Page 27 of Kronos’ Consort

She frowned at the news, trying to make sense of it. If what he was telling her was the truth, then where did her beloved science fit into the equation?

“I used to think that stuff was nothing but mythology, Master.”

She’d clung stubbornly to her belief in physics until he’d taken her to that dreadful darkness. There, watching the being who’d formed from its depths, she’d had no choice but to face the reality of that which she had previously dismissed as impossible. Science had taught her that the universe was vast and ever-expanding, but it had not prepared her for any such sights. It did not allow for dominant gods who could travel through the ether and summon things with their will alone.

“That view is the perspective much of your species has chosen these last few hundred years.” He rested his hand on the front of the seat by her knee, grounding it against the fibers of the rug. She glanced around when she settled on the floor, aware of her heart still hammering in response to the impromptu journey. “But there are still those who believe in the old ways. Those who pay homage to beings like me.”

“I didn’t realize.” Processing his answer, an unexpected wave of shame washed over her. Apparently, there had been a lot she hadn’t grasped.

Kris wasn’t responsible for humanity’s ignorance, but her inexperience in such matters had inadvertently perpetuated the modern way of thinking. The reign of science had replaced religion, its labs and offices the new temples, and in joining its ranks, she, too, had believed that it provided all of the answers. She’d thought herself enlightened, but in light of what Kronos had shown her, she realized she was as blinkered as those who’d once believed the sun revolved around the Earth.

There was still so much for her to learn.

“It’s okay.” That large palm slid to cover her left knee, squeezing her cooling skin gently. “I think you shall enjoy the process of acquiring this new knowledge.”

Hypnotized by his fingertips, she watched as they drew small circles on her skin. She knew how good those digits could feel on her, and in her, the surety alleviating some of the disgrace she’d felt for her ignorance. “I think I shall.”

Her head rose, and he speared her with the intensity of his gaze, those hazel eyes loaded with sinful intent. Over the last few days, Kris had come to know that look all too well.

“It means,” he purred, “you’ll be as intellectually stimulated as you are sexually.”

She smiled at the way he’d put that, excited by the prospect of both. The idea of not returning to her studies was demoralizing, but with Kronos around to learn from, she acknowledged she had a whole new subject to study. “Yes, Master.”

“But you won’t be allowed either unless you’re good.” He rose on his knees, pressing his body toward her. “And not when you err and deserve to be punished.” He paused, and in the silence, she sensed heat blooming at her cheeks. “We both know you’ve been bad, don’t we, Kristina?”

“Yes.” She didn’t even try to avoid the fate she knew awaited her. She hadn’t been honest with him about her claustrophobia, and to make matters worse, when her fear was revealed, Kronos had acted with concern and compassion. Added to that was the fact that she’d tried to flee and had inadvertently run out of oxygen. “I’ve been bad, Master.”

If he hadn’t been there to give her the kiss of life, that would have been it. No more science, no more pleasure. No more Kristina.

“You asked me to punish you yesterday.” His expression was so serious suddenly, as though their prior conversation hadn’t even happened.

“You said I needed to rest first,” she replied, drawing closer to him as though his magic had compelled the movement, but deep down, she knew it hadn’t.

She wanted to be closer, wanted the heat of his breath on her skin. If he was about to whisk her off for another toe-curling punishment, then she needed the intimacy more than ever.

“And now you have,” he concluded.

“Yes, Master.” Her breathing had sped up again, her body already anticipating what he would say next.

A part of her dreaded what was to come. How could she not? He was huge and powerful and could have done anything he chose to her. But another, larger facet of Kristina tingled with anticipation. After everything they’d been through, she trusted Kronos. He would know how far to push her without tipping the balance.

“Then we’re agreed.” His gaze fell to her lips, as if he was considering kissing her again, but frustratingly, the caress never came. “It’s time you were punished.”

Chapter Fourteen

Kronos

“I had thought to deny you pleasure as a penance.” His focus drilled into her. “But now I see you need much more from me.”

It was odd to be the one on his knees. After so many centuries watching others bow and scrape to him, the position was a novelty, but with Kristina, there was pleasure to be found in every deed. It was intoxicating to be so close to her as he promised to deliver what she was owed.

His hand traveled along her upper thigh, grazing over her soft skin as her breathing came even faster. “You need to be spanked again, don’t you?”

Her breath caught at his verdict, but she nodded immediately. “Yes, Master.”

He blinked in wonder at the concession. Not many days had passed since he’d first brought her there and taken her over his thighs for her first spanking. Back then, she’d refused to comply. She had required his magical intervention to get her into place, and even then, she’d protested about the fate.

Sitting before him then, though, like a tempting queen giving commands from her throne, she did anything but protest. Her lips parted, her cheeks flushing as she processed her own answer.