Page 11 of Wild Ever After
“I never denied it, love.”
“But you never said the words, either.”
He didn’t remind her that she hadn’t made herself available or come back for him to say much of anything. Instead, he slowly nodded. “And you needed them.”
“Yes. I needed you to admit you had a part in everything that happened to us that night.”
He got that. “I’m sorry, Bella.”
She deflated. “I know.”
“You’re still leaving with me.”
“Okay.”
“Now.”
“Okay.” His brow quirked up again. “Yes.”
She was so close. “Say it, Bella.”
“No.”
“Do you still have your collars?”
“Of course.”
“Then say it.”
“H —”
“I swear to God, Belinda Walker, if you say Harry one more time, I will pull you over my knees right here and now.”
“And there’s the other part of this mess.”
“One.”
She sat across from him, visibly torn between defiance and obedience. He didn’t envy her that choice.
“Two.”
Her lips thinned to a flat line and her eyes narrowed. He knew that look oh so well. He also knew without a doubt what it meant. Only, she didn’t waver.
He waited. And waited some more.
She didn’t budge. She didn’t give in. She blatantly challenged him and the dynamic of their relationship.
She hadn’t done that in a very long time.
He couldn’t remember the last time he reached Three. He’d come close. The numerical word on the tip of his tongue, but she hadn’t made him say it.
He was momentarily taken aback. Yes, they were out of sorts. Definitely out of practice. He hadn’t been so naïve as to think he could simply waltz in and all would be forgiven or that she’d drop to her knees at first sight after a year of not. But he had hoped for a warmer reception. He had hoped for a smile, a hug, even. He had hoped to see his wife happy to see her husband. Her dominant. Her Sir.
So far, none of that seemed forthcoming.
“Three.”
Her entire body relaxed seconds later. Under normal circumstances, she knew three meant the cane. She hated that particular implement, almost more than the large stainless steel plug that often accompanied the use of the cane.
