Page 196 of Between Regrets and Promises

“Ha-ha.” Jada rolls her eyes. “Joking aside, I locked up my emotions, which is something we’re taught to do in thisjob. However, at home, you need to release them and let your partner in. If you’re having a crap day because of what you saw, then express it. Otherwise, they think it’s about them, and that’s when shit goes downhill.”

“You’re probably right.” I grab a Sharpie and label the box. “Sophie’s a great listener too. She’d be open to talking about work, but I hate bringing negative energy home when being with her makes me so damn happy.”

“Yeah, you have that sick in love glow about you.” She circles a finger around her face to mock me.

“And I’m not sorry about it.” I grin, taking the evidence and walking toward the exit. “I’m leaving after I put this away. Unless you need me to help you with anything else?” I press my back against the door, waiting.

“Nah, you’re fine. I’m gonna sign these docs, and then I’ll be done too.”

“Have a good night then, Jada.” I wink before heading out.

The moment I get home, I smell food cooking in the kitchen. When I find Sophie at the stove, stirring something, I quietly walk closer and softly brush her hair off her shoulder. She shivers but doesn’t say a word. Instead, she tilts her head slightly, giving me the access I crave.

Lowering my face, I press a kiss below her ear and then down her neck. Sophie continues stirring the pasta sauce, and if I wasn’t so damn hungry, I’d tear her ass away and haul her into the bedroom.

“Mmm…Liam. You’re home early.” She moans, releasing a deep sigh.

My eyes pop open, my hand stalling on her waist.

“I hope you’re hungry,” she continues, her voice sweet like honey. “Because I was thinking we’d start with dessert first.” A deep growl escapes my throat. Then she wiggles her ass against my dick. “Mmm…what do you think?”

I cup her ass cheek after slapping it and earn a squeal in return.

“Ooh, dessert first it is.” Sophie arches her back, sticking that ass out further. Then she glances over her shoulder and bursts out laughing. “Oh, come on! Nothing?” She chuckles as if she’s the only one in on this joke.

Because sheis.

Sophie turns off the burner, then spins around to face me. “You’re no fun when you don’t play along.” She gives me a pouty face.

“You called meLiam…” I step back, crossing my arms.

“Hence, the joke!” She cackles. “Not funny?” Sophie bites her bottom lip as if she’s trying to hold back a smirk.

“Not even close.” I grab her waist, then haul her over my shoulder. She shrieks, and I smack her butt again. “And after the day I’ve had, I’m about to show you just hownotfunny that was.”

“Mason!” she shouts, hitting my back. “Put me down.”

“I’m about to make sure you never forget my name again…” I walk into her room and lock the door behind me. “Starting with stripping you naked.”

“I didn’t forget your name…” she argues with a playful tone.

I toss her on the mattress, then tower over her. “In fact, I should tie your naughty little ass to the bed.”

“Mason…no.” Her panicked voice sets off alarm bells, and I immediately regret the words. That asshole Dalton taped her to a chair, leaving her helpless and scared for her life.

“You know I’d never hurt you, Soph.” I lean down and kiss her, rubbing the pad of my thumb against her cheek. “If I tie you up, it’d only be topleaseyou. Never anything else.”

Sophie nods, then wraps her legs around my waist and pulls me on top of her. “I do know that, but maybe instead of tyingme up, you can use handcuffs.” She waggles her brows. “I have some.”

I pull back. “You do?”

“They were a gag gift,” she explains, shrugging. “But they work.”

“Okay.” Leaning back, I reach behind my neck and tear off my shirt. “I have a few ideas.”

She points to her nightstand. After digging to the bottom, I find them, and once I’ve stripped her down to her bra and panties, I cuff her hands in front of her.

“Keep your arms up, baby…” I tell her, raising them above her until they reach the headboard. “Don’t move.”

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