his feelings with her first, and only then would Ella open her heart up all the way and speak aloud the three little words on the tip of her tongue. She hoped Ed wouldn’t sense her worries over the next few days. She pushed her troubles away for the thousandth time, vowing not to allow Ed to notice her lapse in happiness. If he really cared for her, he’d tell her before returning her to her family. Satisfied with her logic, Ella managed to catch two uninterrupted hours of sleep, though her dreams were haunted by images of her worried family. She saw her mother and father crying, but when she spoke to them, they disappeared into thin air. As the specifics of the dream faded, fingers of sunlight stretched across the bedroom. Ella snuggled against Ed and remained at his side until he awoke. The day passed just as wonderfully as the preceding days, but neither of them spoke any endearments aloud.

The clock was ticking.

Chapter Five Ed pulled the covers over Ella and kissed her forehead. She was already sound asleep in his bed. And it was only 9:30 p.m. He smiled. Some night owl. Their evening walk around the lake had exhausted her…along with a few other activities afterward in bed. As he walked around the house, checking the windows and doors before setting the alarm, the phone rang. It was Randy. Ed hadn’t heard from the whiz kid in four days. “The reward just shot up to $50,000, boss,” Randy said breathlessly. “I can’t believe it! Fifty big ones! Five, zero, zero, zero, zero!” Ed’s gut twisted. The deal, the reward money, the impending trade. He felt rotten just thinking about it. Ella couldn’t leave. She just couldn’t. Ed ended the phone call with Randy politely enough, and holed up in his study with a glass of whiskey. During the four days since Ella’s attempted escape, they hadn’t discussed the deal in any detail at all. Unspoken, the topic seemed taboo. An ugly problem lurking in the shadows of their temporary bliss. Of course, their deal had been for Ella to remain with Ed for seven days. She would escape marriage to Brandon Andrews as Ed waited for the reward to increase. And increase it had. Fifty thousand dollars

was a lot of money, but Ed didn’t want one penny of it. Not even if Ella wished to honor the deal and see it through to the end. At the time, five days ago, the deal had seemed like a good idea. An easy way to make money and help a stranger out at the same time. At the time. Ed downed the rest of the whiskey in one huge swallow and poured himself another glass. A renegotiation was in order. The deal as it stood now was void as far as Ed was concerned. He finished the second glass of whiskey and headed to bed. Tomorrow he would broach the subject with Ella. And if the past few days were any indication, she would be receptive. They’d made love countless times. They’d gone on walks, watched movies, cooked together, and spend hours talking about anything and everything. Ella was a wonderful girl, kind and sweet beyond measure. She wasn’t the spoiled brat he’d initially taken her for, although she had her moments, moments he knew how to handle over his knee. He’d punished her a third time for cursing just this morning, although it hadn’t been as harsh a spanking as the first two times. But despite her shortcomings—the propensity to use foul language and a short temper—she was the perfect woman for him. Sure, she was a little young, but age was only a number—a number that meant little in the grand scheme of things. Love was love. And Ed Peters loved Ella Emerson, truly and completely.

He just hadn’t told her yet. I love you seemed like such a silly thing to say out loud, especially considering the short time they’d known each other. At least to Ed. And a difficult thing to say as well. Not once in his life had he spoken these words to any woman, nor had he felt so intensely about another woman before. Tomorrow, he thought, and joined the woman he loved in bed. Tomorrow.

*** The next morning, Ed awoke to the rich smell of pancakes. He found Ella in the kitchen, humming happily and cooking away. His spirits soared at the sight. “Should I call the fire company ahead of time?” he joked, hugging her from behind. “I helped my college roommate make pancakes a few times. This I know how to do.” She kissed his cheek. “You’re full surprises,” he commented, patting her bottom before taking a seat in the breakfast nook. The meal was as pleasant as the conversation. Ella told Ed a few crazy stories about the same college roommate, and Ed insisted he wanted to meet her friend. A hint of a shadow crossed Ella’s face at his mention of meeting her friends, but Ed ignored it. Today, today.

“Let’s take a walk around the lake,” Ed said once the kitchen was cleaned up. “There’s something I want to talk to you about.” Today. Ella bit her lip and looked worried. “Have I done something wrong?” she asked, fidgeting in place the way she always did before a punishment. “I don’t know,” he teased. “Do you have a guilty conscience about something?” But the words escaped Ed’s lips before he’d thought them over. What a stupid thing to say. “No, nothing at all!” she said, storming toward the guestroom. Her family and friends were probably worried sick over her mysterious absence. Of course she had a guilty conscience. Damn me for reminding her. “Ella!” he called, and marched after her. To his surprise, the bedroom door wouldn’t open. There was no lock on the inside, and Ed knew she’d blocked the door with the dresser. “Ella, open this door right now!” To his surprise, she obeyed a few seconds later. The faint sound of wood scratching against wood came through the walls. The door opened, and Ella stood with tears streaming down her face, wearing the same clothing and hiking boots she’d been wearing three days ago on the mountain. She held her backpack between her hands. “I have to go home now,” she said. “I know it hasn’t been seven days yet, and I don’t know if the reward has increased, but I can’t let my family suffer for my selfishness.” She looked at her feet.

Ed’s heart broke. She didn’t want to stay. If she had wanted to stay, despite her guilt, she would’ve said so. “All right,” Ed finally said. “We can leave as soon as you’re ready.” Five minutes later, Ed was speeding down the long gravel driveway. Ella sat in the passenger seat, staring sullenly out the window. There was no need to blindfold her this time. So what if she knew where he lived? Obviously, her mind to leave was made up. Pride kept Ed silent, kept him from confessing his true feelings. Confessing such feelings would only paint him a fool when Ella evidently didn’t share them. And Ed Peters was no one’s fool. So he pressed the gas pedal to the floor, and his heart hardened and hardened as Ella’s house drew nearer. By the time they pulled into her driveway a few hours later, he felt cold and numb. A hardened heart cannot break. “Good-bye, Ella,” he said, staring straight ahead. She paused with her hand on the door. “Aren’t you coming in?” she asked. “The reward…” “…doesn’t appeal to me,” he finished, still staring straight ahead. “Go back to your family, Ella. Just tell them you got lost in the woods. Or you know what, I don’t care what you tell them.” “Fine,” she muttered, and slammed the door so hard the SUV shuddered. Ed backed out of the driveway before Ella reached the front door of the brick mansion. He had no desire to watch her family pull her inside with

tears and kisses. Solitude was his only desire, so he drove back the way he’d come, cursing the name Ella Emerson all the way. If only they’d met under different circumstances. If only…

*** Ella couldn’t remember having ever cried so much in her life. Her mother wouldn’t let her out of eyesight. Relatives and friends called every five minutes to welcome her home. Each conversation left her an emotional wreck. There was so much guilt—guilt upon guilt stacked up heavy on her chest. Not only had she run away to avoid marrying Brandon Andrews, but she’d lied about it as well. She’d done just as Ed had suggested in anger— declaring she had gotten lost in the woods during an early morning hike on the morning of her wedding. Lying hadn’t been her first intention, but the words had come rushing out before she’d found courage to speak the truth. So as far as Brandon and everyone else knew, getting lost on her wedding day was pure accident. And staying lost was pure accident as well. Ella claimed she’d survived on granola bars and bottled water, and that a fellow hiker gave her a lift home.

Just as she hung up on her aunt, Ella’s father burst into the living room. “Ella, sweetheart, I need the name and number of that hiker.” She panicked. Ed Peters was a name she soon hoped to forget. “Why?” she asked, fearing the worst. “Your mother and I wish to pay the reward out to him, even if he didn’t know about it.” Ella’s stomach twisted. The last time Ed had mentioned the reward, it had been $10,000. Why he’d refused the money, she wasn’t sure. Obviously, she’d angered him enough to not want the money. Men and their stupid pride. “I told him to come in, but he refused.” She wasn’t sure what else to say. Admitting her knowledge of the reward would be stupid. It would only get her caught in the midst of a great lie. Her father sunk into his favorite chair. “It’s a $50,000 reward, Ella. It’s been all over the news. And when the news of your return breaks, reporters will be clamoring to find out who your rescuer was.” Rescuer. Ella cringed. Ed Peters had been no rescuer. If her father found out about their deal, she would be shamed beyond imagination. And if anyone found out about the five passionate days she’d spent with Ed Peters, she would be shamed beyond imagination. He was a virtual stranger, yet she’d fallen hard and fast for the handsome older man. The last thing Ella needed, besides a fiancé she despised, was a bounty hunter who was twice her age. Ed was mysterious, stern, quick to anger, and…

…the one person she couldn’t stop thinking about. And he’d walked away from a $50,000 reward but why? She did not love. Not at all. But the guilt from such a lie reverberated in her chest, right beside her many sins. Lying to herself seemed less dangerous than lying to other people, but it hurt equally as bad. The days would pass, she knew, and maybe the severity of her sins would fade as they grew older. Ella’s mother emerged from the hallway, all smiles and red lipstick. “Brandon’s here,” she said, beaming and pulling her father from the room. Sure enough, Brandon Andrews strode in with a dozen red roses. Ella accepted them, smiling. “Thank you,” she said as he pulled her close. He smelled strange. He felt strange. He looked strange. He wasn’t Ed Peters. “I heard my little tree hugger got lost in the woods,” he said, not unkindly. But the veiled insult wasn’t lost on her. Brandon always tore her down with secret words and a smile, and no one else ever noticed. “I’m sorry,” she said as they sunk into the couch. She placed the roses on a side table. “I guess I missed our wedding.” “Well,” he said, squeezing her leg, “I hope you won’t miss it two days from now.” “What?” Ella was shocked. It couldn’t possibly be so soon. Not so soon after Ed Peters.

He kissed her cheek. “Our families have been anticipating our marriage for years, Ella. I don’t think we could hold them off for another week even if we wanted to.” “I didn’t really get lost in the woods,” she blurted, feeling more desperate than ever. Brandon pulled away, his thick brows narrowing together. “What?” “I got cold feet. I’m sorry. It was so selfish of me, especially making everyone worry. I should’ve left a note.” She would confess this much, but she didn’t dare speak of the days spent at Ed Peters’s house. The deal, the arguments, the spankings, the sex… Brandon dug his fingers into her thigh. “Who else knows about this?” he hissed. “No one. I was too scared to tell my parents the truth.” He dug his fingers deeper, and Ella tried to squirm away. “Both our families have flown important clients, business partners, and friends into town for this wedding. Most of them are still here. I will not have you make a fool of me, Ella.” “I…I…” But the right words were hard to find. Marriage to Brandon Andrews seemed inevitable. Maybe after all the pain she’d put her family through, she deserved to marry a man she didn’t love. “We will be married in two days, Ella. We have good jobs waiting for us, along with a nice house. Don’t be stupid.” “All right,” she finally whispered, tired and defeated. Brandon relaxed his grip on her thigh, but

the pain lingered…on her leg, in her chest, and in her burning throat. Around 11:00 p.m., Brandon finally went home, and Ella bid good night to her parents and crawled into bed. Things were bad. Brandon had lingered long after dinner, dazzling her parents with the details of their honeymoon plans to Spain. Ella’s father had regarded her with suspicion for most of the night, especially after she’d insisted she didn’t know the full name of her rescuer. “His first name was Steve, but he never told me his last name,” she’d said. Calling off the wedding now would only expose her lies. And the only job she had lined up would put her in contact with Brandon and his family on a daily basis. Marrying Brandon seemed like the only option, short of running away again. As she drifted to sleep, Ella thought of Ed Peters. Besides missing him terribly, her heart was broken beyond repair at his hands. His hands… She thought of his hands and the conflicting emotions that each spanking had conjured. Though she’d been initially outraged that a stranger would do such a thing, the idea was no longer angering. If Ed was here right now, he would punish her for each lie, absolving her sins and giving her the forgiveness she longed to feel. Dreading Saturday and each day to come after that, Ella tossed and turned through the long night. The next morning, Brandon was waiting downstairs, looking as smug as ever.

“Your parents went into the office for a few hours,” he said, pouring her a cup of coffee. Ella nodded and buried her face behind the large cup, wishing she could just disappear. If only she’d never accepted Brandon Andrews’s marriage proposal in the first place. Why hadn’t she been strong enough to say no? “I was thinking we could head up to Deep Creek today,” he said, crossing his legs. “OK, sounds good.” Their parents owned cabins on the lake there, built side by side ten years ago after a particularly lucrative business deal. “We can take the boat out all day,” he said, standing to reach the newspaper. Ella noticed her face on the front page under the title, “Emerson-Andrews Wedding Rescheduled.” She cringed and felt like throwing up. “I’ll go get ready,” she said, her heart pounding. Ed Peters didn’t live far from the Deep Creek area. Ella had been blindfolded on the way there, but not on the way back. They’d passed the exit to the cabins on the way to Catoctin. Being even thirty minutes away from Ed Peters was too close, but Ella couldn’t let Brandon know that. The next few days would pass slowly and painfully, and Ed Peters would fade in the memory of Mrs. Andrews. Or maybe he wouldn’t. Maybe the memory of him would remain a raw wound in her heart forever. Ella took another sip of coffee, and wished she was someone else.

*** “Boss, I heard you didn’t take the reward. The newspaper was pretty vague and said the man who found Ella Emerson was named Steve,” said Randy. Ed’s hand tightened over the phone. “No, I didn’t take the reward. But I do appreciate all the help you gave me this weekend, Randy.” “Something wrong, boss?” “No, things are fine, Randy,” Ed lied. “I’ll call you in a few days. I’m sure there will be something I need your help with by then.” Ed hung up, but beat the phone against the wall repeatedly before tossing the receiver across the room. Just minutes ago, he’d read the newspaper article. Emerson-Andrews Wedding Rescheduled. Ella had lied about running away and now she was going to marry Brandon Andrews anyway. The dossier about her fiancé was still on Ed’s desk. Brandon had a record with serious charges, all of them dropped or expunged. Ed hadn’t spoken of the dossier to Ella, so whether she knew about his crimes was an unknown. She had to know and he had to tell her. Even if she wasn’t with him, she couldn’t marry Brandon Andrews. Her life would be ruined. Retrieving the phone, Ed dialed the Emerson home, picturing Ella inside the beautiful brick

mansion. He hung up immediately after a man answered. Then Ed dialed Ella’s cell phone number, as found in Randy’s dossier. To his surprise, she answered. “Hello?” Ella’s voice was a breath of fresh air, despite her sad tone. “Ella, this is Ed.” “What do you want?” she asked angrily. “Oh, let me guess—the reward money.” “No, that’s not why I’m calling,” he said quickly. “It’s Brandon.” “What about him?” “You can’t marry him. He has a record—sort of. All of his charges have been dropped or expunged, but—” Ella cut him off. “What kind of charges?” she asked, her tone transforming from angry to suspicious. “DUI, assault, and…rape.” Ed listened to Ella’s short intake of breath. He silently hoped that should would believe him. She couldn’t marry Brandon Andrews! Her life would be ruined! “You’re unbelievable,” she said. “I’ve known Brandon since we were kids. If any of this was true, I would know about it.” “Ella—” he pleaded, only to be cut off again. “Don’t contact me again. Ever.” The dial tone was like an icy blanket over Ed’s heart. But a few minutes later, he snapped out of his despair and grabbed his car keys along with Brandon’s dossier. Ella Emerson wasn’t going to

marry Brandon Andrews, not if Ed had anything to say about it. Halfway down the gravel driveway, Ed called Randy and gave him Ella’s cell phone number. “I need you to track this number on GPS.” “She’s traveling west on I-70,” he said after a long minute. “I’ll need updates every five minutes,” Ed said, turning out of his driveway. “Will do, boss.” The kid sounded eager to help, just as always. By the time Ed reached I-68 traveling east, Ella was almost nearing the end of I-70 west. He silently willed her to merge onto I-68. Even if she wasn’t intentionally driving toward his house, he would more quickly intercept her if she merged onto I-68. The speedometer needle wavered around ninety miles an hour, but Ed didn’t slow a bit, not even as the SUV curved dangerously around the mountains. Randy’s next update confirmed Ed’s hopes: Ella was traveling on I-68, heading directly toward him on the opposite side of the highway. Though he had no idea what type of vehicle she was traveling in, or even if she traveled alone, he planned to loop around and peer into each vehicle he passed. One way or another, Ed Peters was going to find Ella Emerson. Even if he had to kidnap her, and even if he had to spank her until she agreed to listen. And after she was done listening, Ed planned to do something he’d never done before: confess his true feelings to a woman.

I love her, he thought. I love Ella Emerson, and I’m going to make her mine. Mine.

Chapter Six “Stop scowling,” Brandon hissed. “People are staring at you.” He took a bite of his sandwich inside the diner they frequented near Deep Creek, chewing vigorously. “I’m not scowling,” she insisted, and glared around the diner. “People are just staring because I was missing, that’s all.” How was she going to survive a day on the lake with Brandon? How was she going to survive marriage to Brandon? Her thoughts were racing and buzzing, and the sickness that had formed in her stomach the moment she’d left Ed Peters lingered like a bad dream. “Where’s your ring?” he demanded with a soft hiss, gesturing at her naked hand. The engagement ring she usually wore was missing. Ella had taken it off while she slept the night before, leaving it under her pillow because she couldn’t bear the sight of it. “I forgot to put it on after showering,” she lied, glancing at the ceiling fan spinning above their table. “I sure as hell hope that’s the truth,” he sneered, taking another bite of his sandwich. “It is!” Ella hissed, a lot more loudly than she’d intended. Enraged, Brandon reached under her dress, digging his fingers into her thigh. “Smile,” he whispered through clenched teeth.

But she pushed him away and stormed toward the exit, feeling the scorching stares hot on her back. Brandon would be angry, but she didn’t care. It didn’t matter. Tomorrow she would become his wife, no matter how angry they were with each other. As Ella rounded the corner for the door, she collided with a large body. “Oh.” She gasped. “I’m so sorry.” But when she looked up into familiar blue eyes, her stomach flipped. It was Ed Peters. The man she hated and loved. The man she never wished to see again and never wished to be without. “You’re coming with me,” he said, tugging at her wrist. Ella glanced back to see Brandon waving for the waitress. But before she could make any decision, Ed was dragging her outside toward his SUV. “Let go of me!” she said, pushing away. Ed’s response was to throw Ella over his shoulders, caveman-style. “We need to talk,” he announced. “Alone.” As the blood rushed to her head, Ella’s anger grew. Ed Peters had broken her heart, and now he was back to stamp on it some more. “No!” she yelled. “Put me the fuck down!” Curling her hands into fists, she pounded at his back and wiggled, but Ed’s hold was firm. Ella found herself being shoved into the backseat, handcuffed, and buckled in. “I believe I’ve warned

you about your bad language before, young lady,” he said into her ear. She shivered but said nothing, even as they drove away. The last thing Ella saw was Brandon exiting the diner and heading for his car. Great, she was missing again. “Where are we going?” she finally asked, grateful she wasn’t blindfolded this time. “To take that walk we should’ve taken yesterday,” he replied over his shoulder. Ella could barely think over the constant pounding of her heart, which increased the closer they drove to Ed Peters’s house. When they finally arrived, Ella feared her heart would burst through her chest. “Will you behave if I take these off?” Ed asked, tugging on the handcuffs as they stood outside the house. “Yes. I promise,” she replied, barely a whisper. He leaned close with the key, so close she could smell the musky scent of his aftershave. Repressing a shudder, Ella stood as still as possible. She wanted to kiss Ed and slap him at the same time, but the latter option would only earn her a spanking. Not that she didn’t deserve one… As they neared the lake, Ella peered curiously at the file in Ed’s hand. “What’s that?” she finally asked. Silently, Ed guided her toward a large, flat rock along the lake. When they were seated, he placed the file in her hands, his eyes apologetic. “Read it,” he said. “Read all of it.”

Halfway through the first page, Ella was in tears. Ed hadn’t been lying about Brandon Andrews. One charge she could’ve forgiven, but there were half a dozen crimes listed, none of which she’d known about. “His family and their money,” she murmured angrily, flipping to the next page. Ed put a hand on her shoulder. “I’m sorry,” he said once she’d finished. The file slid from Ella’s hands. A heavy weight had been removed from her shoulders. Her parents would understand if she didn’t want to marry Brandon Andrews now. In fact, when she told them about his legal troubles, they would insist the wedding be canceled. “I never really liked him in the first place,” she confessed. “There was always something about him that I couldn’t put my finger on. Now I know.” Ed pulled her close, unresisting. “This wasn’t the only thing I wanted to talk about, Ella.” “What do you mean?” she asked, not daring to hope for anything more than Ed’s friendship. “I want you, Ella Emerson,” he confessed. “I love you.” His deep voice didn’t waver once. Had anyone else spoken these words to Ella after only knowing her for a few days, she would’ve laughed in their face. But Ed Peters was different. Somehow, she felt as if she’d known him for years. Pulling back, she studied his face, the same handsome face that had haunted her dreams the night prior. “I want you, Ed Peters,” she said. “And I love you.”

A moment later, Ed leaned down and urgently captured her lips. Ella responded with fervor, wrapping her arms around his neck and losing all sense of time and place. “Now,” he rasped seductively, “I believe we have some unfinished business.” In one swift move, Ed swung Ella over his shoulder, caveman-style yet again. They moved toward the house as she giggled. The mood changed from playful to serious once they were facing one another in the bedroom. Ed was an arm’s length away, studying her. But before he could speak, Ella realized what she must do. Confess her sins to Ed and accept whatever punishment he saw fit. “I lied to everyone. I feel terrible about it, and I intend to tell the truth and set things right with my family,” she said. Ed inched closer, his breath fanning against her face. “Don’t forget the bad language,” he reminded her. She swallowed hard. “I’m sorry I cursed at you, Ed.” Gently, he lifted her chin higher. “Lying and foul language are serious offenses, young lady,” he said, his voice as serious as his darkened eyes. “I know,” she whispered, trembling in place. Ed led her toward the bed, guiding her over his lap. The cool air rushed against her bottom as her dress was pushed up. A large hand rested on her panty-clad bottom, running gentle circles around her

mounds and thighs. “You deserve a hard spanking, don’t you Ella?” “Yes,” she admitted, her voice trembling. The heavy burden of guilt was too much to bear. But Ed would punish her for her mistakes, and stand by her side while she confessed the truth to family and friends. He wanted her. He loved her. “A very hard bare-bottom spanking,” he finished, yanking her panties down. A quick succession of hard slaps fell across her backside, smack after smack after smack. “Oh!” Ella cried out after a particularly deft blow, but managed to keep still. She deserved this spanking, and Ed loved her enough to deliver it. The punishment continued, and Ed left no area untouched. From the top of her backside to the very bottom of her thighs, he skillfully smacked her again and again. It wasn’t long before Ella was sobbing, her shoulders heaving lightly. Ed paused abruptly, his hand lingering atop her punished thighs. “As long as we are together, Ella, I intend to spank you each and every time you deserve it,” he said. “And I intend for us to be together for a very long time.” His hand moved to caress her throbbing bottom, rubbing each punished area. Ella’s spirits soared, and the guilt melted like butter in a skillet. Before she could respond, his hand delved between her thighs, tracing her slick folds as her moisture gathered and gathered. An urgency built to unbearable heights between Ella’s legs, until she found herself writhing shamelessly against Ed’s hand.

When his fingers delicately parted her folds, she shuddered and opened up, inviting him inside her hot center. Suddenly, Ed abandoned her folds, leaving her empty and trailing his hand upward between her bottom cheeks. “Have you ever been touched here,” he asked, nudging a finger against her most private and unexplored hole. Ella gasped and tried squirming away, only for Ed to slap his hand against the slick folds he’d just abandoned. Though she hadn’t answered, her surprised reaction was an obvious no. She was shocked, but his hold was too firm to escape. “Bad girl,” he said, pressing his finger against her secret hole, using the moisture stolen from her folds to ease farther and farther inside. “Please, Ed,” Ella pleaded, uncertain about this new experience. “Please let me up.” “I don’t think so,” he said. “Your mine now, Ella.” His finger filled her, slipping out a ways only to slid right back in as he built a momentum, steady and certain. Though it was difficult, Ella tried to relax. With her legs parted and her bottom pushed high up, Ed had unhindered access to this most private of areas, and he was taking full advantage of it. “Starting today,” Ed said, “this is where I will make love to you after a spanking.” Without warning, he thrust deeper and Ella cried out, too shocked to form a coherent response.

The pain was pleasure and the pleasure was pain, the moisture continuing to pool between her thighs even as the invasion became unbearable. Ella’s mind was spinning at the thought of Ed making love to her there. A finger seemed almost too much to handle, so how could she possibly accommodate anything larger? “Starting today?” Ella finally asked, dreading the answer. “Yes, my love. Starting today. Stand up.” As Ella faced Ed timidly, she bit her lip and tried to be brave. Ed loved her…he wanted her. Everything was going to be OK. When she nervously fidgeted in place, she felt the warm stickiness of her arousal between her thighs. “Take all your clothes off and bend over the bed,” Ed commanded. Reluctantly, Ella obeyed, burying her face in the covers to wait…and wait. She heard shoes being kicked off and clothing being shed. Over shoulder, Ed approached in all his naked glory, his arousal protruding like a weapon. She tensed as he moved closer, knowing he would burying deep inside that shy entrance. “Pull your cheeks apart, Ella.” His voice was thick with desire. “Please,” she said. “Take me the usual way. Please not there.” Begging was probably pointless, but it was worth a shot. Her lower entrance was slick and ready to be mounted, but she knew Ed had his mind set on the secret hole he’d just explored.

“You were a bad girl,” he said lustfully. “Bad girls need to be punished, Ella. Now are you going to spread your cheeks apart, or should I get my belt?” She gasped lightly, shaking her head. “I’ll do it.” She relented. Her bottom was already well punished. Even still, she had no desire to feel the sting of Ed’s belt. Slowly, she reached back to oblige him, pulling her bottom cheeks apart under a cloud of embarrassment and trepidation. “Good girl,” he said. “Now hold just like that.” The tip of his arousal pressed against Ella’s moist crevice, dipping in just far enough to coat his length in her natural juices. Though she tried to sink back and quench the fire between her thighs, he gripped her hips firmly, preventing the attempt. “If you’re a good girl for me, Ella, I’ll give you your pleasure later,” he promised. As her shoulders relaxed for a moment, Ed positioned his length between her spread cheeks. Slowly, he pushed inside, farther, farther, mounting her all the way. Ignoring her moans of pain, he began to pump, riding Ella against the bed, faster and faster. Ella had never experienced anything quite like this before. Ed was in firm command of her bottom hole, building a quick rhythm of thrusts, sliding in and out with more ease than she had imagined possible. After a while, Ella was able to relax a little and found herself grinding in motion with Ed as the fire spread. When her bundle of nerves began brushing against the edge of the bed, she longed to touch herself. But she dared not disobey Ed. The

threat of a belt whipping was enough determent to keep her hands in place. So instead, Ella focused on being good. After all, Ed had promised to give her pleasure later—if she behaved. After the warmth of Ed’s seed spilled inside her with a shudder, he collapsed on the bed, fully spent. Ella fell into his open arms, curling up against his chest as the waves of pleasure and pain receded. They stayed frozen like that for what seemed like hours, gently stroking each other’s hair and face, sharing comfort in the silence. Yes, everything will be OK. “I believe it’s your turn,” Ed said, rising above with a wicked gleam in his eye. Unsure of what to expect, Ella parted her legs at his beckoning. Slowly, in an almost teasing fashion, his fingers played around her hot moisture, dipping between her delicate folds until his thumb found her bundle of nerves. Gently twisting and rubbing between his thumb and forefinger, he worked Ella until she met his rhythm with grinding hips. Her bottom burned all over, but the pain was soon forgotten as her pleasure built and built. When he slipped two fingers deep within her secret walls, Ella helplessly thrust forward again. She lay writhing on her back, feverish and anticipating his next move. As he began trailing her most sensitive spot with his tongue, she felt a wave rushing forward, almost upon her but not quite. His fingers moved steadily inside her, rising up a deep desire, while his

tongue and lips feasted hungrily on the swollen pink nub between her spread folds. A swell of pleasure overwhelmed Ella, and she screamed through the crest of the wave, shuddering even after the clash had dissipated. Ed pulled her close, and they drifted off blissfully for an afternoon nap secure in each other’s arms. And for the first time in forever, Ella was perfectly content.

*** The sun was setting over the green mountains, and Ella relaxed with Brandon’s dossier on her lap in the passenger seat on Ed’s SUV. This was it. No more Brandon Andrews. Two hours ago, she’d called home to let her parents know of her whereabouts. When her mother had started asking twenty questions about Ed, Ella promised to explain everything when they arrived back in Catoctin. Brandon hadn’t even told them she’d disappeared from the diner, so they hadn’t had a clue she was missing again. Despite the implications of what she was about to do—announce she wasn’t going to marry Brandon— Ella wasn’t nervous. Not with Ed by her side, calm and projecting enough confidence for them both. Her parents were going to like him, the age difference be damned.

“Nervous?” Ed asked, smiling warmly over at her. Ella took a deep breath and turned. “No,” she said. “This feels right.” “Good, and you still plan to tell the truth, don’t you?” His tone was half-scolding, half-teasing, but underneath it all Ella knew he was dead serious. He expected her to explain the entire situation to her parents, no matter how badly she felt for running away in the first place. “Yes. I promise.” “Good girl,” he said, resting a hand on her leg. Just as they crested the mountain to Sidling Hill, the halfway point, Ed pulled into the rest stop. Ella had been here thousands of times. It served as both a rest stop and a tourist attraction. A pedestrian bridge overlooked the highway and led to a museum on the other side of the road. From there, the view was spectacular, miles and miles of stretching farmland and mountains. Ella said nothing, and assumed Ed just needed to take care of business. But when he pulled up beside a blue car, a skinny young man jumped out. “Be right back,” Ed said, exiting the SUV. Ella watched curiously as the men exchanged a few pleasant words and the younger man drove away. “What’s going on?” Ella asked when Ed opened her door. “Nothing,” he said. “Just business. Let’s stretch our legs for a bit and walk across the overpass.”

Though she was still curious about the young man, Ella exited the SUV without a word. Maybe it was just bounty hunter business and nothing more. In any case, a walk across the overpass would be nice. A breeze followed them up the walkway, and Ella struggled to keep her hair from swallowing her face. There were alone on the overpass, and Ed guided her toward the center. They rested against the edge, staring across the green mountains. In a few weeks, Ella knew the mountains would transform from green to a mirage of orange and gold. Fall always came early up here. Ed pulled Ella close and she nestled against his chest, enjoying the way his musky scent played against the fresh air. “How would you feel about living up here?” Ed asked suddenly, watching Ella’s face closely. She smiled a small smile. “It’s beautiful, but it’s the company up here I prefer the most, if you know what I mean.” Ed’s normally stern face broke into a smile to match Ella’s. “I think I do.” And before Ella realized the implications of his innocent question, Ed was bending down on one knee, the afternoon sun gently kissing his face. “Ella Emerson, will you marry me?” From his left pocket, he pulled a little black ring box and opened it. The princess-cut diamond sparkled in the sunlight, but Ella could’ve cared less about how beautiful the ring was. All she wanted was

the man holding the box, more than anything she’d ever wanted in her entire life. “Yes,” she whispered, releasing her withheld breath. God, she loved this man. “I was hoping you’d say that,” Ed said, slipping the ring on her finger. It was the perfect proposal. No huge audience, just Ella and the one man she adored with her whole heart. And she was certain it would be the perfect wedding. Ed wouldn’t force her to have a huge wedding with hundreds of strangers and acquaintances just because it was good for business. Ed wasn’t anything like Brandon. About two hours later, they pulled into her driveway in Catoctin. This time, Ed came inside, holding Ella’s hand the whole way into the living room, despite the peculiar looks it earned him. Ed spoke to her parents first, introducing himself before prompting Ella to speak. “Your daughter has some things she needs to tell you.” Ella squeezed Ed’s hand and composed herself of the couch, meeting the concerned gazes of her parents. She began by telling the truth of her disappearance and meeting Ed in the hiking trail. Her father looked like he would explode when Ella described the encounter with Chuck Dearing. When it was time to speak of Brandon’s sins, both her parents looked disbelieving, until she brandished the dossier provided by Ed.

“I had no idea,” her mother whispered. “He seems like such a nice kid.” “You love his parents more than you love him, Mom,” said Ella. “Ever since we were kids…the four of you conspired to have us together. But I never really loved him. I tried, but love can’t be forced. It something that just…happens.” She glanced shyly at Ed. With sad eyes, Ella’s father said, “I’m sorry sweetheart. And we’ll call off the wedding tonight. I’ll take care of letting all the guests know they can leave town.” Ella hadn’t thought of that, but a wave of relief washed over her. Her parents understood; they weren’t angry about the canceled wedding. Now for the hard part. “Thanks, Dad,” she said. “And there’s something else I must tell you.” She glanced at Ed, nervousness creeping back into her chest. Ed suddenly saved her. “Mr. Emerson, could I have a word with you in private?” Ella’s father eyed the bounty hunter with curiosity and said, “Yes.” “Let’s get everyone some drinks,” Ella’s mother suggested, and the two women shuffled out and toward the kitchen where Rosie busily prepared dinner. Ella knew Ed well enough to imagine the conversation taking place in the living room. He was requesting her hand in marriage the old-fashioned way. Although the request was belated, Ella was sure

her father wouldn’t take offense. Brandon had never asked first—not that it would’ve made any difference that first time. The past was the past, she thought, smiling a secret smile as Rosie filled a tray with glasses of iced tea. Just as the women were returning to the living room, the doorbell rang. Angela was just coming down the staircase and answered. On the doorstep holding a dozen red roses, a young man stood wearing the same warm smile he typically reserved for everyone but Ella. It was Brandon Andrews.

Chapter Seven Before Ella had a chance to wonder about the outcome of the living room conversation, Ed and her father marched out of the adjoining hallway toward the foyer. At first glance, they appeared to be a united force—a united force against the visitor on the doorstep. Ella could only hope she was right in that assumption, because she dreaded a showdown with both her father and Brandon. Ella’s mother urged her back, and the women watched the heated confrontation ensue. Brandon feigned innocence about his criminal record and loudly professed his love for Ella. He was good, but he was a liar. Though the confrontation didn’t escalate to violence, it came close when Ella’s father threatened to personally toss Brandon off the front porch. Sweating and scowling, her former fiancé backed down the steps and crawled into his car, but not before hurling the roses against a nearby tree. They exploded out of the wrapping with a burst of red and green. Angela, who had remained close during the argument, closed the door and moved toward the kitchen without a word, although Ella noticed her hiding a smile.

“Well, that was unpleasant—but necessary,” announced Mrs. Emerson, smoothing her hands down her pants like she’d just gotten dirty. Ella’s father approached his wife and kissed her cheek. “Don’t worry, dear,” he said. “We won’t be seeing anymore of Brandon Andrews.” Ella placed the tray of drinks down on a console table against the wall, feeling faint with nervousness. Had Ed asked for her hand in marriage? If so, how did her father react? “So what did you gentlemen discuss in our absence?” asked Mrs. Andrews, looking desperately curious. “Oh nothing much,” replied Ella’s father in a teasing manner. When his wife swatted at him playfully, he said, “Only that this gentleman wants to marry our daughter.” All eyes were on Ed. “That’s…that’s wonderful,” Ella’s mother said. Then she looked at her daughter. “Will you say yes?” “I already did,” admitted Ella, gushing with joy. Brandon Andrews was gone, and although her parents barely knew Ed, they had seemingly accepted him with open arms. The weeks that followed flew past like a quick wind. Ella and Ed tied the knot with a quiet fall wedding. Only a few close friends and family members were in attendance—to Ella’s great delight. They honeymooned at private seaside cottage in South Carolina for two weeks before returning home.

Ella moved in with Ed, of course, and he insisted she redecorate to suit her preferences. She changed very little—just enough to please her new husband. They entertained friends regularly, and Ed grew to love Ella’s friends dearly, especially her roommate from college. And although most of Ella’s friends were shocked to learn of the canceled wedding with Brandon, they grew to adore Ed. Ed remained a bounty hunter, but Ella missed him terribly when he was gone. She kept as busy as possible during his absences, putting in extra hours for her father’s business. To her delight, she was able to work from home. Once or twice a month, she would drive into the office, but that was really just to be seen and visit with the coworkers she missed. Brandon still worked for his father, but she was careful to avoid him at all costs. To her relief, he left her alone and was rumored to be dating a client’s daughter. It was a happy life, a life Ella never thought she’d achieve. She’d grown up thinking Brandon Andrews was her future no matter what. She’d grown up dreading growing up, because it meant marrying a man she didn’t love. But somehow, running away and meeting a bounty hunter named Ed Peters had changed her life completely. Sure, Ed was a stern man, but she lived to make him smile. If she disobeyed him, she knew what to expect: a long and painful bare-bottom spanking. But punishment was a part of life she had welcomed. Disobeying Ed left her feeling so guilty that she often

confessed her crimes before they were discovered. And after she was turned over her husband’s knee, the punishment melted the guilt away and all was right in her world again. Yes, Ed Peters was the perfect husband for Ella.

*** The first snow of the year came on a Tuesday morning, covering the mountain with a solid blanket of cold white. It was early November, and Ed was checking his messages in his study while Ella remained asleep. Randy had e-mailed a few items of interest, but there was one that caught his eye above all others. Chuck Dearing had escaped from the Maryland Correctional Institution in Hagerstown. According to Randy, there was a $25,000 reward on his head—just like last time. Ed jotted down the details and closed his laptop with resolve. This time he would capture Chuck Dearing. For the money, and to keep the sleazy bastard off the streets. Ed cringed as a vision of Dearing chocking Ella on the hiking trail flashed in his mind. He had to catch him. By the time Ed was finished in his study, he found his lovely wife humming joyfully as she cooked breakfast. Since they’d married, she had

become an excellent cook. Although she’d grown up without having to learn the art of cooking, she’d adapted well to her new life with Ed. She found joy in preparing their meals, much to his delight. “So,” Ella said, sliding across from Ed in the breakfast nook, “where are you headed today?” Ed paused. “How do you know I’m going somewhere?” She laughed. “You have that look.” “That look?” he asked, curious. “Yes. Every time you have a new criminal to catch, that line above your eyebrows deepens…in thought, I suppose.” She laughed again, and Ed’s cock shifted at the sight of his wife. God, she looked breathtaking this morning. She always looked breathtaking while she was teasing him. “You’re right,” he admitted. “I’ll be gone for a few days.” “I don’t suppose you’ll tell me who you’re going after this time?” she asked. “Not at all,” he replied. Ed never wished to burden Ella. Just knowing half of the names of people he’d caught would give her a heart attack. Most of the criminals he caught spent time in the news for murder. There was no sense worrying Ella. He was a professional, very good at his job. And besides that, Ella knew Chuck Dearing by name and that was one name Ed dared not speak in her presence. “All right, fine, Mr. Bounty Hunter,” she said, feigning sorrow with a pouty lip. “But I expect you to

call me once a day. You know how much I worry about you.” “Of course,” Ed replied, confident that sparing his wife the details of this particular hunt was a good idea. She was a stronger woman than most. Never once did she have nightmares of the time Dearing tried to strangle her. But it was a topic that seemed almost taboo—to Ed. If he hadn’t arrived at that very moment… “So will you at least tell me what state you’ll be in?” she asked, batting her eyelashes dramatically. “Maryland, most likely.” She brightened. “Glad to know you’ll be so close,” she replied sarcastically, but lowered her eyes when Ed’s expression grew sterner. “I expect you to keep the alarm set at all times while I am gone,” he said. “And I also expect you to obey every other rule—especially the rule about going on walks.” Ella loved the outdoors, but Ed was firm that she be safe inside before the sun set. Once, after their first month of marriage, Ella had gotten lost in the dark during a late night walk through the forest. He’d punished her gently for being foolish then, but promised a much harsher sentence for repeat offenses. “Yes, sir,” she said, laying the sarcasm on even thicker than before. Such behavior only angered Ed. His only wish was to keep her safe—from herself and from the outside world.

“I’m only trying to look out for you, Ella,” he reminded her sternly. “I don’t appreciate your insolence.” For a moment, a spark ignited in Ella’s brown eyes. But just as soon as Ed noticed the spark, it was extinguished. “Yes, sir,” she replied with sincerity and a noticeable pinch of fear. Though he had half a mind to give his wife a reminder spanking, his decided to let her off—this time. She was making progress in regards to his many rules. More often, it was her wicked tongue that landed her in trouble, but at least she hadn’t used foul language lately. Even though he himself cursed occasionally, Ed despised hearing a woman use foul language, especially a woman who answered to him. “I’m serious, Ella,” he reminded her. “You know what happens if…” Ella cut him off, but seemed nervous while doing so. “Yes, I know,” she said, biting her lip. “I promise to be good.” “That’s all I ask,” Ed replied, reaching across the table. Ella accepted his hand. Before his departure, they made love hastily on the dining room table. Leaving was always equal parts torture and pleasure for Ed. When he reached the highway, he looked over the names of the witnesses who’d seen Chuck Dearing since his escape. Randy had sent the information just a few minutes ago. Although the cops had obviously already interviewed all those on the list, Ed was hopeful. Witnesses were always more willing to speak with

bounty hunters than actual law enforcement officers. A few more catches like these and I can retire for good, Ed thought, pressing the gas pedal to the floor. Typically, most cases kept him on the road for four days or less. The last time Chuck Dearing was wanted though, the criminal had been on the loose for an entire week. Of all the wanted people Ed had chased during his time as a bounty hunter, Dearing was the cleverest of them all. Not only that, but the man was merciless when it came to his own survival. He’d proved that just trying to strangle Ella for her meager backpack supplies on the trail a few months earlier. As much as it pained Ed to push his dear wife from his mind, it was necessary if he was to clear his head properly for the hunt. The next few days would be about tracking Dearing down and nothing else. Yes, Ed would make an attempt to call Ella once a day for reassurance, but nothing more. The former cop was in the zone, racing toward the last known whereabouts of a dangerous criminal who’d escaped from prison. To Ed’s dismay, the first contact on Randy’s list wasn’t at home. In fact, the address was nearly vacant. There was a chance no one lived in the little house in the suburbs of Hagerstown at all. Making a mistake like this was unlike Randy, so Ed dialed his assistant at once. There was no answer, so Ed raced toward the second contact on Randy’s list, ignoring the worry that hovered like a thick fog. But this next house was

even more secluded and abandoned than the first one. Still, Randy didn’t answer his phone. The fog of worry thickened when the third contact was simply the empty lot of a recently demolished warehouse. Something was wrong. Yes, something was terribly wrong. The former cop pulled to the side of the road and made a few phone calls. After ten minutes, Ed was even more concerned. According to his friends in the Maryland system, Dearing hadn’t escaped at all. In fact, a trooper friend of Ed’s had claimed the criminal was just denied parole last week. Again, Randy’s phone rang and rang. No answer. The fog of worry thickened into a solid white clay. Ed’s trusted assistant had provided him with not just one piece of incorrect information, but several. A cold wind ripped through Ed’s chest. He dialed Ella with shaking fingers. The phone rang as endlessly as it did for Randy. The answering machine picking up after the eighth ring, time and time again. Though he couldn’t pin a specific reason on the cause of these recent events, Ed knew without a doubt that he had been betrayed by Randy. He’d trusted the young man for years, but a handful of false crumbs of information pertaining to an imaginary bounty didn’t occur by accident. Not when those crumbs would lead Ed on a path two hours from home… …and two hours away from Ella. Ella! Ed contacted his nearest neighbor and the local authorities. Both claimed they were on their way to his home to check on his wife, but even that

knowledge didn’t ease Ed’s fears. He was no idiot. Randy had lead Ed on a false trail for a reason. And he suspected that reason was to draw him away from Ella. But why? Yes, Randy had met Ella a few times during the past months. They were friends and nothing more. Randy was a total geek and never seemed interested in girls, not even Ella. So why would he draw Ed away from his beloved wife? As he raced toward home, driving faster than he’d ever gone before, Ed kept coming up empty. Obviously, Randy was a traitor and Ella was in danger. That was the only explanation in Ed’s mind. His wife not answering the phone after repeated attempts only confirmed his fears. He prayed and prayed for her safety. He blinked back tears each time he imagined harm coming to Ella. Please be all right, he prayed. Ella, please be all right. Five minutes later, Ed received the phone call he never wanted to receive. The alarm company was calling to report a possible break-in. He hung up on the operator, knowing the authorities would soon arrive, as well as the neighbor. There were only two possibilities. Either Randy wished to harm Ella himself or Randy was aiding someone else who wished to harm Ella. Both possibilities made Ed want to retch. Ella was a sweet girl and a faithful wife. The thought of any harm being visited upon her gutted him.

No, she was strong. Strong… Strong… Strong. But the repetitive words felt like ashes in his mouth. Even as his speedometer passed one hundred, he felt it wasn’t fast enough and urged the SUV on and on, up and over the mountains of I-68 like a hurricane on wheels. The local police station called with dire news. The house was a disaster zone and the neighbor was found shot in the leg in the driveway. They promised to send Ed a composite sketch of the suspect as soon as possible, but he was still an hour away and felt completely helpless. The cops couldn’t locate Randy any better than Ed could, not even at the young man’s apartment. Ed continued to turn the situation over and over in his mind, searching for that missing link, the connection that would lead him to Ella’s whereabouts. Never before had Ed Peters felt so frightened, or so angry and determined. I’m coming for you, Ella, he thought, steering off the highway well before his own exit.

*** This isn’t really happening, Ella told herself. But it was a lie. This really was happening. It was her worst nightmare and a nightmare so horrible she’d never once imagined it.

She was completely at Brandon Andrews’s mercy, seated across from him in the living room of his parents’ Deep Creek Lake cabin. His eyes were glazed over with an emotion she found hard to read. Maybe it was anger. Maybe it was sorrow. Maybe it was confusion. Or maybe it was a combination of all those emotions. While his expression was eerie, nothing frightened her more than the gun resting on his lap. An hour ago, he’d shot a man in her driveway—a neighbor who’d obviously come to check in on her— most likely at Ed’s request. The house alarm had been blaring for a few minutes before Brandon finally got Ella into his car, tied up in the backseat. “This is a lie,” Brandon said, holding up Ella’s wedding and engagements rings in one hand. “This is such a lie.” A few seconds later, he was throwing them into the lake outside as Ella watched helplessly through the window. She was still tied up, ankles and wrists bound, so stopping Brandon was out of the question. You have the upper hand for now, she thought, wishing Ed would burst through the door. But it felt like a hopelessly stupid wish. How would her husband know where to find her? Brandon had shown up out of the blue. “Throwing my wedding rings into the lake doesn’t erase my marriage to Ed,” she said defiantly once Brandon took his seat again. “How about till death do us part?” he asked, his eyes flashing as he stroked the gun.

Ella didn’t dare respond to that. She was terrified but numb at the same time. Half of her knew to be afraid, but the other half of her wished to escape Brandon any way she could, even if it meant that half of her mind floated out the window. She was not really there. This wasn’t really happening. She was going to wake up in Ed’s strong arms. She was going to wake up and forget all about this dream. This nightmare. Just another minute… But the minutes ticked by, and Ella didn’t wake up. This was real life, no matter how horrible and unjust it was. Brandon taunted her with cruel threats as the gun rested in his lap, casually at the ready. He wasn’t even himself. The Brandon she’d known wasn’t a pleasant man, but he was transformed somehow—pushed over an edge from which there seemed to be no return. “Please, Brandon,” she finally managed, swallowing the burn in her throat. “Please let me go. It’s been months since—” “Shut up!” he bellowed, causing Ella to jump. Outside a motorboat sped by, leaving a line of white water tailing behind far across the lake. The window behind Brandon was open, but no one would hear them. The closest house belonged to her parents, and they weren’t visiting anytime soon. All her hopes were pinned on Ed. She repeated his name inside her head like a secret prayer, as if beckoning his arrival was possible by mere thought alone.

Remember the matching cabins, Ed, she prayed. Remember the lake. Remember… Remember… “You made me look like a fool, Ella,” he said, fidgeting with the gun again. “You and your stupid parents and this Ed fellow who’s twice your age. You really fucked everything up, but somehow I came out of this looking like the bad guy.” The bad guy? He broke into her house and tied her up. He shot a man in her driveway. And now he was threatening her with the gun. He was the bad guy. But Ella dared not voice those thoughts aloud. Brandon hadn’t hurt her yet, though it was his obvious intention. No point egging him on needlessly. She had to stall him as long as possible. Swallowing her pride, she said, “I’m sorry about everything that happened, Brandon. I’m sorry I ran off the first time. And I’m sorry for—” “Don’t sit there spewing lies to me,” he sneered. “I’m no fool.” His eyes darkened and he moved toward Ella, brushing a finger along her neckline. Frozen with fear, Ella stared back with wide eyes. A single tear rolled down her cheek. To her complete repulsion, Brandon brushed it away and cupped her face. She feared he would kiss her, but he abruptly dropped his hands and yanked her up, dragging her outside toward the dock. “What are you doing?” she asked, wincing as her legs were dragged down the steps. He smiled down at her, but his eyes gleamed crazily. “My sweet Ella. We’re going on a little boat ride.”

Chapter Eight Ed sped toward the matching cabins he’d remembered, praying his instincts were right. The cabins on Deep Creek Lake were only thirty minutes from his house on the mountain, so it seemed the most likely place for Ella to be if Brandon Andrews had her. There was no doubt Randy had betrayed Ed for something or someone. Probably money, and Ed knew Brandon Andrews had enough of it to convince a kid struggling through college to play a little prank on his boss. He was going to destroy the kid. No matter what form of coercion Randy had succumbed to, he was going to destroy him. Up ahead, the cabins appeared from over a hill, situated before the blue and white rippling lake. A blue sports car was parked beside the first cabin. Ed stopped his SUV far enough away to avoid being heard and crept impatiently toward the house on foot. Immediately, the bounty hunter surveyed the scene: open front door, no one inside, muffled noises below the hill…the dock! Ed barreled down, skidding over grass and mud and small rocks, but his movements were quiet enough. One of the two boats along the dock was swaying and a man was moving around hastily. That son of a bitch, Ed thought as he stealthily closed in on Brandon Andrews.

The creep was oblivious to Ed’s approach, busily untying the boat. But there was a handgun tucked into the front of his pants. Ed’s heart plummeted to the ground. Oh God, where was Ella? If he shot his Ella… All of Ed’s intentions to approach quietly went out the door. Enraged, he jumped on the dock and was on Brandon in a heartbeat, stealing his gun away and knocking him unconscious with the butt of it. Brandon hadn’t stood a chance against Ed. The creep barely had enough time to look up. “Ella!” Ed shouted, desperately surveying the boat. “Ella! Ella!” “Right here!” a muffled voice answered. Ed followed the voice around the center console and found his wife bound beneath a tarp. She was alive! His heart soared and he forgot his rage against Randy and Brandon—for a moment. Quickly, he used the pocketknife he always carried around to cut her wrists and ankles loose. In a flurry of motion, he inspected Ella from head to toe. The only marks he found were those on her wrists and ankles from the chaffing rope. “I’m fine,” she insisted, struggling to stand. Her eyes went wide at the sight of Brandon sprawled on the deck. “Is he…?” “He’s alive,” Ed finished for her, tucking Brandon’s gun into his own pants. Ed had never taken a man’s life before, and he had no plans to become a murderer now, even though the thought of pushing Brandon Andrews’s

unconscious body into the lake was more than a little tempting. No, this was one thing that would stay on his record. Charges of kidnapping were serious. The bastard would probably be in jail for a long, long time. Brandon was just regaining consciousness when the cops arrived. Ella told her side of the story and Ed told his. Randy was now a wanted man, but instead of tracking the kid down himself, Ed decided to leave this one to the authorities. The only thing that seemed to matter was Ella. He wanted to touch her, taste her, smell her, embrace her, and never let go. “I knew you’d come,” Ella said once they were alone in the SUV. She smiled sadly and blinked back moisture from her eyes. Ed squeezed her hand, his heart breaking at the thought of all she’d been through. “Let’s go home,” he said. Never once during the ride home did Ed release Ella’s hand. He was proud of how she’d handled herself with the cops. At any moment, he’d expected her to break down and cry, but she hadn’t.

*** They spent the next few days alone at home. The scars on Ella’s wrists and ankles faded, as did the fear brought on by the entire experience. Brandon Andrews was being held without bail, and Randy

was brought in two days later. Apparently, Brandon had used his heavy purse to coerce Randy into tempting Ed to leave the house. The story was all over the news, which bothered Ed to no end. At least they lived in the middle of nowhere. At least he could hide the newspaper and unplug the television. Of course, the intensity of the news spotlight increased when Brandon’s trial began months later. Both Ed and Ella testified against the man. A jury convicted him quickly, and a judge sentenced the creep to thirty years. Ed would have preferred a harsher sentence, but at least Ella could rest easy knowing Brandon was locked away for a long time. Ed reluctantly testified against Randy in court, and the kid was convicted on two counts of conspiracy and sentenced to five years. Ed had trusted the kid for years and was still haunted by Randy’s betrayal. Money could make people do stupid things and Ed knew he was proof of that as much as Randy. Up on the mountain, life went on as the flow of reporters slowly trickled to a stop. Ed hadn’t worked in months, but Ella had continued working for her father’s company from home. Ed was hesitant to leave Ella for any length of time, but knew he must eventually return to work. I’m not old enough to retire yet, he told himself. Although, in truth, he had plenty of money stashed away that catching even one more wanted criminal wasn’t necessary. Finally, when the weather began cooling again and the leaves changed from green to gold and

orange, Ella urged him to return to work. “I love you, but you’re driving me crazy,” she had joked. “Seriously, go back to work. You loved your job and I know you miss it.” With a great deal of reluctance, Ed decided to chase after a wanted man in Pennsylvania with a $20,000 bounty on his head. But before leaving, Ed sat Ella down for a lengthy discussion. “You’re giving me too many rules,” she complained as Ed started naming the conditions of his departure. “You must have your cell phone on you at all times,” Ed continued, trying to ignore Ella’s insolent tone. “And the alarm is to be set at all times.” “I already do both of those things,” Ella whined. “But why can’t I go on walks?” “You aren’t listening, Ella. I didn’t say you couldn’t go on walks. I said not to go beyond the lake and to always be home well before darkness falls. I don’t want you getting lost in the woods like you did that one time.” Ed recalled the time Ella had gotten turned around in the woods a few months ago. He’d found her frightened but unharmed, but he didn’t want to worry about her being that foolish again during his absence. Ella rolled her eyes. “Fine.” Ed’s temper flared. “Stand up,” he commanded, rising to his own feet. When Ella gaped up at him too long, he lifted her so they were face-to-face. Her eyes were full of fear. Obviously, she realized she’d pushed Ed too far. He

glowered down at her, debating whether or not to pull her over his knee for a spanking. “I’m sorry, Ed,” she finally said. “I know you’re just trying to keep me safe. I’m sorry I was rude and made a face.” Ed cupped her face in his hands. “Do you need a session over my knee before I leave?” he asked. Immediately, Ella shook her head back and forth. “No, please, I’m sorry. I’ll listen to you.” Ed stepped back but his eyes darkened. “Leaving you for the first time since…since Brandon is difficult. There’s a good reason for each rule I’ve lain before you. If I return in a few days to discover you’ve disobeyed me, what do you think will happen?” Ella was silent, but Ed wanted her to say the words. If he wasn’t going to punish her now, he could at least shame her by making her say the words. “Tell me what will happen,” he said, raising his voice enough to cause his wife to jump. Through blurry eyes, Ella said, “I will get punished…you’ll spank me.” Her voice was low and her face reddened. “Truly, if you break any of these rules I’ve set, you will be severely punished, Ella. Promise me you’ll be good while I’m away.” He reached for her hand. “I promise.”

***

A few days had passed since Ed’s trip to Pennsylvania to collect a bounty. Ella was bored, and she missed her husband greatly. She regretted having urged him to return to work, but deep down she knew it was best. They could not wallow in the shadow of Brandon Andrews and that horrible day at the cabin forever. With a deep sigh, she sent the last e-mail of the day and spun around in her swivel chair a few times. Ed had turned one of the guestrooms into an office so she could comfortably work from home. There were tall shelves stocked with office supplies, two top-ofthe-line computers, a printer, two phone lines with an answering machine, a scanner, and plenty of other gadgets she hadn’t even used yet. Working here with Ed close by most of the time was better than driving two hours south to her father’s company every day. In so many ways, Ella knew she was a lucky woman. She walked the house, tidying up as she went, and found herself alone in the kitchen. The silence was torture, so she resolved to take a long walk after dinner. It would clear her head and help her sleep better that night. Because sleeping without Ed wasn’t easy. She longed to feel his large, warm body pressing against her. Just a few more days, she told herself, wishing she could speed up time. After nuking some leftovers, Ella cleaned up and laced her running shoes. A jog would help clear her head better than any walk. The air was cool outside, and the sun was threatening to hide behind the trees.

A quick jog, she amended as she realized how late it was already. Summer was slipping away. She reset the alarm once outside and sprinted down the driveway. She’d worn a path around the lake, so it was the best place to jog without entering the forest or venturing too far down the road from home. She should’ve spent the day outside and the night working inside, she thought once the lake came into sight. She’d missed a beautiful day, but at least it wasn’t over yet. Her breath was ragged and her side was beginning to ache during the third circle around the lake. One more loop around, she decided, ignoring the approaching darkness. Once she got that adrenaline high, it was always hard to stop working out or jogging. Her heart was drumming so loudly in her ears that she almost missed Ed’s phone call. But his news caused her heart to drum even louder. “I’m almost home,” he said. “I caught the guy this afternoon.” “That’s great news!” Ella said, trying not to sound so breathless as she spoke. “Is everything OK?” he asked, suspicion creeping into his voice. “Oh, everything’s great!” she replied, cringing as the sun slipped away completely. She had broken her promise. It was dark. It was completely dark now. A sharp apprehension replaced her adrenaline high.

“Why didn’t you answer the phone in the house?” he asked, the suspicion in his voice growing thicker. “Oh…I’m sitting on the porch,” she lied. Sitting on the porch wasn’t breaking any of Ed’s rules, as long as she reset the alarm once she was inside again. “Well, sweetheart, I’ll see you soon,” he said. “OK, Ed…bye!” She hung up and sprinted toward the house. Dread built up inside her, especially when she realized she wasn’t sure of Ed’s precise location. He could be an hour away or a minute away. She’s been too nervous to ask. Her mind drifted to the warning he’d given her a few days ago. Truly, if you break any of these rules I’ve set, you will be severely punished, Ella. Promise me you’ll be good while I’m away. And she had broken that promise, she thought again with a pang of guilt. She raced faster through the night, angry at herself for ignoring the encroaching darkness. If he was home already, he would know that she wasn’t home before dark. He would know that she broke her promise, and he would punish her. Ella had expected Ed to be absent for another few days. He hadn’t worked in months, so she’d assumed it would take him longer to capture the wanted man. Run faster…faster…faster. Though it was dark, the sudden crunch under her feet told Ella she was on the driveway now, rushing toward the house under the half-moon. It was hard to see anything. Darkness had crept up on her too

suddenly, as if it had waited for the exact moment of Ed’s phone call. She was almost there. Almost there. But just as the porch lights came into sight, firm hands reached out of nowhere and held her tight. Her stomach flipped, and she struggled against her captor. “Let me go!” she shouted, terrified. “Get the fuck off of me!” The captor pulled her close and the familiar scent of Ed’s aftershave reached her nose. It was her husband who held her hands firmly behind her back, not a stranger. “Walk,” he commanded, and she obeyed. “Ed, I’m so sorry,” she said, once he’d slammed the front door. Towering over her in the living room, Ed’s blue eyes flashed with anger. “Remind me what happened the last time you went for a walk this late in the evening?” Ella flushed. “I…I got a little lost,” she admitted, twisting her hands nervously on her dress. “What is my rule about going on walks?” He stepped forward. “I’m supposed to be home before dark,” she whispered, looking at her feet. Ed raised her chin. “What did I tell you would happen if you broke any of my rules during my absence, young lady?” Tears were already forming in Ella’s eyes, and she blinked several times, determined to meet her fate bravely. “I…I will get punished.”

“That’s right, Ella,” he said. “You will get punished. And since you lied to me, your punishment will be extra severe. What if you had gotten lost? Who would have gone to look for you?” A tear finally rolled down Ella’s cheek, and Ed lifted her chin higher when she waited too long to reply. “Please, sir, I’m so sorry. It was an accident. I just lost track of time. And I’m sorry I lied to you.” Another tear escaped her eyelids, and her lip trembled. How could she have been so stupid? She broke her promise, and she lied to Ed. “Whether it was an accident or not doesn’t matter, because it’s an accident you won’t soon repeat.” Ed led her toward their bedroom, a stern and determined expression across his face. Ella went willingly, hoping her cooperation would lessen the intensity of punishment. She’d been on her best behavior lately, and hadn’t earned a spanking in weeks. Until tonight. “Remove your clothing,” Ed commanded, shutting the door. Though they had been married for almost a year, Ella still felt shy around Ed at times—particularly when he made her strip for a punishment. Hesitantly, she slipped her clothing off, letting her shorts pool around her feet. She stood in the center of the room wearing nothing but a pair of thin panties and a bra, trembling and cursing herself. “Remove everything,” Ed commanded again, gesturing below Ella’s waist.

She pushed her panties down and removed her bra slowly. “Please understand, Ed…you’ve been gone for four days. I’ve had nothing to do. I was just doing a few loops around the lake and when you called and that’s when…” Ed held up a hand. “…when you realized you should hurry home?” Bowing her head, Ella said, “Yes. I’m sorry.” “Come here.” His voice was quiet, but Ella detected threads of anger and disappointment underneath his controlled tone. Once she was positioned over Ed’s lap on the bed, the scolding began. “Most of all, Ella, I’m disappointed that you lied to me, and…” The scolding went on and on until Ella was nearly crying. As Ed cupped a large hand over one of her bottom cheeks, she tensed. The scolding was nearing an end, but the punishment was about to begin. “Let this be a reminder of what happens when you break the rules, Ella,” he said, sharply bringing a hand down across her bottom…smack! Ella felt the sting immediately. Ed always started out with hard slaps and kept them going until the end, rarely pausing even to scold Ella further. This punishment was no exception. The tears came quickly as her remorse grew unbearably. She lied to Ed, she disappointed him terribly. She sobbed harder while Ed’s hand reigned down again and again. Her bottom was on fire, and there seemed to be no end in sight. Staying still wasn’t easy, but Ella tried her best not to squirm.

There was no doubt in her mind that she deserved whatever punishment Ed decided to give her. Finally, Ed’s hand descended lightly to rub her tender flesh. Ella cried into the covers, fearing this was only the eye of the storm. “Ed?” she asked through a high-pitched cry. “Yes, sweetheart?” He continued rubbing her punished thighs and bottom, letting her cry it out. “Do you forgive me?” Her heart broke as she asked the question. Never before had she so deliberately lied to Ed. Shame weighed her down like an anchor in the sea as she awaited his response. “Yes, sweetheart, I forgive you,” he said, running his hand in circles, inching closer to the sweetness between her thighs. “But you must never ever lie to me again, Ella.” “I won’t lie to you ever again,” she said immediately. “I promise.” “Good. Now stand up.” Ella obeyed, knowing what would follow. The day Ed seized her in the restaurant, he’d explained how he would make love to her after a punishment. Shyly and fearfully, she bent over the bed, waiting for his approach. “Ella,” he prompted. With her face burning from embarrassment, she reached back to pull her bottom apart. Moments later, Ed was coating his hardness with her pooling honey—only to press himself into that timid, puckering entrance. Ella tried to relax, but it was always a test of her self-control to remain still. She’d

learned not to pull away or fight back though. That would only earn her a session with Ed’s thick leather belt. Ella gasped when Ed pushed further in, filling her completely. The pain was there, but it didn’t compare to the embarrassment. Being made to bend over and pull her bottom cheeks apart under Ed’s steady gaze was worse than any spanking. Just knowing this was the final part of her punishment was enough to bring her to tears all over again. Ed gradually built a rhythm with her tight hole, pumping her while his fingers dug into her hips. “You were a bad girl,” he said, quickening his pace without warning. Ella cried out, but her scream was muffled by the bed covers. She knew Ed had already forgiven her, but this final act was meant to drive the lesson home. He’d explained that to her once, that she was his completely and subject to any type of discipline he saw fit. And truth be told, after he was finished pumping her tight bottom hole, she always felt more chastised than ever before. Today was no exception. An hour later, Ella rubbed at her freshly punished bottom and peered out the bedroom window while Ed showered. The mountain was beautiful during this time of year, and she never tired of gazing upon the gold-and-orange painted hills. Soon the first snow would fall, but Ella was determined this coming winter would be better than the last. Last winter had been tainted, thanks to Brandon Andrews. But all her

fears had faded with the melting snows, budding trees, and the firm love of a handsome bounty hunter named Ed Peters.

~ End ~

~ About the Author ~ Sue Lyndon is the naughty alter-ego of an emerging science fiction author. She’s a total geek with a secret vice: reading and writing erotic fiction. It all started when she discovered her grandmother’s stash of bodice ripper novels back in the early 90s. Those strong, domineering heroes captured Sue’s attention in a big way. Her erotic fiction strives to portray memorable characters trapped in a dance of dominance and submission. Find out more about Sue Lyndon here: Facebook: http://facebook.com/SueLyndon