Page 114 of The Assignment: Room 3

“Want what?”

“Us. A life for us. You, me, and Gracie. I don’t want her to get her heart broken. I don’t want to getmyheart broken.” He presses his lips to mine in a tender kiss and then wraps his arms around me, rubbing calming circles on my back.

“I’m scared too. I don’t want to lose you or Gracie. Do you trust me, pet? As your Dom and boyfriend.”

“Yes.”

“Then relax and know that I will do whatever it takes to keep all of us safe, happy, and together. I know the circumstances suck, but I’m happy you’re here. Within these walls, it’s okay to let yourself be happy, Celest. I know you’ve been hurt in the past, and I hope you’ll open up to me more as time goes on, but I’m not going to hurt you. I won’t leave. I won’t push you away. I’m in this.”

I let out a sigh of relief. Flex gives me the reassurance I needed tonight. We seldom fight, and when we do, it’s baked into me to expect a man to leave or blame me. I breathe him in. What’s left of his cologne gives me comfort as we stand wrapped in each other’s arms.

“I love you, Master.”

“I love you, too, pet.”

The pitter-patter of tiny feet announces Gracie’s return as she wriggles between our legs. “Uppy.”

“You want in on our hug, Gracie bear?”

“Yes. Uppy.”

He sweeps her up with one arm, letting her grab each of us for a group hug. “Time for bed, sweet pea. Shall we go see your room?”

“Can I sleep with you tonight?” There’s a little apprehension in her voice, and as much as I want to be alone with Flex, I want to make sure Gracie feels comfortable.

“Of course you can, Gracie bear.”

“It’s fine. I will go sleep with her in her bed. She’s a starfish at night.”

“Nope. You’re with me, pet.”

“She’ll kick you all night long.”

He tickles the bottom of her foot. “These tiny things. I think I’ll survive.”

“Are you sure?”

He steals a kiss. “Yes. Stop worrying. We’re good, aren’t we, little bear?”

“Yes.” She has the cutest smile.

Falling in love with another human being—to connect on every level—is something special. To see that person love your child brings a different dynamic. A deeper love than I ever could’ve imagined.

I’m in love with Flex as a man and a Master, but with every day that passes, I dare to dream that he will become a father to Gracie. Maybe it’s more than I should let myself hope for in this life, but I want it more than anything.

Now, I just have to find a way to tell Flex the truth and pray it doesn’t change his feelings for me.

Chapter 22

FLEX

“What the fuck were you thinking? How would you feel if I kept a secret like that about Addi?” Carter is one of my closest friends, but I can’t let this betrayal slide.

“It’s different. She’s my wife and has been for a long time. You change subs every few months.” He’s lucky I don’t launch myself over his desk and beat the crap out of him.

“So high and fucking mighty for a reformed manwhore, according to your brother-in-law.” Logan has regaled me with tales of his escapades with Carter and their friend, Xander, back in the day. By all accounts, Carter fucked everything that moved. At least I give my submissives a contract. What did he give anyone? A one-night stand.

“So, what, you’re done with all of that?”

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