Page 51 of Surrender

Chapter twenty-nine

Declan

Having Serenity work in my home office with me has become my greatest distraction. And I wouldn't change it for the world.

A chime notification alerts me that I'm getting an incoming skype call. My sister is the only one who Skypes me, so I answer the welcomed distraction.

"Hi Maria," I sign and speak out loud at the same time. My sister was born deaf and since she's two years older than me and I grew up in a signing household, signing is just as easy for me as speaking English.

I feel the tension in the air change and look at my pet. Her brow is furrowed. Jealousy looks good on her. I make a mental note to reward her later.

"My sister," I explain, smiling. The relief that brings to Serenity's face is freaking adorable.

My sister notices my distraction and asks who I'm talking to.

"My... secretary, Serenity." Is that what she is? I look up to make sure she's not offended by that title. We haven'treally defined what her role is when we're working from home together.

A salacious grin spreads across Maria's face. 'Can I see her?' Maria signs.

"Come Serenity, my sister would like to meet you." I slide back in my chair to give Serenity room and pat my thigh.

She comes around to the side of my desk and peeks at the screen, giving Maria a shy smile before sitting delicately on my thigh. I run my hand around to hold her hip, possessively, while the other rests on her knee. She gives a little hesitant wave at the camera, but what catches my attention is how my sister's eyes glimmer.

'She's very beautiful,' she signs.

"My sister says you're very beautiful." Overwhelmed with the praise, Serenity turns her face into my shoulder to hide her blush. I chuckle.

A sharp stab of jealousy heats my stomach, though, at the lustful gaze my sister sends Serenity as she looks her up and down.

'When you're done with her, send her my way. I'll show her how good working for a woman can be.' I know my sister enjoys pushing my buttons, but the amount of possessiveness that comes over me surprises even me.She's never leaving me. I get a flash of imagination of her tied to my bed so she can never leave and it's unsettling. I'll have to unpack that later.

'Did you want something?' I sign.

My sister laughs at having obviously successfully pissed me off.

'Yes. Mom and Dad want to make sure you’re coming to their yearly gala.' I roll my eyes and groan. I go every year, and every year they call to “make sure” I’m coming. Like I’m an errant child who can’t maintain a calendar. I'm not sure what I did toearn their disdain so much, but I long ago accepted that that was their problem, not mine.

My pet looks back before whispering. "Your sister is very beautiful too."

And with that I slam my laptop closed a little harder than I meant to, causing her to flinch. Shit. I need to reign in my temper with this one.

Chapter thirty

Declan

The compulsion to make things right with Serenity tugs at my guts. The same impulsion that makes me want to hoard her and provide for her and protect her is gnawing at me because I made her flinch.

That's not what we do. That's not who I am to her. I'm a safe space for her. Flinching is unacceptable. Yes, I'm possessive and controlling and am prone to anger - I always have been. But she knows by now that I would never hurt her, right?

And the same twisting in my gut that demands I soothe things over with her is laced with a hint of lust. Okay, more than a hint. My resolve to resist her has been weakening every day I watch her sweet lips and big eyes and precious curves. It cracks when I sleep next to her at night, knowing she's at her most vulnerable and trusting. It wavers every time she smiles at me and completely evaporates every time I make her come.

Today, whatever resolve I had this morning is dust easily swept under the rug with the intention of making her feel safe again.

Or, at least, that's what I tell myself.

"So, your list..." I start, wanting to give this scene as much time to evolve as necessary.

She has a terrible poker face. Her eyes say everything that her mouth doesn't.

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