Free Boxed Set: Innocent Immigrant by Jax Lusty

will then be safe from the ideas and intentions of the other men in Kotuku, until the time you are either married or released.”
    “So I will be kept a prisoner in a house of debauchery?”
    Griff’s response, a simple arched eyebrow, told me I’d been too outspoken. A small burst of fear erupted in my chest, making it impossible for me to draw a full breath.
    “It is polite to appear grateful when somebody is extending their kindness and hospitality, Katie. Your manners appear to have completely deserted you. Perhaps a few minutes with a birch might help you regain them.”
    I cast my eyes back to the porridge setting thick and cold in my bowl. Although it should have, the idea of the birch didn’t entirely horrify me, but my emotions warred. It would be easy for poor manners and conduct to become unappealing, and despite my inability to come to a decision about my future, I would not gain anything by being dismissed from the house.
    “Again, I’m sorry. Last night’s events were a shock to me. I don’t know how I feel about remaining in this house, but I can assure you a birching will not help me think well of you.”
    Griff pushed to his feet and needed no more than his tall, muscular body to portray his position of power and control over my future. He bent forward and placed his hands on the table, bracing his arms either side of my breakfast bowl. This close I could smell him, and oddly his scent, which was becoming more familiar to me, helped give me strength when I would normally have cowered.
    He spoke with a low, considered voice. “Weighing up the benefit of a birching versus your resulting opinion of me is my concern.”
    His eyes were dark, mesmerising pools, and I ducked my head to stop myself being sucked into their might. His bent position shortened his shirtsleeves, baring his wrists and a little of his muscular forearms. I kept my focus on the smattering of dark hair that covered them, and the occasional freckle.
    “Eyes on me, Katie.”
    I glanced up, my mouth parted to enable the fast, shallow breaths I took. Having him this close, his gaze intent and fierce on my face, made me want to squeeze my thighs together to enjoy some relief from the sizzle of my nerves.
    “Punishment is used to set the boundaries, which I expect all who live in this house to respect. If I didn’t care for you, Katie, I wouldn’t allow your rudeness to run unchecked. I’d also be putting you on the next steamer for Auckland. However, for the moment, I’m willing to overlook your behaviour because you are still learning our ways, but please understand, this is the final warning. Next time, you’ll be tied to the hitching rail at the barn and birched in full view of anyone who passes by. We employ men at the stables who I’m sure will enjoy the sight.”
    The idea was monstrous, and I looked to Ari for support.
    “No use turning to Ari to rescue you; he’ll be the one administering the birch. I believe I told you last night, he’s very handy with a bunch of manuka. He’s capable of binding a suitable implement in minutes, although he does prefer to prepare one in advance and soak it in a brine.”
    I felt powerless as I switched my gaze between the two men. Within seconds, I had been robbed of my state of arousal so that I was filled with dismay. The unfairness of my situation welled inside me, pushing tears to the forefront of my eyes. I blinked, and they ran in two rivulets over my cheeks. “You are a bully...both of you are bullies.” I waited for Griff to effect his threat of a birching, when instead he grinned.
    He took hold of my chin, keeping my tear-streaked face turned towards his. “Dear, sweet Katie. Look at you, all angry and hurt.”
    “Don’t patronise me.” I struggled to pull out of his grip, but he easily followed the movement of my head with his hand until he locked his arm in a manner that prevented any movement at all.
    “I’m not here to be a source of amusement,” I