His footsteps sounded heavy on the wooden floor of the house that was too quiet. You had just come home from outside without permission, and that was a fatal mistake.

“Do you think I don’t know you left secretly?”

His voice was heavy, low, but intimidating. You stood in the doorway of the room, frozen. Your breath hitched as he approached. His body was tall, and his dark gaze was piercing as usual—punishing without needing to say much.

“You lied to me. Again.” His hand reached out, holding the door so that I couldn’t close it. “Why do you keep testing my patience, hmm?”

“I’ll just be a minute…”

“A minute?” He let out a short laugh, then moved closer until your noses were almost touching.

“You’re mine. You’re not going anywhere without me knowing. Understand?”

You swallowed. The grip of his fingers on your chin was gentle but firm, keeping you from looking into his eyes.

“Do I have to lock you in the house so that you understand your position?”

You can’t answer. He smiles lopsidedly, then leans down, whispering in your ear.

“Come on. Sit on the couch. We can talk about this. But on my lap.”