Temporary Master by dakota trace Read Free Book Online Page A

“I…what do you mean
he camped out here at the youth center? I would’ve noticed some man loitering
outside when I came in. After living in New York, I’m always on the lookout for
danger around children. Not to say he’s dangerous to kids, but when it comes to
looking after the kids one can’t be too careful.” She
was quick to add.
    “I’ll
give you that, but Ethan has a quiet demeanor about him. Even when he’s
loitering, he blends into his environment. It’s probably what makes him such a
good doctor.” Kaleb nodded. “He’s been waiting all day to talk specifically to
you.”
    “I
don’t know what to say.” She slumped down in her chair, trying to think if
she’d noticed anyone watching her today. There had been a quiet Asian man
earlier in the day who’d held the youth center door for her when she’d come
back from lunch. She’d passed by him, and couldn’t help but think about the
cologne he was wearing. The citrus-y scent had lingered in her nose long after
her busy class. But he’d left. Or had he?
    He
sighed before placing a hand on her shoulders, jerking her out of her thoughts.
“I won’t force you to talk to him, Bella. But he does seem honestly sorry about
what happened on the phone, and has requested a few minutes of your time.”
    Chewing
on her lower lip, she wondered what it would hurt to actually see the man —
other than her overwhelming need to kick him in the shins. The good girl in her
protested while the little devil on her shoulder told her to go for it. He’d
given her hope only to dash it with a few callous words. She had to remind the
little devil he hadn’t actually ever said he would take her on, and if her
hopes had gotten dashed it was because she’d wanted too much, too soon. She
went back and forth mentally until Kaleb’s concerned voice put an end to her
internal bickering.
    “Darlin’,
I won’t make you see him if you don’t want to.” Crouched in front of her, Kaleb
wore an expression of genuine concern.
    She
blinked up at him, before shaking her head. “No, since he’s taken the time to
come down and see me, I suppose it can’t hurt to hear him out. Although I might hurt him if he says something incredibly
stupid.
    “All
right then. Wait here, and I’ll go get him.” Kaleb
stood and was gone, before she could question whether or not she was doing the
right thing.
    Within
minutes, Kaleb was back. When she didn’t notice anyone with him, she figured
Ethan had left. Disappointment tugged at her, even if
it had gone no further she’d wanted to be able to put a face to the voice she’d
talked to on the phone. “Oh, did he leave?” She forced the words past her
suddenly tight throat.
    “After
waiting all day to talk to you, no, I wasn’t going to leave.” The softly spoken
words teased her ears before sending shivers down her spine. Despite their soft
tone, the command in them was undeniable. She nearly fainted when the Asian man
from earlier in the afternoon stepped out from behind Kaleb. With his long
dreadlocks pulled back at the base of his neck and striking Japanese features,
he carried himself with a strength which belied his slender build. Dressed in a
pair of loose but neatly pressed linen pants and silk shirt, he exuded
confidence.
    Pushing
herself out of the chair, Sabella tried not to stare. She was so focused on the
good doctor she barely noticed Kaleb leaving the room. “Hello, Dr. Tremaine.
Kaleb was right, you’re very good at blending into
your surroundings. I never would’ve guessed the man I spoke with on the phone
was the same as the one who held the door for me earlier today.”
    Ethan
tipped his head. “Why? Just because I’m a Dom doesn’t mean I lack manners, Ms
Johnston. Even though at times I might seem to.” He
paused for a moment to take her in. “Believe it or not, I’m sorry if what I
said on the phone upset you. I didn’t intend to. There are too many wannabes in
the scene, and I jumped to the wrong