Glancing at his watch, he shook his head.It was almost five in the morning.
No wonder his body reminded him of his age.
When they were down the steps, Zee pressed the clicker and his Audi blinked, disengaging the locks.He opened the passenger door for Ella, giving her a sweet kiss as he helped buckle her in.
She yawned, and he mirrored her yawn too.
With one hand guiding the wheel and the other warm on her thigh, he drove them up the sloping driveway toward their home.
The sprawling West Coast–style house emerged from the trees, a blend of soft-lit glass and rich cedar, perched gracefully atop the hill.
Their own private sanctuary.The kind of place he never could have imagined himself living in as a kid.
He squeezed Ella’s thigh gently, feeling the weight of the thought settle in his chest.All the good things that had happened to him in this life were because of her.
Because she had believed in him, even when he hadn’t.
“You won’t be able to do late nights at the club.”
Zee cocked an eyebrow.“I get up at five practically every morning.”
Swim practice had always been a daily part of his life for longer than he could remember.
“Youusedto get up every day.Sometimes you sleep in these days.”Ella’s tone was wistful.
“I know it’s a huge change in your routine, my dear heart.”
Ella had her business on the side, and he had a hand in the Scott Riddell Foundation that he started along with his sister-in-law to honour his late brother, but there wasn’t any stress to their days.
Zee frowned, wondering if he should have given going back to work full time more thought.
And as soon as they stepped into the entry, Ella kneeled to take off his boots.
As soon as she was done unlacing his boots, she cupped the back of his calves and looked up at him, and alll the tension he had in his body eased, soothed by her devotion.
Fuck, she was gorgeous.And this woman called him Master.
Whatever the hint of unease in the air, Zee knew they’d adjust and figure it out and come back stronger, just like always.Zee extended his hand, helped her to her feet and crushed his body against hers, feasting on her mouth until she let out a low moan.
“I want to go right to bed, Ella.”
“Yes, Master.”
He didn’t let go of his hand as they went upstairs, past their darkened living room, kitchen and dining room, and the beautiful doors that led to the indoor saltwater pool.
Zee winced on the stairs, stopping.
“Can I get you an ice pack?”Ella placed her hand on the small of his back, and he breathed in her comforting touch.
“No, a good night of sleep should do it, but I should have used those knee pads, damn it.My back is sore.”
“We’re not in our twenties anymore, my Sir.”
The amusement was rich in her voice.Zee took her hand and pressed a kiss on the back of her soft skin.
“Don’t need to remind me.Get upstairs, I want to tuck you into bed.”
“Of course,” Ella hurried ahead of him, but he didn’t miss the sly smile on her face.He took his time, exhaling and flipping off the lights before walking down the hall to their bedroom.
