Page 10 of Bonded By Christmas
I’ve had it happen before.
I’ve got some specific proclivities that not everyone is down for. It’s blown up in my face more than once when I misread the signs. Hell, maybe it was wishful thinking or just straight-up desperation to find someone I clicked with.
That was probably it, now that I think about it.
I need control, meaning I do best with a partner who is going to hand off most decisions to me.
I’d be completely content if she would let me dress her, brush and style her hair, feed her by hand, and even handle any personal care she might need, like shaving, waxing, and brushing her teeth.
It’s an extreme level of autonomy to give up, but I would more than make it worth her while. I’d spoil the fuck out of her to the point she would never have to lift a finger.
I’m a caregiver, despite my profession and the way I look. I’m of the mindset offuck those stereotypes. If you want to know what I’m like, spend the time to actually get to know me rather than making assumptions.
Lacey’s head tilts as she stares up at me from behind her dark lashes. “I don’t do scary movies usually. That’s just asking for nightmares.”
I chuckle. “I’ll protect you. Now lie down, pretty girl. I want to get comfortable too.”
Her lips push together, but she sure stretches out on the couch. She grabs the throw pillow, relocates it to rest behind her head, and gives me a look that seems to ask,what now?
If I were feeling extra cheeky, I would have laid down and told her to lie right on top of my chest, but I’m still warming her up to me.
I’m also gauging how she responds to gentle guidance.
Grim can thank me for that later. That fucker might pretend like he doesn’t crave control, but he’s lying to himself or us. He wants to boss Lacey all around the bedroom, including regular trips over his lap. Now, we just need to determine if the darling little omega will enjoy that in return.
Everything in me says she will.
Scent matches tend to be good life matches, and I have solid faith in the universe. Plus, I’m pretty good at sniffing outnaturally submissive traits. It’s just a matter of determining if she’s willing to give up control outside of sex. I’d be willing to compromise if she would. I know I can be a lot, but even half an hour a day would help to settle a significant amount of my urges to control any and all situations.
Tossing the blanket over my forearm, I unhook my belt and tug it free of my belt loops one-handed.
Lacey watches with rapt fascination, her chest rising and falling in rapid movements.
I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from offering to tie her up with it. It’s a fine line between testing the waters and pushing too far too fast. I wouldn’t mind if she wanted to brat back from time to time, but I have to warm her to the whole dynamic before the real Lacey will come out.
Dropping my belt on the floor next to my boots, I crawl onto the end cushion and stretch out over her on all fours.
“Face the TV, baby girl. That way, I can slide between you and the back of the couch.” I wink, and she follows instructions beautifully.
Working myself into place, I end up on my side behind her and lean up to pull the blanket over us. I keep my head held up on one palm while the other comes to rest on her hip.
Damn, that material she’s clad in is soft. I might have to get myself a matching set.
My nostrils flare, and I covertly huff hits of her sweet pear scent. It has hints of something lightly floral, and I fucking love it.
“Get to scrolling,” I murmur, patting her hip. “I did promise to protect you, after all.”
Lacey jolts, pulling her arm from under the blanket and pointing the remote at the television.
Goddamn.
She’s really fucking cute.
Wilder needs to nut up and make a fucking move, or he might find himself on the outside looking in. He may have been the one to order me and Grim into her life, but once I got a taste of her shy smiles and big hazel eyes, I was fucking done for.
Grim is even worse off than I am. That big fucker stalks her even on nights he’s not on shift. At this point, I’d be happy to simply share Lacey with Grim if Wilder keeps dragging his feet.
I get that it’s complicated, considering she’s his stepsister, but that’s about the most ordinary thing that could come up in our world.
