he delved deeper.
Her need built—every nerve ending screaming with pulses of pleasure wanting to escape. When he slipped one finger inside of her sensitized flesh, mewling sounds left her throat and her legs started quivering as the heat built.
He suddenly pulled away, though he held her thighs open. She opened her eyes and cried out in frustration. His fingers slid across her skin until he held her upper arms and pulled her forward.
His evil smile flashed with humor, but his voice was firm. “There are consequences for your bratty behavior and this is one of them. We will go to the playroom when I say so. You will eat your food, practice piano, and start over when you make mistakes. Stephens will be listening if I am not. I have no desire to leave fresh daily bruises on your ass, but, baby…” his sea green eyes pierced hers and his voice lowered, “I’ll enjoy putting them there. Go change into a skimpier outfit and leave the long, flowing material for when we go out. Do you understand?”
She gave a slow nod, a thrill running through every inch of her body. His lips tightened and she knew it was because she didn’t give a verbal response. “Yes, Sir.”
His eyes softened and his grin went from evil to sensuous. “Good girl. Go change.”
Chapter Five
Zachary
Zach was awake when Monroe dressed, kissed Angel while she continued sleeping, and then left the room that morning. Neither of them had spoken. A letter from Monroe was waiting on Zach’s dresser in his private bedroom and he read it when he changed into his running clothes.
Zachary,
I should have explained more to you, but time moved too quickly. My unfinished business will hopefully keep danger from the special world we have built. I had no choice, and will let nothing happen to the people I love.
Angel will need discipline that you are generally lax in providing. She has been wrapped tightly within a safe little cocoon for a year and I trust that you will do what is best for her.
The kiss wasn’t a mistake. I want more. I’ve always wanted more and that will never change. To hold you and Angel, I will always respect your wishes.
Please review our emergency safety plans with Angel, Marguerite, and Stephens. I will do my best but it is possible danger could come your way. You are the only person I trust with the lives of the people I love.
M.
Stephens and Marguerite had taken care of Monroe for years and Zach had no doubt he loved them. As for Angel, Monroe’s love electrified a room whenever she was near. Zach ran his fingers through his hair, pulled on his running clothes and tried not to think about Monroe’s feelings for him.
Zach knew he himself had issues with their relationship, but he’d slowly gained confidence with the three of them sharing Monroe’s large bed. Zach even enjoyed the uninhibited sexual games they played. He loved Monroe in his own way, but couldn’t let himself go enough to give in to his feelings like Monroe wanted. And, until yesterday, Monroe’s iron control had never slipped.
Zach could still feel Monroe’s lips against his forehead, and thinking about it again caused anger to sizzle just below the surface.
***
The first week passed slowly. Zach took Angel hiking at Big Bend National Park and he made love to her high on a ridge overlooking the beautiful, almost untouched area. She picked at her food, dropped some of her bratty attitude, but continued to be apprehensive with Monroe gone. Zach didn’t ignore the sadness that crept into her eyes, and used dominance to bring her back into the now.
They fell into bed the night after the hike without playing in the dungeon or making love. They were both too exhausted to do more than shower and brush their teeth. Her jerking movements and whimpers woke him hours later. She hadn’t had a nightmare in months. Rolling over, he placed his hands on her face, talking gently the entire time. “I’ve got you, Angel, you’re all right.”
She