Cole's Mistake (Haven, Texas 8)

She licked her lips. “I love you, Julian.”

He felt lighter, yet stronger, in that moment. He pulled his finger out of her corset and gently grasped her chin, leaning in to kiss her.

“And I fucking adore you. Now, stop trying to distract me.” He winked at her to let her know he wasn’t serious. She smiled back.

He studied the spanking bench. They’d used this one before in training and he knew there was a slot underneath, ah yes, there it was. He grabbed his Hitachi wand from out of his play bag and set it in the slot. Once he got his girl into the right position it would settle directly against her clit.

Reaching into his bag again, he drew out a lightweight paddle and held it up as though inspecting it. He was doing it to build her anticipation. And his own. Not that his needed much more building. Christ, he was already hard as a rock.

He placed the paddle back on top of the bag then he turned back to his wife, his love. She was his everything. He was the luckiest guy on earth. He was glad she’d been brave enough to go on this journey with him.

He walked over to Keira, standing in front of her, taking in her submissive pose. A feeling of rightness slipped over him. He pushed back any doubts. He was enough for her. She was all he needed.

Together, they were a team. Forever.

“Come, kitten.”

She slipped her hand into his, her trust absolute. He helped her stand, holding her steady as she swayed slightly. “You okay, Keira?”

She gave him a nervous smile. “Just a little light-headed with anticipation, Sir.”

“You should have eaten more before coming here.” He clasped her chin, saw her shiver of pleasure. “Do I need to get stricter with you?”

Her eyes widened, but it was with anticipation not irritation or anger. Interesting. They’d both agreed that this dynamic was only for the bedroom and the club. Outside of that, he wouldn’t top her. However, if it’s what she wanted . . . needed, he’d find a way to give her that.

“No, Sir. I promise I’ll eat more next time. I was just nervous.”

He couldn’t blame her for that. But he didn’t want her playing if she was feeling light-headed or hungry.

“I’m fine, Julian,” she whispered to him, squeezing his hand. “Promise. Just stood up too quickly. It’s not like I can’t afford a few missed meals.”

A few? He frowned down at her. He hated when she put herself down. You can do something about that. You’re in charge right now.

The reminder had him raising an eyebrow. “No putting yourself down, kitten. That’s going to be fifteen with the paddle.”

Her eyes widened as she gaped up at him. “What? Seriously?”

“Hmm, I’d make it at least twenty with that attitude,” a dark voice drawled behind him.

A shiver went up Julian’s spine. Joel Saxon wasn’t for him. He wished at times he felt for the other Dom what he felt for his brother. But life wasn’t that simple. However, that wasn’t to say his voice didn’t have an effect on Julian. He was pure sex and sin. He’d defy most people not to be affected by the man’s deep voice and dark good looks. He looked a lot like his half-brother, however, Joel wasn’t repressed. While he had a mysterious vibe, he was much freer with his emotions, Cole buried things deeply.

“What?” he asked, feeling out of his depth.

Keira called Joel an uber-Dom, and he got it. He was the sort of dominant you could only aspire to be and still feel like you were falling short. The man was confident, smart and had a ruthless edge that told you he wasn’t afraid to take down anyone or anything in his path if he had to.

He felt Keira slide up next to him and put her hand in his. Gazing down, he saw the frown on her face. Uh-oh. Keira was a total sweetheart. A pleaser. She liked to keep the peace—unless she thought someone she loved was in danger or being harassed or insulted.

Then the kitten became a tigress. And judging by the look on her face, she was about to unleash her claws on Saxon.

Joel studied her for a moment. “Don’t let her top from the bottom. Earning punishment and then trying to negotiate the terms or wriggle her way out of discipline is her trying to control the situation. She’s not in control.”

“Hey, that’s not—”

“Kitten, you weren’t given permission to speak,” he told her sternly.

She turned her wide-eyed gaze to his, a tiny hint of betrayal in there. It had been the two of them against the world for so long, she had to know he always had her back. But Saxon was right. She was trying to top from the bottom. She might not realize it herself. She’d always had a bit of blind spot when it came to her weight and appearance.

She gulped and understanding filled her face. She glanced up at Saxon as red flooded her cheeks. Poor sweetheart, she’d finally realized what she’d done and he knew she felt truly remorseful.