And Piper is alone.
Her posture changes once her friend is gone. She’s more alert now, less relaxed. She’s more cautious and aware of what’s happening around her. Once more, she’s scared.
“Oh Piper,” I whisper. “What are you running from?”
I wish I knew.
If I knew, I could help her.
I could protect her.
I could take care of her.
If I knew what had Piper all twisted in knots, I’d be able to watch over her. I could neutralize the threat. I could bring her peace.
She’s the type of woman who doesn’t trust easily, though, and if I want to win the fair maiden’s heart, I have to be worthy of that trust. I have to show her I’m an honorable man, a kind man. I have to show her I’m not just some sleazeball Dom.
“Piper,” I sit down next to her, taking the stool Odessa vacated.
“Maddox,” she says coolly. She doesn’t turn to me, doesn’t look at me. She doesn’t make eye contact.
Interesting.
“Is that how you greet a Dom?” I ask her. Piper glances sideways at me, takes a deep breath, and then turns.
“Please forgive my behavior,” she says sweetly. “It’s been a bit of a long day, sir, and as you can see,” she holds up her pink bracelet. “I’m not playing tonight.”
“I’m only interested in talking.”
Is it just me, or does she look a little surprised, maybe a little sad, at that?
“What would you like to talk about, Maddox?”
“Well, for starters, you could tell me what you’re running from.”
Why wait to call her out?
I’ve got all night.
Hell, I’ve got all year.
I have a perfectly clear schedule and the only item on my “to do” list if Piper Queen.
She needs my help, and I’m going to help her.
Her entire body stills, and she takes several deep breaths. Then she pastes a cool, plain expression on her face.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she lies.
“Oh, darling,” I whisper, placing my hand on her knee. “You know I don’t tolerate lies. You might not be playing tonight, but I’m going to owe you some spankings if this behavior continues.”
“What behavior is that?”
“The lying, bratty sub behavior,” I tell her.
“You aren’t my Dom,” she says slowly. “So I don’t have to do what you say.”
“You do have to be respectful,” I remind her, and Piper’s eyes narrow. Oh, I’m starting to piss her off, and that’s exciting. She so rarely loses control. She so rarely lets herself go. She never releases all of her emotions, all of her anger, all of her excitement.