Page 14 of Lock

She answers silently with a shake of her head.

“Out loud.”

“I’m okay.”

I raise a brow. I’d been angry about missing out on spending Halloween with her, so I’d fucked her hard.

“A little sore.”

Better.

“Take a few hot baths. Soaking in warm water will help soothe it.”

Shelby nods again. “Okay,” she rushes to add.

Good girl.

“I’m just going to check back here.” I prepare her, regloving and recoating my fingers. “Was last night your first time having anal sex?”

“Yes,” she pants, biting her lip.

“Were there any issues?”

“No, everything was good. Just sore this morning.”

I know she’s lying. There’s no way that she remembers, but my heart warms at the strength in her answer. She trusts that it was good, that her mystery man took care of her, and I did.

My lips twitch at the name. It’s what she calls me, right before recognition settles across her face, quickly followed by lust, always.

And it was good. Phenomenal, actually. The fact that her friends had been passed out in the same room had only heightened the experience . . . for both of us.

“You’re perfect,” I tell her honestly, withdrawing from her body.

Removing my gloves, I step back as Shelby pulls her legs from the stirrups and sits up. Before she can jump down, I step forward again.

“Let’s have a look at that throat,” I insist.

Holding her chin with one hand, I reach for a tongue depressor.

Tilting her head, I peer inside. “The back of your throat is irritated also, but it’s nothing that lozenges and a few warm drinks won’t cure.” Releasing her chin, I stay close, with her trapped on the exam table.

Shelby has folded her hands to rest them at the apex of her thighs, but it’s not enough to shield her naked bottom half.

I frown, not enjoying her shyness as much as usual. I want her to be comfortable around me.I want her to know who I am.Surprised at the force of the thought, I step back. Once a year isn’t enough, and the knowledge that I have to wait makes me grumpy.

“Dress and join me in my office,” I offer sullenly.

Sitting at my desk, I pinch the bridge of my nose.

“Everything okay?” Shelby asks, standing in the doorway.

“Of course.” I smile, waving to the chair she occupied earlier. “In regard to a prescription, I’m not giving any. You have some discomfort to be expected from rough intercourse, but I believe that was the point.” I smirk. “Instead, I recommend rest and warm baths. You should be back to normal within a day or so.”

“And the Plan B?” she asks after a few seconds.

I make a disgruntled sound and reach for my prescription pad. “We’ve discussed this a few times, and I thought I was clearlast year. He has a say in whether you have a child or not. It’s a decision to be made together. An old-fashioned view, maybe,” I acknowledge, “but it’s my opinion that matters here. Did you discuss what you’d like to do about birth control with your boyfriend?”

“I told you it’s complicated. I don’t have a boyfriend, and it’s my choice.”