Page 12 of Reclaiming River

The crotch of her underwear was soaked with her desire and I was struggling not to come in my pants like an inexperiencedteen. I barely resisted the temptation to pull down the fabric and see her slick, puffy folds. Maybe there was hope for me yet.

I pulled her onto my lap, loving the feel of her in my arms. Mentally crossing every part of my body I could cross, I made a vow to do whatever it took to help her heal and make her happy, even if it meant letting her go.

Chapter 5

River

If I’d died in that perfect moment, I would’ve been content. His lap was the home I’d missed. His arms around me were the comfort I’d forgotten I needed. His scent was a soothing reminder of everything good in the world. I gave myself a moment to forget the bad and just float in his embrace. Unfortunately, reality seeped in along the edges of my consciousness and even his gentle rocking and sweet words weren’t enough to keep my mind from wondering… what now?

The sound of Master Derek shifting in his seat was the final blow to my serenity. I opened my eyes and saw him staring at us with a laser-like focus. I’d forgotten he was there while Cade was spanking me. What did he think of us? Did he understand how confusing the history between the two of us made even such a small scene seem so much bigger?

Long minutes passed before Cade finally relinquished me to the chair beside him. The hesitation as he set me down warmed my heart.Not as much as his hand warmed my ass.I had to swallow down a giggle at that thought. Neither man would haveunderstood me bursting into laughter after a punishment even if I could have explained it.

Would that be the last time I ever felt his hands on me? Going our separate ways was what I wanted. That was why I’d come to Rawhide, wasn’t it? But faced with the possibility that it was the end, my heart sunk and all mirth disappeared.

Master Derek raised an eyebrow and I wondered if he could read my mind.

“That takes care of your punishment for striking Master Cade in anger. Now, we have to address your disrespect to a guest.”

My stomach did a swirl that almost had my breakfast coming back up. Somehow by his tone, I didn’t think this was going to be as easy as taking a few more swats with a paddle.

“Yes, Master Derek.” I hoped my remorse was clear in my voice.

“You yelled at a Master who is one of our guests.”

The stern disappointment in his glare made tears start to pool at the corner of my eyes.

Beside me, Cade tensed. I knew in my heart he wanted to put a stop to this. I prayed he remembered that Master Derek was the ultimate authority and wouldn’t make things worse for either of us. When I’d come here, I’d agreed to the rules and to Master Derek’s authority. As a guest, Cade had agreed as well but sometimes he didn’t think before he acted.

The head of Rawhide looked between the two of us and seemed to come to a decision. “Here is what I propose. I will make the punishment fit the crime.”

“How?” The question was out of my mouth before I could stop it. But I was so confused. Was he going to make Cade yell at me or was I going to have to talk in a whisper for a week? Master Derek’s disapproving stare made me realize I’d just been rude to him. Geez could it get any worse? “I’m sorry, Master Derek. I’ll gladly take whatever you deem is appropriate.”

His compressed lips let me know I might just be digging myself a deeper hole. “To make up for your rudeness, your punishment will be to act as the personal servant to the guest you accosted for the remainder of his stay.”

I would be Cade’s personal servant? It was an idea I hadn’t even considered. Could I do that without breaking? A part of me that I’d pushed down cheered at the chance to serve him again, but a bigger part of me feared I would lose myself in the fantasy once more and when he left me behind or fell back on old habits, I would never recover.

Derek’s demeanor softened as he took in the internal struggle I was obviously failing to conceal.

“You don’t have to do anything you wouldn’t do for any other guest. You will always have your safeword, River. If you need to use it now, I will find something else for you to do as punishment. Plus, Master Cade has to agree.”

My heart was beating so fast I thought it would burst from my chest. I wanted to, I desired to see where things could go, but the panic swelling up in my chest spoke of the fear that was accelerating my heart.

Would he say yes? If he did, what would he expect me to do? What if he broke my heart again?

Thoughts flitted around in wild abandon while I tried to find my voice to speak my concerns.

“I’d like to say something if that’s all right?” Cade was addressing Master Derek.

“By all means.”

Cade shifted his body toward me. “River, I want to apologize again for letting myself get so wrapped up in work I didn’t see what my neglect was doing to you. If I’m going to be honest, until you yelled at me earlier, I hadn’t realized how I had made you feel.” He shook his head. “Maybe it was pride. Or I was just so determined to do things on my own that I was blind to howmuch I was failing as your Dom. I’ll take any offer that allows me time with you, but if you find it in your heart to give me a chance to prove I’ve changed, I’ll extend my stay. Please, River, just give me a chance.”

Never since I’d met Cade had he ever uttered the word please. Could the last year apart really have changed him that much? Would he really put me first or the moment his work called would I be forgotten? His words were sweet to my ears but was it enough to take a chance on?

“I..” My voice squeaked with nerves, so I cleared my throat. “I’m not ready to be your slave again.”

Cade looked like he was going to say something but Master Derek cut him off.