Chapter 9
Chapter Nine
Six-forty-five PM… the lobby, Rawhide Ranch
Crone
Crone’s boots echoed against hardwood as he entered Rawhide Ranch through the massive double doors.
The white cotton shirt stretching across his broad shoulders contrasted with his tanned skin.
Black jeans hugged his powerful thighs. The tall, lean frame of Derek’s righthand man, Moses Banner, kept pace beside him as they moved forward.
Littles and subs who were scattered throughout the lobby paused mid-activity as their gazes were drawn to Crone’s commanding presence. A sub kneeling by the fireplace ducked her head with her cheeks flushed enticingly as he caught her gaze. Another nearly dropped her book.
“It always feels like I’m coming home when I walk in here,” Crone murmured as his hands flowed through the signs he’d learned to communicate with Moses.
The friendship between them had grown at a snail’s pace over the years.
While several staff and residents knew sign language and often communicated with Moses with their hands for casual dialogue, the man was extremely selective in whom he chose to engage in more extensive conversations.
Crone was grateful to have been accepted into the rather small, select group which included Moses’ wife, Nanny J, Derek, Sadie, Jagger, and Moira.
Moses’ braid swayed as he nodded while his fingers danced through his response.
“Maybe because your own home isn’t your true home.
We humans are blind at times to what stares us right in the eye.
” Wisdom glinted in his gaze as his teeth flashed white against his mahogany skin in a smile of understanding.
Crone held his penetrating stare. Moses possessed an uncanny ability to strip away pretense, and Crone had learned to trust his insights.
“You’re right.” He raked his fingers through his streaked hair and spoke without signing, each word precisely formed.
“Which is why I accepted Derek’s offer. It’s time I started living again, to close the door on the past.”
The scene with Sienna had affected him profoundly.
Though he had deliberately avoided turning their connection erotic, focusing instead on breaching her emotional walls, desire had blazed between them.
Their kiss in the classroom only confirmed what he’d sensed during the scene.
What sparked between them transcended mere physical desire.
Their connection delved deeper, reaching into wounded places they both carried.
Last night had unveiled a primal recognition between their souls.
He had already acknowledged that he needed her healing touch as much as she needed his strength.
The constant hum of sexual awareness kindled more than desire.
In Sienna, he recognized a chance to heal, to trust.. . to finally open his heart again.
“I’m glad you did.” Moses’ hands moved with practiced grace. “We need someone like you to reach past barriers that others fail to breach.” Mischief danced in his dark eyes. “Not to mention offer appropriate punishments that would keep the Littles and subs in line.”
Crone’s answering grin held a predatory edge as he mimed cracking a whip. “I’m definitely on board for both.”
Moses gestured toward Derek’s office. “Gotta go. I’ve got a meeting with the boss.”
As Moses strode away, Crone absorbed the familiar comfort of the lodge.
Exposed logs curved overhead with a rough beauty complementing walls of rich wood paneling.
Rays of the day’s last sunlight poured through the towering windows, painting the interior with streaks of golden hues.
Walking around the massive double-sided stone fireplace, he recalled its warmth and hominess during the cold winters.
This was where he had forged new connections that slowly turned into friendship.
He strolled on, glancing at the café buzzing with early evening activity. The hum of Derek and Sadie’s voices floated from his office.
He smiled at the Little manning the check-in desk as she filled the ever-present basket with snacks.
“Would you like a lollipop, Master Crone?”
He chuckled, recognizing her as Ines from Sienna’s class. “Why not… as long as you have a cherry-flavored one.”
She all but burst with excitement as she produced one with a flair. “Tada! Here you go, Sir. Wait,’ she squealed as she yanked it back and with quick efficiency removed the wrapper. “There! All red and shiny, just for you.”
Crone chuckled at the double entendre and her obvious attempt at flirting but chose not to further engage with her. He popped the sweet into his mouth and with a wave, walked away.
Looking around, he still saw no sign of Sienna. A quick glance at his watch confirmed she had another five minutes before he went looking for her.
Sucking on the lollipop, he drifted inside the gift shop, eye-browsing the displays of eclectic inventory. Everything from practical necessities to implements of pleasure and play, western wear to fetish gear, and an extensive collection of toys for both adult Littles and children was on offer.
Since he didn’t intend to purchase anything, he moved on, appreciating how members were already filling up the tables of the two restaurants flanking the doors leading to the recreation area.
Everything was on hand to ensure a safe haven for its inhabitants.
They never had to leave the Ranch to have a perfectly balanced and happy life.
Despite the grandeur of the large entrance area, intimate seating arrangements and scattered rugs created inviting pockets of warmth throughout the space.
“No wonder it feels like home,” he murmured.
A subtle movement caught his attention. Sienna stood frozen in the side entrance leading to the employee apartments. The chokehold she had on her purse strap turned her knuckles white. Her eyes were locked on him. She looked terrified but she didn’t look away when their gazes met.
The sight of her stole his breath.
Her auburn hair gleamed under the soft lighting.
The long bob hairstyle framed her delicate features, giving her an elf-like appearance.
The baggy jeans and plain white top should have drowned her petite frame, yet they enhanced her natural grace.
A tan belt circled her waist, matching her shoulder purse and chunky sneakers.
She hadn’t dressed to impress. Lord knew, she didn’t need to.
The understated beauty of her punched straight through his defenses.
Crone stalked toward her, maintaining eye contact with each measured step until he towered over her, close enough to see the wild flutter of her pulse at the base of her throat. Unable to resist, he pressed his thumb against the frantic beat, feeling her racing heart echo through his own body.
“Right on time, little one.” He deliberately let his voice drop to that dominant purr that called to her submission.
Her pupils dilated at the sound, just as he knew they would.
He intended to use every tool at his disposal to ease her through this fear of the unknown.
He was still a stranger and already he’d hinted at a future…
their future. Little wonder she stared at him like he was the big bad wolf about to devour Little Red Riding Hood.
She surprised him when she responded in a sassy retort.
Well, I couldn’t risk you attempting a stealth mission to my apartment.” Her voice quavered but her lips twitched upward in a tentative smile. “Security might mistake you for a very large cat burglar, and I’d hate to have to explain that to Master Derek.”
Relief and satisfaction coursed through him at her response. She might be scared of him, or more accurately, what he represented, but behind the sass lay courage. She had taken the first step toward building on last night’s breakthrough.
Slow and easy wins the day, Lange, remember that.
This wasn’t a sprint to the finish line, and the most important thing he had learned over the past seven years was the value of patience.
“Shall we?” He offered his arm but made sure to keep his posture relaxed. Her fingers trembled as she released her death grip on the purse and placed her hand in the crook of his elbow. The trust in that small gesture squeezed his heart.
Whispers followed their progress toward the double doors.
“Where is he taking her?”
“Prof never leaves with anyone except Master Derek.”
Her fingers tightened on his arm with every step and murmured comment. Covering her hand with his, he drew her attention with a gentle squeeze. “Ignore them, love, and focus on why you’re here with me.”
She stumbled as her wide eyes met his. “That’s just it, Master Crone.
” Her voice dropped to barely a whisper as they stepped through the doorway.
“I’m not sure... I don’t know why I’m here.
” A quick glance over her shoulder betrayed her unease.
“I fear you might have expectations that I can’t fulfill. ”
He paused, turning to face her fully. Raw vulnerability shone in her eyes but there was also a determination not to run.
“Let me worry about my expectations, Sienna.” His thumb traced circles on her hand, gently calming her.
“This moment is between you and me, and we are looking forward to sharing a scrumptious dinner and conversation.” Another gentle squeeze. “For now, that’s all I ask.”
The tension in her shoulders eased slightly. “I guess I can do that.”
“Good girl.”
His heart swelled at her trust. She might be terrified, but she was willing to try. For now, he could work with that. At least the foundation had been laid.
Sienna
Connor’s Steakhouse at Rawhide Ridge
Sienna’s head bobbed in every direction as she absorbed the splendor around her. After two years of self-imposed confinement to Rawhide Ranch’s main buildings, the restaurant’s sweeping elegance stole her breath.