Page 62 of Handle Me

I chewed on the inside of my cheek as he breathed heavily, not responding.

“Would you let me take you there again?” he finally asked.

“Right now?” I squeaked. Even as I lay in his arms, I felt soreness creeping through my body. Not just from where he’d spanked me but between my legs as well. It felt a little like losing my virginity all over again—but a lot more satisfying. “Wait! I should just say yes, right? That’s what I’m supposed to do.”

“No,” he said quickly. “You’re always the one in control. You call the shots. You say the safe words. You set my boundaries.”

“So, I really am in charge still?” I teased.

“You’re still the boss.” He propped himself up on one elbow. “But roll onto your stomach, and let me check your rear.”

“I thought I was in charge?”

“Part of my job is to take care of you after…” He forced a thin-lipped smile. “I should have done that before taking you to bed. I owe you an apology,”

“I asked for it,” I reminded him. “But you can take care of me now.” I wiggled away to give myself enough room to turn onto my stomach.

“Good girl,” he murmured as he shifted to inspect me. “Fuck.”

I peeked through the hair curtaining my face. “What?”

“I might have left some marks,” he admitted, gently touching my skin.

“Like bruises?”

“It looks like they might be.” He pulled the hair away from my face and studied me. “I’ll show better control next time.”

I pressed my lips together, feelings tumbling through me as he stared down at me with earnest eyes. “What if…I don’t mind?”

Anders went completely still. When he finally opened his mouth, he had to pause and swallow. “For now, let’s see how you feel in a day or two. You might change your mind if it hurts every time you sit down.”

“I doubt it,” I said absently. My eyes flashed to his when he inhaled sharply.

“A few days,” he repeated, “and then we’ll see.” He turned and swung his legs off the bed.

“Where do you think you’re going?” I asked.

“To run you a bath,” he said seriously, “and make you something to eat.”

“Is that part of taking care of me?”

He nodded.

“Man, I should have found a Dominant years ago.”

Anders narrowed his eyes, the muscles in his neck tightening.

“Whoa,” I breathed.

He took a deep breath. “Sorry. Just the thought of you…”

“I didn’t think you were the jealous type.” How did he continue to surprise me?

“Neither did I.” He leaned down and kissed my shoulder. “Neither did I, boss.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

ANDERS