Not Negotiable: A Trident Security Series Novella - Book 3.5 by Samantha Cole Read Free Book Online Page B

“You’ve been in the lifestyle for years, Shelby. You know damn well we’re a close-knit community. Nobody says they want to help because they feel obligated to. They say it because they care and know if the situation was reversed, you’d be there for them. They love you, baby. You’re family to everyone at The Covenant. Why don’t you see that?”
    Her eyes filled with tears and he stood before drawing her up into his arms. He hadn’t intended to make her cry, but she needed to hear she wasn’t alone in this fight. When she took a shuddering breath, he held her tighter. “Let me tell a few people—you’re going to need help whether you realize it or not. I’m moving you in with me, but in case I need to tend to business, I want to be able to call someone to stay with you.”
    She pulled away to glare up at him. “I don’t need a babysitter, Parker. I’m a grown woman.”
    “I didn’t say you needed a babysitter. I said you needed your friends and family. They would feel slighted if you didn’t turn to them when you needed them the most.” He let her go and handed her a napkin to wipe her eyes and nose.
    “You’re going to say this is not negotiable, aren’t you?”
    She blew her nose and he couldn’t help but think even that was adorable when she did it. “Yes, I am. And whether you admit it or not, it’s what you want me to say. Now, eat and then go see if you need anything else that I didn’t pack. I put in your clothes, underwear, toiletries, pajamas, medications, and anything else I could think of. I also grabbed your cell phone charger and your e-reader.”
    “Wow. You thought of everything, didn’t you?”
    He winked at her as he shut down his laptop and put it back into its carrying bag. “I hope so, but just in case you better take a look. I’ll come back later with a cooler and empty your fridge so nothing spoils. Oh, you’re not allergic or afraid of dogs, are you?”
    “No, why? Do you have one?”
    Grabbing his now cold coffee, he dumped it into the sink and cleaned the mug. “Yeah. I’ve always loved animals, but wasn’t allowed them growing up. My parents were not animal lovers—hell, they’re not even children lovers. Anyway, I called my neighbor and asked him to let Spanky out last night and this morning.
    Shelby choked on her milk. “Spanky? You have a dog named Spanky?”
    A chuckle escaped him along with an impish grin. Putting one hand over his heart, he held up his other. “I swear, it’s the name they gave him at the animal rescue. It was too ironic to change.”
    The lyrical laugh that came from her mouth filled his heart. It was nice to have her bubbly personality showing once again. Two weeks was way too long not to see her smile and watch her eyes light up in amusement. He vowed then and there to make her laugh as often as possible—for as long as she let him.

Chapter 6
    “This is your house? It’s beautiful.” Shelby couldn’t help the awe in her voice. The one-level ranch house was gorgeous with stunning landscaping surrounding it. The neighborhood was quiet at the moment, but she could tell many young families lived there because of the jungle-gyms in some of the backyards, along with the bicycles and toys in a few driveways. There was an elementary school and park two blocks away, making it an ideal area for raising children. She pushed the thought from her mind.
    “Yup. One of the perks of being a builder. This was a foreclosure and was in desperate need of repair when I bought it. The neighbors were thrilled when I renovated it.” Parker pulled up to the two-car garage and killed the engine. “Stay there, I’ll get your door.”
    She sighed and waited. He wasn’t exactly treating her as an invalid because common courtesies, like opening doors and pulling out chairs, were something most Doms did for any submissive. But part of her wished she wasn’t just any submissive to him. Stop it. That kind of thinking will only cause heartache for you