Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 81930 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 410(@200wpm)___ 328(@250wpm)___ 273(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81930 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 410(@200wpm)___ 328(@250wpm)___ 273(@300wpm)
He turned to face her, his face filled with thunder. It was such a shock that she took a step back. She’d never been afraid of Marcus. If he were a dog, he’d be a Labrador puppy. No one was scared of lab puppies.
“You seriously think I’d bring you up here to sleep on my couch? I’d never let you sleep on my couch, let alone after what you just went through. No. Nope. Not happening.”
“Then where am I sleeping?”
“With me.”
Chapter 3
Marcus had had enough of the way Isla kept sacrificing her own comfort for others. How she put everyone else first.
She took care of him all the time, and she deserved to have someone look after her too.
Now, he wasn’t saying he could do it all the time. Truth was, he had the best intentions, but he often got caught up in his work and forgot what day it was, when he’d last showered, or ate.
But he wasn’t working right now. And she needed his full attention.
So that’s what she was getting. Whether she wanted it or not. But he was certain she did.
“With you? In your bed?”
He forced himself to grin. Even though he wanted to draw her into his arms and kiss her. To show her that he wasn’t just playing around.
He wanted her.
He’d wanted her ever since she first started working here. When she’d moved around like a ghost, head down, talking to her feet instead of looking up.
Gradually, he’d gotten her to open up. To talk to him. To look at him.
To kiss him.
Only he wasn’t sure how to take this next step.
He’d often tried to coax her Little out. But maybe what she needed was someone to give her a push.
He needed to find them a Daddy.
He couldn’t just share her with anyone, though. It would have to be someone special. Someone who would be able to deal with his exuberance and Isla’s determination to always sacrifice her own happiness for everyone else’s.
It was going to be tough. But he was certain he could do it.
And Rawhide Ranch was just the place to find a Daddy who could be strict and kind. A BDSM Ranch where you could find anything your kinky heart might desire, it was also a place that cared about its guests and residents. Littles were given a safe space to explore and just be themselves.
That’s what Isla needed right now, even if she didn’t realize it.
“That’s your plotting face. What are you plotting?” she asked.
“I like that you know my plotting face, La-la.” Bending down, he kissed her forehead then her nose.
She leaned into him for a moment before pulling back, her cheeks growing red. “Marcus, we can’t keep doing that.”
“Why not? Don’t you like it? Don’t you like me?”
Tears flooded her eyes. Regret hit him hard. What was he doing pushing her when she was so vulnerable?
Fuck. Why did he do these things? Why didn’t he recognize the line?
“I need to go sleep in the blue room, Marcus.”
“No. No, you’re not sleeping there. You’re sleeping with me.”
“This isn’t… it can’t happen.”
He cupped her cheek. “I know I’m a spoiled brat. I get anything I want. Well, most things. All I’ve ever wanted is to be loved and accepted for who I am.”
“Cullen loves and accepts you. Ivy too.” She frowned. “Right?”
“Of course they do. But I want someone of my own. And that someone is you.”
“Marcus, no.”
“You don’t accept me as I am?”
Her eyes flashed with temper. “Of course I do.”
“You don’t love me?” he asked.
“Marcus, you know we can’t do this. I basically work for you.”
“You’re fucking fired. Now, do you love me?”
“Marcus.” She let out a sob. “It’s not that simple.”
“It is. But I know you think you’re not ready. So, I’ll wait until you’re ready to say it.”
“How long are you going to wait?” she asked suspiciously.
“Hmm. I’m a patient guy. I’ll give you another week.”
“So patient.”
“I know. Only for you, La-la.” He cupped her cheeks in his hands. “I get that I’m an asshole to do this now, but you won’t let me in unless you’re completely worn down.”
“That’s not true.”
“Nuh-uh, no lying, La-la. That will get you a spanking.”
“You’re not going to spank me.”
That was true. That wasn’t his thing. Which is why he figured they needed a Daddy, but she wasn’t ready to hear that yet.
“Do you want a shower?” he asked.
She was just staring at him. She looked dazed and confused. Yeah, he’d pushed her enough for tonight. “What?”
“A shower? Do you want one? It might help if you’re sore.” He didn’t always notice things about other people. Often he was too far in his own head. But when he cared about someone, he took note.
And he’d seen the way she moved around. Slow and careful.
“I’ll get you some PJs to get into after.”