“The sooner you obey me, the sooner this will be over. Now fetch me the cane.”

Her stubborn little chin went up. “No. I’m not doing it. I’m not going to let you beat me again, Daniel. I’m not a child. I’m a grown woman.”

“Then you are mature enough to obey the rules you agreed to when you first arrived.”

“Your rules only apply when you want them to.”

His hand slammed down on the edge of his desk. “That is quite enough! Get me my cane, and let us be done with this.”

The little witch just shook her head. “I won’t do it. I’m tired of this place and all your stupid rules. I want to leave. I want you to have one of your evil minions drive me back to Denver.”

Fury coursed through every artery and vein in his body. He forced a calmness into his voice that was far from the way he felt. “You can’t believe that is actually going to happen. You realize I can call a couple of my minions, as you refer to them, and they will hold you down while I administer the discipline you deserve.”

Her pretty face went pale.

“But we’ve had such an enjoyable time together, I’m not going to do that.”

Callie wisely said nothing. “Instead, since it’s become clear you will no longer obey my commands, it’s time I hand you over to someone who will make certain that you obey his.”

He flashed her a cold, ruthless smile. He refused to put up with any woman’s disobedience, even Callie’s. “On Sunday, you will be married to Klaus Mahler.”

Callie sucked in a breath. Mahler was a big German with a tough reputation among the other men. He was young, smart, and utterly ruthless. He wouldn’t hesitate to bring Callie in line.

Mahler was German, but Daniel was an equal opportunity employer. The men who worked for him were diverse: Hispanic, Asian, African American. All he required was unquestioning loyalty, a vow of silence, and a willingness to do whatever they were told. For that, he paid more than they could ever think of earning anywhere else.

“Please, Daniel . . .” Callie pleaded. “I just want . . . I just want to go home.”

“Day after tomorrow is Sunday,” Daniel continued, ignoring the tears in her eyes that only angered him more. “Klaus is in need of a wife, and I believe he will know exactly how to handle one as disobedient as you.”

“No . . .” she said, shaking her head and backing away.

“If you don’t calm down and behave yourself, Callie, I’m going to call him right now.”

Callie trembled but didn’t move.

“That’s better. There was a time I thought the two of us might have a future together. That time is long past. From now on, you will service another earthly master—God help you. Now get out of my sight—and prepare yourself to accept your new husband on Sunday.”