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“No, I didn’t, but I’m going to have to wear my Domme hat for the next three weeks. I’m just warming it up.”
“Not with me you’re not,” he laughed.
A shiver raced up my spine. I pictured myself on my knees before him and remembered how right it felt.
“Of course not, Master Stephen,” I purred.
A low moan rippled over the phone. “You’re begging for it, aren’t you, pet?”
“Hmmm, maybe just a little?”
“Be careful, or you might end up with a whole lot more than you bargained for.”
“I sure hope so.”
“I miss you.”
Not half as much as I miss you.
I wasn’t entirely sure he meant to say the words aloud. He cleared his throat as if his confession left him too exposed. “Get some sleep, little one. Don’t worry about Kerr. I’ll make sure he doesn’t contact you again.”
“Yes, Sir.” I didn’t want our conversation to end. “Oh, if you do bodily harm to him, would you send me the pictures, please?”
“I think there’s a malevolent side of you I haven’t seen yet, little one.”
“Not really. I just like seeing karma in action, that’s all.”
He laughed. “If it comes to that, I’ll be sure to have eight by ten glossies in hand when you get back. Sweet dreams, my girl.”
His tender voice was like a gentle caress across my cheek.
“Yes, Sir. Good night.”
“Good night.”
I hung up feeling better, but worse. Glad Davis would be dealt with, but teeming with frustration that I was an ocean away when all I wanted was to be in Joshua’s arms or his bed.
After a long, hot shower, I climbed into the big, empty bed and pulled the extra pillow to my chest. Pretending it was Joshua, just as I had the first night we’d met, I closed my eyes and crashed.
The alarm on my phone buzzed before the sun was up. I tossed back the covers and stumbled to the bathroom, mentally readying myself for a full and hectic day. Most of the morning was spent with Dixie discussing what renovations could realistically be accomplished. Hayes hovered, nodding in approval or wrinkling his nose. By afternoon, I was on the phone ordering wall covering, decorative tile, fabrics, and paint, keeping my fingers crossed none of the items needed were on backorder. The rest of the day I spent lining up a small army of carpenters, electricians, masons, and plumbers. Thankfully, I’d contracted with many of the workers on past projects. I knew they were fast, efficient, and possessed a work ethic I admired.
There were times it felt as if I were herding chickens, but by nightfall, I’d convinced myself the job could be accomplished in time. Thoughts of Joshua popped in my head throughout the day. Even when I was up to my ass in alligators, I’d think about him and smile.
Days passed into weeks, and my ache for the Dominant artist across the pond never waned. Neither did the messages from Davis. His texts grew vile and vindictive. He’d been livid that I’d “sic’d” Joshua on him, and Walker vowed to get even. I had no idea what delusional planet the man had taken up residence on, but his obsession with me sprouted an anxiety that grew stronger with each repulsive message.
Joshua and I talked or texted almost daily, but still, I didn’t bother to tell him about Davis’ persistent and threatening messages. Deep down, I knew it was wrong, but I didn’t want to sully what precious time I had with Joshua discussing a man who had no meaning in my life anymore. Besides, I was a big girl. I could take care of Davis on my own. Yes, his threats were unnerving, but deep down I knew he was nothing but a bully, gutless and spineless. Fueled by anger for giving him the power to control my life for eight fucking years, I planned to have a nice, long face-to-face with Walker. By the time I was through, I intended to have the bastard backed into a corner, sucking his thumb and crying.
The nights were long and lonely, and my never-ending longing to be with Joshua stole my sleep. Running on fumes, fatigue morphed into frustration, and I became cranky, resenting my choice of taking the job instead of staying in Chicago. But I concealed my bitterness and kept my nose to the grindstone.
It seemed like months, but the day finally came when I led Hayes and Dixie through the dining hall for a final walk-through. Mentally holding my breath, I crossed my fingers that the elegant room met their expectations. Hayes examined the craftsmanship, as always, while Dixie oohed and ahhed.
“Oh Mellie, it’s all bright as a button.” She beamed before leaning in close. “This is going to knock their knickers off. They say knickers here, not panties. Crazy language they have here in this country. Oh, and don’t ever call your butt your fanny. It means something completely different in these parts. I found that out the hard way.” Dixie blushed, then issued a wave of her hand.
“I’ll be sure to call it my butt,” I laughed.
“You and Hayes go tend to the bill. I’m going to check with cook. We’re having dinner right here in the dining hall tonight. I want to break this new prairie dog in proper.” Dixie beamed.
All through dinner I couldn’t wait to get back to my room. I was anxious to collapse into bed, not only because I was exhausted, but because it would bring me one day closer to Joshua. Barring any flight delays, I’d arrive back home in Phoenix late tomorrow night, which was actually that night. Time zones confused me, but jet lag was a bitch. If all went as planned, I’d be in Chicago by Wednesday at the latest.
