Page 27 of Possession

Chapter 16

Joseph

“Packwhatever you think you’re going to need for two weeks. We can come back later for anything you might have missed,” Nat told her from his perch against the doorframe of her bedroom.

My eyes scanned her bedroom, trying to learn a little more about this woman who utterly fascinated us. A queen-size bed with a giant etched headboard graced one wall. There was a group photo of her and several other men and women on her dresser. All the furniture matched. It wasn’t a hodgepodge of mixed pieces. Several books graced her nightstand, all of them looking like non-fiction research books, although she did have a collection of paperbacks in the bookshelf against the opposing wall. Everything was neat and orderly, with no stray clothes strewn about. Dirty clothes were in the hamper. Surfaces were dusted and polished. Between her job and home, Madeline was in complete control, which is why her surrendering to us was that much more intense. She got rid of everything and put it in our hands.

“I just need to grab my toiletries and then I guess I’m ready.” She placed a large rolling suitcase a few paces from where Nat stood, then headed into the bathroom. He and I exchanged a glance. We both knew she didn’t really want to leave, even if it was in her best interest. I considered telling her we’d stay here, but I wanted her away from this place. The chances of Casanova finding her with us were slim, and her safety was our main priority right now. Nat straightened up and I turned my head to see Madeline exit the bathroom, another small bag in hand. I shouldn’t have been surprised by the size of it. She had this natural beauty that didn’t need a lot of makeup or products to enhance it. He picked up the suitcase near him and left without a word. A flash of hurt crossed her face, but she quickly cleared it.

I moved next to her and held her free hand, my thumb rubbing along the length of hers. “He’s worried and doesn’t really know how to handle it.”

She glanced up at me. “I’m not so sure about that. I got the impression he isn’t too happy with me right now. Maybe staying with you isn’t the best idea.”

I tried not to let my personal opinion overrule my professional one, even if it was difficult. “Madeline, I know this is hard, leaving your home. I get it, really. Nathaniel and I just want you safe, and for the moment getting you out of this house is imperative. If you don’t feel comfortable coming with us, no matter how much better we would both feel, then at least let us take you to an actual safe house. Someplace where Casanova can’t reach you. I swear though, Nat is not angry with you.”

She seemed to relax at my words, and I held my breath while I waited for the final decision from her. It would be a struggle, but we’d accept whatever decision she made, regardless. I’d make sure of it.

“I’ll come with you.” Her voice was firm and without hesitation.

“Smart choice, pet.”

Madeline jerked and spun to stare at Nat who had approached without either of us noticing. I glared at him, but he didn’t bother to glance my way.

“I’m not good with ‘gentle’ or ‘soft.’ Doubt I ever will be. But I’m pretty sure I’ve made it clear that right now your place is with us. That it’s our right, our need, as your Doms to protect you. To provide for you. And you’re going to be a good little sub and let us. Am I clear?”

She straightened her shoulders with confidence. “Yes, Master. Perfectly.”

He nodded. “Good, now let me carry that bag.”

Madeline handed it to him and, just like moments ago, he took it from her and disappeared without another word.

I threaded my fingers through hers and led her away from the bedroom. “C’mon, let’s get you settled into your new place.”

* * *

While Madeline puther things away in the spare room I’d shown her, I headed to the kitchen where Nat was pacing. I knew this without having to see it, because it’s what he did when he was nervous. He paced. He always ribbed me about my purported belief in love at first sight. I didn’t necessarily call it love. Just an intense feeling that there was this potential for “more”.

When I’d first spotted her, my heart skipped a beat. For all I knew, she could have been collared. Or married. And that would have been the end of it. I would have been disappointed, but I would have accepted it. I knew Nat as well as I knew myself. Having Madeline in our house was more than nerve-wracking for him. I knew he was thinking about Elizabeth and the last time a sub lived with us. It had ended badly. That failure was a reminder to him, because this time, he was desperate for things to work out. No matter how jaded he acted, he also wanted that “more.”

You didn’t become someone’s best friend without learning how he ticked. Nat had trust issues. Hell, knowing what I did about his past, who could blame him? He wanted to believe though. To go on blind faith that what he was feeling for Madeline was long-lasting. I still felt the burn of Elizabeth’s betrayal, but I also still believed in fate. It was just going to take Nat longer to get there than me.

“It guts me that she really thought I didn’t want her here. That I was angry with her,” he said the minute I entered the room.

I grabbed a bottle of water out of the fridge and unscrewed the top. “She’ll get to know the real you soon. Just give it time. You’re rough around the edges, but I know how deeply you feel. You’re my best friend. My brother. I get you. She will too.”

He made a frustrated sound low in his throat. “I hope you’re right, because I have no doubt I would fuck things up if you didn’t have my back.”

I couldn’t help but laugh, because as much as I loved the guy, he was right. He probably would fuck it up. A low noise caught our attention. Madeline stood in the doorway wringing her hands and biting her lip like she wasn’t sure she should interrupt.

“Come on in. You want some water? Something to eat? You’re probably starving.” I went over and slid my hand in hers offering her some reassurance.

“No, thank you. I don’t think I could eat if I tried. Honestly, I just want to go to bed and forget this whole day ever happened.” She shuddered and tears formed before she blinked them back. I had no doubt it was a trying day for her. It would be for anyone. Between the dead body and another note I’m sure Madeline was close to a breaking point. She was a strong woman, but knowing there was a serial killer out there targeting you would almost annihilate anyone.

“Why don’t I run you a hot bath? Try to relax and then go to bed. Things will look better in the morning.”

She nearly melted at my words. “Oh God, a hot bath actually does sound pretty amazing right now. Thank you, Joseph.”

“My pleasure, angel. Come on.”

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