Page 56 of Resistant

Brynn

I cackle as Declan unceremoniously dumps me on the bed. I’m still giggling when he turns me over and delivers a stinging slap on my ass.

“Ooof! What was that for?”

“That was for payback for smacking my ass.” Declan grumbles.

He flips me over like I weigh nothing more than the pillow on the bed and I’m surrounded by his arms and legs as he tucks me into his body. His minty earthy smell envelopes me. It calms me, and I sigh.

“What do you think about the neighbors?” I ask.

“I had a lot of thoughts about the people we met tonight.”

“Who stands out?” I’m curious to see if he got the same vibes I did.

“Riesa,” he says with no hesitation.

“Same.”

“Why does she stand out for you, Angel?”

“She was more genuine. Everyone except Riesa was trying to establish their place in the order of things and she is who she is, no excuses, no drama. She made me feel comfortable.”

“Hmmm. That’s interesting.”

“What?”

“That she made you feel comfortable.”

“Why is that interesting?”

“Because she’s a Domme.”

I turn and look at Declan. Whatever he sees on my face must be hilarious because he throws his head back and laughs, I can feel it rumbling in his chest as it bubbles out of him.

“What are we talking about?”

“BDSM.”

“That’s what I thought you said. Why do you think she’s a Domme?”

He shrugs, “I just know.”

“What, do you have extensive experience or something?”

Declan smirks and shrugs again.

I feel my face grow hot, and I struggle against him until he releases me.

“Okay, so are we going to talk about this or skirt around it? Because I’m okay if you don’t want to share your past, I’m fine with the way things are. So, either tell me or don’t. I don’t want to speak in partial or half-truths. I need you to be honest with me, but I don’t need you to bare your soul or tell me about your sexual history. I do expect honesty because I’m dependent on you. I need you to survive this place, and to get out so I can find my children. Whatever happens after that… Well, we’ll figure it out.”

I haven’t put my trust in anyone for years, and I’m fearful I’m making a mistake with Declan. He hasn’t let me down yet, but I’m waiting forsomethingto rear its ugly head. I don’t fully understand why I’ve given myself and my future over to him, and that scares me more than anything else. I’m not sure how our past has much bearing in this new world, but I’m wary of it all.

The smile disappears from his face, and he rubs the back of his neck. He looks into my eyes, and I relax when I see steely determination and conviction staring back at me. His thumb brushes my bottom lip, and a small smile curves on his succulent lips.

Down girl, this is not the time.

“Understood, Angel. We’ll talk about it another time. As for the other people at the meeting, Rick, is Rick the Dick.”

---