Page 91 of Keeping Sarah

Rex laughed and pride flourished through our body. “You want to make our supreme ruler wait? You’ve got bigger balls than anyone I have ever known, Sarah Hollinger.”

I preened a little at his praise. “Yes, well, he deserves it for paying his bills late.”

“I cannot wait to introduce you to him,” Rex said, almost gleefully. “He’ll love you or hate you, I’m not sure which.”

A servant knocked on the door, and I said, “Enter.”

Atalanta walked in. She smiled in that sultry way about her and said, “Rex, I’m glad you’re here.”

“It’s me, Atalanta,” I said to the girl. I could only imagine how confusing it was for outsiders—for one body to share two separate people and personalities and not know who was present at any given time.

She bowed her head. “Oh, well, you’re almost just as good, Queen.”

“Gee, thanks.”

She grinned. “There is a Deacon Ladrang at the gates to see you. He says he has a gift for you, but since he is on the banned list—"

My heart sped up. “What?”

“He was banned by Rex,” Atalanta said. “I thought you knew.”

I checked in with Rex. “You banned Deacon? What the hell? When did you do that?”

“That day when we met with Jac and Deacon in my office,” he told me,when he’d clearly taken over my body and mind and had made decisions of his own without me present. “He was causing trouble, Sarah. Faithless does not need more trouble.”

I ignored Rex and glanced back at Atalanta. “Take Deacon off the banned list and bring him here immediately.”

She looked confused, but said, “Right away, Queen,” and left.

I scowled at Rex. “I can’t believe you did that and kept it from me!”

“And I can’t believe you want him here,” he groused. “What’s his gift for you? More poison?”

His sarcasm grated on my nerves. “We are going to have a serious talk later. Establish some boundaries.”

“I believe you meant to snap that at Jac, not me,” Rex said facetiously.

My hands balled into fists at my sides at his dig. “You’re very lucky I can’t smack you right now.”

He chuckled. “Go ahead, Sarah. I like it rough.”

I grit my teeth. “No need to remind me, Rex. I remember the chains. And the S&M room next to yours. What the hell is that about?”

“You liked it well enough,” he said in a seductive purr. “You tell me.”

I couldn’t stop the blush that swept across my cheeks at the reminder of what I had done in that room. “Pipe down.”

He laughed, dirty and low. “You’re just as kinky as I am, admit it.”

“I havesomekinks,” I admitted. “But not a whole room for them.”

“Sounds to me like you need more rooms.”

I rolled my eyes, and Atalanta knocked again.

“Enter,” I said.

The door opened wide, and Deacon strolled in, looking so gorgeous and commanding andclassed. My aching heart immediately lifted and I smiled instantly. Ode and Tiger flanked him. I was so happy to see my friends. Then they stepped away from each other as they walked in, and between them…my breath stopped in my lungs.

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