I listen with pride as she explains to the officer what happened. I can tell she’s leaving some parts out, but that’s because I know her well. The officer can’t possibly realize there are omissions. I suspect whatever transpired between Daven and Lucy included far more than she’s saying.
Honestly, I can’t really be mad at her. It’s not as if she took a giant risk, and she did have the wherewithal to use her fob to call for help. I’m proud of her, and I realize while she’s speaking that she’s a stronger woman than I give her credit for sometimes. She’s going to be okay.
Something in my chest loosens, and I look at Lucy through new eyes. God, I love her. Everything about her. She’s my everything. I’ve been miserable without her, and if I hadn’t been a stubborn ass, this never would have happened because she wouldn’t have been in this apartment alone.
I need her back under my roof. Now. Today. I’ll do anything to get her to come home with me. I don’t even care if she never wants to role-play as my little again. Hell, I’d give up our entire dynamic and recreate it if it meant she returned to me.
I don’t honestly think that will happen, but it’s a testament to how strongly I feel. My heart’s still racing from the ten minutes I spent worrying myself sick about her. He could have hurt her. Killed her even.
If anything had happened to her…
I realize I’ve gone into my own thoughts when the officer stands once again. “I’ll be in touch. I left a card for that counseling group on your kitchen table. Please reach out for help if you need it. Even though you might think you’re okay right now, many people don’t fully internalize an assault until days later. You were violated. It’s scary.”
Lucy nods. “Thank you. What will happen to him?”
“That’s partly up to you. If you press charges, he can be held. The judge will set bail.”
Lucy shudders. “Do I have to? Press charges, I mean?”
The officer frowns. “No. It’s your call, but I see cases like this all the time. If your brother was willing to harass you once, he’ll do it again.”
He won’t. I know this because I’ll make sure of it. The cops don’t know the kind of lengths I’ll go to to make sure Lucy’s safe. Still, I’m not sure what Lucy’s thinking. I glance at her.
She has her lips pursed. Finally, she takes a deep breath. “I’d rather not press charges. Our relationship is over. I don’t even want to bother facing him in court. He’s not worth it.”
“Okay. If that’s what you want, ma’am.” The officer doesn’t look convinced, but like she said, I’m sure she sees domestic issues all the time that end up repeating themselves.
I stand, taking Lucy with me, helping her rise at my side so I can walk the officer to the door.
As soon as she’s gone and the door shuts, leaving us in silence, I take Lucy’s face in my hands and tip her head back. I kiss her lips gently. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” At least she doesn’t push me away. She takes a deep breath. “Seriously, it wasn’t that bad.” She straightens again, stiffening her spine.
I want to smile, I’m so proud of her. But I also think she’s exaggerating. “You don’t have to be a hero, Lucy. I heard what happened. I also know you left a lot of things out of your story.” I narrow my brows.
She sighs. “There was no way I was going to tell the police the kinds of things Daven was screaming at me.”
“Figured that. Tell me though. Please.”
She lowers her gaze. “I’m sure you can imagine.”
I lift her chin with two fingers, forcing her to meet my gaze. “Tell me anyway.”
She blows out a long breath. A tear leaks from her eye and runs down her cheek. Her lips tremble. “The worst part is that he was right about most of the things he said.”
I lift my brows. “Lucy…”
She shakes her head. “No. Seriously. He thought he had it all figured out. He decided I was a kept woman. Your mistress. Someone you keep as a fuck toy. He thinks you paid for my education and this apartment and gave me spending money.” She grabs my shirt with her fists. “You did, Roman. I’m almost exactly the woman he described.”
I grab her shoulders to steady her, squeezing hard enough to get her attention. “You’re not a kept woman, Lucy. You know that. Don’t let him get to you. You earned your degree. Who cares who paid for it? You worked for me and made a salary. It’s not like you’ve been sitting in this apartment for three years waiting for me to come by now and then and fuck you.”
She swallows, but tears are falling.
I continue. “He pieced together what he thought he saw. You know that’s not true. You are not some side piece I visit on occasion to get my rocks off. You’re mine. You live with me. We’re a team. I love you. We’re never going to keep tabs on who makes more money, and you know everything I own is yours. Don’t let him get into your mind and warp what we have.” I stare at her, making sure I’m getting through to her.
Tears are flowing down her cheeks, but she finally nods and reaches up to wipe the tears away. “You’re right.”
I pull her against my chest and bury my hand in her hair, kissing the top of her head. We rock back and forth for a few minutes.
“I’m okay,” she finally murmurs.
I smile. “I know you are. You’re strong. But this is going to hit you harder soon, and I’ll be here.” I want to make it clear that I’m not leaving her here like this. Not now. Not ever. I’ll stay here in her apartment if it’s what she wants, but I’m not leaving until she agrees to come home with me.
She swallows and nods, leaning her forehead against my chest as she grips my waist. “I’m not sure what would have happened if I hadn’t had that key fob.”
“You would have found another way. As soon as you left this apartment, you would have screamed for help. You’re strong and independent. No way was that asshole going to best you.”
She lifts her gaze again. “You think I’m strong?”
“Of course. The strongest woman I know.” I swipe a lock of hair from her face.
“But I’ve spent three years letting you control my every move like I’m a child. How can you say I’m strong?”
I smile at her. “Blossom, only the strongest people can submit to someone else, and it takes an incredible amount of strength to live as deeply in the role as you have.” I draw in a breath. “I’m sorry I don’t tell you often enough how proud I am of you and how damn amazing you are.”
She gives me a wan smile. “Thank you. Thank you for coming so fast even though I’ve been hiding from my problems for over a week. Thank you for saying just the right things. And thank you for not killing Daven in the doorway. I know that was hard for you.”
“The hardest thing I’ve ever done,” I admit. “You sure you don’t want to press charges?” I’ll support her either way.
She shakes her head. “No. I don’t even want to think about him again. It’s done. He’s a jerk. Please let it go.”
“I’m going to put a man on him, just so you know. I’ll have him followed until I’m sure he’s not a threat.”
“Okay.” She slouches into me. “I’m so tired.”
“Why don’t you lie down for a while?”
“Will you come with me? I’d really like it if you’d hold me.”
“Absolutely.” There’s no place I’d rather be than holding Lucy’s trembling body while she processes what happened and hopefully relaxes enough to take a nap. I take her hand and lead her into her bedroom. Moments later, I have us situated on her bed fully clothed, me spooning her with my arms around her and a leg thrown over hers.
It takes her several minutes to stop trembling and relax.
I don’t say anything, but I do remove the band holding her braid and stroke my fingers through her hair. I know how much the action calms her and helps her relax. It always has.
It takes her a while, but finally she relaxes fully and falls asleep.
I stare at her until her breathing even
s out. I’m the luckiest man alive. I just need to tell her. If I don’t learn to take a few risks and express myself and listen to her, I’ll lose her. And I can’t lose her. I’m nothing without her.
It takes me significantly longer to close my eyes and relax, but finally, I let myself get drawn into sleep next to her.
Chapter 24
Lucy
When I awaken, I’m immediately disoriented. It takes me several moments to remember where I am, what happened this morning, and why there’s a person at my back.
I let the memories return, trying not to flinch at the realization that I could have been injured or killed. I never worried about the money. If Daven wanted money, he could have all of it. All I’d been concerned about was escaping with my life. Maybe that’s an exaggeration and maybe he never would have harmed me, but as the scene unfolded, I’d lost hope.
Even though Master Roman had told me he thought I was strong and would have figured something out if I hadn’t had the key fob, I’m not as sure. One thing is certain, I’m not spending another night alone in this apartment.
Afraid to move an inch and risk waking up Master Roman, I continue to lie in his arms, letting my mind wander to what I want to say and do when he wakes up.
I want to do something to block out what happened this morning and replace this day with some other happy memory. My thoughts are all over the place as I consider my options.
We still need to talk and work out a mutually beneficial plan for the future, but I’m no longer worried that Master Roman won’t be able to agree to whatever I need. I wonder why I doubted his flexibility in the first place.
Yes, he’s been stern and rigid, but deep down, I don’t honestly believe he will break things off with me and let me leave. Not for any reason. Granted, my new needs and requests are pretty big, but he’s just going to have to suck it up and get on board. He will. I know he will.
It takes me about half an hour to come up with a plan that makes me feel energized. Finally I slowly roll over so that I’m facing Master Roman.
He opens his eyes when I disturb him. “Hey, blossom.” His deep voice is sleepy and gravelly. The best. So sexy.
A shiver runs down my spine as he strokes a hand up my back.
His lips come to my forehead again. “Did you rest?”
“Yes.” I meet his gaze. “I have some things I need to do. Can you maybe give me a few hours?”
He winces. “You want me to leave?”
I bite into my bottom lip and nod. “Could you? I promise I’ll make it worthwhile.”
“Are you sure you want to be here alone?” His brow furrows. I know he hates my plan, and I can read the concern in his gaze. “Lucy. Blossom…” He swallows. “I really can’t go back to the house and leave you here. I’m done with this separation. I know we have stuff to discuss and work out, and I want us to do that. Don’t ask me to leave you. I want you back in my bed. Tonight.”
I slide a hand up to his face. “I can do that. Just give me a few hours to work a few things out. I swear I have a good reason.” I force a smile to reassure him I’m not trying to pull away again.
He stares at me for long seconds. “Okay. But how long do you need? I’ll be nervous the entire time.”
I smile broader. “I know you will. Please, trust me, Sir. You won’t be disappointed.”
He cocks his head to one side, slowly nodding agreement. “Okay. But don’t make me wait very long. I’ll get nervous.”
“Promise.”
Chapter 25
Master Roman
As I stand outside the back entrance to Surrender, I put my hand on the doorknob and take a long breath.
I’ve never been so nervous. Lucy is my life. I want her back. I’ll do anything to get her back. I’m not opposed to groveling by now. And I might have already returned to her apartment and pounded on the door if Claudia hadn’t called me at home and insisted I restrain myself. She knows something. I have to trust her. And I’m glad Lucy contacted Claudia. It gives me peace of mind.
I don’t blame my best female friend for helping out my little girl. It’s both a relief and a source of stress though. Lord knows what the two of them cooked up.
There are no cars parked in the back lot, nor did I see any in front either, so I’m not sure why Claudia has told me to be here at this time, but I am, and now I need to go inside.
I open the door and enter the back hallway. It’s dark, but I can see because lights from the main room are creating a thin laser beam across the floor. Someone has been here, or they still are.
As I make my way toward that door, I pray Lucy’s in there, and that she’s still mine. My hand shakes as I open the door, and the moment I step inside my heart beats faster.
Lucy is on her knees on a mat in the middle of the room. She’s in a perfect submissive position with her knees wide, head bowed, arms behind her back. She’s wearing something I’ve never seen before which reminds me subtly that I don’t actually have the ability to control every aspect of her life. At the same time, I’m pleased. The white babydoll nightie is so thin that I can see her darker nipples easily through the material. It’s not as youthful as what I’ve ever selected for her, but it still isn’t adult either. The delicate lace edging around the square neckline and the hem is made up of tiny flower buds, that same lace holding the tiny garment up at her shoulders.
My gaze wanders lower as I approach slowly. The nightie is not long enough to cover her bottom, and she’s wearing dainty panties that match. They aren’t full-cut like I buy for her. They’re bikini panties, but they’re thin and white and pure and have the same lace around the edges at her belly and thighs.
My cock is rock hard.
Her hair is braided down her back. I’m irrationally glad she didn’t cut it all off in the past week. I half expected her to go straight to a hairstylist and get it cut to her chin. On the other hand, I also know she hasn’t done anything of the sort because I’ve watched her every movement for the past week. Obsessively. She never wandered far from her apartment.
“You look like an angel,” I breathe out when I get within a few feet of her, not taking the risk of getting closer uninvited.
“Thank you, Sir.” She tips her head back slowly and meets my gaze. “I hoped you might like this. I bought it online.”
Ah, right. I hadn’t considered that. I should have watched the credit card instead of her movements. Not that I care what she buys, of course, but because I’m dying to know. I shouldn’t be so controlling. I’m certain that’s what got me into this mess. I’ve had enough time to realize Lucy needs me to loosen the reins. If I don’t, I will lose her. Assuming I haven’t already.
Judging by what she’s wearing and the position of submission, I’m going to presume I can still earn her back.
I circle her, slowly. The back of her might be sexier than the front since the lace edge of her panties is just above her crack, taunting me. I need to touch her.
When I round to her front again, she’s looking up at me. “I need you to know how much I love you,” she says.
I stop moving. “I know you do, blossom. I love you too.”
“I’ve missed you so much, and I want you to dominate me, but first I need a marble moment.”
A slow smile spreads across my face. “Take all the marble time you want.” I glance behind me to where we keep stacks of chairs against the wall. “Do you mind if I sit?”
“No. Please do.”
I focus on breathing as I step across the room, grab a padded chair, and return to set it down a few feet in front of her. If I don’t sit, I’m afraid I will continue to step closer until I can touch her. “I’m incredibly glad you arranged this, blossom. It means the world to me. I’ve been so worried about you all day. After what happened this morning…”
“I’m okay, Sir. I’m pissed that my only blood relative turned out to be such a prick, but it’s over. Done. Obviously, he won’t be in my life. I’ve been worrying for a few days about how I cou
ld possibly incorporate Daven into my world, and I couldn’t visualize ever explaining my relationship with you to him. Guess I’ll never have to now.”
“You must be in shock though. He assaulted you.” I watch her face closely. She seems calm, as if she’s already processed what happened and put it behind her. I’ll still watch for signs of stress in the coming days and weeks though. If she’ll let me. If this reunion we’re having here is any indication that she’s going to come home.
Please, God.
She offers me a strong smile. “I’m going to be okay, and you’ll be by my side.”
Yes. I mentally fist pump, and then I glance down at the lingerie she’s wearing. Tempting me. I clear my throat. “I’m not at all surprised you have a lot to say. However, I am kind of shocked you’ve chosen to speak to me wearing that incredibly sexy scrap of material.” I hope I’m not offending her. Just speaking my mind.
She smiles coyly and tips her head to one side. “It’s intentional. For one thing, I wanted you to know from the moment you stepped in the room that I still consider myself yours and that I submit to you in all things.”
I watch her face as she speaks. She’s so fucking sexy. She still bites her lower lip intermittently and flushes when she’s nervous. That will never change, and I’m damn glad.
“I considered meeting you as equals, sitting across a table at a coffee shop or at Julius’s house. Wearing regular street clothes. But that’s never been who we are together. Not from the first day.”
I nod. She’s right.
“Even when I came to your home to interview, I submitted to you. I didn’t know it, but it happened all the same. You had me in my place from the first day I started working for you. I came to you dressed in clothes you picked out that morning, nervous and scared and freaking out and…horny.” She whispers that last word.
I can’t breathe.
“I knew from the moment I put those clothes on with the little girl panties, the short plaid skirt, and the blouse with no bra that I was doing the right thing. That I was suited to being yours in whatever capacity that meant.”
Leaving Roman (Surrender Book 3) Page 16
