Cole took a few practice swings before turning his attention to the targets and taking aim.

  “See? You have total control,” Daniel said after Cole struck all five perfectly.

  Cole ran his hand along the length of the whip, feeling smooth leather beneath his palm and fingertips. Daniel was right. He did have total control. “And I’ll use it to help her.”

  “Yes,” Daniel replied with a proud nod. “Now, take that bullwhip and show her how a true Dom uses it.”

  Cole’s jaw tightened at the thought of Peter. He wasn’t a true Dom and hadn’t cared about Sasha the way he should have. But she had him now, and though it wouldn’t be easy, he was going to take care of his submissive.

  Cole wrapped the whip back up, tucking it under his arm before turning to Daniel with a grateful look on his face. “Ta.”

  “You’re welcome. You’ve got this. You and Sasha together are unstoppable,” Daniel said. “You can get through anything.”

  Cole smiled and nodded, fully believing Daniel’s point. Sasha was his soulmate, his forever submissive. His throat tightened. His little one. “I should go talk to her. Make some ground rules.”

  “That sounds like a good idea. Pretty sure that will put her at ease, too,” Daniel agreed.

  Sasha needed everything laid out. This plan might have been all hers, but the details were up to him. He would tweak her request and make it fit into his own plan. He would use the bullwhip on her, even if it was a little crazy to him.

  He’d really thought he wouldn’t budge on his previous decision, but it helped to get an outside perspective. Admittedly, Cole could be in his own head too much at times. After all, being the Dominant in a twenty-four, seven relationship made it hard to get out of that headspace at times. Luckily, that’s what wise friends were for.

  “Let’s just hope things go well,” Cole sighed, walking out of the room with Daniel. He needed to have a talk with Sasha and let her know that he was on board, but that there would be rules to follow.

  Five: Sasha

  Sasha stared at the page in the book she’d been attempting to read for the past ten minutes. It could have been blank or written in Latin, it wouldn’t have made a difference. Her mind was too busy, running around and around to try to figure out a solution to her issue. She had a plan, but she didn’t have the person she needed to execute it. Now, she felt like she was dead in the water.

  If Cole wasn’t comfortable with it, then he wasn’t comfortable with it. Bottom line. She shouldn’t allow herself to be upset. After all, he didn’t force her to do anything that she was really uncomfortable with. Never questioned her hard limits. Maybe he would change his mind down the road. Perhaps he needed time to see she was ready and to process that information. She might wish he would believe her now, but surely she could be patient.

  Cole had left the house in a hurry earlier. She didn’t know where he went or when he would be back. Odds were, he needed some space. She hoped she hadn’t created a divide between them with her request. Her favor had been huge, but that was only because she trusted him. She didn’t mean to stress him out.

  It wasn’t much later she heard him entering the house. She stood. He’d probably head to the bedroom; she’d meet him there. Instead, she almost ran into him in the hallway because he was looking for her.

  “There you are, little one,” he said, catching her by the shoulders to help her keep her balance. He didn’t let her go so she could kneel, but took her hand. “Come with me.”

  “What?” she asked as they walked to the foyer.

  He nodded his head toward the front door. “We’re going out for a little bit.”

  She stared at him for a few seconds, feeling too shocked and confused to move. “Where?”

  He leaned closer. “Are you trying to test my patience, little one?”

  She knew that tone. “Sorry, Sir.” Without another word, even though she had a hundred questions, she followed him out of the house and to the car. He helped her into the passenger seat, and she watched him out of the corner of her eye, trying to get a read on him.

  He didn’t seem upset, but he definitely had something on his mind. Her plan? She closed her eyes for a time, hoping it would help her remain quiet.

  Cole drove through town, finally stopping and parking in a lot bordering a local park. He didn’t say anything as he shut off the car and stepped out. His silence continued while he walked around to the passenger side and opened her door.

  She slipped out, feeling better when he took her hand. He led her into the park, striding down a winding path through several thick, leafy oak trees. Shade covered them until there was a break in the trees, giving way to a slope of grass leading down to a small lake. Ducks glided through the water, creating small ripples. Best of all, they were alone in the peaceful place.

  “Have a seat,” he told her, gesturing to the field of grass in front of them.

  She sat down on the slope, bending her knees and pulling them close to her chest as he sat beside her. She chewed the inside of her cheek, waiting for him to start talking. It was a lovely place, but the mystery was steadily eating at her.

  “My main duty in life is you. To love and protect you. Make you feel cherished.” The sun was behind her, and he squinted his eyes looking at her. “You know this, right?”

  Where was he going with this? Her stomach twisted. “Yes, Sir.”

  He stretched his legs out in front of him, leaning back on his hands. “And you’re certain if I were to use a bullwhip on you, it would be beneficial?”

  Sasha gazed at him, surprised he would revisit their conversation so quickly. “I’m sure, Sir. I know it’s… crazy, but I feel it’s the right move for me.”

  “And if it backfires?” he asked. “I don’t ask because I doubt you. I need to know how much thought you’ve given this.”

  “If it backfires, I’ll pick up where I am now and work toward being strong enough to handle the bullwhip in the future.” She didn’t see this as an option. She had to have the bullwhip used on her to move forward, and would try again and again until it worked.

  Cole nodded slowly. “I’ll do it.”

  Her hands flew to cover her mouth. She couldn’t believe he’d changed his mind so quickly. Finally, she could put her plan into motion and make some big leaps forward. “Really? Thank you!”

  He put his finger up. “I have conditions. If you don’t agree to them, I won’t move forward.”

  Though his words were expected, they still had the power to cool her celebration. “That only seems fair, Sir. What are they?”

  “First off, this is a one-time deal. I’ll use a bullwhip on you for one session only.” He spoke in a firm tone that made her stomach flutter.

  “I’m on board with that.” She only needed to do it once to push herself away from the past. There was no need to include a bullwhip in any future play sessions. Not when there were plenty of other toys to use they enjoyed.

  “Two, I’ll only do a few strokes. This will be difficult enough for me and even that’s pushing it. If you don’t think a few will be enough, we won’t do it at all,” he said.

  Tears filled her eyes at the distance he was willing to go for her. “I’m sure that will be enough. Thank you, Sir.”

  A tear escaped and rolled down her cheek. He brushed it away with his thumb, then gently kissed her lips. “Ah, little one. What you do to my soul.”

  She reached up and ran her fingers through his hair. “You’re too good to me.”

  “Impossible.”

  Sitting with Cole, seeing and hearing all he was willing to do for her, made her long to thank him. Naked. Why did they have to be in public?

  “Is that all, Sir?” She trailed a finger down his chest to show him where her mind was headed.

  “No.” He pulled back a bit. “We’ve discussed it numerous times, but I want you to decide on a tattoo to cover the scars. Once you get it and it’s healed, I’ll use the bullwhip on you.”

  “Agreed.”

  He cocked an eyebrow. “If it’s too much at any point, even before we start, you tell me.”

  “I will. You can trust me, Sir.”

  “I know I can. That’s why I’m agreeing to do this.” He pressed a gentle kiss against her forehead.

  She reveled in the softness of his lips, and tilted her head up, wanting to taste him.

  He closed the small distance between them, placing a hand on her cheek to draw her near. His lips pressed and moved against hers, adopting a slow, sensual rhythm. “I’ll make you feel good, little one.”

  She shuddered at the words whispered against her lips. He’d never failed to make her feel good. “You always do, Sir.”

  He groaned and pulled away to glance around the park. Though a few people had appeared on the walking path, they were still alone for the most part. Someone might see them, but no one was within hearing range.

  Sasha tilted her head. “Can I ask what led you to change your mind, Sir?”

  “I talked to Daniel. He helped me see things from a new perspective,” Cole answered. “I needed that. I think I was stuck in my own head.”

  He had many friends, several of them close ones, but Daniel was his closest. Over the years the two men had forged a bond of trust and friendship few others had. “You were just looking out for me.”

  “I never want to stand in your way,” he said. “Taking a step back and seeing my actions from a different angle, showed me the truth. And the truth is you are one brave, bad ass woman.”

  “We make quite a pair, then, don’t we? You being the bad ass Brit, and all,” she teased, referring to an old nickname bestowed upon him years before they’d met.

  He chuckled. “I suppose you’re right.”

  They sat in silence for a few minutes.

  She felt relaxed for the first time in days, sitting on the edge of the lake, looking out over the water and watching the sun glisten off the surface. She could stay for hours, cuddled against Cole’s side.“Thank you for bringing me here. It’s beautiful.”

  “I knew it would help you relax,” he said.

  Per usual, he knew her so well. Their connection was natural, and she was immensely grateful they had found each other. “I know what tattoo I want,” she said as the image popped into her mind.

  He laughed. “We’ve discussed it and you’ve looked for what you want for over two years and now you’ve finally decided?”

  She nodded and joined him in laughter because it was funny. Her heart felt light at laughing with Cole again. She didn’t like the recent tension that had been between them. “It just came to me and it’s perfect.”

  “I can’t wait to hear what it is.”

  “I want your name on my back.”

  His expression changed to shock and then slowly transformed into something primeval and possessive. “It’s only four letters, little one. How will that work?”

  “Big, huge letters?” She teased, knowing she had to break the intensity of his look before they forgot they were in public and did something going against decency laws. “Script font? Comic Sans?”

  He grimaced and shook his head at her mention of his least favorite font. “Bloody hell. Anything other than Comic Sans.”

  She couldn’t help but giggle. “I see it in my head and think it’ll be easier to draw and show you that way. I’m not sure I can describe it with words.”

  He agreed and they sat for a bit longer, talking and gazing at the lake. When the park grew more crowded, they left. Cole checked his phone and saw he had a missed call from his editor.

  As it turned out, she was in the area for work and wanted them both to meet her for dinner. Sasha loved his editor, and told Cole dinner would be fun.

  He checked his watch. “We don’t have a lot time to get ready.”

  “Then we better hurry.”

  “You should get some sleep. You’ll have plenty of time to draw tomorrow,” Cole said when they finally made it home, late that night. She’d been making her way to the room they’d recently turned into an office for her, but at his words, she allowed herself to be led to the bedroom, undressed, and tucked into bed.

  She’d wanted to get the image in her mind on paper. Since he’d brought up the tattoo hours ago, she was driven to cover up her scars. She was tired of seeing them every time she looked over her shoulder in the bathroom mirror. When she yawned as they entered their bedroom, though, she realized Cole had been right in guiding her to bed. The last few days had been unusually emotional and draining as a result.

  She tried to stay awake while he prepared for bed, but her eyelids grew heavier and heavier with each passing second. When he climbed into bed beside her, kissed the top of her head, and whispered, “Goodnight, little one,” she wasn’t sure if she was awake or dreaming.

  She tried to reply but sleep was already carrying her away as he pulled her close, fitting her against his body. Warmth filled her very soul, and she let her dream whisk her away from reality.

  Six: Sasha

  Sasha woke early feeling refreshed and enlightened. Odd, since it was only a little past five in the morning and she’d been so tired the night before. She had a sudden urge to draw the tattoo she’d visualized so clearly the day before. Cole snored softly beside her, but would wake if she got out of bed.

  Her journal sat on top of her nightstand along with a pen. Usually she drew with a pencil, but she could make do. Reaching carefully so as not to disturb Cole, she snagged both items and went to work.

  “I don’t think I’ve seen you write a journal entry with such intensity,” Cole said sometime later. “Or so early in the day.”

  In fact, she’d been so focused, she hadn’t noticed he was no longer sleeping. A quick glance at the clock told her she’d been sketching for nearly an hour and a half.

  She closed the journal and gave him a smile. “Good morning, Sir.”

  “Good morning, little one.” He sat up, hair slightly messy from sleep. “Sleep well?”

  “I did.”

  “What are you writing so early?”

  She picked at the cover of her journal. The sketch was nearly finished, yet for some reason she hesitated showing it to him. “I wasn’t writing, Sir.”

  “Oh?”

  “I was drawing.” Before he could comment, she continued. “Remember the ivy around your manor house in England and how it climbed some of the walls of the maze?”

  “Yes.”

  “It’s going to be my tattoo.” Heart pounding, she slowly opened the journal to the page she’d been working on and passed it to him.

  Cole lifted an eyebrow and took the book without saying a word. He gasped when he looked down, but remained silent after that.

  Was that a good sign or a bad one?

  “It’ll cover my scars well,” she hurried to explain. “And because it’s ivy, the artist can draw it so it naturally goes over the scars.” He was still studying the sketch in silence. She continued, “If you look close, you’ll see your name in the middle.”

  “I don’t —”

  “It’s very subtle. I thought that was better than for it to be all in your face.”

  “Little one—”

  “If you don’t like it —”

  He placed his hand over her mouth. “Hush.”

  She bit her lip, watching as his gaze dropped once more to the drawing.

  “I can’t imagine anything more perfect,” he said. “It’s fantastic. It’ll be a large tattoo, though, are you okay with that?”

  Warmth bloomed within her at his words. He liked it. “I’m going to to see the pain as therapeutic. Take it to mean the old scars are being carved away.”

  “It’ll look beautiful on you.” Cole leaned forward to kiss her softly.

  She smiled into the kiss, placing her hand on his cheek, wanting to get closer. He felt so warm, so inviting, she parted her lips. They moved along his at a slow, delicate pace. Each touch was electric, charging her up more and more.

  He stroked his hand up her side, tracing the curve of her breast. Ever so gently he pushed her down onto her back, following to keep their lips connected. His forearm rested near her head, keeping him elevated even as he deepened the kiss.

  She reached up to wind her arms around his neck, but his other hand grabbed both her wrists and pinned them above her head. She lost her breath at the motion, all while his touch burned through her with passion and fire.

  He moved his lips along her jaw, nibbling the sensitive spots around her neck and making her writhe beneath him. She felt him grin against her skin, obviously enjoying her reactions.

  She tilted her head back, exposing more of her neck and collarbone as he kissed and teased. He hadn’t taken her at all the day before, and she ached for him. Needed him to drive into her, to command her body the way he had every right to.

  He tightened his grip on her wrists, pushing them down harder to keep her from moving an inch. His teeth grazed her collarbone in a warning bite. “Don’t move.”

  She whimpered, but obeyed.

  “The thought of my name in ink on your back, makes me so hard I can’t think straight.”

  He wasn’t lying. His length brushed her, and it took all her strength to remain still and not to beg him to take her.

  “I hope you like it when I take you from behind, because I don’t think I’ll ever grow tired of seeing my name as I fuck your cunt.”

  She stifled a moan.

  “Or as you take my cock up your arse.”

  Oh fuck, yes.

  He didn’t say a word as he shifted his body and impaled himself as deeply as possible inside her. His eyes closed in bliss even as she tilted her hips in an effort to get him deeper.

  He pulled out almost all the way, going slow, allowing her to feel every thick inch of him. Then he stilled and she swallowed her protest.

  “Don’t worry, little one, my cock is nowhere close to being finished with your pussy.” He did pull out then and spread her legs wide, slipping a pillow beneath her hips, exposing her most private parts, and lifting them up like an offering to him. “I’m going to give it to you hard. You will take it all in complete silence and are not allowed to come.”