Page 71 of Blaze

“Which you don’t get for ten years.”

“True, but just like your father’s will, Amos Wilde assigned an executor.That man is Thomas, our lawyer.He has the authority to sign off on anything he thinks is necessary for the good of the mansion, its occupants, or the town.And he hasn’t turned down a single request yet.He wants to see this town thriving again as much as anyone else who lives here.He has a vested interest in making sure those of us who arrive are happy and keep helping revamp the town and the estate.”

Victoria nods.“I should meet him.”

“You should.I’ll set up an appointment.Plus, you might want to use him to make sure your ducks are in a row with your own estate.He knows people who can help you invest it wisely.Save it for your grandkids.”

“Sounds like my grandkids are going to be loaded.Lucky bastards,” she jokes.

I chuckle.“They might be loaded, but they won’t be bastards.”I lift her leg off my lap, reach for her, and turn her so she’s sitting on my thighs instead.I need to be closer.I need my arms around my girl.“I meant what I said earlier.I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

“Will you marry me and have ten kids with me and live happily ever after in this weird mansion?”

“Probably.Someday.”There’s a teasing lilt to her voice.

“What if I get a ring, some flowers, some chocolates, and get down on one knee?Would you say yes?”This is a legitimate concern of mine.

“I guess you won’t know until you try it.”

I twist her around, grab the back of her head, tip her into my arm, and kiss her for so long that she’s panting when I let up.“I’m going to try it, baby.Soon.Are you ready for that?”

“Yes, Sir.”

Chapter25

Victoria

I’m freaking out.I would be pacing if I were allowed to put more weight on my leg.Instead, I’m wringing my hands in my lap, where I sit in the library.I keep staring at the cool ladders, trying to distract myself with thoughts of climbing them to see what books are on the upper shelves.

“Don’t get any ideas, naughty girl.”

I turn my head at the sound of Blaze’s voice.“About what?”

He nods toward the ladders.“House rule.No climbing the steps.”

I frown.“Why?”

“Safety.”

“They look safe to me,” I grumble.

He smirks.“I’m sure they are.Ryder had them checked out as soon as he moved in, but he still doesn’t let Claire climb them.And that trickled down.Tiago decided Reagan couldn’t, either.Then Dallas put his foot down with Arianna.And so on.Stay off the ladders.”

“So bossy,” I mutter.“Can I at least walk around so I can see the books on the lower shelves?”

“No.”

“What if I use crutches and promise to keep my foot off the floor?”

“No.”He steps in front of me, plants his feet wide, and crosses his arms.He’s still got that smirk, though.

I think we’re playing a game here.I feel compelled to push him.It’s an odd sensation.We talked about this.He explained that, over time, we would find out what works for us as far as how much submission I need.

I’m nervous because it feels so wrong of me to defy him intentionally.Why would I choose to do that?But I know the answer.I’m stressed beyond all belief while waiting for my bitch of a stepmother to show up.I need a distraction.And I think a hard spanking will do that.

“Kinsley said I could put weight on my leg now.She’s the doctor.”