don’t give a shit what Derek did
before. When you’re with us, you’ll do as you’re told.”
He didn’t give her time to answer. Gavin raised his hand and
brought his palm against her ass. She yelped. He continued to rain blows on her
denim-covered ass. There was no way he’d allow Landon to get away with such
insolence. He wouldn’t allow his woman to get away with it either.
“I’m sorry,” she said, crying out.
After he’d slapped her ass ten times he pulled her up. Gavin
stood, cupping her cheek. “You’re important to me. I never want to hear or see
you put yourself in danger. You’ll consider your safety first. Otherwise I’ll
do far worse than spank your ass, do you understand?” he asked.
She nodded.
He waited to make sure she understood before pulling her
into his arms. Resting his face against her neck Gavin breathed in her lovely
scent.
“I’m sorry,” she said, again.
“Stop saying that word. I’ll know you’ve learned your lesson
so long as you don’t do it again.”
“Okay.”
“You’ll sit here while I make you some food. Don’t move,” he
said.
Gavin placed her on the seat then moved toward the kitchen.
Landon followed close behind him.
“I suggest you keep your anger inside, Landon. I’m not in
the mood to deal with more of your insolence tonight.” He warned his man.
“I’m not here to cause trouble. I’m pleased you did it. She
scared me.” Landon grew silent.
“What are you thinking?” Gavin asked.
“What do you think she’s decided?”
Letting out a sigh, Gavin made up a peanut butter and jelly
sandwich. “I don’t know. I’m sure she’ll tell us her decision soon.”
They moved back to where she sat on the sofa. Her face was
flushed. From the buds of her nipples, he guessed some of the flush was down to
arousal. Heidi might not know it yet, but she was submissive at heart.
He handed her a plate. “Eat.”
She started eating without further instruction. Gavin
watched her eat. His chest felt tight at the emotion swamping him. He’d been
concerned for her. The instant the sun went down, panic filled him. Didn’t she
have any idea how important she was?
Shaking his head, Gavin stared into the empty fireplace. The
summer nights were not cold enough to light a fire. He and Landon spent a great
many winter nights making love in front of a roaring fire.
Heidi put the plate on the coffee table. “I’ve finished,”
she said.
Staring into her hazel eyes, Gavin felt himself drowning in
her gaze. He saw Landon’s attraction. She was hypnotising to watch.
“Did today help?” he asked.
“Yes. I noticed some things around Creek Valley that I’d never seen before.”
“What?” he asked.
“There was a woman at the diner. She came in, and two men
were kissing her. No one paid any attention to her.”
“That would be Diana. She’s with the two Martin brothers,”
Landon said. “A lot of things have changed around here since you last visited.
Ménage relationships are the norm, or at least, they are here.”
“I don’t care about those, Heidi. I want to know what
decision you’ve come to.”
She let out a breath.
Tapping his thigh Gavin’s patience
started to go with every passing second.
“I’d like to give it a try. I mean, I’ve got nothing to lose,
but I think I should be honest with you guys about something.” She licked her
lips. His gaze went to her mouth. The plump lips looked so damned inviting.
“What?” he asked.
“I’m not very good in the bedroom. I mean, Derek was never
satisfied with me in bed. I’m going to disappoint you. I don’t want you to
expect something from me only to be upset that you’ve settled on me. I’ve never
been able to let go.”
Gavin pressed a finger to her lips. “Shut up. If Derek said
you were horrid in the bedroom, he was the one responsible, not you. Did you
have an orgasm before him?”
“Yes.” Tears filled her eyes. “He didn’t like to touch me. I
needed to take care