Page 46

* * * *

After a couple of hours of huddling on the couch, Katie dragged herself upstairs to take a shower.Once it was done, she curled up in her bed.She couldn’t stop shaking.

She trusted Ry and Jed, but just the thought of someone else seeing her naked and restrained sent a shaft of fear straight to her heart.They promised to keep her safe, but they couldn’t control everything.At the clubs, she never removed her clothing, so her fear had been muted.Was it being unclothed in front of strangers?But Mike wasn’t a stranger.She’d known him in high school.They’d been science partners.Oh, hell, what was going on with her?

She closed her eyes and concentrated on her breathing.Deep breath in, then let it out.She continued her mantra until her muscles slowly started to relax.

“Katie, sweetheart.”

“Gran?”Katie blinked, bringing her grandmother’s concerned face into focus.There were shadows on the walls that weren’t there before.She’d fallen asleep.

“Sorry to wake you, but Ry and Jed are here.”

“What?”She sat up, clutching the covers to her chest as she glanced at the clock.It was seven?“I…” She swallowed.“I’m not feeling well, Gran.Can you let them know?”

Gran frowned.“Sure, sweetie.Do you want some soup or something to eat?”

Her stomach roiled.“No, Gran.I’m just going to go back to sleep.I’m sure I’ll be fine by tomorrow.”She lay back down as her grandmother left the room.

Several minutes later, she heard an engine roar in the driveway, and she listened to it fade away.She let out a breath and snuggled down into the covers.She’d been afraid Ry and Jed would come storming up to her room.

Part of her rejoiced they hadn’t, but the other half wished they would have.Her bedroom door opened, and she jumped.

Gran stood in the doorway.“Ry said to let you know they expect you at their house at four tomorrow afternoon.And if you’re still sick in the morning to call.”

“Thanks, Gran.”Katie closed her eyes.She had until tomorrow to figure out how to deal with this fear.

Chapter Eleven

Ry opened the front door at four the next afternoon.Katie stood on the porch, and his heart almost stopped.Her face was drawn, and her eyes were overly bright as if she were fighting back tears.

“Hey, Katie.”He made his voice cheerful as he stood back and let her in.

He’d been afraid she wouldn’t show up.But she had.Her smile was forced.Not good.

“Ry.”

His stomach cramped with her one-word answer.His dominant side roared to life.Slipping his hand up her neck, he fisted her hair and tugged until he could stare into her eyes.

Her lashes started to lower.

“Look at me.”

Her eyes opened wide.

“That’s it, baby.Let it go.Let us take control.”He could see it in her gaze, the fight in whether to submit or not.

A tremor racked her body, and he loosened his grip on her hair.“Can you do that, Katie?Today, while you’re here with us, you’ll give us complete control over you?”

“I…” Her tongue darted out and wet her lips.She started to nod.

“No, Katie.”His fingers tightened in her hair.“I need words.I need to hear it from your lips.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Yes, Sir, what?”

“Yes, Sir, please take total control over me.I need it.”