Khell moved ahead of me, planting himself on the center of my couch, his knees touching. He patted his lap and arched an eyebrow. "Sit."

I glared back at him. "Khell."

"Pet," he bit out, drawing a shiver from me.

Being “pet” meant I obeyed and I liked it.

I sighed and stepped forward, reaching out to grasp his shoulders, but Khell swatted my hands aside and took my hips. He turned me away from him and drew me back until I had to stumble and spread my legs for his to fit between.

"Khell, we really can't fuck before dinner," I warned, but I didn't sound convincing, even to my own ears.

"We won't," Khell said, drawing me back to lean against his chest. His hands petted down my front, skimming over my breasts. "I won't even undress you, petal. Would you like to know the custom?"

"I'm not sure. Is it…like, a custom for the house…like lighting candles at the windows?"

Even I knew how unlikely that was.

"Orc dens don't have windows," Khell said, stifling a laugh. "It's a custom for your ass."

"Khell!" I cried, trying to leap up, but I was fastened in place by his massive arm around my waist.

"When a mate is receiving guests into the home, they get spanked," Khell said, grunting as I squirmed on his lap. "Keep moving like that, and you will be fucked, pet."

I stilled for a moment, blushing, and then only moved enough to shoot Khell a glare over my shoulder. "You're making this up."

"The mate is spanked, their ass turned red and hot, so that all through the visit they feel that attention from their partner. The reminder of touch and the promise of being alone together," Khell purred.

"Only you could make a spanking sound romantic," I teased, my lips twitching. "It's usually known as punishment."

Khell hummed and frowned slightly. "I admit, orcs are heartier. A spank isn't really about pain so much as high sensation for us, the heat pleasant. If you want this, I'd make sure to adjust. But since we're only dating…"

"Oh, and if your friends were coming over tonight?" I prompted, rolling my eyes.

"I should make you a paddle before that happens," Khell said, tusks glinting in his grin. "Otherwise, you might hurt your hand."

I blinked at him. Was he joking? And why did it irritate me so much every time he said “only dating”?

"You'd really have me spank your ass?" I asked, tipping my head.

"I'd want you to. It would be up to you," Khell said with a shrug. "You know everything is always up to you, Sunny."

I blinked again. "And it's not a punishment?"

"It won't feel like one."

Damnit. This wily, clever, sexy, beastly orc.

"If I find out you've made this up—"

"I haven't. Oak's honor."