Page 199 of Renard's Deliverance

And that safety settled around her like a heavy blanket, letting her rest.

42

“Nervous, Gem?”

Déjà vu struck her. The last time he’d asked her that, she hadn’t been.

This time it was a different story.

“Who me?” she countered as she glanced around the club.

He shot her a look, then slid his arm around her. “You’re nervous.”

Fuck.

He could read her far too easily.

Two months had passed since she was kidnapped and beaten.

She’d spent that time resting and recuperating.

Laken had insisted that she take time off and she’d decided to listen to her. She’d moved into Renard’s apartment and while it wasn’t perfect, she’d managed to warm it up and make it look less like a motel room.

There were now fluffy cushions on the couch, rugs on the floor, and pretty bowls sitting on the kitchen counter.

She wanted to say that she had easily recovered and gone on as normal. Unfortunately, that wasn’t true.

Her nightmares had gotten worse before they’d gotten better. And the reason they’d gotten better was due to Molly, Jake’s wife. Talking to her had helped more than she’d thought possible. Doctor Susie’s books were good, but they weren’t enough to help with her trauma.

She’d told Molly everything.

And now she felt . . . lighter.

Renard had tried to talk her out of coming here tonight. But enough was enough. She was healthy. Her head was in a good place.

It was time to play again.

And she knew that Renard needed to play. He was wound up so tight. She just wasn’t sure if he’d play with her. Not in the way that he needed.

He started to lead her toward the play area with the desk, clearly thinking she’d want to do some naughty schoolgirl, strict principal roleplay. But she refused to move, shaking her head at him as he turned to look at her.

“Not tonight.”

He raised an eyebrow. “No naughty student, strict principal?”

Opal shook her head.

“Hmm. How about naughty employee, strict boss?”

Again, she shook her head. He watched her closely.

“Daddy and baby girl?”

She sucked in a breath. Did she want that?

Not exactly.

“No, Daddy.” She managed a smile. “You’re my sexy Daddy. And I love it when you take care of me. But I need something else.”

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