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“ No , it’s not. Here , let me take that from you for a minute.

” Monique gently pulled the iPad from Angie’s shaky grasp and sat with one hip on the bed next to her, turning the device so Ian could see both of them.

“ A stalled labor is not uncommon, and there’s nothing to worry about.

I believe the reason your contractions have slowed down is due to emotional stress, so I want you to try to relax a bit.

Get comfy and take a nap if you can. There’s a full bathroom across the hallway where you can take a shower, if you want.

I also recommend you walk the halls when you feel up to it.

All these things can help get the labor progressing again.

Ian , talk about memories you share, tell some jokes, or be your usual, sarcastic self, anything to make Angie smile and relax.

Talk her into subspace if you can. As a last resort, Angie , I can give you a sedative that won’t harm the baby, or I can start you on Pitocin . ”

“ No ! No Pitocin .” That was one of the things she’d learned about in an online chatroom for mothers and mothers-to-be.

The drug was supposed to induce labor, but it could also result in needing a C -section.

Also , if she had any chance of not giving birth until Ian arrived, induction would probably cancel that out.

Monique patted her hand. “ I remember you telling me you didn’t want to go that route, if at all possible, but I’m just reminding you it’s an option.

The baby is not in any distress. Do those things I suggested, and we’ll keep monitoring you and the baby.

As long as you’re both okay, we’ll let nature take its course.

When he or she is ready, it’ll happen, okay? ”

Taking a deep breath, Angie let it out slowly. “ Okay .” Suddenly the lack of sleep was making her tired, and she yawned. “ Maybe I should try to nap.”

“ That sounds like a good idea, Angel .” Ian’s voice had softened now that he knew she and the baby were all right. “ Did Kristen bring earbuds for the iPad?”

“ I have an extra set in the go-bag in the closet, why?”

“ Ask Kristen to get them for you and put them in. I want to talk to you without anyone else hearing me.”

Within a few minutes, Angie and Ian were alone together, although they were still thousands of miles apart.

Monique had left to see another patient, while Kristen had gone downstairs to get some breakfast with Shelby and Tori , who’d arrived to see how things were going.

Before leaving, Kristen had turned off most of the room’s lights and closed the door.

“ Are you comfortable, Angel ?”

“ As comfy as I can get, I guess.” It had taken a few moments to get the adjustable bed and her big belly into positions she could sleep in.

She was on her left side, with only the right earbud in so she could hear him.

He was standing in the jet’s galley, where he’d gone for some privacy.

As he’d instructed, she’d folded open the cover to the iPad, so it was standing on its side on the tray table facing her.

Kristen had plugged it into an outlet to charge it up again, after the battery had run down for the second time since they’d started Skyping .

“ Good girl. I want you to just relax and listen to my voice. Close your eyes.”

“ Mm -kay.”

“ We’re in the garden at the club. The Doms and subs are all watching.

You’re naked, my little exhibitionist.” She smiled as his sexy, deep voice warmed her skin.

“ Everyone is admiring your beauty as I lead you to the St . Andrew’s cross.

You stand face first against the soft leather and spread your legs for me.

I run my hands up your sides to your arms and lift them, outstretched above your head.

I can smell your arousal, Angel . It’s the most intoxicating scent in the world to me.

You beg me to touch you there, but you know there’s no topping from the bottom.

It’ll earn you a punishment, but you love my punishments—at least, when I finally let you come, you do. ”

“ You do get very creative, Sir .” Falling into D /s mode was instantaneous when he spoke to her like this. She didn’t even have to think about it, her body just reacted of its own accord. All she had to do was just feel.

“ That’s my good subbie.” She could hear the smile in his voice.

“ I strap your wrists to the cross, then kiss my way down your spine to your luscious ass as I drop to my knees. I inhale deeply because your scent is so much stronger now. I drag my hands down one leg, leaving goosebumps in their wake. Then I strap your ankle to the cross and do the same to your other leg. I check each restraint, making sure they aren’t too tight.

Your body, mind, and soul are safe with me, Angel . ”

Her skin was tingling. Ian loved touching her bare flesh as much as she loved letting him.

“ You’re now at my mercy—but you were before I restrained you, weren’t you, my love?”

“ Yes , Sir .” Her words came out as a murmur as the edges of subspace teased her mind.

“ What shall I do with you?”

“ Anything you want, Master .”

Ian chuckled. “ That’s right— I’ll do anything I want, and you’ll beg for more. You know how I love when you scream my name when I let you come. Give me a color, Angel .”

Even though he was obviously not doing anything but talking to her, they were still scening, and that meant rules were followed. “ Green , Sir . I’m —actually, I’m not, Sir . A contraction is coming.”

“ That’s okay. Ride it out. Is this one stronger than before?”

“ Uh -uh.” But it still hurt. She did her Lamaze breathing until the pain began to fade. Opening her eyes, she looked at the screen. While he was trying to be strong for her, she could see the worry and guilt for not being there on his face. “ Sorry , Sir .”

“ Okay , new rule until Little Bit gets here—no apologizing, Angel . I’m in awe of you. You’re stronger than you know, and I’m so proud of you.”

She sniffled, fighting back her tears, exhaustion beginning to overtake her. Her eyes fluttered shut. “ I love you, Ian .”

“ I love you too, Angel . Go to sleep. I’ll be right here watching over you.”