“Easy, baby. She gave him a fright. Not telling him that she’d been hurt and was in danger is a big issue. She needs to know that holding back stuff like that isn’t acceptable.”
She turned to look up at Connor. “You’re talking like she’s his sub.”
Connor was just silent.
“Who is it?” Sophie called out.
“Well, at least she’s got some sense,” Ajax muttered. “Sophie, it’s Ajax. Open the door.”
There was a long moment of silence.
“Sophie, this is a piece of shit door that won’t take me two seconds to get through, but I don’t want to do that considering all the shit you’ve been through, so I’d really appreciate if you would just open the door.”
“Is-is this because I’m not at w-work? I’m really sorry. I’ll get back as soon as I can.”
Ajax leaned his head against the door. “Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.” Then he straightened up. “It’s not about work, sweetheart. It’s about you. Open the door for me.”
His tone was gentle. Almost sweet. It might seem odd coming from a big Dom who she knew didn’t hesitate to dish out punishment to anyone who stepped over the line in his club, Dom or sub. The subs usually ended up with a red ass, the Doms mostly ended up out on their ass. Depending on what they’d done.
The door didn’t move though.
He took a deep breath in then let it out.
“I know you’re wanting to go softly because of what happened, but you’ve asked her twice now, and she did keep this from you. You make it clear to her that she was under your protection?” Connor asked.
“Obviously, not clearly enough,” Ajax replied, giving Ria a chiding look.
What the hell did I do?
>
“Gonna have to revise my introduction speech. But then, they’re the only two who don’t play. They got a different speech. That was obviously a mistake.”
What did that mean? These two talked in riddles.
“Here, let me—” she let out a whoosh of air as a steel band landed around her middle and pulled her back. “Hey! What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”
Connor leaned in and brushed his lips against her ear. She had to fight off a shiver of arousal. “Settle down. It’s important that he get through to her. For both of them.”
“Settle down? Are you kidding me?”
“Knew I should have brought a ball gag with me.” He sighed. “Might need to start carrying one around all the time. You don’t mind very well.”
“Mind very well?”
“No, but with some reinforcement I’m sure you’ll learn. Both positive and negative.”
She narrowed her gaze.
“When you’re good, you get a treat. But if you’re naughty then you get in trouble. I’m a very patient man, and all good things come to those who wait. And work hard.”
Move away from him. Now.
She tried to, but her stupid body wanted to melt into his, to wrap herself in his strength.
The door opened before she could work out what to say and she stepped away from him, trying to ignore the way his hand drifted down her back.
Sophie stared out at the three of them. Her poor bruised face was pale, her one eye that wasn’t swollen shut was bloodshot, and it was clear that she’d been crying. One arm was in a sling, the other wrapped around her middle protectively.