XLII. Erik's Reprimand

Erik sat in a plush chair waiting for his wife to return. He heard the door open to the kitchen and soft footsteps enter. If she was trying to sneak in he would not have it. "Zuri get your behind in here."

A few minutes later she entered the room and said, "Yes."

"Don't play with me. Where have you been?"

"I went for a walk."

"For two hours!" He nearly shouted.

"Yes."

"Don't you lie to me." She was silent for a few minutes before Erik said, "Get over here now." She obeyed but suddenly became scared at the prospect of seeing him angry. Erik stood up and wheeled her around to face him. "I do not abide by your lying Zuri. You know the consequences and yet you have not told me the truth. I have obviously neglected my husbandly duties."

"What are you going to do?"

"You'll see." He said then led her past their children's bedroom and into their own. After shutting the door behind him he whirled her around to face the wall and began to unbutton the back of her dress. He heard her whimper softly as she wiggled out of the dress leaving her only in her corset, chemise, stockings, and pantalets. Erik didn't want to punish her but he had to in order to let her know that she couldn't lie to him. "Brace your hands against the wall."

"But Erik..."

"No buts."

She did as she was told and didn't complain as he wrapped an arm around the front of her waist. Zuri suddenly felt pain radiate over her behind as she heard a loud smack. She bit her lip hard and whimpered once more as she felt his hand come over behind several times. Tears began to fall down her cheeks as he became harsher with his slaps.

Suddenly, Erik heard her tears become sobs. Surely he wasn't hitting her that hard. He stopped then turned her around to face him. "I'm not hitting you that hard Zuri. What's the matter?" He hugged her to him and entwined his fingers in her dark hair. "Sweetness what is it? Please." He pulled her with him to a chair and sat down then pulled her on his lap. "Please tell me."

"I went to see my father."

He stroked her hair softly. "Yes."

"I basically disowned him." She said then sniffled. Erik reached inside his pocket for a handkerchief and handed it to her. "Why can't he be happy for me? Why couldn't I have been born to a different family?"

"I don't know sweetness." She sniffled again. "I'm sorry sweetness. I shouldn't have been so rough."

Zuri shook her head. "No Erik. I deserved it. You were worried about me. I should have told you."

He wrapped his arms around her waist then kissed her lips softly. "I'm sorry about your father."

"Don't worry. He shouldn't be bothering us now."

"I hope not."

"He better not. I warned him what would happen if he did." She kissed him back.

"I love you."

"I love you too Erik."