Servicing the Target (Masters of the Shadowlands #10)(71)

“Of course he did.” No one was more protective than Z. “I should put one into my place, actually. Being on a cul-de-sac with only family around gives an illusion of safety that isn’t really valid.”

“We have a system. I’m all in favor of extra security,” Gabi said.

“You would be, oh, FBI person,” Jessica said, then smiled down at her baby, who’d fallen asleep. “And for you, babykins, I’ll put up with it.” After arranging her clothing, she burped Sophia and rose, heading toward the nursery.

“Uh-uh,” Anne held her arms out. “I brought over those background checks that Z wanted. The price is a baby snuggle.”

With a laugh, Jessica handed her daughter over.

Anne gathered the baby close. So adorable. Below her rosebud mouth, a little milk bubble decorated her chin.

Jessica walked into the kitchen, calling back, “You know, since the background checks were Z’s request, the payment should come from him.”

“You’re such an accountant. The last time I looked, this child was half your Master’s, so I’ll just hold Z’s half. Would that be the left side?” Anne nuzzled Sophia’s left cheek, inhaling the sweet infant scent.

“You should be a lawyer.” Jessica returned with a sparkling water, which she set at Anne’s elbow before dropping onto the couch.

“You’re looking good, Mommy,” Gabi said. “Not nearly as tired as a few weeks ago.”

“That diapered mini-Domme there is sleeping longer at a time. Finally.” Jessica frowned. “I’m back to normal, but Z can’t seem to see that.”

“What’s he not letting you do?” Gabi asked.

“Letting isn’t the issue. It’s what he’s not…um, doing.” Jessica flushed.

Gabi looked confused, but Jessica’s reddened cheeks told Anne what Z wasn’t…doing. “Isn’t it a little early to start having sex?”

“Ooooh, sex,” Gabi said, enlightened.

“Well, the midwife said the date when we could resume ‘marital relations’ is variable. Basically, I have to wait at least four weeks, and until I feel ready and until the spotting stops. That’s all good. But the OB doctor”—Jessica rolled her eyes—“said six weeks period, and it’s only a little over five. Of course, Z’s listening to the dude with the big credentials.”

“Hey, he’d go the conservative route. He’s crazy protective about you, even if it means he goes without,” Gabi said. “I’m impressed. Who ever heard of a guy turning down sex, especially since it’s probably been a while?”

“More than a while.” Jessica crossed her arms over her chest and pouted. “I miss sex. I miss being held. And I miss the Dominant/submissive stuff too. He’s depriving me of everything.”

Z was very protective of his submissive, and a few more days of abstinence shouldn’t matter that much. “It’s just another week,” Anne said gently. “Then you can have it all back.”

“I guess. Maybe.” Jessica shook her head. “But I’m getting so mad at him that by the time the week is over, I might tell him to go f*ck himself.”

Rocking Sophia, Anne regarded her friend more closely. Not at ease. Muscles tight, mouth compressed, lips trembling at the same time her fists were clenched. Someone’s emotions were all over the map.

“Ouch. Hormonal much, girlfriend?” Gabi switched seats to sit beside Jessica and wrap an arm around her shoulders.

Jessica’s eyes filled. “I really am. But I need him. And the intimacy. It’s more than sex between us and…I need it.”

“But he’s worried he might hurt you.” Anne pursed her lips, considering. She thought of her feelings when she and Ben made love—because love was what it felt like these days. If he ever refused her, whether for her own good or not, she’d feel horribly rejected.

To have two differing medical opinions was maddening; however, the midwife’s criteria seemed more sensible than some arbitrary number set in stone.

Maybe she could tell Z that Jessica was especially vulnerable right now? “Let me talk with him and—”

“No!” Jessica shook her head vehemently. “If he f*cks me because you tell him to, then that’s like…like making love to me is a medicine he has to take. A chore.”

Anne huffed a laugh. “Somehow, I doubt he’d see it that way.”

“But I would.” Jessica’s shoulders slumped. “He must just not want me enough. I won’t have you telling him he has to make love to me.”

Oh, this was not good at all. Friends could never convince a woman that her husband still found her appealing.

“Anne, you’re the pro at getting guys to do what you want them to do. Maybe if you give Jessica some advice?” Gabi asked, her arm around Jessica. “Seduction 101?”

Manipulating Z. For his own good. Considering how often he butted into all the members’ affairs—for their own good—the idea was fairly irresistible. Her lips curved up. “He’ll be home for supper soon?”

Jessica nodded.

“And Sophia will sleep for a couple of hours? Or at least, not need any food for a while?”

Another nod. Jessica’s eyes brightened.