Page 22 of Blinded
“To come home with me,” he stated.
“Umm, no.” The ‘no’ came out harsher than she’d intended, but maybe it was for the best, and he would take the hint.
GT opened his mouth to say something, thought better of it, and instead rubbed the back of his head. “Listen,” he sighed. “You went pretty deeply into subspace, and I’m afraid you’ll drop.”
Sandra placed her hands on her hips. “I’m pretty sure I’m all right. No need for you to worry.”
GT invaded her personal space, and Sandra took shallow gulps of air through her mouth. She was afraid her resolve would shatter if she picked up his aroma.
“You’re not okay. You can barely stand on your feet without swaying, your shoes aren’t tied, and your blouse isn’t buttoned straight.” He grabbed her chin, and his eyes pierced through her carefully erected defenses.
Damn the man for making me feel so unsettled!
Unshed tears pricked her eyes, and she swallowed with effort. “You’re right. I am a bit off-kilter.” She straightened her spine. “But that doesn’t mean I’m going home with you to have sex.”
GT let go of her face and threw up his hands. When he spoke again, it was through clenched teeth. “I would never take advantage of you like that, and I’m disappointed you’d think so.” He shook his head. “I thought we’d built a connection and some trust between us, Sandra.”
She hung her head in shame. He was right; he wasn’t some sexual predator, and he’d behaved like a perfect gentleman from the moment they met again. “I’m sorry, GT. That… I … Th – that wasn’t what I meant to say.”
A persistent but careful finger lifted her face, so she was forced to meet his eyes. “I’m not going to discuss what you said right now, but I’ll expect an explanation later. I get that you’re not ready to go home with me, and I’m going to give you a choice. Either you’re going to call a friend, preferably Ruby, to stay with you, or I come home with you and spend the night on the couch. Whatever you choose, I’ll drive you home.” He held up a finger when she opened her mouth to answer. “And that’s not open for debate.”
Sandra allowed herself a small smile. “I wasn’t going to argue, Sir. I’m too tired to drive myself. I’ll call Ruby from the car.”
Chapter Seven
“Lewis.” He sounded gruff and distracted when Sandra called him the next morning.
“Umm, hey, it’s – Sandra. Did I catch you at a bad time?”
“No, not at all.” His tone lightened.
“I’m, umm, I want … ” Blast, I sound like an idiot. Why is it so hard to do what I planned? Call the man, offer apologies for what I said. Should be simple, right?
“Sandra.” His assertive tone broke through her inner rambling. “How about we meet for lunch in an hour?”
She sagged against the couch cushions in relief. They should, indeed, have this conversation face to face. “I would like that, Sir.”
There was a smile in his voice as he suggested a restaurant, and when they ended the call Sandra was smiling, too.
When Sandra arrived at Grünauer, the hostess led her to the table where GT was already waiting. He stood as they approached – ever the gentleman – and a new wave of shame washed over her. He didn’t deserve her attitude.
As soon as the woman left, Sandra looked GT straight in the eye and said, “I’m so sorry for what I said last night. Can you forgive me?”
GT took hold of her hand. “I will forgive you, but I expect penance from you.”
“Penance?” she exclaimed. “You’re not my priest!”
“I might not be your priest, but I am your Dom. I would do you and me both a disservice if I let you get away with disrespect.”
His logic resonated with her. “What do you have in mind?” She hoped she looked more contrite than worried.
“Relax, hana.” He stroked a lazy circle on the sensitive spot between her thumb and index finger, totally distracting her. “You can always use your safeword with me. But although my punishment won’t be a spanking or a flogging, I think you might find it painful.” He was silent for a moment, and Sandra dreaded what he was going to say next. “I want you to tell me about your past and what makes you so closed off.”
Involuntarily, Sandra tried to pull back her hand, but he tightened his grip. “Don’t retreat, hana. Please!”
Sandra didn’t know if it was his plea, the use of her pet name, or maybe it was time to open up to him. She lifted her gaze. When did I drop my eyes? “I don’t see what my past has to do with you.” Maybe I can change his mind?
“Your past affects who you are today. We need to be open and honest with each other to have the connection we need and want in Kinbaku.” He squeezed lightly before letting go of her hand and leaned back with an expectant expression on his face.
