Page 92 of Heist

Austin closed her eyes. “Am I about to get my heart broken, Holly?”

“Woah, what happened?”

She spilled her guts about having talked to at least four of Patrick’s exes.

Holly blew out a breath and said, “Ahh. Yes, he’s been known to be a player. But I’ll tell you this, he’s never been attached to any of the house submissive’s he’s trained like he is to you.”

“So, I’m just supposed to believe that I’m different from the rest somehow? I don’t know if I believe in that?”

Holly chuckled. “I certainly think you’re special. Forgive me hon, but I feel like this is a conversation you should be having with my brother, not me.”

Austin sighed. “Yes, I just wanted an outside perspective before I dumped all my insecurities on him. He’s got a lot on his plate right now. I don’t want to freak him out.”

“Aww sweetie, your insecurities are completely valid, and you should definitely talk to him.”

“You’re right. I should. Thanks, Holly. See you soon.”

When she finished the call, she gave herself a mental pep-talk and went back to her list. Luckily, there were no more ex-girlfriends in the mix, and she was able to get through the list without jealousy and fear rearing their ugly heads.

When she was done for the day she went home and poured herself a glass of wine before she settled in to call Patrick.”

“Hey, baby girl,” Patrick said when he answered.

“Hi,” she murmured, sipping her wine. “How was your day?”

“Long but good. Got to have a nice visit with David and Emily.”

“Oh, that’s awesome,” she said, picking at the fringe on her throw pillow.

“What’s wrong?” Patrick asked.

“What makes you think something is wrong?” she asked, surprised at how quickly he read her.

“I can hear it in your voice.”

Cannot,” she said.

He laughed. “Arguing with your Dom? Feeling brave because I’m three thousand miles away?”

Austin giggled, setting her wine glass aside. “Maybe. What really makes you think something is wrong?”

“I can seriously hear it in your voice… but my sister might have called me.”

“Little snitch,” Austin teased.

“Why would you call her before me?” he asked, his tone almost sounding hurt.

“Sometimes a girl just needs to talk to another girl.”

Sirens went by as she waited for him to respond. “She didn’t tell me what was wrong. Just said something was bothering you and I should talk to you.”

Austin laughed. “It’s dumb, really.”

“Nothing about you is dumb. I take our relationship seriously.”

Austin sighed. “I think that’s just it. I talked to four women today who thought you took them seriously too and now… let’s just say I won’t be calling them as character witnesses.”

Patrick was quiet for a long time. “I’m sorry, Austin. I knew you were going to start talking to people. I didn’t know that would include old girlfriends, if you could even call them that.”

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