The Drake Unwound Complete Collection (The Drake Series Book 9)(60)

"Can I see?" I went to the canvas, which was over by the far window, facing the other direction. Kate ran to the painting and tried to block me from seeing it.

"I don't want you to see it just yet, Drake." She stood with her body blocking my access to the canvas. When I tried to sneak by, taking her shoulders and pushing her gently out of the way, she resisted, so I tickled her. She couldn’t help but squirm in my arms, giggling.

"No, Drake!" she said, fighting to appear angry, but I could see her grin.

Then the other guy came over and tried to block me from seeing the canvas.

"The lady said no," he said firmly.

I stopped and put my hands on my hips. "Take it easy," I said, my voice tight. "I was just playing around."

The guy glanced at Kate, a frown on his face.

"It's OK," she said. "He was just having fun. He knows I don't want him to see it yet."

The guy held up his hands and backed away. "Sorry."

Kate took my hand, trying to diffuse the situation. "This is Keith," she said. "He's one of the artists who uses Nathaniel's studio. Keith, this is Drake, my…" she hesitated as if she didn’t know how to describe our relationship.

"I'm her boyfriend," I said as authoritatively as I could.

Keith eyed me up and down, as if measuring whether I was good enough for Kate, and then he backed down and went back to his table. While I didn’t really feel much of a threat from the two potheads I saw Kate with previously, this Keith guy was much more like the kind of man Kate could be with. He was good looking enough and seemed protective of her—the way I would be if I had found her in the same situation. I had to admit to myself that I could get very jealous if Kate was going to be spending any length of time with him—especially alone.

I tried to swallow my jealousy but it wasn’t easy. To be honest, not being jealous where Kate was concerned might not even be possible.



I took Kate back to my apartment in Chelsea, where she showered and dressed in something pretty for our meal with Ethan and Elaine.

As usual, Kate was breathtaking in her cashmere sweater, the soft fabric hugging her lush curves, accentuating her ample breasts and curvy hips. When I saw her, and thought about her eager willingness to submit to me, I felt incredibly lucky that we stumbled together on the way to the bathroom that first night at the pub. If it hadn’t been for Kate's interest in D/s, I probably would have been matched with some new submissive and would be going through my same old routine of work, the band, and a very sterile session of B&D with someone I cared nothing about.

We drove to Ethan’s but instead of going up with Kate, I dropped her off because I received a text from my answering service. I needed to stop by the hospital for a moment to check on a patient who had experienced a few complications post-surgery. I didn't bother Kate with the details but told her I need to run an errand and would only be a few minutes.

I drove to the hospital and popped onto the ward, meeting with the nurse who was providing care for my patient. We discussed his case and then I met with my fellow neurosurgeon to discuss treatment options.

After I was finished, I stopped at a little market to buy some roses for Elaine, in thanks for her generosity towards me. As I walked through the narrow aisles crammed with groceries to the rack of flower bouquets, I thought about how lucky I was that she intervened that day. Elaine was one of the main reasons Kate and I were now together and I wanted her to feel appreciated.

I selected some beautiful yellow roses and had them wrapped. When I checked my watch, I realized I had taken longer than I expected. Kate would be wondering where I was and why I was taking so long.

I rushed back to Ethan’s apartment and parked in the guest parking in the basement. I took the elevator to the penthouse, eager to see them all. I’d been gone over an hour and hoped I hadn’t delayed lunch for too long.

I entered the apartment and was greeted by the three of them seated in the living room.

"There you are, young man," Ethan said, smiling broadly. "We were beginning to worry about you."

Kate followed her, smoothing her skirt and sweater. I caught her eye and tried to look apologetic.

"Sorry I'm late," I said, and showed the flowers to Elaine, who rose to meet me at the door. "I wanted to stop and get you something on my way. Here," I said, handing the bouquet of roses to her. "Something to brighten up the table." In my other hand was the bottle of champagne I picked up at the liquor store on the way.


Elaine took the bouquet and kissed me on the cheek.

"Why, thank you so much, Drake. Fresh flowers are always nice." She turned and pointed to the kitchen. "I'll go put them in some water."

I handed an eager Ethan the bottle of chilled champagne. "I'll get some glasses," he said, smiling. "We have lots to celebrate."

Kate came up to me and after I hung up my coat and removed my boots, I leaned down to kiss her, pulling her briefly into my arms, rocking her gently for a moment. Ethan returned all too soon with champagne glasses and the bottle in a chiller. We took our seats while he opened the bottle and then poured champagne into the crystal flutes. He seemed his jovial self so he was obviously recovered from his own bout with the virus.

"Ethan," I said, looking him over, checking his color. "Good to see you're feeling better."