Page 4 of Schooling Little Sage

“I know what you’re doing, Derek.”

He cocked a brow, then grinned. “Just hear me out. I know very little about Sage aside from his father working for my grandfather. I could tell by his answers on the questionnaire that Sage has zero clue what the Ranch is about and as soon as I spoke to him, that was confirmed. I accepted the application as a favor to his father. Now, after what I just witnessed, I hope to never meet that man in person.”

“Jesus, how old is this kid?” And how broken, I nearly asked but managed to refrain. Many were broken and as a Dom, it was my job to help put those in my care back together.

“Not a kid, he’s twenty-one and very lost.”

“Derek, you know I’m just getting my footing here and I’m not in the right place for a relationship.” The infamous master of pairing people up wasn’t working his magic on this sworn bachelor.

Nope.

No way.

No how.

“Understood. If you’d have seen how he reacted when I mentioned the word punishment, it would’ve broken your heart.” He shook his head. “Burst into tears and gripped his rear to protect it. I’ve added a note to his file about it.”

“What do you expect me to do with him?”

“Well, he’s your new apprentice. My intuition has led me to believe he’s a Little, but since he knows nothing of our lifestyle, I’ve taken it upon myself to move him from employee housing to the Littles’ Wing and signed him up for 101 courses. Travis has set it up so Sage will work in the stables with you in the morning and attend classes in the afternoon.”

Good god this man just completely upended this boy’s life. “Are you sure that’s for the best or even what he wants?”

“Are you questioning my decision?”

Open mouth, insert size twelve boot. “No, Derek, of course not.”

“Good. Sadie is showing him around and getting him settled in. Figured you could take him to lunch, then give him a tour of the stables and where he’ll be working. Oh, and this is his first job.”

I groaned. “Great.” No use fighting a losing battle or risking my employment here. First job I’d had in a long time that I actually liked. Even if my boss was hellbent on pairing singles up.

Not. Happening.

“There you are,” Master Derek said as he smiled at his girl. “Sadie Marie, how did you get your pretty dress so dirty?”

She tried and failed to wipe it off. “I dunno.”

A head of blond curls peeked around her. “Are we in trouble?” His bright blue eyes filled with tears.

“No, Sage, you’re not but my naughty girl is a different story.”

“Sorry, Daddy.”

She was anything but sorry. That girl had an ornery streak a mile wide, and that was one of a million reasons why Master Derek adored her.

“Sage, I’d like you to meet Warner. He’ll train you in the stables where you’ll work in the mornings then he’ll walk you over to the school for your classes after lunch.”

Yup, Master Derek was leaving no stone unturned. He’d have this boy glued to my side—purposely. Still hiding behind Sadie, he was either shy or indeed the Little Master Derek perceived him to be.

Or both.

As I rose, he slipped further behind her the closer I got. “It’s nice to meet you, Sage.” He stared at my outstretched hand. For a moment I wondered if I’d forgotten to wash it, but a quick glance confirmed otherwise.

Finally, he placed his hand in mine. “N-nice to m-meet you, Warner.”

And a stutter to boot. Freaking Master Derek. When I turned and looked at the proud peacock perched behind his desk, his knowing grin said it all.

I’d been played.