“But it was mine. And you had no right to get rid of it without talking to me about it! Where is it?”
“I have no idea. I gave it to a scrap metal dealer.”
“You did what?” Her jaw dropped open. “Damn it, Joel!”
“Language.”
She threw her hands up into the air. “Who cares about my fucking language! You had no right to do that and you damn well know it.”
“Actually, I had every right,” he said coldly. “I am not risking your life or the lives of my sons by allowing you to drive around in an unsafe vehicle. From now on, you only get into vehicles I approve of.”
“Do you know how arrogant you sound?”
“Do you know how close you are to getting turned over my knee?”
Her anger started to morph into something hotter. Hunger filled her. She wanted this. Wanted him. She wasn’t truly angry about the car. She leaned forward, her gaze locked on his. “You should have told me.”
>
He nodded. “Probably. But it’s my job to keep you safe. It wouldn’t have changed what happened, except to maybe make you mad enough to leave.”
Back then it might have. But now, after living with him and his overprotective tendencies, and it seemed he’d only gotten worse since she’d told him she loved him, she’d learned there were some battles you fought and others you avoided gracefully.
And others where you gave in not so gracefully.
“I’m not fucking happy.”
His eyes flared open. “Neither am I.” He rose from behind his desk and she rolled up onto the balls of her feet, prepared to run. She moved too late, though, and as she turned, he grabbed her.
“Joel!”
“That’s not how you address me in the club, is it?” He turned her then bending, put his shoulder against her stomach and tipped her over his back. She squealed and grabbed hold of his shirt. This wasn’t like him. He didn’t really need to use force when just a look or a word would work. She squirmed and he smacked a hand down on her ass.
“Calm down,” he growled at her.
“Sir, put me down. Please.” She squeaked as he started down the stairs, worried he might drop her.
She should have known better. He would never do anything to endanger her. Everything he did was with her safety and happiness in mind. Hers and the boys.
He reached the dungeon and flicked on the lights.
He let her slide down until her feet were on the ground then held her until she was steady. She saw that they stood in front of the St. Andrews Cross.
“Strip, pet.”
“Sir, I can’t. I have to go shopping.” She took a few steps away, regretting that she had to go.
He turned and the look on his face had her stomach leaping into her throat. Oh, fuck.
“Are you using your safe word, pet?”
He knew she wasn’t.
“No, Sir.”
“Then what is your job when we’re playing?”
“To obey you, Sir.”