Saxon's Soul (Haven, Texas 5)

He raised an eyebrow. “When it comes to taking care of their mother, I need every advantage I can get.”

She rolled her eyes and he gave her a stern look. “It seems I’ve been gone so long that you’ve forgotten how to give your Dom proper respect. I might have to see what I can do to change that.”

She smiled. “You just might, Sir.”

Then she glanced over at Keira and Julian, as though just remembering they could hear them. But whatever she saw on their faces made her relax again, her gaze filling with compassion. “Three breakfasts coming up.”

She watched as Joel walked over to the boys, talking quietly to them both before kissing them softly on their heads. Both Julian and Keira stared at him in amazement. Love filled her, until she felt like it might flow over as the boys smiled and giggled.

Over an hour later, she stood alone in the kitchen, tidying up. Gwen had come over and taken the boys upstairs. Keira and Julian had retreated to their bedroom. She hoped they were okay, she didn’t know what they’d been through but it must have been pretty horrific. They were so jumpy. Scared.

She’d noticed they’d barely eaten. If she found out what some of their favorite foods were then she could prepare them. Coax them into eating more and getting their strength back up.

Saxon had stepped out to take a phone call. She wished he would hurry back. She needed him. As though she’d conjured him up, two hands wrapped around her waist, pulling her back against his body. He leaned in and nuzzled her neck.

“Thank you, sprite.”

She turned, wrapping her arms around his neck. “For what?”

“It’s not every woman who, when she finds two strangers in her house, takes them in without a word and does her best to make them at ease. Cares for them.”

“Something terrible happened to them, didn’t it?” she whispered.

He grimaced. “Yes. I’m sorry I had to leave in such a rush.”

“It’s okay,” she told them. “I understand. Do you know some of their favorite foods? I thought I could make them something they’d like to eat tonight.”

He lifted her up into his arms. She yelped, grabbing hold of him tightly. “Joel! I haven’t finished the dishes.”

“The dishes can wait. I need you.”

“Oh.” She relaxed against him. “I need you too.”

“Not for that, sprite.” He grinned down at her. “Well, not for that right now. I want to talk to you.”

“About Keira and Julian?”

“Yes. Among other things.”

He walked into his home office and shut and locked the door behind him. He sat on the sofa with her on his lap. He turned her so she straddled his lap, facing him. His face was serious. Her heart beat faster, worry filled her.

“Is everything okay, Joel?”

“Did you miss me, sprite?”

She relaxed slightly. Was he worried she hadn’t? Maybe she wasn’t the only one feeling slightly insecure.

“Yes. So much. Please, can I . . .” Her voice trailed off.

He cupped her cheek. “Ask me for what you need.”

The need to submit, to give him control filled her. She couldn’t voice it, though. Not quite yet. So she showed him. She slid to her knees in front of him.

“Ah, thought that might be the case,” he told her. His voice had deepened slightly and when she glanced up, she saw the satisfaction on his face. Was it possible he’d missed this as much as she had?

“Look at me, pet.”

/> She raised her eyes to meet his.