Read Boxed Set: Innocent Immigrant for Free Online Page B

what do you believe waits for you in Auckland?”
    “There are two women I travelled with. They will take care of me.”
    During this conversation, we walked towards the house. I kept a firm hold of her as she stumbled and hurried to keep up with my quick, long stride. “These women, did they come out to marry strangers also?”
    “Yes, that’s right.”
    “And you honestly think their husbands would welcome the liability of a single woman in their house?”
    “I am a friend.”
    “That matters nothing. Your companions are settling into new ways, with their new husbands. Believe me, young lady, you will not be welcome and will find yourself on the streets. Auckland is even less safe than Kotuku for a single, pretty young lass. Your circumstances would be dire in a day. You will allow Ari and me to show you how to settle into your new life here, in Kotuku, the same as your friends are learning the ways of their husbands.”
    “Why must you punish me?”
    My little vixen dug her heels in so that I stopped short with her.
    “To teach you a lesson. I’m surprised you felt the need to ask. What sort of upbringing was it you had in England that allows young women to think they know what’s best for them?”
    “What sort of monsters are the men in this colony?” she retorted.
    “You’re about to find out.”
    I didn’t release Katie until we entered the drawing room. When I locked the front door, she had been startled, but I ignored her, tugging her with me.
    “What have we here?” Ari asked.
    “Just as we suspected, our Katie tried to make a run for town. Perhaps she thinks she would be better off with the drunks at the public house.”
    Katie’s chin was lifted in defiance. I had expected some sort of appeasement from her, but she was braver than I had given her merit.
    “You are a naughty girl, Katie,” Ari said.
    “Naughty girl,” repeated the tui.
    Katie’s head jerked towards the bird sitting on the arm of Ari’s chair, a look of understanding coming to her face. She had been tricked by the bird’s chatter into thinking I was in the room, conversing with Ari when she attempted to leave.
    “Katie, Katie, Katie.”
    “That’s enough, Huhu.”
    “That’s enough,” the bird replied.
    Ari stood and carried a small dish which he fitted into a puriri branch set up in the corner of the room. The bird followed, landing on the perch, taking sips of the prepared nectar. “Time for bed,” it said, scurrying to the edge of the perch near the window drapes that were still open despite the night.
    I studied Katie. Although her chin was held high, she fidgeted, clearly concerned about what was to happen, and so she should be.
    I sat myself in an armless chair, perfectly designed for what I was about to do. “Bring her here, Ari.”
    Katie shook her head, but Ari ignored her, taking her elbow and steering her to where I sat. He pressed her to me, her knees against my thigh, and placed a hand between her shoulder blades.
    “Over you go, love, across Griff’s lap.”
    I felt her resist in the tension of her legs as she pushed back against his hold.
    “I don’t want to force you, sweetie...unless of course you want me to.”
    “I don’t want any of this. I want to go home.”
    “Kneel, Katie. Now,” Ari ordered. His broad hand completely covered her delicate shoulder as he forced her to the floor.
    Finally, she complied, trying to hold herself away from my legs as much as the gap between her and Ari allowed. I took her chin between my thumb and the crook of my finger, tipping her head so that she had to meet my eyes.
    “And where might home be?” I asked.
    She met my gaze for the longest time until the fire in her eyes dwindled. Tears welled, and although they tugged at my heart I resolved to continue with her punishment. Her safety was at stake, and she had to learn about the consequences of her actions. No apology or tears of remorse would stave off discipline.
    Finally, she answered. “I don’t