Page 48 of Too Hot

He could have released her feet and held her up, but he didn’t want her hanging by her wrists and possibly hurting herself. So, instead, he released her arms first, then had Damon release her ankles.

She’d collapsed into his arms. Making sure she was covered before they left the scene, Rafe tried talking to her, but there had been no response. He wasn’t worried. Her breathing was good, and her skin flushed.

Once in the aftercare area, he talked to her again. She responded with a strong voice. He’d played with some of more experienced subs at Wicked Sanctuary, but none of them had gone into subspace like Brianna had.

Was it because she was new? He didn’t think so. She trusted him to take her to new heights and to care for her. His heart pounded. Her trust wasn’t something he’d ever violate. He sat there holding her, knowing she had captured a piece of his heart.

While that didn’t surprise him, they hadn’t known each other long. There was something about Brianna, even on the first day at the elementary school, that told him she was the woman for him.

Rafe shook his head. He wasn’t one to believe in love at first sight, but he couldn’t deny the attraction. It grew each time he saw her. Now, his heart was involved.

“Everything okay?” Max asked as he walked up to them.

“It’s all good. She went into subspace.”

“It might take her a bit to come out of it,” Max said.

“I suspect it might.” He looked around the club. There were still people there, but a lot fewer than earlier. “Closing early?”

“Maybe.” Max rubbed his chin. “Damon put your bag back in the cubby.”

“Thanks. Let me know if we need to leave.”

Max nodded and walked away.

“Rafe.” Brianna’s voice was soft. He glanced down at her.

“Welcome back, sweetheart.”

“I feel so…relaxed. That’s the only word I can think of.”

Her lashes rose. Her hazel eyes were languid, much as her body was. “I’m glad. Anything hurt?” Rafe raised his hand and ran his fingers over her cheek.

Brianna shook her head.

“Good. Just lay here until you feel like moving.”

“What time is it?”

“Don’t worry about it. Close your eyes and rest.”

“Yes, Sir.” She closed her eyes, snuggled close to him once again, and settled down.

Rafe tightened his arms around her and shifted into a more comfortable position. Tonight had changed things between him and Brianna. It was a good change. They’d work through the fire thing. Because he didn’t think he’d be able to let her go now.

Chapter Nine

“What time is it?” Brianna’s sleepy voice jerked Rafe awake.

What the hell? He’d fallen asleep, in the club no less. That had never happened before. “I’m not sure.” He glanced around the club. Several couples milled around, and a few were in scenes.

“Hey, Zeke,” Rafe called, seeing him. “What time is it?”

“Almost two.”

“Thanks.”

“Two?” Brianna sat up in his arms.

---