Aspen wondered how Andrew could be so cruel and heartless as to humiliate her like this in front of others. Tears welled in her eyes, but her resolve hardened. Even if she had to endure this monster's savagery, she would never surrender.

The moment she was free again, she would end it all.

Andrew, oblivious to the storm raging in her mind, brought the belt down hard across her backside. The leather split the air with a vicious snap, blooming fire across her skin.

"This is for your defiance," he snarled, striking again. "For your arrogance. For still thinking you're above this!"

Each lash seared like acid, pain radiating to her bones. A scream clawed at her throat, but pride choked it back. Instead, a stifled moan escaped, trembling and low.

Andrew froze, belt raised. That sound—soft, almost pleasured—was not the cry of pain he had expected. On the other hand, Aspen was horrified when she realized it too.

Her gasp had curled into something wanton. Something that betrayed not