That life could change for the better.
She was changing, as was her world. Or maybe she should call it growing, rather than changing.
As the tune went into the chorus, she heard Ben say something to Bronx in the kitchen. The dog whined an answer, and Ben’s big laugh rumbled out.
He was quite a guy. He’d been so careful with her this afternoon. Not pushing, but not stopping before he’d made his point.
Sometimes his internal strength was a bit disconcerting. All her slaves had wanted her in charge, wanted her to take control of everything. But Ben didn’t need her guidance.
At the same time, he wouldn’t fall apart if she showed any weakness, and because of that, she could relax around him.
But his obstinate need to be tough—to hide any weakness—was a problem. She should have noticed he was having flashbacks. But now she knew, and she could lead him to talk about his past. She’d pamper him up, keep him close, and ensure he got his sleep. He said he slept better at her house. With her.
He liked being with her. The realization was…amazing. Overwhelming.
She felt the same and more. He’d filled her life. Warmed it.
With a slow flourish, she ended the song and started another. One that had been growing in her heart over the past week, with the knowledge, the worry, the awe. “When I Fall in Love.” The music flowed, the ache of her soul merging with the notes.
She’d wanted to run. To push him away. And she hadn’t.
Ben, I love you.
The knowledge was terrifying and wonderful. For a little while yet, she’d savor the gift, and then she’d share.
Light washed out over the deck, and he stood there, filling the doorway as completely as he did her heart. “I was listening to you play.”
His golden-brown eyes held hers as he slowly smiled. “Mistress, may this submissive haul you off to bed?”
Chapter Seventeen
The next day, Anne let herself into Z and Jessica’s private gardens and ran up the steps to the third story. She tapped on the door.
Jessica called, “It’s open. Come in.”
The door was unlocked?
It was. Frowning, Anne walked through the kitchen, dropped her folder on the dining room table, and entered the living room.
Z had redecorated a while back. The décor was still traditional—of course—with high ceilings, arched windows, and a bronze and etched glass chandelier. The cappuccino-colored walls, lightened with white crown molding and trim, created an inviting, intimate look. The carpeting had been replaced by a richly shaded Oriental rug over a gleaming hardwood floor.
Jessica was nursing Sophia on the suede-cushioned, dark leather couch. Gabi sat in a matching chair nearby.
“Jessica…” Anne stared down at the petite blonde. “You may live in the country, but you really should keep your doors locked.”
Gabi snorted. “Same lecture I gave her. But we knew it was you. We saw you when you opened the garden gate, and Jessica unlocked the door remotely.” She pointed to a small monitor standing on the end table.
Anne eyed it. “Is this new?”
“A friend of Z’s from San Francisco stopped by.” Jessica grimaced at the device. “Simon not only gave Z hell for the lack of security up here in the living quarters, but he also summoned one of his employees to install it. He called it a baby present.”
“Phooey.” Anne sank into a chair. “You just took all the fun out of my scold.”
“Aww. Poor Mistress,” Gabi said.
“You’re lucky I only beat on males—with occasional exceptions,” Anne said mildly. When the subbie didn’t look worried, Anne shook her head. There was a downside to being friends with submissives.
Given the choice, she’d take friends any day.
When Jessica continued to scowl at the monitor, Anne asked, “Aren’t you happy about the security?”
“Oh, I’m glad it’s safer for Sophia, but all the alarms and buttons make me nervous. I have to remember to turn the alarm off before I open a door and reset it when I leave, and blah, blah, blah.” Jessica rolled her eyes. “Z wanted to install one when I first moved in until I said I’d move back out if he did. But with Sophia here, he insisted.”
“Of course he did.” No one was more protective than Z. “I should put one into my place, actually. Being on a cul-de-sac with only family around gives an illusion of safety that isn’t really valid.”
“We have a system. I’m all in favor of extra security,” Gabi said.
“You would be, oh, FBI person,” Jessica said, then smiled down at her baby, who’d fallen asleep. “And for you, babykins, I’ll put up with it.” After arranging her clothing, she burped Sophia and rose, heading toward the nursery.