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“We need to make it so she comes to us,” Grady said, looking at Steele.
“That’s exactly what I said. Running away from us isn’t acceptable.” Steele squeezed her, then let her go.
Grady reached down and lifted her onto her feet. But instead of immediately letting her go, he took hold of her hand and led her from the room.
“No, from now on, you come to us. If you run and hide, when we catch you, you’ll need to be punished.”
“Maybe it’s time we talked about this safeword. Because it sounds like I’m gonna get punished a lot.”
Steele let out a bark of laughter and she couldn’t help but turn to grin at him.
Even though she hadn’t been joking.
34
Grady led her into the most gorgeous kitchen. There were light marble countertops and dark gray cabinets. And it had the most enormous island she’d ever seen.
“This is beautiful.”
He didn’t reply. Instead, he just lifted her onto the counter.
It seemed like Grady wasn’t as reserved anymore. Perhaps because they’d loosened the no-employee rule? Or maybe it was something else.
Whatever it was, she liked it.
“What would you like your safeword to be?” he asked her as he started whipping up some eggs.
“Um, I don’t know.” She reached for a grape that he held out to her, but he drew it back.
“No. Open.”
With a blush, she opened her mouth and let him pop the grape into her mouth. She glanced around as Steele moved into the room and sat at the small dining table.
“Maybe spinach?” she suggested.
“Bit long, but all right,” Steele agreed. “Grady, Effie is having Saturday off.”
“I am?” she asked.
“Done,” Grady agreed as he whipped up some eggs.
“Why do I need Saturday off?” she asked.
“Because you’re going to have a nap in the afternoon. Then Raul will pick you up at five. You’ll have dinner at Pinkies with us and then spend the evening in our area. Then come home with us for the night.”
“Oh. I don’t need a nap, though. I can still work.”
“You need the nap.” Steele gave her a firm look that made her shiver. “You won’t be sleeping much.”
Dear. Lord.
“What . . . what exactly do you want from me?” She congratulated herself on asking that question. It seemed a sensible one to ask. One that would help set up rules and boundaries.
Grady turned to her, his face serious. “Everything.”
Steele walked over and leaned a hip against the counter next to her leg. “Think I should stand here in case you feel the need to run.”
Grady eyed her. “If I put you somewhere, that’s where you stay.”
