Page 85 of Jackson
“I know my way out. Talk to your Master,” she called over her shoulder, leaving Paula alone with her swirling thoughts and a decision to make.
Could she forget the things Will had said? If he was saying them to Jackson, she could only imagine what the general gossip was like. She had a reputation because she didn’t date any of the other cops, but to know their relationship was being called into question because of the age difference hurt more. Kate’s pep talk was wearing off. How could she possibly explain to Jackson why she had to call off the engagement she’d created all by herself?
Paula went into the bedroom to check on Jackson.
He opened his eyes as she neared the bed.
“Hi, honey, I’m home.” She tried to sound cheery, even though she felt anything but. She leaned in to give Jackson his kiss.
“Have you forgotten how to answer your phone and return messages, Melda?” he asked after she gave him a peck on the lips.
“No, Sir. I— I got busy, and it seemed like a better idea to just wait until I came back to talk to you.” She put her hand to her mouth to get at a stubborn hangnail. “I overheard what Will said about me.”
“I figured as much.” Jackson reached for her hand. “Why did you take him seriously? Didn’t you hear me tell him in no uncertain terms that I love you and want to be with you?”
“You did?”
“I did. I also threw him out of the place.”
“But he’s your friend.”
“He hasn’t been a very good one lately. You’re my fiancée and my submissive and the love of my life. I think those outweigh a friend badmouthing you by quite a bit.” He pulled her closer to him on the bed. “Tell me what’s going on in that beautiful head.” It wasn’t a question.
“How about you call Kate, and she can tell you all about it?” She gave him a half smile.
He raised his eyebrow. “Am I so hard to talk to that you need an intermediary for communication?”
“No, b-but it’s hard. I don’t want to be a burden to you. I’m a lot older than you, and you know that society doesn’t look well on the age difference going in this direction. I could drag you down. People probably already think I’m a cougar.”
“Why do you care what other people think? We’re the ones in this relationship. No one else’s opinion matters.”
Jackson’s description of her registered. “Did you say I’m the love of your life?”
“You’re just now hearing that? Yes, I said that.”
“That’s the first time you’ve ever said that to me.” Paula’s eyes filled, but she blinked away the tears.
“I didn’t realize I hadn’t said it before. I love you, Melda.” He stroked her locket with his thumb and looked into her eyes. “Paula. You’re the woman for me.” He pulled her in for a proper kiss and stopped all thought in her brain for a few moments.
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
Two weeks later, Jackson led Paula into Club Indigo on a crowded Saturday evening. She looked stunning in a flaming-red corset with a heart-shaped opening between her breasts. Satin straps crisscrossed her chest and shoulders and made him want to follow them with his fingers and dip into the fabric that pushed up her breasts. Jackson groaned and adjusted himself to give his growing erection more space, happy that his leathers were well worn.
He was confident about himself and his mastery of the tools he would use tonight. Hours of practice with Kate had not only helped him understand the materials but also helped to lay down a routine. He could concentrate on his sub and her reactions while relying on muscle memory for the rest.
He wasn’t feeling as sure about his Melda.
Although Paula had been nothing but sweet to him since the accident, she was also withdrawn, and he was tired of her tiptoeing around him. His wounds were healed, and his leg was cooperating better every day. Paula kept trying to stay in control and it didn’t suit either of them.
Overhearing Will had only driven her further away. By walking out of the condo, she’d deprived herself of hearingthe dressing down he’d given his partner and had stolen his opportunity to make things better for her. Hated even more that he hadn’t gone after her fast enough to fix it.
This imbalance between them and the quiet power struggle she likely didn’t even realize she was waging? That ended tonight.
He wasn’t angry with her. But he was ready to remind her what it felt like to let go. They were long past the point of her needing to take care of him, and it was due time for him to take the reins.
Jackson had arranged for the padded table from upstairs to be moved to the main room. He held out his hand to lead Paula to it. With the briefest of hesitations anyone else would have missed, she laid her hand in his.
“Relax, Melda. You’re a beautiful woman, and I want to have our friends witness our bond and love for each other,” Jackson said.
