Page 29 of Savoring Sienna
Sienna plucked at her nails in a nervous habit she couldn’t quite break.. “I… no. I can’t. You know why, Master Derek.” Though she hadn’t shared all the horrific details of Stan’s abuse, Derek knew enough about the fear she had of her ex-fiancé still searching for her.
“I understand.” His voice held no judgment, only compassion. “I’ll have a chat with Master Lawson to arrange the appropriate security, and of course, I’ll accompany them as well. Let me know when.”
“Ehm… they want to go tomorrow, Sir, if that’s possible.”
“Very well. I’ll make the necessary arrangements. We’ll leave around eight in the morning, so make sure they have breakfast early.”
“Thank you, Master Derek.” With a tentative smile, she rose and left the office. Her heart was lighter for having overcome this small hurdle.
“Ah, there you are.” Crone’s voice wrapped around her like warm honey, filling her with that now-familiar flutter of warmth that seemed to accompany his presence.
“Were you looking for me, Master Crone?” she asked with glimmering eyes as she skirted around him, playfully avoiding his grasping hands.
“Oh, no, you don’t,” he growled, catching her around the waist and pulling her firmly against him. “I want my daily kiss, woman.”
Sienna looked around with wide eyes though she made no real effort to escape. “Not here, Crone! Everyone can see.”
“Good, then they can all stop speculating and realize we’re a couple.”
His words were still floating toward her when he caught her lips in a kiss so wildly passionate and demanding, Sienna had no alternative but to return it. Of course, it required her to pressherself flush against him and wrap her arms around his neck… for balance, if nothing else.
Unconsciously, she wanted all the subs and Littles who couldn’t seem to keep their eyes off Crone to know he was taken… and exclusively hers.
When they finally broke apart, Sienna’s head spun and her body hummed with a familiar heat. Ever since that night at his house, it was as if Crone had awakened a constant low purr of desire inside her that sprung to life at his slightest touch. She pressed her thighs together, trying to contain the warmth pooling there.
“So,” he murmured against her ear, still holding her close, “what did the big boss want?”
She explained about the shopping trip, watching tension creep into his jaw as she mentioned staying behind.
“You’re not going?” His voice was carefully neutral, but he studied her face intently.
“I can’t.” The words came automatically, a defense mechanism honed by years of fear. “It’s not safe. Not for me.”
“Look at me, kitten.” His fingers curved under her chin. “What’s the real reason? Is it because of the one who hurt you, or is it the thought of being away from the Ranch?”
She started to pull away, but his firm grip held her in place. The fight left her with a wavering breath. “Both? Neither? I don’t know anymore.” Frustration colored her voice. “I haven’t left Rawhide Ranch in two years except for the monthly trips to see Doc Williams. Straight there and back. The Ranch... it’s safe here.”
“And the one you’re hiding from, he’s the one who gave you those scars? Is he still looking for you?” He posed the questions in a soft, careful tone, but her body tensed, nevertheless.
Her stomach clenched as she struggled to keep a vision of Stan at bay. “Maybe... probably not, God, I hope not, but…” She shrugged helplessly. “Fear doesn’t defy logic.”
“I understand that, love.” His thumb traced her lower lip. “I’m sorry, I know I promised not to pressure you, but you can’t let fear cage you forever. Your students need you there, and more importantly, perhaps as part of your healing, you need this. Baby steps toward reclaiming your life.”
She narrowed her eyes in suspicion. “Those rascal students put you up to this, didn’t they?”
His goofy, lopsided grin sent her heart tumbling. It amazed her how he could shift from powerful Dom to playful bad boy in an instant. The duality was intoxicating. One moment he commanded a room, then gave her that boyish smile the next. No wonder she was falling in love with him.
Her mind short-circuited while her heart fluttered and warmth spread through her with the unexpectedness of a wildfire.It can’t be love.She was dead inside, wasn’t she? Sure, he made her laugh and helped her rediscover parts of herself she thought lost forever, but... love?
No. This was infatuation, maybe even hero worship. Definitely not love.
“Think about it.” Crone’s coaxing voice pulled her from spiraling. “I’ll keep you safe, and afterward…” his eyes sparkled with mischief, “we can share a bubblegum milkshake.”
Laughter burst from her lips. “A bubblegum milkshake? You? Mr. Dark-and-Dangerous drinks pink milkshakes?”
“What’s wrong with bubblegum?” That heart-stopping grin again. “It’s my favorite.”
“Next you’ll tell me you sleep with a teddy bear.”
