Page 3 of Liberating Lena

CHAPTER 2

Ethan

I adjusted my sunglasses while the security guard checked my credentials, then let me through with a friendly wave. I’d booked my stay under my first name only, but the guard confirmed my full name. The two wrought-iron letter “R’s” overlaying pairs of bronze horseshoes parted when the gates swung wide allowing me entry. A grin pulled at the corners of my lips. I admired the scenery as I drove up the long meandering road toward my destination.

Already my shoulders were dropping, and my breathing came easier. Being here was soothing to my nine-to-five personae. I’d made a name for myself in business development–high pressure negotiations, nonstop travel, charm-like armor. People loved to call me golden.

Despite being driven, I was always smiling. Until I wasn’t. A hunger for control, and not only in the boardroom, was what appealed to me about the power-exchange lifestyle. A tendency to dehumanize that control was what had my last short-term submissive walk. She hadn’t understood that I kept a tight lid onmy desire, that control was my way of keeping the shadows at bay.

She’d said I was kind and thoughtful during aftercare, but my ability to be human and present was completely devoid. That had stung, mostly because it was true. I’d reached out to Derek Hawkins, and he’d told me I could come and stay in a guest cabin for a few weeks while the Ranch ran their first trial summer submissive program.

If I was looking to play, I’d have plenty of opportunities, he’d said, but that wasn’t my priority on this trip. I was here for the quiet from the rules, and to step outside the dry echo chamber of the boardroom and into something real. Stillness, nature and with a little hope, Rawhide would be a balm, a place from which to begin again. Only this time, I wouldn’t hide behind the charm, the ever-present smile. This time I’d see if something, or someone, stirred that old power in me again.

I entered the main lodge, taking a moment to admire the porch that spread the entire length of the building’s front and the half dozen stairs that led to it. The place had more country charm than anywhere I’d been before. Stepping across the threshold, I immediately took in my environment. That was something that came with my chosen profession.

The where and who, especially the who, was very important, and I never missed an opportunity to observe those around me. My lips curled in that familiar thousand-watt grin and I had to take a breath to push that guy down and dig for something more, a part of myself I’d forgotten.

A young woman with multi-colored mermaid hair was standing behind the reception counter. She looked up when I opened the door. Her smile faltered when I purposely shut mine off.Great, now I’m scaring the staff.I composed myselfand tried to look less intense. Her smile returned but her eyes remained guarded. I’d have to get better at being natural. The irony wasn’t lost on me that I’d have toactnatural until it became natural.

“Hello. I’m Ethan.”

“Nice to meet you, Sir. My name is Luna. Are you here to check in?”

“I am, thank you. Is it always this quiet?”

Luna looked up startled from whatever she’d been looking at behind the counter, probably reservations.

“Uh, well, yes and no.” She gulped. “Yesterday was busy with the summer interns’ arrival and we are expecting to get busy in an hour or so. I guess you got here just at the right time.”

A large man walked out of an office behind the counter. We instantly made eye contact and did that thing Alphas always did, check each other out. His smile was as cultivated as mine, but his eyes were clear and friendly.

“I’m going to go out on a limb and assume you are Ethan Reacher?”

He caught me off guard. “What gave me away?” I felt my megawatt smile tugging and tamped it down.

His wolfish grin told me he knew exactly what I was about. “You match your description perfectly.” Then he laughed. “Just kidding, I was just looking over the files of today’s arrivals.” He stuck out his hand. “I’m Derek.”

“The one and only. It’s very nice to meet you.” I took his firm grip in mine.

“Luna, hand me Mr. Reacher’s scanner card and a map please, and I’ll show him to his cabin.”

“Yes, Big Boss.”

The address had Derek chuckle and had me thinking that was cute, and wondering was there a little boss somewhere? Luna handed over the asked for items and Derek thanked her beforeescorting me back across the lobby and outside. “I know you’re a busy man, Mr. Hawkins, too busy for personal tours I’d imagine. I promise I won’t get lost.” I held up the map.

Derek grinned, ignoring the map. “I’ve been wanting to meet you in person. Our little trip will give us a moment to get to know each other better. From here on out, your car stays in the lot. We’ll load your luggage into a golf cart and then I’ll take you to your lodgings.”

I wondered why I was receiving the full-court press from the owner but didn’t mind in the least. Derek knew everything about everyone staying here I was sure. Maybe he could give me some pointers.

“Despite your guest status, you came highly recommended.” Derek spoke suddenly, breaking my thought process.

“Oh? Who do I thank for that?”

“I believe you know Cade Knightly?”

“I do, we met a few times when the company he works for was doing a new branding campaign. He never mentioned he’d been here.”

Derek smiled. “We generally take privacy very seriously, but when you applied with only one name, it raised a red flag. I asked Cade for some background information that you had not supplied.”

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