Page 80 of The Masquerade: Room 2

“You will. I get the impression you’ll rather enjoy the discomfort. It’ll remind you to respect me in the hospital. Otherwise, I’ll have no problem taking you into an on-call room and making your ass sting even more.” A thrill courses through me at the thought. He knows me too well already.

“We can’t do this stuff at work.”

“Oh, little one, when are you going to get it through your pretty, amazing brain, that I’ll do whatever I see fit, wherever I choose.”

“I…”

“It’s not up for discussion, so let’s get showered, and you can put that smart mouth of yours to good use.”

“Yes, Daddy,” I say with a wicked smile.

Work is relentless in the best of ways. I’m back on Dr. Harrison’s service, and he is blowing my mind. Every move he makes is poetry in motion. I’m in awe of his skill. I hate to admit he was right, but he’s not wrong. Giving myself over to the freedom of people knowing about us at work, I’m able to embrace a level of submission that is euphoric.

I’ve always seen being a submissive as a bedroom-only aspect of my life. That was before I knew what it entailed. The freedom I would feel. I love that I have Celest to talk to, and she understands what I mean by it.

I am free to be every inch the strong, confident surgeon I strive to be every day. Pierce is able to separate our work and private life with ease. He knows what I need and gives me the space to do it. I wouldn’t trade his tutelage for anything. He’s patient when I ask questions. He takes the time to teach me and hone my skills as a surgeon. It means so much more to me than I can express because he means so much more to me than I ever thought possible.

Dr. Harrison sees me for my talent, and it doesn’t intimidate him. Why should it? He accepts everything about me and doesn’t try to make me feel small and fit whatever mold men have tried to shove me in in the past.

After a long shift and three surgeries, my ass is still stinging as I grab my coat and purse from my locker. My fellow residents are still talking in hushed whispers, but when it comes down to it, I’ve realized I don’t really care.

The door to the residents’ lounge opens, and there he stands in black jeans and a crisp white T-shirt, his hair tousled from wearing a scrub cap all day. “You ready to go, Freya?” He’s tired. I can hear it in the rasp of his voice.

The whispers start again, and I’m just completely over it. “If any of you have something to say… don’t bother. I don’t want to hear it. If you were half the surgeon I am, it wouldn’t even cross your mind to fuck an attending to get ahead. Pierce and I are in a relationship. You don’t like it… I really don’t give a shit.”

I stride over to the doorway, push myself up onto my tiptoes, and plant a firm kiss on Pierce’s lips. The scent of his cologne and his innate smell intoxicates my senses. He smiles against me, holding in a chuckle as he wraps his arm around my shoulder.

Before the door closes, he looks over his shoulder to my coworkers standing dumbstruck. “Yeah, what she said.”

I lean into his touch as we walk the hallway to the elevator. “I’m sorry. I am just sick of their childish behavior.”

“You don’t have to explain yourself to me, little one. That was hot as fuck. I like this territorial, badass side of you. Everything you said was true. I know without a shadow of a doubt that you would never sleep with me to further your career.”

“Thank you.”

“You do it for the whips and chains.” He laughs, so full of youthful exuberance. I sometimes forget that we’re relatively close in age.

I shove his side, but he pulls me tight against him. “Don’t deny it, little one.”

“Yes, Daddy,” I whisper so only he can hear.

“Oh, you’re coming home with me tonight.”

“What?”

“You heard me. You’re staying at my place. I want you in my bed. As much as I enjoy us falling asleep in the club, I’d like you to start spending the night at my place.”

I’m not sure what to say.

“Don’t rush to say yes. I’m only the most eligible bachelor in this place.”

“I love your humility.” We step into the elevator.

“I love everything about you, Freya.”

My entire body sparks to life, fireworks radiating through every cell, setting me on fire. My heart is about to beat out of my chest when the door closes, and I launch myself into his arms, our lips coming together in a cataclysmic, life-altering kiss.

Fisting my hands in his hair, I pull him closer, darting my tongue out to meet his, pouring everything I want to say into this one long, languorous kiss.

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