Protege(21)
After discussing her options with the doctor, she agreed with Jude and thought the IUD was the wisest choice. But she’d never tell him that.
There was a knock at the door, and she frowned. Lifting her body off the bed, she shuffled across the small room in her slippers, startled to find Jude on the other side. He stood in the hall holding a bouquet of lilies. “I heard you were a good girl today.”
Her stomach pinched pleasantly at the surprise, his words, and the flowers, helping her forgiveness along. He was the reason her stomach hurt. Then she frowned, finding his presence in the old Victorian boardinghouse disorienting. “You know where I live.”
He glanced at the ceiling and walls. “I know where you rent. I’d hate to consider this place your home.” He handed her the bouquet and shut the door.
“Thank you.” Placing the flowers on the dresser, she crawled back onto the bed.
“Are you sore?”
“Yes. I don’t like you very much right now.”
His mouth pulled to one side as he carefully sat beside her. “Ezra said he received your signed portion of the contract.”
“Yes. I dropped it off after the doctor’s appointment.”
His hand brushed over her hip as he studied her, expression easy. “And I’m told I can’t make you cook bacon naked.”
She grumbled. “I don’t know why you’d want to.”
His hand glided to the curve of her rear. “I’m a strange man, Collette. There’s an endless list of the things I want that might surprise you, but you don’t need to worry about that.”
His touch was gingerly as he appraised her. “How bad are you hurting?”
She sighed, knowing she was being dramatic. Her ego was more bruised than anything else. “At first I had some light cramping, but I haven’t had any discomfort in about an hour.”
“Would you like an Advil? I brought some for you.”
He brought her Advil? Her discomfort was mostly his fault, but the fact that he’d made a special trip over here to bring her flowers and Advil, well, that just made her feel all gushy and nice inside.
She sighed. “Thank you, but I think I’ll live. I’m more pissed off that this took me off guard. I wasn’t really prepared.”
His lips brushed her cheek as he leaned over her carefully and whispered. “And so it begins, Collette. This is all part of trusting a Dom to care for you. I understand the implantation wasn’t pleasant, but, sweetheart, now we’re safe. I’d never want to risk your safety and I promise you that was my only motive here. Believe it or not, it pains me to see you like this.”
She glanced at him. His gentle confession surprised her, touching a sensitive part of her heart. “Really?”
He chuckled. “Yes. I’m not a brute. I derive pleasure from taking care of a submissive. Sometimes care isn’t delivered easily. You made a wise decision today and I’m proud of you, proud of the way you kept an open mind, proud of the fact that you trusted me, and proud that you did as I asked even when it challenged you. You’ve pleased me very much.”
Unwilling to give him the satisfaction of knowing how much his words reached her and warmed her, she nodded. “You’re welcome.”
He smirked and ran a finger down her cheek, pinching her chin lightly. “Cheeky peach. Thank you.” He sat up. “Are you ready to go?”
“What? I thought we’d start tomorrow.”
He shook his head. “The contract’s signed. You’re mine for the next thirty days. Is your bag packed?”
“But . . .”
He arched a brow.
“It’s over there,” she grumbled, still not understanding the purpose of leaving the room rented for the entire month she was gone, but she supposed that was a precaution he wanted to take.
“Good.” He lifted the bag. “Shall we?”
“I wasn’t expecting this. I’m not even showered.”
“You can shower at the chateau.” Glancing around the room, he said, “I think you’ll find it more comfortable than your current setting.” He held out his hand and she frowned. Everything was happening so fast.
Her fingers slowly slid into his palm and his grip closed over hers. This was it.
His grasp tightened, reassurance given with a slight squeeze as he helped her to her feet. He smiled. “Good girl.”
Chapter Three
Jude’s stomach knotted as he steered the Mercedes onto the drive of the chateau. Memories of his last days at his country home surfaced, stinging like a scab ripped open just on the brink of healing. He blanked his expression and carefully rode over the stone bridge. Hopefully his new guest would replace some of those less savory memories.
The garden beds had been recently cleaned and the hedges neatly shaped. If anything, Chateau Fernweh was lush in its endless landscapes and hidden gardens. Hopefully it would be an early spring and Collette would have a chance to see the grounds in their full, radiant beauty.
Pulling around the center fountain, contained by low trimmed boxwoods, he put the car in park and gripped the wheel. He could just as easily have taken her to his condo in the city, but this wasn’t about his personal comforts. It was about providing an experience that would help her better assess her deepest desires. He needed to keep reminding himself of that.