Page 6

Ethan

I’d been kicking myself in the ass ever since I’d inserted my foot in my mouth that night by the fire. What a colossal mess! But like any risk assessor, turning things around for the benefit of Lena was my main priority.

Despite feeling like a complete douchebag, I’d learned something about Lena. Gift giving was not one of her love languages. My intention had been to gently tease by saying what I did about Rachel. Instead, Lena thought she had me pegged but nothing could be further from the truth.

I stepped into the lodge intent on finding her and apologizing, well, grovel was more like it when Luna approached me.

“Mr. Reacher, Sir, you have an urgent call. There is a business room around the corner where you can take it. Line two.”

Without waiting for a reply from me, Luna hustled back to her desk where a small line was forming. Around the corner I found a small office space and picked up the receiver. “Reacher here.”

“Jonas Skyes, Mr. Reacher. I’m sorry to bother you.”

“Are you? I’m out of the office on vacation. How did you find me?” So, help me, if Rachel gave up my location, there would be no crystals forthcoming for a while.

“It’s about the investor you drummed up for the–”

“Wait! Are you telling me you reached out to my overseas investor after I explicitly forbade it?” There was silence from the other end.

I needed to shut this asshole down. The entire point of hiring me for their start up accelerator was to provide the guidance and connections needed. I couldn’t have a newb with zero experience speak in my stead. It was unacceptable.

“Listen to me, Jonas, I built the pitch deck that got you in the room. If you try to undermine my position of authority again, I’ll bury the deal and the brand. Don’t confuse my charm with weakness.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t–”

“Don’t bother. When next we speak, you had better remember who you’re dealing with.” My voice couldn’t have been icier, my words laced with barely controlled fury.

I ended the call and rubbed my eyes. This was the last thing I wanted to think about right now.

I pushed the conversation away and straightened my shoulders.

It was time to find Lena and make things right.

She was there when I turned to leave the office.

A stack of folded towels in her arms, her expression was unreadable.

“Lena. I was just about to look for you.”

“I’m working right now, Ethan.”

I stalked closer and she backed against the wall. I caged her in with my arms. “I need to explain myself. I made a colossal mess the other night. When are you free?”

Lena remained silent; her gaze caught on mine like a deer in the headlights.

“Lena,” I almost growled, “when is your shift over?”

“At noon, Sir.”

She shifted uncomfortably from foot to foot but I didn’t miss the dilation of her pupils.

Something about my demeanor or voice had turned her on.

If she liked my boardroom voice, I could give her that in spades.

I made a decision right then and there but would wait to share it with her until we met.

“We need to talk. I’ll see you at noon.” I walked away, needing to clear my head. I did my best thinking while working out. It was a beautiful day outside, so the gym was practically empty. I started on the leg press. There was something about pushing a ton of weight with my legs that settled me.

My thoughts instantly strayed to Lena. I’d been at Rawhide a total of five days and I was on fire for the woman. Her submission, while vacant, and hidden beneath layers of protective protocol she’d built up around herself, was beautiful. I imagined her slim fingers wrapping around my thick member.

I leaned back in the leg press, my legs at an almost full extension, along with my dick.

This wasn’t helping, it just offered my body a distraction while my mind conjured up images of Lena in all sorts of compromising positions.

I’d wanted to ask her if she’d been wearing panties or a g-string at least for her scene in the Dungeon or if she’d gone commando.

Had the scene turned her on? If I’d swiped her slit, would it have been moist?

I growled in frustration and slowly lowered the leg press, bringing my knees almost to my chest. Maybe I could run off my need for her.

I moved to the treadmill and set myself up at a decent clip.

However, soon my mind was wandering back to her.

Always Lena. Her slim legs widened into sturdy hips and a full ass.

An ass that could easily fill my large hands and oh how I wanted to squeeze and knead that flesh.

I turned the speed up and worked on directing my mind to be present on the task at hand and not breaking my neck if I misstepped. Images of Lena’s slim legs wrapped around my hips as I filled her. I hit the stop button and slowed down to walking until I could jump off the machine.

I took my run outside and back to my cabin. Until today, it had been my sanctuary, but Lena followed me home into the shower, images of her body teasing my senses as I stood under the hot spray of water.

Get a grip, Reacher!

And I did, but not the kind I was giving my advice on.

I fisted my hard length and leaned my other hand against the shower tiles.

Lena’s haunted eyes, succulent lips, pert tits, and luscious ass called to me, infiltrating my senses.

Slick precum squeezed from the tip, coating my grip.

I groaned. Lena’s sweet smile filled my vision and I was a goner.

My hips jerked, a roar escaping my chest as I coated the tiles in thick ropes of cum.

When I was done, I leaned both forearms against the wall until my heartbeat calmed down.

I’d been so lost in business and restraining from play since my last submissive that I’d not come in way too long.

I felt drained, literally spent. At least I’d removed the Lena frenzy, for now.

I finished cleaning up and exited the shower.

Checking my watch, I saw there was just over forty-minutes until meeting Lena.

I took a deep breath and opened my closet, carefully selecting clothing to go with what I wanted to portray–serious without intimidation–interest, control with desire to explore something with her.

Ready, I took my time walking back to the main lodge, smelling the fragrant air and preparing myself for my proposal.

I always experienced a high when I closed an important business deal.

When arrangements to both our satisfactions were made with willing subs, I’d considered them in the same way, although to a lesser degree.

Both were contracts between two willing parties, or groups.

I worked my end with that mindset. My last sub, Stacey, had been right when she’d said I was emotionally unavailable.

I wouldn’t make that mistake with Lena. I wanted to be present for her in a way I hadn’t been for anyone.

I desired to provide her with a safe environment so she could drop the servitude act.

Not to heal her, no, just to hold space and explore.