Rocky Mountain Dawn (Rocky Mountain Bride Series Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

her along past the landlord and up the back staircase.
    Once they were back in the room, she stood wringing her hands as her husband paced, long legs taking him from one end of the room to the other.
    "What were you thinking, leaving without telling me?"
    "I woke and you were gone—"
    "I left a note, and was downstairs the whole time. You disappeared. We have all been searching since breakfast."
    Esther felt her cheeks redden at the thought of the whole inn turned upside down on her behalf. "I didn't mean to alarm anyone. I just wanted some fresh air."
    "You didn't think to tell me? I came upstairs to find your trunk torn apart and you gone. I thought—" Johnathan paced back in forth, his long legs challenged to stretch in the small space. His hands tore through his hair. "I don't know what I thought... that there had been a robbery or someone had snatched you somehow."
    Sinking down into the chaise, Esther put her head into her hands. She'd never seen her groom so worked up.
    "I'm sorry, all right?" she snapped. "I said that already."
    Johnathan stopped pacing and stood in front of her. "Esther, you must understand what a scare it was." Reaching down, he took her hand and she felt her pulse jump at his touch. "We are starting a long journey together, and I need to know you're safe."
    Unsettled, she pulled her hands away. "Of course I was safe—I was a few yards away from the inn." She sniffed. "I think you are making too much of this, husband."
    The next thing she knew, he'd pulled her to her feet and sat down in her place on the couch.
    "Lift your skirts and lie over my lap."
    "What?"
    "Now, Esther. If you argue with me, your discipline will be longer."
    She stared at him. He didn't look angry, just determined. She'd seen that look on her father's face before she'd received punishment as a child.
    "Esther," Johnathan said in a warning tone.
    Energy rushed through her, telling her to run, but she knew she would not get far. Slowly she lifted her skirts and laid down. He put his hand on her back to steady her as she settled over his long legs, and then pulled up her skirts even higher.
    Hanging over his lap, she felt angry tears prickle in her eyes and her cheeks burned with shame. She was grateful that her hair hung over her face so he couldn't see it.
    Then his hand cracked down and she jumped. It continued in a steady beat, slapping one cheek and then another, punishing her through her drawers. At first, she felt grateful for the thin cloth protecting her skin. Then a minute passed and she gritted her teeth against the smarting sensation.
    Throughout the spanking her husband lectured her. "You will not leave without letting someone know where you are. We're about to embark on a long, dangerous journey, and your safety is my utmost concern. No more slinking off. And no more climbing trees." With a final smack, he set her on her feet.
    Her hands immediately went to her bottom, but Johnathan tutted and pulled them away.
    "The sting will remind you of the pain you caused others. Now go and sit at the desk. You'll spend the day in the room, writing notes of apology to every guest in the inn. You can deliver them at dinner."
    "But what about our travels? We're staying another night?"
    "We were to ride out straight after breakfast, but it's too late now. We won't arrive in time for our train."
    Esther's shoulders sagged. "I am sorry. I didn't mean to cause so much trouble."
    "My dear, look at me."
    She did, and felt surprise. Under the thick brows, his brown eyes were kind. "You are forgiven. The slate is wiped clean. I know you will do better next time. Now go sit down."
    With a resigned sigh, she sat on the hard seat. Her bottom throbbed so hot she felt it would burn. Johnathan left and returned with pen and paper and a list of all the guests. It seemed that, after only one meal with them, he knew all their names, as well as the innkeeper and servants.
    "I'll leave you to it, wife."
    His warm hand squeezed her shoulder,