Page 77 of Compelled Obedience

“Then why keep such a glorious place?”

“Because one of the perks of the LA club is having a private facility to stay. First come first serve only but it’s been used frequently. The amenities are a draw as well, but mostly the privacy.”

“For kinky little events.”

He swatted my bottom playfully, but I could still see the tension on his face. He was worried about leaving me for a few hours. In truth, I didn’t want to be alone, but no one knew where we’d gone. I’d noticed how closely he paid attention to the rearview mirror, including when leaving the restaurant earlier in the afternoon. “Actually, likely.”

“How very fancy.”

“Mmm… You mean how gauche and arrogant. Yes?”

“Maybe you do know me better than I thought.” At least I was able to laugh in spite of everything. I retreated out of his reach, offering a mischievous smile.

The way he shook his head, gazing all the way to my feet gave me shivers. I hoped that it would always be the case.

After taking a deep breath, he returned to his spot behind me as he pulled on the crisp white shirt. I couldn’t help but walk closer, taking the opportunity to button it for him, staring at the bottom. Grant exhaled, holding his arms out to the sides. When I dared brush the tips of my fingers across his chest, he issued a single growl.

“Be careful, little kitten or I will return with handcuffs.”

“Don’t you have a closet full of them as well as whips and nipples clamps somewhere in the apartment already?”

How I adored his dark laugh. “Actually, I do.”

“Another perk?” I whispered as I finished buttoning his shirt.

“Call it an expectation. Don’t worry. Casey won’t be able to get into the locked closet.”

“Good to know. I don’t think they’d be the right toys for a seven-year-old.”

He took a step away and I sensed several questions remained in the back of his mind. I also had a feeling he’d share a list of rules I was required to follow when he was gone for the evening.

“Speaking of which. How is he?” Grant asked as he grabbed the tie he’d selected.

I’d been given the grand tour of the apartment, including the closet where an incredible array of new clothes waited. That had helped ease the surprise when he’d shown me the bedroom where Casey would be sleeping. Somehow, he’d managed to find someone to decorate the room before we’d arrived. What had shocked me was that the comforter, the pictures on the walls, the lamp, the toy box, and the bookshelves were almost identical to the ones from Casey’s room at my place. How had Grant remembered so many things my little brother liked?

On top of the kindness, the toys and books had been augmented with bigger, brighter, newer objects, including a computer meant for a challenged child and a small keyboard. I was still in limbo, uncertain how to thank him for such incredible kindness.

“You’ve made him so happy, but I feel guilty.”

“There’s no need to feel guilty about anything. In fact, I want you to move into the apartment.” As soon as I started to open my mouth, he pressed his index finger across my lips. “Do not fight me on this. This is a safe building and there is a very good school that Casey can attend only a few blocks away. I’ll make arrangements to have Rebecca hired to be with Casey just like before.”

“I can’t do that. This isn’t his home.”

“It is for as long as you want it to be.”

“I can’t pay for it,” I told him, hearing the angst building in my voice.

He grinned in the same mischievous way he always did when he assumed he was winning. “We’ll work something out.”

“You need to stop doing this, Grant.”

“And you will listen to me. You need a break and I require your safety until I can figure out who’s threatening you. It’s either this or I’ll camp outside your apartment but only after I beat up your landlord.”

“You wouldn’t dare.”

His grin was infectious. “Try me.”

“You are incorrigible.” Butterflies fluttered in my stomach. No one had ever done anything nice for me, but I wasn’t certain how to handle his generosity.

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