“I gotta hit the john.” I kept moving toward where we’d just come from.
Phoenix said, “They have a restroom at the barn.”
I took the first step up the porch. “I’m sure they do, but I want to be ready to work when I get there.” I waved and bolted up the other steps.
Their grumbles faded as they continued to the chickens.
Inside the reception area, I was shocked that Penny was already gone. I looked over my shoulder to make sure my brothers weren’t following me, then called out, “Erika.”
She popped her head around the corner. “Was there a problem?”
“No, no problem at all. Everest and Phoenix are on their way, and I’ll be there in a second. I just need to clear something up with you.”
“Okay.”
“The woman who just came in… Penny…”
“Yes, you three boys seemed a little taken by her.”
I scrunched my lips and shrugged my shoulders. “I can’t speak for my brothers, but I sensed that she’s a little vulnerable.” My words drew out as I tried to decide how to create a necessity for my involvement in her stay.
“We pay close attention to the needs of all our guests. She’s safe here.”
“Of course.” I waved my hands. “I didn’t mean to imply otherwise, just perhaps she could use a little extra guidance.”
“Are you wanting to provide that little extra guidance?” she asked coyly.
I straightened my shoulders, uncomfortable with the possessive urgency raging through me. “I want to be the best employee possible. And when we hired on, Master Derek mentioned that not only were we hired as ranch hands, but we were considered guests as well.”
“Yes, that’s why we fully vetted you. We take our guests’ protection seriously. We wouldn’t bring anyone onto the Ranch without being certain they can accept the needs of everyone here. Everything’s in place if you want to do more than work.”
I raked a hand through my hair. “Okay, so if I wanted to… watch out for…”
Based on the look in Erika’s eyes, she wasn’t buying my reserved wording. “Your scheduled work hours take priority.”
“Of course. So, if I wanted to watch out for Penny, it would help if I knew what she’s here for, what she’s looking for. Is that something you can disclose?”
“You’re in luck. I read over her file this morning, confirming her preferences, and she?—”
“Does she have any kinks? Any fantasies?”
Erika chuckled at my overzealous interruption.
“She thinks she might be a sub but doesn’t want to limit herself yet. She hopes to play with different dynamics by meeting people and seeing what feels right, but suspects she’ll need firm encouragement.” Erika read over Penny’s information. “Oh, and I think you’re gonna like this.”
What could she possibly say that would make me like Penny more?
“She thinks she might have a spanking kink.”
My eyebrows shot up so fast and hard, I thought they pulled my cock up, but that was a separate problem. “So she wants to be spanked while she’s here?”
“She probably wants to be spanked other times too, but yes, while she’s here.”
“Okay, thank you.” I tapped my fingers on the desk before pushing off. If I didn’t get back to Everest and Phoenix soon, they’d come looking for me.
“Okay.” The odd formality in Erika’s voice drew my attention. “You’re welcome. Please let me know what else I can do for you.” As she continued, I realized she was mocking me.
She wouldn’t be the first person to consider me too closed off.
