Page 46 of Doubts & Fears

“No, I’m fine. I don’t want to talk to him about these things.”

A gamut of emotions swirled inside me, and I increased my grip on her. “What the hell are we going to do with you?”

“If I’m such a burden on you guys, you could let me leave. Drop me off downtown. Wave and say goodbye.”

“That’s not going to happen. I’m afraid you’re stuck with us for a while longer.”

She fell quiet. I thought she might be asleep, except her fingers moved to trace my tattoo.

“Kinsley, you’re not a whore just because you enjoyed being spanked. Many people get aroused and find pleasure in it.”

“That’s sweet of you to say, but I know what I am. I once swore I’d never bethatgirl, but it turns out I am. I tried really hard not to like it, but when something istrue, it just is. It’s not only about the spanking, but honestly, none of that matters. At least I know it now.”

“What do you mean by that?” My stomach tightened.

“It’s not important. Just hold me, please.”

“You’re going to be the death of us,” I whispered as she closed her eyes.

It took me a long time to fall asleep. When I did, I dreamed she was being taken. Her screams pierced my soul. I woke up startled and breathed a sigh of relief when I realized her body was pressed firmly into mine. She was safe.

I rolled her over, facing her away from me, and pulled her ass close. I didn’t sleep the rest of that night, just held her tightly, thinking about the situation we found ourselves in.

Chapter 15

Kinsley

Going Out

“I’m taking Kinsley out today,” Nik said at the breakfast table the following morning.

My head snapped up, excitement brimming in my chest. “Where are we going?”

“You’ll need a dress for dinner on Wednesday.”

“Dinner on Wednesday? With the parents?” My heart flipped. I looked at Ivan, who smiled while Aleksandr fumed.

“Yes. Apparently, my brothers went behind my back and already called them. So you’re my plus one now,” Aleksandr said dryly.

“Wow, way to make a girl feel special, old man. You’re so charming.” I refrained from rolling my eyes, but my tone was sharp. “What happened to all that excitement about taking me out? Marcel must have been right. One and done.”

“You’ll mind your manners around my parents. Do you understand me?” He glowered like that was supposed to scare me.

“I do this thing where I match energies. You get what you give, Reaper. Your parents seemed like lovely people, so they will get a lovely Kinsley.” I popped some grapes in my mouth.

“Ha, more like the she-devil,” he muttered.

“Well, make up your mind. Am I a kitten or the she-devil? One gives the connotation of a fluffy ball of fur, which I don’t have, and the other makes me out to be an apparition from the pits of hell. Of course, neither is accurate, but whatever.”

“We know you don’t have fur. Did you forget your kitty was on full display the other night,” Nikolai droned, playing with my hair.

“Great, now I’m going to be picturing her furless kitty all day. Thanks for the visual, Brother.” Ivan laughed as my face burned. These guys were too much and seemed to find every way possible to embarrass me.

“You’re mine when you get back. As I told you yesterday, we practice every day,” Ivan said.

“Yes, Sir.”

He kissed me gently on the forehead and left, and my heart leaped in my chest at his affection.

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