Page 74 of Volatile

It was the wrong fucking color.

“Relax, Lizbeth.”

She dropped her ass to her heels, and her hands rested in her lap. Her eyes flicked up, and he saw a moment of turmoil before she looked away.

He crouched down before her and held her chin gently. “Have you seen Master Christopher tonight?” She nodded. “If he’s unoccupied, may I bring him up here?”

She nodded again, looking confused as hell. He didn’t blame her. He felt like shit claiming her and then failing to follow through, but he just couldn’t go any further. He knew Chris was one of her favorite Doms, and he’d take care of her.

“I’m sorry, Lizbeth. I have something I need to work through on my own. This has nothing to do with you.” He kissed the top of her head. “Thank you for understanding.”

He rose, leaving her to wait in the middle of the room. He closed the door behind him and set out to find Chris. And once he did, there’d be nothing more to keep him there. He hadn’t seen Jacque, but they’d talk again soon.

Jon went back to his car safe in the knowledge that Lizbeth was in good hands. It helped to lessen the guilt. She needed someone, but it couldn’t be him. He just couldn’t fucking do it.

He went home and directly to his storage closet. He hadn’t lied when he’d said he had shit to work through. Shit that he’d put off for far too long and he couldn’t let it sabotage his life any longer. He pulled out his supplies, organizing everything he needed before heading to the study.

Then he began to paint.

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