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“What?”

“Why do you have such trouble accepting kindness?”

“Is that what you’re calling this? An act of kindness?”

“What do you call it?”

I just stare at him, because even though it’s an obvious response to my question, I’m at a loss for words. “I’m finished,” I say instead.

“As am I,” he says back.

I shut the water off and step out onto the ragged blue bath mat. We both reach for the towel at the same time. There’s only one, I always leave my hair towel in my bedroom after, and he gets there first.

“Shall we fight over the towel too? Do you enjoy this battle? Or is this true insecurity?”

“Oh, God. Just give me the towel.”

“Why do you insist on making me repeat myself? I told you, I made a mess, so it’s my job to clean you up. I’m not done yet.” And then he brings the towel to my chest and gently presses it against my body, like I’m a fragile piece of art and rubbing me too hard might break me.

This from a man who was dragging me around by my hair and stuffing his c**k down my throat not ten minutes ago.

And as I’m still thinking this, he dips his head and his mouth is on mine. Not a kiss so much as a caress, like the towel against my br**sts. His tongue slips in and tangles up in mine, the water from his face drips into my mouth, making the kiss wetter than normal.

I close my eyes.

He moans, “Yes, that’s my girl,” into my ear.

I swallow hard and lean into him.

“You’re mine now, Grace. Can you feel it?”

I want to say no, but his lips caress me into submission. I want so, so badly to say no. But I can’t. Because I’m a yes-girl. Because a wave of heat rushes through my body and I’m rendered speechless and weak. Because my knees buckle and I begin to fall, but Vaughn scoops me up into his arms, never ending our kiss, and he holds me tight until I finally look up into his eyes and give him what he’s waiting for.

“I can be yours,” I say, my chest all aflutter with my uneven breathing.

“No,” he says, his steely gaze dropping to my br**sts, making me feel exposed and vulnerable. “Not you can, Grace. You will.” His eyes dart back and forth, searching mine for acceptance, or surrender, or maybe just attention.

“I will be yours if you’ll be mine.”

Chapter Nine

WinWin

I IGNORE her statement and instead carry Grace into the living room and sit down on the couch, keeping her head in my lap. She wriggles, but I tsk my tongue at her. “Stop now. Just sit still. I need to explain something before we go any further and I need you to be OK with this, or we’ll have to part now as friends.”

She takes a deep breath. “I already know what you’re going to say.” I want to look away from her accusatory look, but I can’t. I need to make this very clear, so I urge her on with a nod instead. “You’re not mine. You’ll never be mine. And no matter what you do, I’m your plaything and I’m not allowed to stray.”

I nod again and she shakes her head and looks away. “I’m sorry, Vaughn.” She pushes my hands off her and tries to get up, but I flip her legs up near her head and then smack her bare wet ass with a crack.

She squeals, wriggles, blushes, and pants all at the same time.

Jesus. I need to keep her long enough to get to the spankings, that’s for damn sure. This was just a tease. “Don’t move, we’re not done. I can negotiate. Your characterization is harsh.” She draws in a long tight breath that turns into a long, sad sigh. I’ve upset her and I feel a little wave of sympathy wash over me. “I don’t have girlfriends, Grace. Your position is one of a kind. Does that help at all?”

She laughs, but it’s not a happy laugh. “No. You make me sound like an employee. I don’t need another job.”

“What do you need?” I ask quickly.

“I don’t know. Something… more than what you’re offering. This… position, as you call it, means that I’m your kept woman.”

“Is that so bad?”

Her laugh is a bit heartier this time. “You’re joking, right?”

“Grace, you’re thinking about it emotionally. Think about it objectively for a moment.” She puts a hand up to silence me, but I grab it and wrap her little clenched fist in mine. “Hold still and be quiet.”

“Quit ordering me around, Asher. And let go of my legs.” She kicks and wriggles some more until I let them fall back down. I’m desperately aching to flip her over on my lap and turn her ass red.

But I need to set this up right. I need to keep my wants to myself until she’s willing to comply with my unique demands. One step at a time. “Oh, we’re back to Asher, are we? Fine, girl. What’s wrong with two adults having consensual and erotic sexual encounters? It’s an outlet, Grace. A way for you to explore new sexual boundaries. A time to draw new lines, make new limits, and try new things.” She makes to protest but I cover her mouth with my hand. “Shush, I said. It’s a way to do all those things while remaining under my care and protection.”

“See?” She pushes my hand off her mouth. “This is where you lose me with your caveman shit.”

“Language, please. And it’s not caveman shit, it’s necessary. The world is filled with unsavory characters, Grace. Especially those who would take advantage of you sexually. I will not take advantage of you. We can talk more about that later, if you agree to be faithful. But now that I’ve awakened your sexual curiosity, it’s my duty to ensure you don’t allow yourself to be drawn into another man’s influence.”