Natasha trusted that no matter what Mr. Collins said if she really didn’t want to be his lover she didn’t have to. Logic dispassionately stated she should turn him over to HR and resign. Natasha found that option utterly distasteful.
I want him. I think I’ve always wanted him on some level. Maybe the fear hasn’t just always been fear?
She reached up and caressed his cheek. “Yes, Mr. Collins.”
“Such a good bunny. So soft and sweet,” he crooned while kissing her palm. “You’re my little pet, aren’t you?”
Natasha nodded. She flinched when he tapped her cheek with one forefinger.
“You will answer me properly, Natasha, as you always have. You will still address me either as Mr. Collins or Sir. And just so you know, there are many rights you haven’t earned yet including the use of my first name.”
The challenge stirred her instinctive need to submit. “Yes, Sir.”
Natasha’s whisper succeeded in announcing her deepest sentiments. Mr. Collins closed his eyes. His face relaxed into a pleasure-hungry expression. “I knew you were perfect for me, Natasha. I am always right but this time it feels exceedingly good.”
“How can I please you, Mr. Collins?”
He looked at her. “Do you want to please me?”
“Oh, yes.” It was true. Natasha had wanted to satisfy this man from the very beginning. Never did she really let herself imagine it could be sexually and now that it was. . .
“Your daytime duties will not change but I will be that much harder on you.”
Distress etched itself in her brow. “But I haven’t done anything wrong!”
“No, you haven’t, but I will be watching. I don’t want the fact that you’re my pet to give you the false impression that I won’t be as exacting as I’ve been.”
“I would never slack off on my work, Mr. Collins!”
“Calm down, pet.” He released her chin in favor of tunneling his fingers through her hair. “My bunny isn’t completely defenseless with her sharp, little fangs. All I have to do is insult the impeccable Miss Reynolds’s professional reputation and you come out slashing and biting. I will have to make note of this.”
“Mr. Collins, bunnies don’t have fangs.”
“I say you do. Don’t be shy. I happen to like your fangs.” He rubbed her hair between thumb and forefinger, seemingly enjoying the inky color and soft texture. “If I wanted a spiritless pet I could go downstairs and find one right now. I don’t want that.”
“You want me to defy you then?”
“No.” Mr. Collins tightened his fingers and tugged her hair sharply. “Defy me and I’ll wear my hand out on your backside. I command. You obey.”
Natasha’s heart jumped into her throat. Trepidation danced along her spine but curiosity played on the strings of her imagination.
He’ll spank me? I haven’t been spanked since I was seven. I wouldn’t like it. I’m sure I wouldn’t. . .well, maybe?
“Then what do you want from me?”
“Your days here will be mine, of course. I will also want four nights out of the week. This will leave you three nights to spend as you please—as long as your activities please me.”
I go to school three nights a week. I’m sure he already knows since he never asks me to stay late on those nights. I better make sure.
“Meaning what, Mr. Collins?”
“Meaning I do not share. See someone else and this is over. Understood?”
His ferocity caused her to squeak, “Yes, Sir.”
Okay. I guess school isn’t what he means. I never would’ve pictured Mr. Collins to be the jealous type. He’d have to care about someone to feel jealous over them, wouldn’t he?
“Good. Continue as you are, Natasha. Continue to match me, to push yourself to keep up with me, and we’ll get along beautifully.”
She closed her eyes, overwhelmed and giddy by their change in relationship. “I don’t want to anger you, Sir, but I don’t know if I can do this.”
“Look at me.” Mr. Collins waited until she complied. “Why not?”
Heat burned the back of her eyes. Natasha blinked rapidly, humiliated to be crying over something that had yet to happen. “If I fail at this, if you and I don’t make it, then what will happen?”
“To your position?”
“To me!” Natasha grabbed his collar and yanked him closer. “I’ve lived this past year to becoming everything you could ever need in an assistant. I’ve dedicated my life to you! If you throw me away, if you turn me out because I’ve disappointed you—”