The man is following all the usual protocol. He has checked in with her several times, whispering in her ear. He is fulfilling the fantasy she has requested of him.
It’s hard to grasp that she also meets him for coffee or drinks as a friend. How bizarre. She hasn’t met up with him since I moved in with her on Monday. I’m not sure how I would react if she wanted to see him outside of the club now that I’m in the picture. On the flip side, how the hell am I supposed to observe him and ensure he’s not a suspect if she doesn’t spend time with him?
I really need to get a better bead on the large man who stalks her and follow his ass. ASAP. It would help if I at least knew who the asshole was.
As Owen lands a firm spank, I flinch and force myself to pay closer attention. It’s hard to see Eve’s face from where I’m standing. I should have thought of that and chosen a better spot, but it would draw too much attention to me to do so now.
She flinches every time he swats her, but I don’t see evidence she’s aroused. Granted, how the hell could I know from here? And her thighs are pressed so tightly together that she might be doing so because she’s aroused. She’s not squirming though.
After a few more spanks, Davis winces.
I jerk my gaze to him. “What?” I whisper when I see his face.
“She’s off tonight. Not into it,” he murmurs.
I look back at her. I have no idea how he can tell. But I’m glad. Pleased as punch.
Owen pauses and squats down near her face, his hand on her back as he speaks to her. She shakes her head a few times. He rubs her back. Finally, he scoots closer and lowers his face farther. Inches separate them.
I stiffen.
Davis touches my arm. “It’s fine,” he whispers. “Trust me.”
I do trust Davis. I also trust Eve. Hell, most of me even trusts Owen. But what the fuck?
Finally, Owen stands and rounds behind her as she lifts her upper body so she’s kneeling but no longer leaning over. She reaches down and pulls up her panties. Owen helps her to her feet and wraps her in a hug. He smooths his hand over her pigtails.
I grit my teeth.
When Owen leads her away from the bench, I watch them go, but don’t move.
“Stay put,” Davis insists.
I nod, but it’s hard to do as he suggests.
In a moment they’re out of sight and the crowd disperses.
Davis is grinning at me. “You broke her. You stud.”
I don’t think this is funny. I scowl at him. “I didn’t do shit. What the hell are you talking about?”
He shakes his head. “Don’t get all defensive. I meant that in the nicest possible way. She couldn’t get into it. I’m sure it’s because you’re all up in her head. That’s not a bad thing.”
“I need to see her.”
Davis sighs and follows me as I head toward the same room where Leah had gone for aftercare. Sure enough, Eve is in there. She’s sitting in the corner of a loveseat, her knees drawn up to her chin. A blanket is draped around her, and she’s rocking forward and backward slightly.
Owen is squatting in front of her, his hand on the armrest. He’s speaking in a soft tone. I can’t hear him.
I shouldn’t be here, and I know it, but I can’t help myself. At least I have the good grace to stop in the doorway. I just want to be sure she’s okay. I need to know. Even if I can’t be the one to comfort her, I need to see her.
She spots me and smiles. When she reaches out a hand toward me, my heart stops. Thank fuck.
Owen turns to glance at me and smiles also. Weird. He stands as I approach apprehensively. Davis has remained in the doorway.
In the oddest twist of events, Owen reaches out to shake my hand. “You must be Colt.”
“I am.” Call me confused, I want to add.
Owen sighs. “Eve told me a little about you.”
“She did?” I glance at her. She’s smiling sheepishly.
“Not much. Enough though. I could tell she wasn’t into our scene. She was apologizing to me, though it wasn’t necessary. Said she’s actually met someone and he was watching and she couldn’t get out of her head to enjoy having me spank her.” Owen shrugs. “It happens. I’m happy for you.”
I glance at Eve again.
She lowers her face and starts rocking again. She’s stressed. It’s palpable. Does she think I’ll be mad?
Owen turns back to her. He squats down again to meet her gaze. “Eve? Will you be okay if I leave you with Colt?”
She nods.
“You sure?”
She nods again. I’ve only been dominating her for a few days, and I would never let her get away with a non-verbal. I have no idea why. It’s instinctive. Or maybe I just like to hear her voice. I love the tremble in her tone when she submits to me verbally.
Owen pats her shoulder and stands. “Come find me if you need me.”
She nods again. “Thank you,” she murmurs. No Sir. Just thank you.
I’m dumbfounded as Owen leaves after patting me firmly on the back.
I ease around next to her and sit at her side, putting my arm around her shoulders.
She leans into me, burrowing her face in my chest. “I couldn’t do it,” she murmurs.
I hold her close, kissing the top of her head. “It’s okay, baby. Why are you so upset?”
She shrugs. Nonverbal.
I let her get away with that for a few minutes, holding her close as she pulls herself together. Finally, I lean back and tip her head so I can see her eyes. “Talk to me. Use your words, baby.”
“Are you mad?”
I
