Page 26 of Carter

At least… I think it is… but now he’s pulling a notebook and pen from his bag.

It’s like he’s preparing for a business meeting. I don’t care what he wants to do, as long as we are back together. The weight of my ring makes me feel like me again. I let him do his thing and I watch my diamond glitter under the lights. Marking me as his.

Carter Bachman’s baby.

His gaze grabs my attention. It’s serious, heavy. “I need to make a few things clear.”

“About what?” I ask. I turn my hand under the light, watching the jewel shoot rainbows across the café. A celebration of our reunion.

“Sasha. Put your hand in your lap and look at me.” His stern tone snaps me out of my bubble of happiness. I quickly obey.

He says, “Good girl.”

Which… makes me ridiculously wet. I squirm in my chair, but then my bottom reminds me of my punishment. Making me even wetter. I press my thighs together. Clench my pussy and tell her to get control of herself.

He says, “Each Bachman marriage is different. Some men are stricter than others.” He gives me a look that makes my tummy feel funny and makes me think we are going to end up on the stricter side. A shiver runs through me. Right down to my pulsing cunny.

“Okay, I can handle that,” I say sweetly.

He looks at me. He scribbles in the notebook. “Number one, respecting authority. That seems to be the one you need to work on most. And it includes all authority. Not just me. When you speak of Bronson, you will speak with respect.”

Bronson, ugh. I roll my eyes.

His brow raises. “That includes eye rolls.” He glances behind us. “I’m going to take you into the bathroom in the back of this café and spank you if I see that again.”

I sit up a little straighter. Try to hold my gaze straight forward.

It’s not enough. He’s glancing behind him. His palm is patting his thigh.

I gulp.

I look around the café. It’s pretty busy and I think people would notice if he drags me off to the bathroom. My face flushes, remembering all eyes on me at Gotcha’s. I smile and say, “Yes, sir. What’s rule two?”

“Better. Good girl.” He pats my thigh underneath the table. His hand stays there.

Even the gentle weight of his hand on my leg is making me wet. I cross my legs, tightening the pressure between my thighs.

He moves on. “Rule two. When you choose my leadership, do not undermine it simply because surrendering the final word makes you uncomfortable.”

That lands differently. “I can try that,” I say. “But I need you to understand something too. Submission cannot mean I stop having a voice.”

He says, “Rule three. Submit yourself to discipline when necessary.”

I see one of the other patrons peeking at us curiously. I guess this isn’t an appropriate time to tell off a stranger—he never likes when I do that. Instead, I turn toward Carter, blocking their view with my back. My face is suddenly very hot. I lean forward and whisper, “What all does that entail?”

He says, “Depends. Up to my discretion.”

I have to know. I’ve heard stories from the wives. Tales of things that make me shiver. That make my ass quiver. Surely Carter wouldn’t do those things to me… would he? Flush creeps up from my chest. I stretch closer, my voice barely audible. “But are we talking… just a spanking? And that leather thing that was on the dresser?”

“Depends. Up to my discretion.” He slaps the book shut. He gives me a wink. “I think that just about covers it.”

He’s not going to tell me—he’s going to leave me to think about it, worry over it. My stomach tightens. I need to keep him here a little longer. At least get information from him. I say, “But wait? Aren’t there more rules? Guidelines? Don’t you have any rules? Does the brotherhood?”

His eyes lock on mine. That little muscle in his jaw twitches. When he speaks, his tone is that of the new Carter—the dangerous one with the paddle palm. “My rule is to protect you, care for you, and lay down my life for you if necessary. Haven’t you found since we’ve been together, I’ve done that?” His brow narrows and he’s searching my face.

I hold his gaze. “What happens if I get so good at being what you want that I stop being me?”

His expression changes immediately. “Then I am doing this wrong.”