Mastered(76)
He nearly cursed as he waited for Evangeline to make her appearance. He wanted her to smile, to be happy and to shine. To light up the entire room when she made her appearance in the private box he’d arranged for her. Her every whim would be catered to, and no expense would be spared when it came to her enjoyment of her surprise.
He was saved any further introspection when Evangeline reappeared, her makeup refreshed, but there was a dullness in her eyes he didn’t like at all. Something was clearly bothering her and he wanted her to be happy and enjoy her night, not be miles away in her head.
He sighed and held out his hand, gratified when she complied and walked to where he still sat behind his desk. He pulled her once more into his lap, but this time she didn’t relax in his hold and melt into his body as she’d done before.
“Angel, we have an agreement. If something is bothering you, no matter how big or small, you are to confide in me, and it’s obvious you have something on your mind. I want nothing to ruin this night for you, so until you tell me what’s going on in that head of yours, you stay here with me.”#p#分页标题#e#
She looked . . . sad. Damn it. He didn’t like his reaction to her obvious unhappiness. Or that it mattered so much to him.
Then she turned to look at him, fear and trepidation reflected in her eyes.
“You told my parents to call you, not me, that you didn’t want me to worry unnecessarily. Are you cutting off my access to them? Will the only information I get about them come from you now? Will I even be allowed to speak to them?”
He cursed softly, realizing how she could have misconstrued the one-sided conversation she’d heard.
“That is not at all my intention. They are free to contact you and you are free to contact them. However, if they have a need, I expect them to come to me and not you because I won’t have you worrying over something I have the power to fix.”
Slowly she nodded, her body sagging with relief. Then she cast a sorrowful look at him.
“I’m sorry. I’m failing you already. I promised to trust you and yet I question you at the first opportunity.”
In ordinary circumstances, yes, Drake would be impatient and pissed. He would already have cut a woman loose for Evangeline’s transgressions. But Evangeline’s were understandable, and he couldn’t bring himself to admonish her when her worries centered on others and not herself.
He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “You haven’t failed me, Angel. I imagine we will both make mistakes in our relationship’s infancy. You be patient with me and I’ll be patient with you.”
She smiled, the sparkle back in her eyes. “Now what’s this about my surprise?”
He touched the bare expanse of her back, unable to stifle the urge to simply touch her silken skin.
“I believe I said that first we would eat. You must be starving. Besides, it’s not time yet for your surprise.”
Her mouth turned down into a cute pout, though he doubted it was intentional or that she even realized she was pouting. Then she frowned and glanced downward at her dress in disgust.
“I probably should have eaten before changing. I’ll probably make a mess of my dress and I’ll have to do my makeup all over again.”
“No, you won’t,” Drake said calmly. “Because every bite you eat will come from my hand.”
She turned, her eyes widening in surprise.
“Yes, my angel. You’re going to sit right here in my lap while I feed you and I’m going to enjoy every minute of it, and if there is any mess on your mouth, I’ll be more than happy to clean it up for you.”
Her look was puzzled. “Why would you want to feed me? Isn’t that something I should do for you as your submissive?”
It was the first time she’d overtly acknowledged and said aloud what she was, and it pleased him that it came naturally with no thought or hesitation.
He gave her a squeeze, letting her know he was pleased with her question and the acceptance in her voice.
“I too have responsibilities as your dominant,” he said. “Yes, you obey me, answer only to me, but it is also my job to take care of you and see to your every need. The act of feeding my woman is very intimate and it’s something I enjoy; therefore you are pleasing me.”
“Oh,” she said softly, a thoughtful look creasing her brow as she processed his explanation.
A knock sounded, heralding the arrival of the food Drake had ordered to be sent up. Evangeline tensed, but he kept his arm around her so she didn’t bolt from his lap, and he gave her a warning squeeze that had her immediately relaxing against him once more.