Page 70 of Master Cole

A tremor went through Janie. She’d only read about sadists, but enough to know if you weren’t a masochist it wasn’t a good match. “And Sally?”

“Sally was just a submissive, she wasn’t into pain.” He took an uneven breath. “I noticed her sheets looked funny and without thinking I turned her over.” Another rough breath. “Her back was a crisscross of whip lashes. Lashes so deep they’d drawn blood. He beat my sister.”

Janie’s heart skipped a beat as she pulled Cole to her. “Oh, Cole.”

“I swore then and there I’d always protect my submissive, even from me.”

“But Cole, you’ve never gone that far. Ever.”

“Because I won’t let myself.”

She rubbed his back. “Because you’re not the type of man who would.” Even though she hadn’t known Sally that well, she suspected there had been more than just the poor choice in Dom that she hid from her family.

“Why didn’t you tell me about your degree and job?” he asked.

“Because I was afraid you wouldn’t approve.” She shifted. “You were always protective of me, but I needed to be who I am. You wanted me to go into business, but my heart wasn’t in it.”

“I read your journal.” He reached up and traced the phoenix tattoo under the fabric of the robe.

“In some ways, the phoenix represents both of us today. We’ve both been burned and are now rising from the fire.”

“Yes, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Sally before now. It wasn’t until today I was able to allow myself to realize how much I loved you and needed you.”

“I love you too, Cole.”

“Good, because ... ” He stood and placed her in the chair.

Janie’s breath caught in her throat as he knelt down. “Janie, will you become my wife, my submissive?” Then he held out a ring and her necklace.

“I ... ” Tears filled her eyes. Her proud man was on his knees asking her to marry him. “Of course I will.”

Cole slipped the ring on her trembling fingers, then fastened the necklace around her neck. “Never take them off.”

“I won’t. I love you, Master Cole.”

His blue eyes lit up, then his lips took hers in a kiss. When they finally came up for air Janie grinned at Cole. “How do you feel about a Vegas wedding?”

Cole burst out laughing, but by Sunday night they were man and wife, Dom and sub.

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