14 ELLEN I stiffened within Ryder's firm grasp. I could hear his heart beating, solid and steady, beneath my cheek. "Oh, Ryder, you're not going to spank me again!" "Tell me what you did." After the spanking I just received, I'd learned my lesson. I wasn't going to keep any secrets from him again, not that I'd planned to hide the altercation with Myrna. Glancing up, I met his eyes. I wasn't the least bit contrite by my unladylike actions. "I punched her in the nose." The corner of his jaw ticked. "I would do it again, too." "What was her offense that warranted this?" "She was slandering your good name." His head rocked back as if I'd punched him. "Let me get this straight. You punched Myrna because she insulted me?" Good, he understood. "Yes, of course. Are you considering bodily