Page 123 of Hushed

She sucked in a breath. “They’re idiots for not listening to you. And so am I. I’m sorry I told you to drop your attitude.”

Gage chuckled. “My girl will always be a bit of a brat deep down, even when you’re trying hard to be good.”

She shoved at him. “Don’t make fun of me.”

“I’m not.” He caught her wrist when she shoved at him again. “Hey. I’m not, I promise. I love that side of you. Not only does it give me more reasons to paint your ass red, and fuck the attitude out of you, it’s part of what makes you, you. And I don’t want you to stop being you just because you’re submitting to me. I want Kenzie as my submissive, not someone else. Understood?”

She nodded. “Does that mean you’re not going to spank me for being sassy?”

He stroked his chin thoughtfully. “If your bottom weren’t sore, I would definitely have you over my knee right now. But you’ve been through enough today, and you’ve made me so proud. We’lllet the attitude go this time. When it happens again, though, I won’t hesitate to punish you.”

“When?” she teased.

He tousled her hair. “Yes, little imp. When. You’re too full of sass not to end up over my knee again soon.”

She giggled and laid against him with a yawn.

“Lay down, pet. We don’t have much time left to catch a nap, and I’m sure you’re going to want to talk to Austin when we land. I’m sure she’s excited to see you again.”

“I really like her.”

“With good reason. She’s good people. Now sleep.”

She slid under the blanket, and he joined her, pulling her against him.

“I love you,” she whispered.

“I love you, too.”

Half an hour later, they were woken up by the pilot informing everyone they would land early. After washing up in the small bathroom, they joined Reggie and Samuel back in the main cabin. Reggie still seemed pissed, but subdued, and Samuel was talking to his wife in quiet tones.

“I miss you, too, baby girl. But I won’t be gone long. Now you need to rest. You’ve had a long stint on the road, and stress isn’t good for your current situation.”

Gage’s stomach twisted with guilt. Erin Green-Carter was worried about her husband who had left their line of work a few years ago. It was understandable, and he vowed to make sure that Samuel was home with his wife before the next sun set.

As the plane touched down on the private runway, Kenzie squeezed his hand and smiled up at him when he glanced her way.

On the ground, Patrick was waiting for the foursome in a big SUV. Samuel opted to ride up front, and Gage, Reggie, and Kenzie sat in the back, with Kenzie between the two men.

“Sure do enjoy seeing more of you, Gage,” Patrick said as they navigated the city.

It was rare for Patrick to drive himself anywhere, but Gage had insisted in order to keep the circle tight. There was no point in letting the wrong person find out Reggie was back in town when people were looking for him.

“Austin wasn’t sure if you would be hungry or not, so she ordered some food for us just in case.”

“It’s much appreciated,” Gage said. “I just realized I haven’t eaten in a while.”

“Naughty Gage,” Kenzie quipped, earning her a mock glare.

The drive back to Austin and Patrick’s was short for New York, and soon they were walking into the living room where Austin was waiting with warm greetings.

“I understand the circumstances are less than ideal, but I must admit it’s nice to have you in my home again. We don’t have company nearly enough.”

She turned to Samuel and opened her arms for a hug. “And you. I know you and Erin are sticking closer to home for her career, but we miss you at Solitaire.”

Samuel grinned. “She’ll kill me for spilling the beans, but we’re sticking close for more than a career. We’re about to be a family of three.”

Austin squealed and threw her arms around the tall Black man. “I will totally pretend to be surprised when she tells us. I’m going to spoil the hell out of my niece or nephew, though.”

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