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Chapter 29
Lily
“Rise.”
Master’s voice had me easing to my feet. My knees ached, but not once had I moved or shifted while I waited for permission to stop kneeling. For three days, Zain trained me. Nothing dark like I expected. Everything was more disciplinary. I kept waiting and trying to prepare myself, but the routine continued.
“Come, let me see you.”
I walked forward and my Master lifted his hands, brushing the hair back to expose my shoulders. “I’m impressed. You did very well.” He kissed my forehead and wrapped his arms around me, hugging tight. My forehead creased at the repeated closeness he’d displayed over the last few days. Zain had never been one for lots of contact or praise. It was enough to have me reevaluating how well I had thought I’d known him.
“Master?” I looked up, trying not to show my confusion.
“Yes, Lilian?” Still, he held onto me.
“Is something wrong?”
Only then did he glance down. “Of course not. Why would you think that?”
“I don’t know. You just seem…different.”
He led me to the sofa and sat us down. “Different, how? Because of this?” Pressure from his lips coaxed mine open and I was swept away at his taste. In a slow rhythm, he massaged his tongue against mine. My eyes stayed closed long after they broke away. A deep sigh of bliss left me and forced my lids open. For seconds, I blinked, staring at him.
“Yes. You’re more affectionate now.”
“I’m more appreciative. Love and the absence of it can change a man. I’ve waited three years to experience everything you are. Your touch, your taste, the way you feel…I never knew the little things like a hug or kiss could mean so much. They do, slave. I’d be content to just hold your hand if that’s all we were allowed to do.”
A laugh burst past my lips and I couldn’t help it. “If my brother has his way, we’ll be lucky to get that far once we get home.”
Master smiled. “If that’s what it takes to be with you, I’ll take it. At least until...” He broke off, smiling even bigger.
“Until what?”
“You’ll see.” He turned more toward me. “Why don’t we talk about the future? Do you see yourself staying at Slade Industries? Or are you eventually going to take another path?”
My lips pressed together at the questions. I’d asked myself the same ones a million times since starting there and although I was a natural and excelled, I wasn’t quite sure. I had other plans. Bigger ones.
“You’re thinking pretty hard.”
I nodded. “I love working for Slade, but…I’m actually glad you asked. I’ve needed someone to talk to about this.”
“I’m here for you, you know that. What is it?”
Zain’s eyes narrowed and concern etched into his features. I clasped my hands together, wondering how I should go about stating my thoughts.
“Do you think my brother would be upset if in two to three years I decided to open my own business? One almost identical to his?” I rushed in. “It sounds really shady, I know, but it’s not about overshadowing or stealing what he has. I just want something to create. To see it grow and thrive. Do you know what I mean? I feel like I’ve already reached as far as I can go with my brother’s company and it’s unfair to others. I see how they all look at me. Anyway, there’s a combination of things that have kept the idea fresh in my mind.”
Master’s arm came to rest on the back of the sofa and he leaned his head against his fist. The muscle in his bicep flexed for the briefest moment and I took in the swirl of tribal just below his elbow. When he spoke, I had to make myself focus through the lust that roared. Damn, his arms were so much bigger than before.
“I think it’s a great idea to start your own company, Lilian. But, I think it’s best to stay for the two to three years that you mentioned. Maybe even five. The more experience you have, the better. And what if by then you don’t want to take the risk? It’s best to know for sure. And no, I don’t think Slade would be the least bit upset. If anyone knows the need to create something and see it flourish, it’s your brother. I think he’d be very proud of you.”
“You’re right. I’m only beginning in this field. Just because I’m good at it doesn’t mean I’m anywhere near accomplished enough to take on such a task. Experience will be key.”
His hand reached out and took mine. “And so will support. I’ll back you no matter what decision you make. I may rule over certain things, but I will never stop you from accomplishing your goals. My job is to make sure you succeed. I’ll do everything I can to see that it happens.”
“Thank you.” I drew his hand to my lips and placed a kiss on his knuckles. He had no idea what hearing him say that meant to me. Or maybe he did.
“You’re very welcome.”
