Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 53450 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 267(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53450 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 267(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
“I will look forward to it.”
Looking up at him in surprise, Juniper said, “That sounds like you’re planning to eat with me again.”
“Definitely. Would you like to stroll through the grounds? It’s a beautiful night.”
She hesitated for a moment before stating firmly, “I’m not interested in a vacation fling.”
“I don’t do casual relationships, Little girl. Come walk with me, and we’ll talk.”
Nodding, she placed her hand in his when he rose and offered her assistance. As Juniper stood, he stepped back, allowing her to proceed from the table. He fell into place beside her with his hand on the small of her back. Feeling protected and cherished by such a small act, Juniper warned herself not to read too much into his actions.
He guided her through the crowd with that gentle hand on her back. She could feel its warmth through her thin shirt. They walked until only a few people were around, and he steered her into a private spot in the shadows.
“Little girl, I’m more than the head of technology here. I am here to make sure you’re safe,” Magnus said quietly.
“Safe? Why wouldn’t I be safe?”
“There are bad guys out there. A man was recently released from prison for bank robbery. He spent time here with your father when you were here as a child,” Magnus shared.
“Wait! What? This doesn’t make any sense. Is the reason you’ve spent time with me because you knew my dad hung out with bad guys?” Juniper’s heart rate increased as she grew angry. How dare he flirt with her? Touch her? And then, tell her that her dad was a crook?
“I’ve handled this badly,” Magnus began before stopping as she interrupted.
“You think?” Juniper set her hands on her hips and turned squarely to confront him.
This time, Magnus didn’t try to talk. He stepped forward until their bodies brushed together. When Juniper opened her mouth to ask what he thought he was doing, Magnus cupped the back of her head and kissed her.
Surprised, Juniper thought she ought to protest, but his mouth was like warm velvet. She froze against him and then felt herself move closer as she responded to his kiss. When he wrapped his free arm around her waist and squeezed her even closer, his heat enveloped her.
Magnus tugged gently at the hair he held captured, and she moaned in response, opening her mouth. He traced the inside of her lips before dipping in. His flavor tasted like the exquisite meal they’d had, plus a unique addition.
Needing more, she traced her tongue over his. He responded immediately, drawing her in. She knew she gripped his shoulders too hard but couldn’t loosen her fingers. He was her stability, the constant in a world that seemed rocked by his kiss.
When he lifted his lips, Juniper stared at him in disbelief. What had just happened?
“You’re mine, Little girl. I apologize for bumbling the words. I need to protect you from any threat.”
“Little girl?” she repeated. “You think I’m a Little girl?”
“Am I wrong?” he asked.
“I don’t know. I’ve read books, but I didn’t know it really existed.”
“It does. There are Daddies and Littles everywhere,” he assured her and leaned in to kiss her again as if he couldn’t resist.
“This seems so strange. I shouldn’t feel this way about anyone after just meeting them,” she murmured.
“Perhaps something inside you recognizes characteristics in me? There’s no rush in our relationship, Little girl. I’ll always be there to take care of you even if you decide you don’t need a Daddy.”
“A Daddy?” she repeated, hearing the capital letter in her head just like she’d seen it in romance novels.
“Yes, Juniper.”
“Do Daddies actually spank their Little girls?” she blurted.
“Yes. There are other punishments and rewards.”
“What kind of rewards?” The heat gathering inside her flamed a bit hotter.
He kissed her lips sweetly and hugged her close. “Those you just have to experience.”
“Oh!”
“You and I are going to spend time together. We’re going to explore this relationship. I’m also going to keep you safe in case this guy that knew your father comes here,” Magnus promised.
“That’s so weird. I don’t understand. My father passed away three weeks ago. He lived a comfortable life, but not a bank-robber-thief kind of one. There’s no way he was involved.”
“That’s good. Perhaps my intel is completely off base. I’m still going to make sure you’re protected. Okay?”
Juniper nodded. There was no reason not to. If the chiseled, mysterious man wanted to spend time with her, she wanted every minute of his time. She stared up at his face. Their kisses had knocked his cap up slightly, but the shadows still disguised him.
“Good girl. Let me walk you to your room, and you can get some sleep. I know you’re tired from traveling,” Magnus suggested softly.
“I am. Thank you.”
He adjusted his hat as they walked back into the lighted section of the path. That hand on the small of her back guided her into the resort and back to the elevator where they’d first met.