The prospects were limitless. Instead of speaking, Tony held out his hand—he couldn’t even look at her, not after what she’d done.

“Tony …” she began, as she handed him the piece of paper.

He didn’t give Claire the chance to continue. With the hand that held Sue’s note, he seized her mouth and squeezed her cheeks. If he covered her nose … no, that wasn’t what he wanted. At the moment he didn’t know what he wanted. He just knew the perfect day had gone to hell in a matter of seconds.

“Not now,” he managed through gritted teeth. “We’ll discuss this when we get home.” Prying his hand from her face, he resumed his grip on the steering wheel. They rode in silence until they reached the front door of the estate.

Before they arrived at the Simmons’ house, Tony had made Claire a deal. Was it a deal—or perhaps a threat? Either way, he’d promised her a day at the spa in Chicago—if she behaved. When he stopped the car, he didn’t bother to open her door. This wasn’t a damn date. He kept his eyes fixed straight ahead and said, “Go up to your suite. I’ll be up soon; in the meantime, I have things to do, like cancel a spa appointment.”

Though he didn’t turn, he knew she wanted to speak, possibly explain. It took her a few seconds, but soon, Claire opened her door and walked toward the house—out of the corner of his eye, he saw her head high and shoulders back. Her arrogance in the face of his power only fueled his thoughts. If she were brazen enough to respond like that when she knew she was about to be punished, what would she risk to get free?

He’d watched her for over an hour on the monitors. Catherine had even come into his office and tried to learn the reason for his change in demeanor. He couldn’t or didn’t want to explain. He couldn’t tell Catherine that she’d been right all along, that Claire had just been holding back, waiting for the opportunity to get free and take him down in the process. Tony didn’t want to admit that to himself, much less someone else. After all, he’d taken her to his friends—to his best friends—and now look what she’d done!

His decision was made. Behaviors had consequences and she needed to be punished. How? He debated, until he realized that punishment wasn’t something to be thought out; it was something to be delivered swiftly when necessary. It was a means by which to curb unacceptable behavior. What she had done or said while with Sue was undoubtedly unacceptable. Claire knew the rules: no divulging of private information. If Sue wanted to have lunch—there would obviously be sharing of private information, if there hadn’t been already.

By the time Tony stepped through the door of her suite, he’d decided to allow Claire to choose her penalty: a time-out or corporal punishment. By making her part of the decision process, she was forced to accept her responsibility for her actions, ultimately admitting to her insubordination and agreeing to the consequences.

Tony knew from the monitors that Claire was out on the balcony. The sound of the door must have gotten her attention. He didn’t speak, but he stopped and stared in her direction. It was an unspoken command, and she heard it loud and clear. With her back straight and her eyes locked on him, she boldly walked within inches. He lifted her chin, leaned forward, and bathed her cheeks in his warm breath. Tony didn’t want there to be any misunderstanding: she had failed to maintain her side of this agreement, and there would be a price to pay. “What did we discuss just before we arrived at the barbeque?”

Her eyes flashed fire, but her words sounded respectful. “I told you I wouldn’t let you down and I didn’t.”

“Actions have consequences; I’ve told you that. Why is that difficult for you to understand?”

“Tony, it isn’t. If—” He didn’t want excuses. The control he’d tried to gather during the drive and in his office evaporated. His open palm struck her cheek. It wasn’t powerful enough to knock her down, yet it accomplished his goal—she stopped speaking.

“Actions have consequences,” he repeated. As the evidence of his persuasion began to rise on her cheek, her moist eyes stayed fixed on his, and he continued, “I’ve been thinking quite a bit about an appropriate punishment.”

“Tony, if you would please let me speak. I know your decision is set, but allow me to talk.”

Her strength was commendable. More out of awe, he nodded and said, “Fine, make it quick.” Her words wouldn’t matter; his decision was set.

“I was nervous about going to this barbeque today, but I had a wonderful time. Courtney was the perfect hostess and very charming. Everyone was nice to me. I really didn’t know what to expect.” Her words were barely spaced. “Well, everyone except Bonnie. By the way, I overheard Bonnie and MaryAnn talking and everyone there had your back. That includes me. Sue—well, Sue’s lonely. She told me that Tim works long hours, which she mentioned he enjoys, but she’s lonely. At some point, she asked me for my number. I don’t have one—as you know—but I thought that sounded dumb: everyone has a cell phone. So I just said I didn’t have it with me and I didn’t know my number. I never call myself. So, I’m guessing that’s why she gave me her number. I really didn’t know she was going to do it. If I had, would I’ve had her do it right in front of you?”

He didn’t want to hear this—it wasn’t the way he had imagined.

Claire went on. “When Courtney introduced me to Tim and Sue, I told Tim I’d heard good things about him—from you. I can only guess that made Sue and I instant friends. Women love to hear good things about their husbands. I would’ve told you if I’d gotten the number without your knowing. I have no way of calling, and if I just didn’t call, it would appear rude. I know how you feel about appearances.” Her tone softened. She’d stated her case; this was more of a plea. “I really did well today; this was just a misunderstanding, and your friends were very nice.”