“We need to talk,” she said.
I turned and walked to the parlor while Hasiba followed along behind.
“What is it?”
Hasiba sat down, looking this way and that, seeing if anyone was within earshot. “Punishments,” she whispered.
“Yes?”
“You’re seriously going to spank me?”
“Only if you disobey the rules.”
“I’m twenty years old, I’m not—”
“That may be, but there are many times you act like an insolent child. Therefore, your punishments will be tailored to fit.”
“You can’t treat me like—”
“Oh, Hasiba. I already have. And you’ve let me. Do you recall in the drawing room earlier when you addressed me? You said ‘yes, ma’am’. A sign of respect Hasiba, a sign that you look up to me and that this arrangement can work for us. And I sincerely hope it can. I can finally do the job of being your
