15. I Hate You!

I despise you. I despise you deeply! I held back my tears, biting my tongue to prevent any sign of vulnerability. He wouldn't witness me shedding a single tear. No, that wasn't going to happen.

"I'm going to administer thirty lashes, Madeline. That should make it clear to you that I mean what I say. I will protect you in this house, but you will not attempt to harm or kill me or my men. If you do, there won't be a second chance."

I knew he wasn't making an empty threat. It wasn't a mere warning, but a genuine promise.

"Yes, sir," I forced the words through gritted teeth, closing my eyes as he patted both of my buttocks.

The sound of the belt swishing through the air felt like an eternity, as if by some miracle, time had frozen. I felt light-headed, refusing to breathe or think. When the thick strap struck the center of my behind, I didn't react at all.

There was no pain. Not even a tingling sensation.

I shifted my hips, finally taking a deep breath. The second swishing sound wasn