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“I know you’ll take good care of it. Let me put it on you.”
Paula bent her head obediently, and he fastened the locket around her neck. “You’re only allowed to take it off when you’re in the shower or somewhere it might be damaged. Otherwise,I expect you to wear it all the time to remind you that you’re mine.”
“Yes, Sir. I’ll be proud to. Especially because it means so much to you.” She wiped her arm over her eyes then smiled at him. “What’s next?”
“How about dinner?”
“What did you have in mind? I should warn you, my cooking talents are rather limited.”
“I was thinking we could go out and celebrate. How about the Smokehouse?”
“Sounds good to me. I love their brisket. It’s so wonderfully tender.”
“Why don’t you freshen up, and I’ll call for a reservation.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Paula fumbled with her seatbelt as Jackson put the Acura into park.
Dinner had been excellent, as it always was at the Smokehouse. They had shared a slab of pork ribs, and the meat had practically fallen off the bones, the way she liked it. Jackson had been an absolute gentleman, no sign of him trying to dominate her. He’d even agreed to split the check. Now they were back at the condo, and she was both nervous and insecure about the rest of the night.
“Look at me.” Before she could process his order, she met his blue gaze. “There’s nothing to be nervous about. Like every new relationship, we’re going to explore and experience what works for us and what doesn’t. If there’s something you don’t like, all you have to do is tell me.”
“I suck at relationships, Jackson. What if I screw up? Maybe we shouldn’t do this after all?”
His eyes turned hard, reminding Paula that he was used to dealing with seasoned criminals. “So because you’re worried the relationship is going to fail, you won’t give it a chance to succeed?”
Paula winced because his words were true. “Sorry, Sir.” Would the honorific placate him? “I guess you’re right. I’ve promised to do this for two months, and I will do so. It’s just that I’m not sure what you will expect from me outside of the bedroom, and it makes me antsy.”
Jackson took her hand from the belt strap and pressed a tender kiss to the inside of her wrist—the gesture simultaneously so sweet and arousing. “How about we spend the next hour or so going over the rules and how I expect you to behave around me? I want this to work for us, Melda.”
He looked at her like she was the only woman on earth, and his words rang sincerely. The use of that special Elvish word made something in her chest flutter, and Paula nodded in agreement. “Yes, show me, please.”
She was rewarded with a bright smile before she got a stern look and a “Stay.”
Paula leaned back in her seat as Jackson exited the car and came around to open her door. She knew better than to release her seatbelt and waited with her hands resting on her legs. That earned her a “Good girl.”
“Shouldn’t I do things like that for you?” she inquired.
Jackson smiled and shook his head. “No, Melda. Some Masters may want that kind of attention, but I like to take care of you. Part of the attraction of the 24/7 dynamic for me is that I’m certain you’re safe and content.”
She didn’t get the whole idea, but she did like his chivalrous behavior around her. Men usually expected Paula to hold her own and keep up. She was surprised how much she liked being taken care of.
As Jackson guided her inside the house and closed the front door, he stated, “You know the first two rules already.”
Paula nodded. “Yes, I do. The clothes and the greeting kiss.”
“That’s right.” Jackson looked pleased with her. “Today, we dined in public, and there we acted like a vanilla couple.” She smiled at that, and he held up a finger. “Mind you, you don’t speak over me or otherwise try to take control, even in a vanilla setting. It’ll earn you a punishment for disrespect.”
She wasn’t sure she liked that, but for now she would hold her tongue.
Jackson continued. “However, when we’re at home—either mine or yours—you’ll be eating from my hand.”
“What? I can feed myself.” Paula realized she might have gone too far and backpedaled. “Why is that, Sir?” She hesitated before adding, “I’m not questioning your rules, but I want to understand.”
Jackson smiled. “I’ll indulge your curiosity. I think questions serve a purpose right now. The next hour you’re allowed to ask me anything you want. In answer to your question, by feeding you, I control what you eat, how fast, and how much. I’ve noticed you have the tendency to scarf down your food. I want you to savor your meals, especially the ones I provide for you.”
Paula stopped to think and realized she did often read up on cases or otherwise multitask while she ate, especially at work. She’d always considered eating as a bodily function and not something to linger over.
