Page 79 of A Lesson in Obedience

Asher gave her a skeptical look.

She crossed her arms over her chest. “Napa Valley is not super far. If I need you, I’m pretty sure you can get to me. Corrin helped figure it out, so she’s who I want with me. I’m not going to let that fucking man scare me and run my life from afar. I’ve already planned to call my mom on the way, maybe get some insight from her.” Riley shrugged, slipping off of my lap. “Actually, it doesn’t really matter what you say since while we were all getting settled in here, I already texted Corrin to come by and pick me up in a few hours when she’s done helping her mom.”

Grayson cackled. “This whole thing was an update for us and you just planned to leave anyway?” She shrugged at him, sticking her tongue out.

I grabbed her waist, pulling her back against me. “That’s not very nice, gorgeous.”

She swatted me away, walking past Asher, who pushed against her shoulder, so she had to stumble back a few steps. “You have nofucking idea how badly I want to make your ass red from my hand right now.”

She tapped his nose. “I think I have an idea,sir. Maybe you can do it in my dreams while I’m gone.”

I placed my hand over my mouth to stop my smile. The amount of challenge in her voice had me wanting to take her right on our coffee table. She had so much fight and determination, despite the things that had happened to her. I was proud of her to say the least.

I walked around the coffee table and turned her to look at me. “You call if anything happens. Nightmares, Chancellor Fowler pops up, anything happens…you call us.”

She got on her toes and rubbed her nose against mine. “I promise.”

29

Riley

Izipped up my overnight bag, sitting down next to it on River’s bed. Beau jumped up on the bed, a book between his teeth. He dropped it in my lap, nudging his nose against my shoulder. I picked up the book, examining the cover.

You think I’ll have time to read while I’m in Napa Valley.

He sighed.For the car ride.

I scratched underneath his chin.Good thinking. Although, I have a feeling I’m too in my head to even pay attention to a book right now.

But this one has cowboys.

A laugh erupted from my throat.I didn’t know you could read.

He laid down and rolled over, so he exposed his stomach to me, his tail wagging between his open legs.You also weren’t aware you could talk to me either. We learn new things every day, Mom.

I ran my hand along his belly, hearing the door open. Asher came in, leaning against the doorway.

“Your witch friend is here.”

“She has a name.”

He continued to stare at me, unamused. I challenged his stare and then when he finally conceded, he groaned. “Corrin is here. Better?”

I smiled a little. “Good boy, much better.”

Hopping off the bed, I grabbed my bag which he immediately took from me, hooking it over his shoulder. Beau raced past him and barreled down the stairs. Asher stopped me from walking any further. “Don’t call me that. I’m not your shadow wielder. I’m not your good boy.”

I hummed, tapping his chest. “So what? Are you, mysir?”

“Is that what you want?” he questioned, leaning down towards my face.

I lifted on my toes and kissed his lips softly. Pulling away, I turned so I could walk backwards out of the room. “I believe in mutual respect, so if that’s what you want then well, I’d have to say yes, that’s absolutely what I want.” I flipped my braids over my shoulder and hurried down the stairs.

The squeal that came from Corrin’s lips was unnatural as she ran over to me, squeezing me hard. “Are you ready?!”

“Is this supposed to be a fun trip or an informative one?” Grayson asked, stuffing his hands in his pockets.

Corrin tapped her chin. “That’s a mystery, but honestly, I can make anything fun.”