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I sighed. It would be like living at the clubhouse before I’d built my own place. “Get me the info, then we’ll see what’s what.” I let myself back in. Until I knew any different, I was going to be careful but uphold my side of the contract.
Which meant I had a boy to look after. And I was going to start with setting his pajamas out. Then we’d see where we went from there.
Chapter three
Matty
The water turned tepidbefore I could bring myself to get out of the bath. My skin was wrinkly, but I'd needed that time to process everything. Today I'd married a complete stranger—a hulking, bearded biker who was nothing like I'd expected. Who'd held me through a panic attack without judgment. Who'd made me eggs when I couldn't eat pizza.
I wrapped the towel around my waist and realized I hadn't brought clean clothes with me. Taking a deep breath, I cracked the bathroom door open.
"Novo?" I called softly.
"Yeah?" His deep voice came from the living room.
"I, um, I need to get to my bedroom."
"Go ahead," he answered, and I heard the television volume lower slightly.
I dashed across the hall to my bedroom, clutching the towel tightly. Once inside, I closed the door and leaned against it, heart pounding. On my bed lay a neatly folded t-shirt and a pair of soft sleep pants I didn't even remember owning. Next to them sat a small stuffed dog—the one Ricky had given me last Christmas that I usually forced myself to keep in my dresser drawer. Which meant Novo had gone through my things.
A wave of shame washed over me, followed by a surge of anger. Who did he think he was, rummaging through my personal belongings? Contract or no contract, we'd just met. There were boundaries. I stared at the dog like it was going to develop teeth and bite me. I’d nearly taken him to a charity shop at first, but Ricky had been nice to me. They’d even invited me to Christmas dinner, but I’d lied and said I was with other friends.
Which was stupid because I didn’t have any other friends.
No other friends.
I sat on the bed and clutched the dog to me, like I had more nights than I cared to admit.
Boarding school had been dog eat dog–no joke. Survival of the fittest, and the biggest lesson I had learned was how to be a bully. I might not have been able to use my fists, but I’d soon found out words were often more effective weapons.
I kept my head down in college, then decided to take my cash and travel.Because obviously getting a job wasn’t for the likes of me.I pressed my lips together as my throat got tight. I’d followed so-called friends to Atlanta, then got bored and visited a BDSM club. It had been like falling down a rabbit hole, except the Dom I’d fallen for hadn’t wanted me in the end becauseI was too much of a brat. Apparently, I wouldn’t know what submission was if it hit me in the face.
So, what did I do?
Look for a smaller club. But not to learn my lesson, no I was far too good for that. I wanted to be abig fish in a small pond,as an older Daddy Dom once said to me.
And look how that had turned out?
I'd watched as all the subs got their Doms, and none of them had ever been interested in me. I'd treated Rowan abominably because I wanted his Dom, and even after all that he'd been nice to me.
I dressed quickly, the soft fabric comforting against my clean skin. I held Patches in my hands, debating whether to put him back in the drawer. Would Novo think it was stupid? Childish?
I wiped my face, surprised to feel it wet. Novo had been in here, laying out clothes for me like... like a real Daddy would. And he'd found Patches, so he must have intended for me to use him.
It had been Ricky's idea to advertise for a Daddy Dom and not just a Dom. Said I needed looking after.
Taking a deep breath, I opened my bedroom door and padded into the living room, Patches clutched against my chest.
Novo was sitting on the sofa, scrolling through his phone. He looked up when I entered, his eyes taking in the pajamas, my damp hair, and Patches in my arms. Something softened in his expression.
"Better?" he asked.
I nodded, hovering uncertainly. "Thank you for the clothes."
"You're welcome. You feeling up to eating a little more? I saved you some pizza."
"Maybe a small piece," I said, surprised to find I actually was hungry again.