Her Sir Page 9

  “What about him? I care what he thinks, but he’s not the final judge.”

  “You argued with him over me.” And hadn’t sounded too sure of himself.

  “We disagreed on the subject of Trey. Yes, we discussed you—as you heard—but you weren’t the point.” He leveled his gaze at her. “Sweetheart, yes, you being here brings unwanted attention, but if you trust me and give my plan some time, it will work. You’ll have privacy, space, and safety.”

  “But not love.” She needed that one word. More than she’d ever thought possible, she craved it.

  “I didn’t give you my grandmother’s ring for nothing.”

  “But you can’t say you love me. I’ve gone without being truly loved for so long. I thought Trey did, but that was a lie. I want you to, but I don’t know if you can. You don’t know if you can.”

  “Andi.” He massaged her shoulders. “I care very much. If anything happened to you, I’d be lost. You’ve become an integral part of my world. I collared you because I can’t see my life without you. I’m offering my home, that ring, and my self because they’re all I have to give you, but I’m trying. I want to be the man you need and crave, but I suck at relationships, too.”

  He’d poured his heart out to her, and she accepted his admission. “Because of Lucy?”

  “Because I’m afraid you’ll decide I’m not good enough or I’m too controlling. I’m scared I won’t fit the bill for what you want, and I don’t want to lose you. Give me a month,” he said. “If you don’t want to keep doing this by the time the election is over, then I’ll accept your leaving, but I don’t want that to happen.”

  She turned over his offer in her mind. She and Sir were two scarred souls trying to make something work. Neither had faith that what they’d started would fly. But he hadn’t given up, and she gave him credit for fighting for her. “Okay.”

  “Okay what?”

  “We keep this up for a month, but I keep my place.” She nodded. “I want somewhere to go if this falls apart.”

  “Andi.” His shoulders sagged. “Are you sure?”

  “I am. I need to know I’ve got a place to land if this goes to hell, but I’ll move my things here. If we realize at the end of the election that we can’t make this work, then I’ll have somewhere to go.” She stood tall. “Call it insurance.”

  “Fair enough, but I don’t want you to have half of your stuff there and the other half here. Trey isn’t stupid. If he thinks we’re only going part way, then this won’t work.” Sir tugged her over to the couch, then onto his lap when he sat down. “I’ll get you a new place if we fall apart. How about that? You’ll get your pick of apartments, condos, or whatever.”

  She hated to sound like she didn’t believe they had a future, but she had to protect herself. He had a lot of power and she couldn’t hand him the rest of it. But, he made a good point about her ex. “Deal.”

  “Are you sure?” He cupped her jaw in both hands. “Tell me.”

  “I am.”

  “Then I’ll help you move your stuff in the morning.” He smoothed his palms over her bare thighs. “I truly hope we won’t need to find you another place.”

  She sighed and curled into him. “Love you, too.”

  He petted her hair. “You do realize what you just did. You stood up to a Dom. For all your bluster saying you’re not strong or invincible, you did a good job of giving him hell.” He chuckled. “I’m not sure Justin knows what to think.”

  “He was probably bowled over since I chewed him a new one and I’m not wearing any underwear.” She sat up and met his gaze. “I made a fool out of myself. That was disrespectful.”

  He laughed. “You’ve got balls, sweetheart. I’m proud of you and doubt he noticed your lack of underwear.”

  “I hope so.” She rubbed her cheek on his chest. “Now what? It’s been a lifetime of a day.”

  “It has.” He scooped her into his arms and carried her upstairs to the bedroom. “Unless the world ends, we’re going to sleep. I’m worn out, and I can’t imagine how tired you must be. When we get up in the morning or whenever, we’ll worry about everything else.” He placed her on the bed. “Right now, nothing can touch us.”

  She whipped the shirt over her head, then crawled naked between the sheets. “Sounds like a plan, Sir.”

  Her ass stung and her confidence had dipped, but she knew where she belonged—right beside him. He was right; they’d figure things out. Would that be by the end of the election? She had no idea, but they had right now and that was enough.

  Chapter Eight

  Andi watched television without really paying the show any attention. She spun her engagement ring on her finger. For the last three weeks, she’d kept out of the public eye. Good because she didn’t want to have to answer questions or deal with her ex-fiancé, but bad because she liked having a life. Sir kept her happy and secluded. If the press had come calling, she had no idea. But she missed her friends. She missed going out and shopping. Trey might not like her, but he didn’t have the right to keep her away from the things she loved. Sir shouldn’t have to babysit her.

  Yes, she’d used her time to create art for the shows and channeled her feelings into her work, but she wasn’t one for keeping regular hours when she painted. If the muse struck, she worked. If not, she waited for the right moment.

  Her phone rang. “Hello?”

  “Mrs. Meyer, a Ms. Allen is here to see you. I’ve sent her up,” Opal said. “She should arrive at the door in seconds.”

  “Thank you.” She felt odd talking to the receptionist like that, but she had to play the part of Sir’s wife.

  The chime on the door sounded. She made her way across the room and twisted the knob. Mary stood in the corridor. “Hi,” Andi said. “Good to see you.”

  “Good to see me? You’re a sight for sore eyes.” Mary strode into the room and snagged Andi in a hug. “I heard you’re lonely. That makes two of us. I haven’t seen you in the playroom, and I’ve been dying for a taco run.” She squeezed Andi again. “I miss you.”

  “Likewise.” She gestured to the couch. “Sit.” She sighed. “I feel like a prisoner.”

  Mary perched across the sofa from her. “Be glad you’re here and not out there. It’s nothing exciting. The election is getting nasty. Trey has dug up everything and anything he can on Dworkin.”

  “Oh no.” Her stomach soured. “We should’ve seen that coming, though.”

  “Dworkin must’ve. He isn’t fighting back and instead focusing on the issues. It’s nice to watch his ads because they’re not nasty.” Mary shrugged. “It’s still dead even in the TV polls.”

  “Jesus,” she murmured. “I’d hate to be Dworkin.”

  “He’s got Dean on his side. It’s amusing, really. Trey starts in, and Dean and Justin let him have it,” Mary said. “They’re tenacious.”

  “Dean?” She had to have heard her friend wrong. “Sir?” She stared at Mary. “What?” Fight back?

  “I thought you knew. He and Master Justin are on the city council.” Mary frowned. “They’ve helped keep things safe and fair in Cridersville. They’re some of the smartest guys on city council.”

  “Yeah.” Now she understood a bit better why Justin was so against her. He knew what she didn’t—she could screw everything up.

  “What?” Mary laughed. “You’re upset.”

  “No.” Liar.

  “You can fib to anyone else, but not me. I know you.” Mary paused. “Andi, tell me what’s wrong.”

  Mary was right. She did know Andi too well. Andi had to ‘fess up. “The whole council thing. What if this keeping me out of circulation thing is because he doesn’t want to ruin his public image?” She touched her collar. “What if he only collared me to keep me here because it’s less stressful for him?”

  “You can’t mean that. I’ve seen the way Dean looks at you. He’s in love. He’s doing what needs to be done to protect you,” Mary said.

  She shook her head. Nothing Mary said ha
d convinced her she wasn’t wrong.

  “You’re not thinking clearly. Remember what you told me?” Mary asked. “As soon as you told him about Trey, Dean helped. No question.” She tipped her head to the side. “So the marriage isn’t real. So what? My parents were never married and they’re not only still together, but they’re happier than ever.”

  “That’s different.” Mary’s parents weren’t in the public eye.

  “Not really. They aren’t fitting into the societal mold—just like you.” Mary folded her arms. “You’re original. Run with it.”

  “Your parents love each other. Sir doesn’t love me.” Despite her best attempts to get him to think otherwise. She wanted a relationship with love like theirs—built on passion and devotion.

  “Who says yours isn’t? I told you—Dean does love you. A lot.” Mary grasped Andi’s hand. “He’s not showing it the way you want, but so what? He does love you. He collared you and gave you that stunner ring.”

  “Mary.” Her friend wasn’t understanding the situation. “The ring, the collar … they mean nothing.”

  “You’re not going to budge on this, are you?” Mary stood. “Look, you think he pulled you out of commission because he’s embarrassed, right? Because it’ll fuck with his standing in the community? Am I getting close?”

  “Yes.” She rested her elbows on her knees and met Mary’s gaze. “Correct both times.”

  “Then you’re not giving him enough credit.”

  “He’s a politician. He’s looking at me as a liability. I heard it in Justin’s words and see it in Sir’s actions. If people see who he’s hooked up with, they won’t reelect him.” Her heart sank. “I should’ve learned with Trey to keep to myself.”

  “Wow. You’re getting way too wrapped up in yourself.” Mary sank onto the arm of the chair. “Jesus, Andi. Yes, Trey hurt you. Sir hurt you, but you’re not the only one hurting. You’re letting the past dictate how you handle everything. One size doesn’t fit all. Give Sir a chance. He isn’t a politician. Once you’re elected to city council, you’re there until you decide to give up the seat. No election until the seat is vacated. As for how Dean feels, if he went out on a limb, he did for you. He did it because he cares and wants the best for you. Stop being selfish. The world doesn’t revolve around you, but his heart sure does.”

  “Mary.” She couldn’t believe her friend had spoken to her that way—and worst of all, Mary was right.

  “You’re my best friend and I love you, but you need to consider what Dean’s been through. Trust in the playroom is easy because it’s expected. You know when you’re in there that trust has to happen. Life is different. He didn’t choose you or save you for his own gain.”

  Despite appreciating Mary’s honesty, she hated how much Mary seemed to know about Sir. “Since when did you become an expert on Sir?”

  “Andi.” Mary’s shoulders slumped.

  “Huh? Did you date him?” Her irritation had gotten the better of her. “Well?”

  “Lucy is my sister.” Mary’s eyes flashed. “Yeah. She goes by her middle name most of the time … you know, Claire? Lucille Claire.”

  “Mary.” Embarrassment washed over her. She hated herself for jumping to conclusions and getting angry. “I’m sorry. I hadn’t realized Claire and Lucy were the same person.”

  “You didn’t know.” Mary shrugged and stared at Andi. “I’m sure he didn’t say anything about it.”

  “No, but I feel like I should’ve known. I had no idea you had a sister.” She shook her head and stood. Damn it. “No matter how sorry I am, it doesn’t make up for my getting an attitude with you. I’m sorry.”

  “You didn’t know.” Mary sighed. “That’s why I said it’s not all about you. My sister fucked him up. She did the same thing to me when she found out I’m in the lifestyle. She can’t understand what I do and hated that Dean wouldn’t change for her. You get him better than she ever did, but you have to get over yourself.”

  “You’re right.” She hugged Mary. “I’m sorry, but I’m glad it took my pissing you off to make me see the truth.”

  “You’re a brat, but you’re welcome.” She hugged Andi right back. “When the election is over, let’s do another taco run. Visiting the food trucks is no fun on my own.”

  “Deal, and I’m looking forward to it,” Andi said. She had too much to think about.

  Mary nodded. “I need to go. I’m due at the center at eight-thirty.”

  “You’re back to the late shifts?” Andi asked. She followed Mary to the door. “I guess the planes fly at night just as much as during the day.”

  “The planes never stop.” Mary gave her one more hug. “See you and remember what I said.”

  “I will. I’ll call you tomorrow.” She walked with Mary to the elevator. “Be safe.”

  “You know I will.” Mary laughed and stepped into the elevator car. She waved as the doors closed.

  Andi hesitated in the corridor for a moment, then went back into the penthouse. She had too much to think about, but she knew what she had to do—show Sir how much he meant to her.

  ****

  Dean massaged his temples. He hated election time. He’d ignored the battle between Dworkin and Donaldson, but not for much longer. At least he knew which side he wanted to support. Trey had run a terrible campaign, filled with bullshit lines and arguments he couldn’t back up. Plus, he’d treated Andi like garbage. No one deserved to be shamed at the store or in the papers. He made his way through the building to the elevator. He hated being away from Andi, especially since he had to be at the city building most days.

  When he ducked into the elevator, Justin joined him. Justin pressed the button for their floor. “I thought you’d come home already,” he said. “What held you up?”

  “I spent the last hour arguing with my secretary.” He laughed. “She’s angry I got married and didn’t ask her first. She’s sixty-four and swears she’s like a mother to me.”

  “You’re a son to her.” Justin narrowed his eyes as the elevator doors opened on their floor. “Married? You went through with it for real?”

  He stepped into the corridor and waited for the elevator doors to close. “As far as anyone at city hall or here knows, yes. Have we gone by the book and made the marriage legal? No.” He rather liked the idea of being married to Andi. She pleased him in every way. Why not make her his bride?

  “Dean.” Justin shook his head. “I told you not to do this.”

  “You did.” And he’d ignored his friend.

  “So the town finds out you’re with a sub. They’ll turn on you like they did me when I hooked up with Kel. You don’t want that,” Justin said. “It’s not fun.”

  “I haven’t lied to the voters or anyone else until now. I want to be with Andi. If the town hates it, then too bad. I’m happy. She’s happy. A piece of paper and a ceremony aren’t what make a relationship last.”

  “You’d risk everything for her?”

  “The club is off-limits. Even if Trey gets elected, he can’t close us down. He has to get a majority vote, and that won’t happen. Esther and Michael won’t sway. They didn’t for Beacraft when he tried to buy them off. I doubt Trey can do anything to make them change their mind.” He trusted his fellow councilmembers. “On top of that, the guy’s threats have been empty. He claimed he’d ruin her and keep her from showing art at the galleries, but it’s crap. He doesn’t have the sway he believes he has. I talked to owners in the gallery district. He tried to pay them to force Andi out. They didn’t take the bait. He thinks he has something, but he has nothing.”

  “True.” Justin folded his arms and widened his stance.

  “This is our business. We know what we want to do with it. I’m not allowing Trey to close us down, but I’m not letting go of Andi, either.” He’d fight for her and lay down his life for his sub.

  “The papers trashed her, and since she’s out of sight, no one is defending her,” Justin said. “Are you okay with that?”

  �
�Of course I’m not okay with what they’ve said, but it’s in the past. Trashed is past tense. No one cares now about what she did because Trey moved onto the next thing,” Dean said. “The only reason he wanted to keep her around was for his own ego. He’s never been dumped—until she did it to him. She knew dirt, like him cheating multiple times, and he was worried she’d tell everyone. Unfortunately, he got himself into trouble instead. No one cares now if Andi cheated, but they wanted to know about Trey’s private life. Since she said nothing, the story died.”

  “You’re right. The entertainment aspect is done,” Justin said. “Are you sure it won’t pop up again?”

  “People are starting to see him as irrelevant and him lashing out at her is a dead subject.” He shrugged. “I’ve thought long and hard about it. The storm is almost over.”

  “Looks like it might be.” Justin chuckled. “And you love her.”

  “I’m getting there.” He hadn’t thought he’d admit that, but since Justin had brought the topic up again, he might as well be honest.

  “Don’t take too long. You’ll miss out on a good thing.” Justin winked. “Claim her in every way and be happy.”

  “You’ve given me shit all this time and now you’re encouraging me?” Dean asked. “Are you cracked?”

  “You’re my best friend. I have to be tough on you. Besides, I had to get you to fight for her and see what we all know—you’ve loved her all along.” Justin laughed and left Dean alone in the hallway.

  Dean snorted. Trust Justin to be his voice of reason. At least his friend cared. Dean unlocked the penthouse door, but heard nothing. She tended to be quiet and kept her music low when she worked. Still, the silence spooked him. He ventured into the penthouse, then locked the main door. He couldn’t wait to ditch the business suit in favor of jeans.

  “Andi? Sweetheart?” He removed his shoes, then abandoned his sport coat on the couch. “Are you here?” He wasn’t sure where she’d be since she hadn’t seemed interested in venturing out of the penthouse. “Babe?”

  “Sir?”

  He jaunted up the stairs to the second floor. Where was she? He stopped short in the bedroom doorway. Andi sat on the carpet at the foot of the bed. She wore nothing, save for a set of leather cuffs, a leather collar, and a leash. She’d pulled her hair back into a ponytail. She bowed her head and rested her hands on her thighs.