Chapter 11
Chapter Eleven
Two weeks later, Derek’s Office, Rawhide Ranch
Sienna
“You look different.” Master Derek observed as Sienna settled in the seat opposite him. He leaned back, studying her with caring attention rather than invasive scrutiny. “I’ll go as far as to say your eyes are brighter, with a touch less shadows than usual.”
Heat bloomed across Sienna’s cheeks under his observation.
The past two weeks had opened up an entirely new dimension to her life…
and it all circled around one man… Crone Lange.
No, not a man—he was a sorcerer in worn jeans with a love for that black cowboy hat he now wore everywhere he went.
Since their night together, he made a concerted effort to weave himself into the fabric of her days by popping into her classroom and whisking her away for lunch or dinner.
He filled every day with laughter and with an almost forgotten factor—hope.
She found herself watching the door with anticipation and her heart lifted every time at the sight of his grinning face peeking around the frame. It wasn’t just her. Her students, who shamelessly drooled every time he stepped inside, awaited his visits with equal anticipation.
“I’m doing much better, Master Derek. Intervening with Master Quincy and my scene was the right decision.
” Her cheeks darkened a shade deeper. “Master Crone’s whip must have magical properties.
” She smiled shyly. “Perhaps you should consider registering him as a therapeutic psychologist since it’s not just his whip, even a hand spanking loosens chains that refused to move for years. ”
Derek’s eyes crinkled. “I’m very happy to hear that, and even more so knowing I made the right decision to approach Master Crone with a job offer. So many people arrive here with demons that need unconventional approaches.”
“Like me.” She curled her fingers into fists. “I’m sorry I’ve been such a burden, Master Derek.”
“I never want to hear you say that again, Sienna,” Derek reprimanded her firmly. “You were not and never will be a burden. That is why Rawhide Ranch exists. To offer a sanctuary to those, especially within our lifestyle community, who need a safe haven. I am just happy you found us when you did.”
“Me too.” Taking a steadying breath, she ventured, “I need to ask a favor, Master Derek.”
“I’m listening.” Derek watched her with an open and attentive expression.
“The photography curriculum for this semester is fashion photography. Part of the students’ assessment is to plan and prepare an entire shoot.
” She shifted in her seat. “They requested a trip to Missoula to buy proper ‘fashion ensembles’—their words—for the shoot. I know it’s not the norm to leave the Ranch, but I can reach out to two of the boutiques in the town and arrange for specific times.
It won’t be an all-day trip with them running all over town but controlled and overseen by whoever you allocate to take them. ”
“Does that mean you won’t be joining them?”
Sienna plucked at her nails in a nervous habit she couldn’t quite break.. “I… no. I can’t. You know why, Master Derek.” Though she hadn’t shared all the horrific details of Stan’s abuse, Derek knew enough about the fear she had of her ex-fiancé still searching for her.
“I understand.” His voice held no judgment, only compassion. “I’ll have a chat with Master Lawson to arrange the appropriate security, and of course, I’ll accompany them as well. Let me know when.”
“Ehm… they want to go tomorrow, Sir, if that’s possible.”
“Very well. I’ll make the necessary arrangements. We’ll leave around eight in the morning, so make sure they have breakfast early.”
“Thank you, Master Derek.” With a tentative smile, she rose and left the office. Her heart was lighter for having overcome this small hurdle.
“Ah, there you are.” Crone’s voice wrapped around her like warm honey, filling her with that now-familiar flutter of warmth that seemed to accompany his presence.
“Were you looking for me, Master Crone?” she asked with glimmering eyes as she skirted around him, playfully avoiding his grasping hands.
“Oh, no, you don’t,” he growled, catching her around the waist and pulling her firmly against him. “I want my daily kiss, woman.”
Sienna looked around with wide eyes though she made no real effort to escape. “Not here, Crone! Everyone can see.”
“Good, then they can all stop speculating and realize we’re a couple.”
His words were still floating toward her when he caught her lips in a kiss so wildly passionate and demanding, Sienna had no alternative but to return it. Of course, it required her to press herself flush against him and wrap her arms around his neck… for balance, if nothing else.
Unconsciously, she wanted all the subs and Littles who couldn’t seem to keep their eyes off Crone to know he was taken… and exclusively hers.
When they finally broke apart, Sienna’s head spun and her body hummed with a familiar heat.
Ever since that night at his house, it was as if Crone had awakened a constant low purr of desire inside her that sprung to life at his slightest touch.
She pressed her thighs together, trying to contain the warmth pooling there.
“So,” he murmured against her ear, still holding her close, “what did the big boss want?”
She explained about the shopping trip, watching tension creep into his jaw as she mentioned staying behind.
“You’re not going?” His voice was carefully neutral, but he studied her face intently.
“I can’t.” The words came automatically, a defense mechanism honed by years of fear. “It’s not safe. Not for me.”
“Look at me, kitten.” His fingers curved under her chin. “What’s the real reason? Is it because of the one who hurt you, or is it the thought of being away from the Ranch?”
She started to pull away, but his firm grip held her in place.
The fight left her with a wavering breath.
“Both? Neither? I don’t know anymore.” Frustration colored her voice.
“I haven’t left Rawhide Ranch in two years except for the monthly trips to see Doc Williams. Straight there and back. The Ranch... it’s safe here.”
“And the one you’re hiding from, he’s the one who gave you those scars? Is he still looking for you?” He posed the questions in a soft, careful tone, but her body tensed, nevertheless.
Her stomach clenched as she struggled to keep a vision of Stan at bay. “Maybe... probably not, God, I hope not, but…” She shrugged helplessly. “Fear doesn’t defy logic.”
“I understand that, love.” His thumb traced her lower lip. “I’m sorry, I know I promised not to pressure you, but you can’t let fear cage you forever. Your students need you there, and more importantly, perhaps as part of your healing, you need this. Baby steps toward reclaiming your life.”
She narrowed her eyes in suspicion. “Those rascal students put you up to this, didn’t they?”
His goofy, lopsided grin sent her heart tumbling. It amazed her how he could shift from powerful Dom to playful bad boy in an instant. The duality was intoxicating. One moment he commanded a room, then gave her that boyish smile the next. No wonder she was falling in love with him.
Her mind short-circuited while her heart fluttered and warmth spread through her with the unexpectedness of a wildfire. It can’t be love. She was dead inside, wasn’t she? Sure, he made her laugh and helped her rediscover parts of herself she thought lost forever, but... love?
No. This was infatuation, maybe even hero worship. Definitely not love.
“Think about it.” Crone’s coaxing voice pulled her from spiraling. “I’ll keep you safe, and afterward…” his eyes sparkled with mischief, “we can share a bubblegum milkshake.”
Laughter burst from her lips. “A bubblegum milkshake? You? Mr. Dark-and-Dangerous drinks pink milkshakes?”
“What’s wrong with bubblegum?” That heart-stopping grin again. “It’s my favorite.”
“Next you’ll tell me you sleep with a teddy bear.”
“Mr. Snuggles is very offended by your tone.”
She dissolved into giggles as she leaned against his chest. “You’re impossible.”
“Is that a yes?” His fingers tilted her chin up. “I promise, kitten, nothing and no one will touch you while I’m around.”
Sienna studied his face, seeing the steel beneath the playfulness.
Since her arrival, she hadn’t ventured beyond Porter’s Corner, but Crone’s confidence and quiet strength offered her a feeling of safety and protection.
The way he looked at her now, she knew without a doubt he would kill to protect her.
“Fine”—she sighed dramatically—“but only because I want to see the big bad Dom drinking a pink milkshake.”
His responding kiss was gentle this time, but no less affecting. “That’s my brave girl.” His arms tightened around her. “Besides, someone needs to keep those fashion-crazed students of yours from buying up the entire town.”
“Oh god,” she groaned, burying her face in his chest. “What have I gotten myself into?”
“An adventure and some fun,” he whispered against her hair. “With me by your side. Always.”
The word “always” echoed in her mind. That single word carried more meaning than she was ready to examine. But for now, wrapped in his arms, she allowed herself to believe in it.
Sienna
Mega Pizzeria, Missoula
The excited chatter of the students filled the cozy pizzeria with their voices overlapping as they discussed the day’s purchases and plans for the upcoming shoot.
Sienna watched them from her booth. Warmth spread through her chest at their animated faces and bright eyes.
She had helped create this enthusiasm, this creative spark.
For the first time since she had started teaching the course, she felt truly connected to her students’ joy as their passion became her own.