“Hey Pop, how’s the trip?”Rob asked, seeing the caller ID as he picked up his cell phone, which had just started buzzing.
Bill grunted. “I’m bored to death. I wanna be home. How’s Cass?”
“She’s fine. We’ve reached some understandings,”he said hesitantly.
Bill pondered the statement. “Really? What kind of understandings?”
“I think she’s finally starting to make some responsible choices, that’s all.”
“I see. Of course, it has nothing to do with her arrest? Robert? Answer me.”
“No. I took care of that problem.”
“No, it sounds like Glenn took care of it. Where are you?”
“At my place.”
“And Cassandra?”
“She’s with me. Sleeping, in fact. Pop, we need to talk...”
“Robert, she is your responsibility! I trusted you to take care of her and not let her get into trouble!”Bill scolded.
“Hey, I had work I needed to do. What? Did you expect me to take her with me?”
“Actually, yes. I think it would have been a good chance for you to get to know each other better, away from your brothers. I can’t believe you let that opportunity slip through your fingers, you dumbshit.”
Rob stared at the phone, dead silent.
“Robert? Are you still there?”the man’s deep voice asked.
“Yeah, I’m here.”
“Okay son, do I have to be blunt about this? You love that girl. You always have. Her mom and I saw it every time you two would fight. It was her mother’s dying wish that you two would marry. So get off your ass and start being a man!”
“I don’t believe this. Is my life on the big screen for all of you to see?”Rob forced out.
Bill laughed. “Nah, we’re just more astute than you give us credit for. Son, you gave yourself away. The fact that you brought her to your place before the rest of us proves it.”
“That was Bry’s idea!”
“Bry’s a different story altogether. What did she say?”
“Did you know she can cook?”
“Of course I did. Her mom taught her and she’s majoring in French cuisine. Listen to me, son; whatever it takes, don’t let her go. I’m serious about that. I don’t care what, just do it. You have all of us behind you. She needs you and you need her.”
“I keep hearing that. You need to be careful of what you’re telling me. Giving me carte-blanch can be dangerous,”Rob teased, only he was partially serious. There was another factor to the equation that had not come into play yet that would change his father’s mind quickly. “What if she doesn’t want me?”
“Make her want you. Be prepared for a fight, though. She doesn’t know how to let herself be happy. I’ll talk with you later. Give her a kiss for me, okay?”
“‘Kay. Bye and… well…thanks, Pop.”
Well, doesn’t that beat all? Rob asked himself, pulling Cassie closer. She whimpered as her bottom bumped the arm of the small couch. He smiled. Make her want me? I think I can do that.
“Wake up, sleeping beauty. It’s getting too cold out here. I’ll carry you.”
“No, I…Rob, put me down!”Cass protested as he easily lifted her into his arms like she was a doll. He placed her gently on the living room couch and went to light the fire. She watched him through sleepy eyes. He was so attentive and gentle one minute, then demanding and harsh the next. What was she to do? The need to run was strong in her. But where?
“Cass, Pop just called. He knows about us.”
“Rob, there isn’t an‘us’yet. I just promised to give it a chance. Owe…”she whined, trying to get comfortable. Patting her thigh, the large man excused himself. He returned with a small jar in his hand.
“Let me take care of you. Lay over my lap.”
“No! I mean, I’ll be fine.”Cassie flushed.
Rob shook his head. “Promising to obey me doesn’t mean arguing every time I tell you to do something. I’m not going to hurt you, I promise.”
Feeling the blush rise, Cassie obeyed. She squeaked as the jeans were edged over her swollen bottom, followed by the pale pink panties. She stiffened as his finger traced the outline of the paddle bruises.
“I know these smart. Let’s see if this helps. It’s just aloe,”he cooed, rubbing the ointment gently into her aching skin. She felt a new fire start to build as his touch grew more and more insistent, exploring‘unbruised’regions, including that of her bottom hole. He did not penetrate her, merely massaged inside the silky, pink crevice. The delightful tingling grew rapidly, spreading through her entire body.