14

Chapter Two

He whirled around quickly, his expression one of anger. “That shit isn’t funny, Sera.”

She blinked. “It’s not supposed to be.”

There was a white line around his lips as he loomed over her. “You don’t say stuff like that. Not everyone will take it as a joke.”

“It’s not a joke,” she said in a steady voice, though she trembled with a hint of fear. Not because she thought Jack would hurt her, but because there was a tangible tension in the air. A harbinger of something to come…something she was sure she wanted, but was still slightly afraid of just the same.

Jack bent over her until their faces were only inches apart. “I don’t know what kind of game you’re playing, but don’t push me, Sera. I suppose you’ve heard the rumors and decided to have a bit of fun, but I’m not amused, and I won’t tolerate this. I will put you over my knee and paddle you like the brat you’re being if you keep this up.”

Her body jolted at the mental image of being over his knee, but curiosity won over th