Protege(40)
“Oh, God, remember how great the parties used to be . . .” Simone sighed.
“Tiffany used to put out such an incredible spread.”
“That’s Jude’s ex-wife,” Lea supplied, and he frowned.
Staying in the shadows of the entryway, he watched Collette’s lips part in surprise. “Jude was married?”
“Mmm-hmm,” the women collectively hummed.
Her lashes flutter as her brow creased with worry. “I didn’t know.”
“It was horrible. Jude was so good to her and one day she simply announced she was in love with someone else. We were all shocked.”
Collette glanced away and then back to the others. “You know what? I don’t think we should be gossiping about him.”
His head cocked to the side as her words took him by surprise.
“Everybody knows,” Casey said, and he again scowled.
“Still,” Collette said, straightening her shoulders. “Jude’s been very good to me, and I swore to honor and respect him over the course of our time together. It’s disrespectful for us to discuss his personal life behind his back. If he wanted me to know the intimate details of his past, he’d tell me.”
His chest swelled with pride as her words silenced the others. He was stunned by her backbone in a situation where most would be desperate to form an alliance. The others . . . well, he’d be speaking to their Doms and they’d all be standing for most of the next day.
He cleared his throat and stepped into the kitchen. At least they had the decency to look contrite. “Ladies.” He stepped close to Collette and caught her wrist, pressing a soft kiss to her fluttering pulse. “I think it’s time to say good night.”
Her gaze dropped as a pink flush stole across her cheeks, likely brought on by guilt and fear that he’d overheard their discussion. “Yes, Sir.” Turning, she rose on her toes and pressed a kiss to his jaw.
He released her wrist, liking the little ritual they’d created. “Lea will show you where she put our coats. Won’t you, Lea?”
“Yes, Sir,” Ezra’s wife said, her voice and head lowered.
As the two left the kitchen, he faced the others. “I will be addressing the subject of gossiping tomorrow when I make my calls. I expect all of you to confess your behavior before I contact your partners.”
Their heads lowered. “Yes, Sir.”
“Good night, ladies.”
“Good night, Sir.”
He found Collette in the entry, her face pale and her shoulders hunched. Taking the coats, he assisted her into hers. “Did you say good night?”
“Yes, Sir.”
Sensing she was upset, he cupped her jaw. “Look at me.”
Her lashes lifted, unveiling soft hazel eyes heavy with contrition. Leaning close, he gently kissed her lips. “I’ve very happy with you right now, Collette. Whatever you’re fearful of, don’t be.”
Her lips parted and she stared at him, nodding slowly. “Thank you, Sir.”
“Let’s go home.”
***
Collette was silent as they climbed the stairs. She hesitated in the hall and he released her fingers. “Go prepare for bed.” She nodded and disappeared into her room.
He returned to his own room and changed out of his clothes. In only his briefs, he used the bathroom and finished his evening rituals. Returning to his bedroom, he frowned when he found it empty. Maybe she didn’t realize he expected her to come to him. He’d have to go over his everyday expectations with her.
Using the key above the jamb, he unlocked the connecting door to her room. She gasped and quickly covered herself with her dress, which was now off her body. Her hair was wet, making her curls stretch to the base of her spine. She was a vision.
He swallowed tightly, disguising his internal reaction with a blank expression. “You impressed me tonight.” He placed the key on her dresser.
“I-I did?”
“Very much.” Casually stalking her, enjoying the way she backed up like prey trying to outsmart its predator, he took the dress from her and tossed it on her bed. “I especially appreciated the respect you displayed when I wasn’t present.”
Her cheeks flushed a lovely shade of pink, drawing a slow kiss from him. Her lips were soft, slightly parted and well deserving of more. “You’re a very good girl, peach,” he whispered as his mouth slanted over hers and his tongue stole past her lips.
There was no hesitation. The moment he kissed her, she kissed back, her hands eagerly gripping the back of his neck and pulling him down to her height. The kiss took him by surprise, as well, being that it was their first true kiss and she had an incredibly skillful mouth. Catching her wrists, he pulled her arms wide, holding them above her shoulders. “Who taught you to kiss like that?” he whispered as he backed her to the bed.
“Natural instinct.”
He growled and released her arms, cupping her ass and lifting her onto the bed. “Good girls don’t kiss like that.”
She giggled. “The only one who calls me a good girl is you, Sir.”
Reaching for her knees, he hoisted her legs forward and she fell to her back. “That’s right. My good girl. Put your arms above your head and don’t move until I tell you otherwise.”
She did as he asked and he slowly pressed her knees wide. Her delicate folds unfurled, soft, bare, and pink. Leaning forward, he kissed her clit and she sucked in a breath. His tongue teased softly over her newly exposed flesh; her knees shifted deliberately as tension built.