He caressed her cheek softly, wiping away the tears. “This okay?”
She nodded, opening her eyes. The concern he showed melted her heart and she leaned into his palm, relishing his touch, soothing and arousing at the same time. “I can’t do confined. When I’m ready, I need control. Don’t know if I always will. And not sure when I’ll be ready. I’m scared. I’m sorry.”
“Shh, don’t be sorry. Scared I understand. Trust isn’t easy when you’ve been through hell, especially at the hands of someone who was supposed to take care of you, not hurt you.”
She sucked in a breath. “It may be selfish, but I don’t want to share you. I want to know we’re really trying this.”
He nodded. “I haven’t touched another woman since before that day I met you.”
Her mouth fell open and she blinked slowly. “At Fallon’s party?”
Clint shrugged. “I knew you were the one.”
“That was months ago. Why not?” she asked cautiously.
“Couldn’t get you out of my head.” He smiled, dropping his hands. “My reputation sounds worse than I actually am. I’m not celibate, but there aren’t many women who like to tie men up.”
“You like to be tied up?”
He nodded.
Her mind spun through too many questions, so she grasped onto the first. “Can I ask why that works for you?”
“My old pack made me beat the defenseless as punishment—for them, for me. One time I managed to disobey them and they seemed impressed. Until they found me with a human girl, one I cared about who wasn’t part of the pack. They made me hurt her. Then they forced the change and made me attack her.” He squeezed his eyes shut, breathing heavy. “Gina didn’t survive. I still have nightmares.”
“You’re afraid they’d do it again?”
“I’m no longer a part of their pack. And honestly, I think my will is finally stronger than theirs. The memory will always haunt me though.”
Emily could hardly find words. She expected a wave of fear from his admission, but instead a strange comfort accompanied the truth.
Clint sat up, reaching for his phone. “I can call Robert. He’d prefer you at their place rather than home alone.”
“No. I’m staying here. I needed a moment to figure it all out. I’m not afraid of you, Clint.” She smiled. “I never have been, and now I think I know why.”
“I don’t understand.”
She took his hand. “You were forced to victimize people, but you were as much a victim as the others. We share something in common. You get me in a way no one else does. That’s why I feel safe with you.”
He gave her a lopsided smile, but sadness clouded his eyes. “It doesn’t turn you off? Knowing I like to be bound.”
She shook her head. “Especially if you aren’t turned off by my need for control.”
Hope brightened his face. “No. I think our needs align. As our trust builds, we can readjust our boundaries.”
She couldn’t voice her inner desires, but she smiled. The thought of him, some day, taking control and making love to her appealed in a way she’d never experienced.
“Would you hate me if I go to bed? Alone,” she added softly.
“Not at all. I do have one question though. You don’t have to answer.”
She nodded, ready to answer anything.
“Have you ever been with a man and found sex pleasurable?”
She shook her head, looking away, ashamed. “James is the only one who has ever touched me like that. It’s why I’m scared. I haven’t had a positive sexual encounter, but the last time with him was twenty-two years ago.”
“I’ll think of ways, within your comfort zone, to give you pleasure. Before we get there, we’ll talk about it and you can decide if it might work, or if I’m crazy.”
“That’s why you set my mind at ease. Your goal is my comfort.”
A tempting smile curved his lips. “I want you to enjoy sex with me.”
“I don’t think you have anything to worry about.” Blushing furiously, she looked away. Desire and nerves warred. Before she could further embarrass herself, she forced a yawn.
Clint stood and offered his hand with a sweet, understanding smile. “I’ll walk you to your room.”
Chapter 6
Clint woke to the smell of coffee, ham, and eggs. Cracking his eyes open, he looked around. Then he remembered the night before and a smile pulled at his lips.
He rummaged through his dresser and yanked on clothes before running downstairs.
She’d tied her sunny blond hair in a messy bun. Emily wore a sundress, showing off her delicate curves. She looked up and a smile broke across her face.
“Good morning, Clint. I figured it was a safe bet to cook what I found in the fridge.”
He grinned. “Of course, but I’m a poor host letting you take over cooking duty.”
“I woke up first, and needed to keep busy.” A blush colored her cheeks as she looked away.
Ever the optimist, his dick stood up as he sat at the counter. He wondered if she’d been tempted to sneak into his room.
Slow down, buddy. You aren’t getting any until she’s completely ready.
“I don’t mind being woken up, especially if it means I get to cook for a beautiful woman. I’m not the worst cook, though I can’t claim to be the best.”
She giggled. “That’s all right. I like cooking.”
“Hey, so do you need to go to the clinic today? Or have company? Or something? I have work in an hour. Should have mentioned that to Robert when he thought you hanging here was a sound idea.”
“Liz invited me to go to the shop with her today. I told her I would stay all day. Tomorrow I do need to go to the clinic. But unless I have appointments, or there’s an emergency and they need me, I can come and go as I please the rest of the time.”
The fact that she wouldn’t have to be there all day every day was a relief. It would make it easier to keep an eye on her.
He smiled slowly, his head tipping to the side. “Will you stay tonight? Maybe until the danger passes? That is, if you’re comfortable here.” Hope zinged through him. He couldn’t help it.
“I’d like that. When will you be home?”
“Around five, unless you need me sooner.”
“I’ll see you then.” She brought two plates to the counter, and sat beside him. “Thank you for letting me use the spare room.”
“Anytime, Sunshine.”
* * * *
Liz stared out the window next to the front door, tapping her blunt nails against the glass as she waited on Emily’s arrival. She was nervous as hell. Neither Robert, nor Tremaine, knew what she was about to ask. She didn’t want either interfering with Emily’s decision.
They were finally in a happy place. Emily hadn’t exactly been friendly growing up. Her perception of Liz changed after she’d taken a curse from Emily.
Since then, they periodically met for lunch. Emily would spend time at the shop when Liz was there alone, and often came over for dinner, or hung out at In 2 Deep with all of them. They had real conversations now. Somewhere along the way, Liz started to consider Emily a true friend.
Emily slipped out of Clint’s front door with a smile, Clint right behind her.
Arms wrapped around Liz’s waist and Tremaine nuzzled her ear. “They look happy. Think Robert can handle where they’re headed?”
Liz smiled up at him. “I don’t think he’s realized they’re going to mate as soon as they wind up in bed.”
“You think?” Trem asked.
“Yeah. Haven’t you noticed all the wolves get that same look in their eye when they find their mate? He’s had it since the first time they met.”
“Hmm, I think you’re right.”
“Robert will be fine. He had to know this was a possibility. Hello, Clint’s a werewolf.”
Tremaine chuckled. “Yeah, but you didn’t bond with him.”
“By the time I met Clint, I was in love with you, and no matt
er how much I wanted to deny it, Robert too.”
“Now you have us both.”
“Exactly.” She turned, wrapping her arms around his neck. “You have to go with Robert today?”
“I should. Unless you need me?”
“Nah, Emily’s going to hang out with me. Christian will be down later.”
“Call me. Robert will bring me to you.”
“I’ll be fine.” She kissed him to stop any argument. She needed to get Emily alone. If she said no—well, it would suck, but she’d deal with it.
Liz pulled back when Emily knocked. She let him go to open the door.
“Morning, Emily, Clint.” Liz nodded. Tremaine waved.
Emily smiled. “Hey, you two.”
Clint dipped his head, a smile lifting the corners of his mouth.
Emily bit her bottom lip as she looked to Clint. “I’m going back to Clint’s whenever we’re done.”
“I’ll drop you off on the way home then,” Liz offered.
Emily turned, leaned up, and placed a kiss on Clint’s mouth. One hand softly curled around her waist as he returned the kiss.
Leaning back, Emily beamed at Clint. “See you tonight.”
“You got it.” He backed off the porch with a wave, before turning to trot toward his truck.
Emily nodded to Tremaine. “Good morning, both of you. You ready, Liz?”
Tremaine whispered in Liz’s ear, “Think she has something to ask you.”
Liz nodded, not sure what to make of her uncharacteristic giddiness. She didn’t think Emily had ever had a normal relationship, or sex.
Mentally shaking off the question, she looped her arm through Emily’s and started for the car with a wave over her shoulder. “See you later, Tremaine.”
“Take care, ladies,” he called back.
* * * *
Emily slid into the passenger seat and sighed dreamily. She’d never felt so light and carefree. Clint had broken down barriers she never thought would fall away.
“So, you had fun last night?” Liz ventured.
“We played pool. Then went to his house for a movie.” She licked her lips, remembering his taste. “I kissed him.”
Liz glanced over with wide eyes as she started the car. “Go, Emily.”
Embarrassed, she looked away. “Didn’t think I had it in me?”
“Thought it might take longer. I’m happy for you. Surprised maybe, but you’re smiling and that’s all that matters.”
Emily fidgeted with the hem of her dress. Heat flooded her face. “I have some questions. You and Clint were intimate, and I’m so inexperienced with men that I hoped you could guide me. If it’s not too weird.” She looked over to gauge Liz’s reaction.
Liz nodded, a smile playing on her lips. “Ask away. But please don’t hate me if you don’t like the answers.”
“I promise.”
“I’m all ears.”
“How did you tie him up?”
Liz coughed, then blinked slowly. “He prefers silver handcuffs. Did he mention why he likes being tied up?”
“Briefly. His pack forced him to hurt people. They made him destroy his girlfriend. Tried to make him change her, but she didn’t survive.” Emily hugged herself. “He’s a kind soul. Clint made no move to touch me when I kissed him. Let me take the lead. I can’t imagine him hurting anyone.”
“Emily, don’t take this wrong, but his job as an enforcer is to hurt people who deserve it.”
“Right. I didn’t mean like that. He fights, he protects. He’s not an abuser. I can’t imagine him hurting a woman he was with. And I doubt he would ever hurt a person who wasn’t involved in something bad.”
“I agree. Needed to be sure you understood.”
Emily studied her nails. “When you hurt him, what did he like best?”
Liz squirmed in her seat. She was quiet a long moment.
“Too personal?” Emily asked with a wince.
“No. I’m thinking back. Remember, I have two men to drown out the memory of anyone before. No offense to Clint, but he wasn’t the man for me. We were in the same place, needing a release. That’s all I was to him, and all he was to me.”
“I’m not judging. One day maybe he can wash out the memory of James. At least help me get past it.”
Liz squeezed her shoulder. “Clint likes being scratched, hard enough to bleed. He likes being slapped. Paddles, floggers, canes, whips, crops, and other things, though I only ever experimented with a few toys. He liked the riding crop and paddle. I didn’t try anything else once I found something that excited him.”
“Why?”
“We were only together a handful of times. I needed to get off, and a partner was preferable to doing it myself.” Liz glanced over, chewing her lip.
“Thank you. I’m not sure when I’ll be ready, but I figure knowing what I’m getting into will help me prepare.”
“Do you want him?”
“Badly. So badly. More than anything.”
“Then all you have to do is tie him up, or cuff him, and climb on top. Do what feels right. He’ll be fine. I think it’s different with you.”
“He didn’t touch me when we kissed last night. Not until this morning.”
Liz nodded. “Clint knows you were hurt. He understands how it is for a victim.”
“Will he always see me that way?”
“Doubt it. You’re getting stronger every time I see you. He has a talent for finding boundaries and staying on the right side of them. He won’t push you, Emily. Never.”
“I trust him. Completely.” She looked over slowly. “Did you have boundaries with him?”
Liz pulled in behind the bookstore and looked over. “Yeah, and I’ll explain in a minute. It has to do with something I need to ask you. You don’t have to agree, but I want you to think about it.”
“Anything, Liz, if you need it, it’s yours.”
“Don’t answer yet. Think it through. You haven’t always trusted me, and I know why. This might not be easy for you. I don’t want to impose, but I have to ask.”
She owed Liz so much there was no way she’d say no if she had the power to help. Smiling, she prodded, “Ask, Liz.”
“My lower abdomen is a mess. James ruined any chance I had of carrying a child, unless there’s a way to fix the damage. If it’s even possible, I assume you’ll have to cut me open to fix the problem inside. I’m fine with that, as long as you’re willing, but I desperately want a chance to have a baby with Robert and Tremaine.” She placed a hand over her stomach as a tear fell down her face.
Emily leaned over to hug Liz. “Of course I will help. You should have asked sooner.”
Liz hugged her back. “I was afraid. And I want this to be our secret for now. I haven’t told either of them. I haven’t talked to anyone about it.”
“Why didn’t you go to a healer sooner?”
“The mages thought I was dead. I didn’t want to tell them what had happened. I didn’t want Robert to know. I blamed myself for so long, I just—”
“Didn’t want anyone to judge you. I’ve been there. I’m sorry I was horrible to you. I was so wrong about so much.”
Liz squeezed her, then sat back to wipe her eyes. “James soured your opinion of me before we had a chance. That’s all ancient history now, so let’s forget it.”
“As long as I can call you a friend.” Emily wanted to believe Liz meant it when she said they were, but a part of her expected to be hated. She’d been downright horrible to Liz for years, decades even.
Liz nodded happily. “Definitely friends. Come on, let’s go inside.”
Chapter 7
Clint and Mark spent the day framing and sheeting walls in the cabin they were building. Mark kept looking over, shaking his head.
Finally frustrated, Clint set the nail gun aside and asked, “What is it?”
“Slater said your old pack was looking for you yesterday.”
Clint sighed, nodding his head. “Yeah. Collided with Emily’s ca
r.”
Mark smiled. “So, you and Emily are headed to mating?”
“When she’s ready,” Clint answered, wiping the sweat from his brow.
“She shrinks back from everyone but you and her brother. It was nice seeing her actually laughing last night.”
The tension eased out of his shoulders. Mark was probably the most sensitive guy he knew. Jealousy was ridiculous. He couldn’t help it though.
Slater strolled in with a six-pack of beer. Condensation beaded over the brown glass. His expression far too serious. “Need to talk to you. Both of you. Brody, Brian, and Simons are on their way.” An impromptu meeting with all five of his enforcers. Hopefully he had news about the Elm Wood Pack.
Clint followed Slater to the back porch and leaned against the rail. His eyes widened with a gut-wrenching idea. “Please tell me you won’t send me back for information. Not only would they never buy it, but if I go back, it’s to slaughter Ava and Axel.”
“Nope, wouldn’t dream of it.” Slater handed each of them a beer.
The day Slater found him came back to Clint when they locked gazes.
Clint’s whole body throbbed as if on fire. His head pounded in time with his thumping heart. Fuck he was dizzy.
The creaking car door made him jump and his vision grayed out as he turned toward the person who approached. Fear that it would be Ava nearly overwhelmed him.
Pale gray eyes stared back at Clint. Concern etched the rugged features. He scrubbed a hand through his beard as he looked Clint up and down.
“Shit, you need help.” The low voice held a command. Any thought of arguing drifted away.
He reached in to unclick the seatbelt, then hefted Clint to his feet. “You aware enough to tell me what happened?”
Clint shook his head, his legs giving out as the other man let him go.
Immediately, he was lifted off the ground and carried to the cab of a truck. “Relax. We’ll figure this out.”
Clint nodded, then promptly passed out.
Sometime later, he woke in a bed wearing fresh bandages and sweats. He opened his eyes to find the same man watching him.
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