Page 5 of Marking Micah

“Yeah, it is. And I know it won’t be easy, but I think we can get you through this. I’m not saying two weeks here is going to fix everything, but I really do think it could help. And if at any time it’s too much, you just tell me, and we stop whatever we’re doing, even go home if that’s what you need. You know consent is everything to me.”

“I do know, or I would never have come. And I also think… well, I know you’re going to have to push me a little bit. Or maybe a lot sometimes. But I trust you to know when to push, when to back off. And if you miss any signals, I know my safewords. You were pretty thorough in our negotiations,” she said, managing a small smile.

“Had to be. Always, but even more here, with you.”

As he said it, she swore she saw a shadow pass over his dark brown eyes for a moment, but just as quickly it was gone. Had she imagined it?

She bit her lip. “Um, you still okay with all of this, Arrow? I know it’s a lot of responsibility for you.”

He smiled, and she felt herself melt a little. “Absolutely.” He took her hands in his, which didn’t help the whole melting thing. “Micah, I want to help in any way I can. I’m not afraid of responsibility. That’s my comfort zone. And to be honest, this trip will be good for me, too. Working with the horses is an amazing experience, and I really think you’ll come to love it as much as I do. I rode a bit when I was at the Ranch before and got to know some of the horses here. And I’ve already spoken with Travis, their stable master, to find out which ones will be the bestto work with for our purposes. We’ll get started tomorrow, since the sun is about to go down. Tonight we’ll just get unpacked, relax, have some dinner. The chef here is excellent. And we can eat in one of the restaurants, or order room service. It’s up to you.”

“Would it be okay if we just ate here? I’m just a little… I don’t know. Jumpy.”

“Sure thing, sunshine. I need to check in with Derek, but I’ll get a message to him that it won’t be until tomorrow. I don’t want to leave you alone just yet.”

“You sure are accommodating for a Dom,” she teased, starting to feel a bit more at ease.

“That only goes so far,” he said, one dark brow arched, good humor in his tone. “That changes if you disobey me, so you’d best be a good girl.”

Good girl.

She shivered as the words slid over her skin like a warm caress. If only he’d really say that to her.

He might. The plan was to not only work with the horses, but to eventually scene together in the dungeon.

Oh, God.

A thousand images and sensations flashed through her mind, her body, but instead of reliving her old trauma, this time it was all bare skin and big hands, the scent of leather, and his cologne that made her shivery in all the right places.

And that piercing.

She swallowed hard, forcing the images away.

“Want to choose your room?” he asked.

“Hmm… what?”

“Which room do you want? There are two bedrooms.” He walked to one side and opened the door. “Looks like this one has a big four-poster in it.” He moved to the door on the oppositeside of the suite. “Yep, this one too, and they each have their own bathroom. Do you have a preference?”

“Uh, nope. Either is fine.”

“The view is great from both rooms. Why don’t we put you in this one?” he suggested, gesturing to the bedroom on the left just as there was a knock on the door. “Must be Moses with the luggage.”

He strode across the room to the door and swung it open. A tall man with long, dark hair worn in a braid and handsome, dark features stood with their bags. He smiled as he brought them in, and Arrow signed a greeting to him in ASL.

“Moses, this is Micah,” Arrow said, signing her name.

The man smiled and gave her a nod, and she smiled back.

“Nice to meet you, Moses.”

He nodded again in acknowledgement. Arrow had told her Moses could read lips, but she’d had no idea Arrow knew how to sign. Not that it really surprised her—he was always as inclusive of everyone as possible.

Arrow and Moses signed to each other for a few moments, then he left them with their bags, shutting the door behind him. Arrow turned to her.

“How about you get unpacked while I order dinner?”

“Aren’t you going to ask me what I want?”

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