Chapter Four
Quietly closing the door, Donovan turned around and found Phoebe red-faced and breathless. Though he usually knew how to handle hysterical women, she was different. She might just make good on her threat and that was the last thing he wanted.
“Why are you staring at me,” she demanded. “I suppose I look like crap. I sure as hell feel like crap.”
“Phoebe, on your worst day you couldn’t look like crap, and you’re invaluable. Don’t doubt that for a moment,” he replied, moving slowly towards her.
“Invaluable? I doubt that.”
“That thing you do, knowing when someone is lying, it’s remarkable.”
“Not really,” she said with a sigh. “I’m not psychic or anything. It’s just a thing my father taught me.”
“He did? How so?”
“It’s very simple. When someone is being dishonest they show it. Everyone does it. They might look away for a second, raise an eyebrow, shift in their seat, they do something. My father started teaching me when I was just a kid. He said it would take the guesswork out of things. He was right, but maybe you’re right. Maybe it has grown into a psychic thing. I know immediately. It’s almost as if I subconsciously pick up on the signals. Practice makes perfect I guess.”
“Then you know I meant it when I said you’re invaluable.”
“That’s the weird thing. I do, but I told you, when I’m close to someone it’s harder to pick up.”
“Right now that’s not important,” he said, wrapping his arms around her. “You’re exhausted and I get that, but no more tantrums.”
“I’m about to throw one right now,” she murmured. “I feel wired, like I’m wound up, but I don’t know why.”
“Ah, I see,” he said softly, pulling back and gazing down at her. “Take off your clothes, lie on the bed, and I’ll—”
“Don’t you need to call Sam?”
“I intend to,” he said firmly, abruptly turning her around and swatting her backside. “Do as you’re told. Take off your clothes, lie on the bed, take some long deep breaths and wait for me. Understood?”
“Yes, sir,” she murmured, letting out a sigh.
“I won’t be long, and you’d better be ready when I get back.”
* * *
As Donovan strode from the room, Phoebe felt a wave of relief. His control didn’t just excite her, it calmed her in a way she couldn’t quite define. But she felt grubby and wanted to freshen up. Moving slowly into the bathroom, she brushed her teeth, stood under the stream of hot water, and soaped herself with a lavender scented gel from a pump container on the wall. But as she toweled herself, a deep weariness began to seep through her bones. Walking back into the bedroom, she slipped between the sheets and closed her eyes. She wasn’t sure for how long before a noise made her open them. Looking up she saw Donovan walking in carrying a tray.
“What’s that?”
“Nourishment.”
“Thank God. What’s under all the covers?”
“You’ll find out soon enough,” he replied, placing the tray on the dresser and quickly removing his clothes. “I had a stroke of genius while I was talking to Sam,” he continued as he climbed between the sheets and moved his arms around her. “Now everything’s under control. It’s time for me to take care of you.”
Before she could speak, he deftly rolled her over, and his large, strong hands began massaging her shoulders.
“Oh, my god, that’s amazing,” she breathed, sinking into the mattress.
“I’m glad, and I understand you’re tired, but no more hissy fits,” he said sternly, suddenly swatting her backside. “If you’re upset about something tell me and we’ll fix it. And if I didn’t want you here you’d be somewhere else,” he continued, smacking her again. “Do I need to spank that into you, or do you get it?”
“I get it.”
“Remember that next time you start feeling insecure,” he said, landing several hot slaps, then abruptly rolled her over and stared into her eyes. “Phoebe, I’ve always worked alone,” he said, softening his voice. “This is new for me, and I need you to be straight with me. I’m not going to get mad at you for being tired and hungry. But I will if you don’t tell me and become difficult.”
“You’re right,” she murmured, then feeling his hardness against her, she raised her arms around his neck. “Donovan, I need you.”
“I know, and I need you too.”
As he kneeled up and took hold of his cock, she closed her eyes and spread her legs, aching to feel him inside her. When he placed himself at her entrance and thrust inside her warmth, she let out a cry of gratitude. But a moment later he leaned over her and pinned her wrists to either side of her head.
“Are you ready?”
“God yes, please…”
He shifted slightly, then began vigorously pumping, and with every stroke his stiffened cock rubbed against her clit.
“I won’t stop until you come,” he growled, his lips suddenly at her ear, “and I want to hear you scream.”
His words fueled her growing arousal, and as she moaned and writhed beneath him, he lowered his mouth to her breasts. He began sucking gently, eliciting soft moans, then abruptly bit her puckered nipples. As sparks suddenly crackled through her body there was no stopping the powerful orgasm. Abruptly moving his mouth over hers, he muffled her cries until her last spasm passed, then abruptly pulled out and exploded over her stomach.
* * *
Slowly moving off her body, Donovan half-walked, half-staggered, into the bathroom. After quickly wiping himself up, he dampened a hand towel and carried it back to the bed. As he sat beside her and cleaned her stomach, she ran her hand down his arm.
“Donovan, you make me feel—I don’t know what the word is.”
“Maybe there isn’t one,” he murmured, then leaned down and softly kissed her, “Now sit up. You’re going to eat then take a much-needed nap.”
“Thank you…for everything…”
“Hey, I love taking care of you,” he murmured, then moved across to the dresser and picked up the tray. “We have honey glazed chicken salad and cheese and tomato sandwiches. Take your pick or have both if you want. And there are also freshly baked scones with raspberry jam and whipped cream,” he declared, raising the covers. “Hopefully the tea didn’t get cold.”
“This is great. Are you staying?”
“You bet, I’m hungry too. Then you’re taking a nap and I’ll leave to check on everything.”
“You said you had a stroke of genius. What’s the plan?” she asked, picking up a sandwich.
As he laid it out for her, she broke into a broad smile.
“You were right. It’s genius. And I’d better be there for all of it.”
“Don’t worry, like I said before, you’re invaluable.”