Page 101 of The Dom with the Clever Tongue

Scarlet lifted a brow. “You broke the rules so you gave yourself a time out? That doesn’t sound very dommy.”

Malachi chuckled. “I don’t know who was the most disgusted with me. Cross called me a chicken shit. The three of them gave me a big lecture in the truck on the way here.” Reece nuzzled into his neck and relaxed into him. He smiled and looked at Scarlet. “I guess I have Reece’s answer, but what about you?”

“We talked about it at length before we came looking for you. We want you back. I promise I won’t ignore your feelings this time, but you also have to promise to tell us if your needs aren’t being met.”

“Okay. Fair enough. But what about the rest? Is this going to be a friends with benefits situation for you? Are you just doing this for her?”

Scarlet scrambled for a response. How did she say this without sounding like a complete ass? Maybe just putting it out there would be best.

“It’s not all about Reece. I...have feelings for you. Do you think I’d risk makingmyself look like an idiot for just anyone?”

“Feelings? Like what? Exasperation, disgust, annoyance, loathing?”

“I love you, you fucking idiot. Now shut up.”

He barked a laugh. “I do believe that’s the most romantic thing a woman has ever said to me.”

“Knowing you, I’m not surprised.” Scarlet pinched him a few times, and the entire thing degenerated into a pinch fight when Reece joined in.

A rumbling laugh surprised them. “I should have known we’d find you draped in girls.” Cross, Gemma and Izzy strolled up.

Gemma sighed and fished in her pocket, and handed Izzy some money.

“They snuck up on me and pinned me to the bench,” Malachi said. “They were about to have their dastardly way with me when you so rudely interrupted.”

“I don’t think you’ve ever accused me of cock blocking before.” Cross winked at Scarlet then looked back at Malachi. “See? I told you to go throw yourself on their mercy tonight, and they saved you the trouble. I knew I liked these girls. They’re not afraid of culling the idiot from the herd.”

Malachi shook his head. “I can’t believe Gemma and Izzy let you out without a muzzle, you ugly mother fucker.”

“Ah, don’t deny it. You’ve always wished you were pretty like me.”

“Yes, you’ve got me there. I’ve had a long-standing desire to look like a gargoyle.”

Gemma gave Malachi a mock frown and petted one of Cross’s huge arms. “Don’t talk mean to him, Mal. He’s very sensitive about his looks.” She looked sweetly up at Cross. “You’re beautiful, baby boy. Don’t let the bad man talk down to you.”

“Thank you, little brat. I don’t know how I’d manage without you and Izzy to prop up my fragile male ego.”

“If you weren’t the cockiest man I’d ever met, I might worry. As it is, I think you and Malachi are the only things that keep each other’s egos in check.”

“Well, there is Jude,” Cross corrected. “He’s often the voice of reason. So am I to assume you have a ride home, or should we wait?”

Malachi looked at Scarlet, who took her cue. “Oh, we’ll take him home, alright.He might even be walking okay by the next time you see him.”

“Do you need to use us as a safe call, Malachi?” Izzy asked, smirking.

“If you don’t hear from me after a week, give it one more week then send out a search party. Make sure they have candy bars and Gatorade. I might be weak.”

Gemma snorted. “If you’re not back on Monday, I’m staging a mutiny. I’d rather spend all my time tied up too, and there’s no way in hell I’m covering your appointments.”

“A shop full of Doms, and it’s the brat that gives me the most trouble. Go figure.” He sighed.

They waved and moved off, leaving them alone again – as alone as people could get at a busy amusement park.

“So, are we doing some more rides, or are we leaving now?”

“Rides!” Reece started bouncing on his lap and he looked like it was giving him naughty ideas.

“Behave, Reece. We just got him back and you’re about to send him into overload.” Scarlet drew both of them to their feet.

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