Page 106 of Compelled Obedience

“Why?”

“Because I said so. Because you need time to practice. Just like you said.”

“Are you telling me this as my boss?”

“As your master. And as your friend.”

When she bit her lower lip, her eyes glistening, I was certain I wouldn’t be able to keep from fucking her right here. Right now.

“Well, if you put it like that then I guess I must obey.” She did a little jig, shimmying her hips back and forth.

I narrowed my eyes. “Giving in that easily, huh?”

“Only if you’re going to continue my training. After the concert of course.”

“For private purposes, absolutely. But no other man will touch you again. Besides, I have a no fraternization rule inside my club. I can’t break my own rules. Remember?”

“Oh, that.”

Smiling around her was easy. “But it’s true if another man touched you, I’d lose my shit.”

“My, aren’t you possessive?”

Chuckling, all I could do was nod. “Yes, I am.”

“Why do I have a feeling there’s more?”

“How do you manage to see right through me?”

“That’s easy. You’re so readable,” she said, her smile making me crazy. “What is it?”

I sighed and took a deep breath. “You’re super talented, far too much to be working in a club as much as I love having you here.”

Kerri walked closer. “Are you firing me?”

“Hmm… Let me think.” When I rubbed my jaw, she slapped her hand against my chest before clutching the material of my shirt.

“What is it, big man? Tell me.”

“So demanding. You have an audition with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.”

It took her a few seconds to respond. “What?”

“You heard me.”

I could tell she was angry, her entire expression changing. She backed away, taking several deep breaths. “I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, Grant. But I need to do some things on my own. Getting me an audition based on people you know isn’t fair. I’ve worked really hard to get where I am, although I guess that’s not really anywhere, but I am proud of what I’ve managed to do. If this is how things are going to be then I need to put my foot down. I mean, you’re very sweet and everything. Really you are, but no. Just no.”

Chuckling, I shook my head. “Has anyone told you that you talk too much?”

She exhaled, shaking her head. “Why did you do it?”

“First of all, the only thing I did was send a tape of the awards event. I happened to mention I thought the musicians provided were a nice touch. She took it from there.”

“Really? I’ll know if you lie to me.”

“Have I ever lied to you?”

“Hmmm… Let me think.”

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