“I wasn’t.”
“Don’t lie to me, Flynn, or I’ll spank you again.” He laughed.
I shivered. My ass was still sensitive from the way he’d whipped that belt over my cheeks, and I hated and loved how much I’d enjoyed it.
“We’ll need a safeword if we’re going to keep doing this,” he said thoughtfully. “I never want to hurt you, do you understand?”
I sucked on my bottom lip and still refused to open my eyes. In my mind I was in a nice hotel with a luxurious bed, and a tray of wine and strawberries was beside me. “Yes, Sir.”
“Mm, I love it when you call me that,” he growled out. “Now, tell me your safeword, Rookie. A word you wouldn’t say except when you want to stop during a scene.”
I finally opened my eyes and stared back up at the ceiling—I wasn’t at that nice hotel, but in the home where Chris had broken my heart and left me after telling me he wanted a better life. Reality sucked big-time, and even though I knew Judge was too good for me, I wanted to hold on to him for a little longer. He could be my fantasy.
“Acquitted,” I whispered.
He laughed loudly. “I like that.”
I smiled, wishing I could see his face right now. We should’ve video messaged. Gripping the phone tighter, I sighed. “And if I want to end this thing between us completely?”
He sucked in a breath and silence hung heavy over the phone. “I hope that never happens.” His voice had deepened even further, heading toward irritation. “But if you do, you tell me you want to be dismissed forever.”
I ran my tongue over my lips. “Okay.”
“But let me warn you, Flynn. I never give up. I want you more than words can describe. I want to own you and control you and fuck you every night for the rest of my life.”
I snorted. “That’s what my ex said. It doesn’t last long when there are younger pieces of ass.”
“I’m not your ex,” he hissed. “And I’m going to prove it. Tomorrow morning, if you jerk off, I want proof. If you don’t send me pics, I’ll whip that ass ten times with my belt, am I clear?”
I swallowed around the excitement that lodged in my throat. “Yes, Sir.”
“What gym do you go to?”
“Iron Warriors, close to the law school.” I liked it there and had no plans to go anywhere else. It was a familiar comfort. Even though Chris was probably still a member, I wasn’t going to let that scare me away.
“I know the place. Don’t forget to meet me there at five. If you’re late, you’ll get a spanking for every minute over five.” There was a smugness in his tone that had me chuckling. “Am I clear, Rookie?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Good boy. Tomorrow at five. I can’t wait to see you work those muscles.”
I groaned, but he’d already disconnected the call. My dick jerked but didn’t chub up, and I rubbed it. “I know, buddy. We’re not in our twenties anymore. Not like Judge.” I laughed at that. He was trouble.
* * *
By the time5:00 a.m. rolled around I was already at the gym, jogging on the treadmill. I’d sent Judge a picture of me naked, but I hadn’t felt the urge to jerk off this morning, which wasn’t unusual. Sometimes my mind was running more than my dick. My to-do list was jam-packed.
When Judge finally walked in, he glared at me. I waved at him from the treadmill. My feet beat against the inclined belt as I hit my fifteen-minute warm-up while it looked like Judge signed up for a membership. He finished about the same time as I did and stalked up to me in his cute black muscle shirt and gray sweatpants that left little to the imagination. He clearly didn’t have any underwear on, but I wasn’t complaining. Neither were most of the people already at the gym because I didn’t miss the way women and men glanced at him.
“Why were you already on the treadmill?” he grumbled, raising a travel mug I hadn’t realized he was holding to his lips.
I waggled my eyebrows. “Because I needed to warm up.”
“You should’ve waited for me.” He glared. Not a morning person, I guessed. “You’re getting punished for that, Rookie.”
My eyes widened. “That isn’t fair, you didn’t tell me I had to wait. You only said to be here by five and don’t be late.”
“It should be obvious. Fuck this coffee is shit, last time I’m making it. I need to go put my gear away, don’t move an inch.”
