an aim as deadly as her Domme’s. “I regret pushing her. I forgot her divorce wasn’t very long ago.”
“I think I understand why she might hesitate to fully commit,” Olivia said.
Ghost frowned. “Go on, please.”
“You and Valerie both had long marriages, right, Colonel?” Olivia put her arm around her submissive, pulling her closer.
He nodded.
“You lost your wife to death. Which is horrible but didn’t affect how you thought of what you had together.” Olivia shook her head. “Valerie’s marriage ended because her beloved turned on her and dumped her for younger women. What she sees is her judgment has proven bloody bad. Even if you don’t turn out to be a bastard, you might simply change your mind. I can see how she’d hesitate at losing her last safety net.”
“Yes, I reached the same conclusion.” He sighed. “Right about the time the door closed after her.”
Tonight, at her apartment, he’d see if she’d open that door to him—and if she’d forgive him for being a pushy fool.
At the Shadowlands, Valerie parked her car, grateful she’d kept her alcohol intake under control so she could drive. Master Marcus, who’d picked up Gabi and Natalia, had offered her a ride, but she’d wanted the time alone so she could think. In fact, she’d taken a long detour before finally heading here.
Moving in with Ghost wasn’t an easy decision, especially for her right now. And he’d been obviously frustrated with her. And sometimes it was really annoying when he analyzed her like a…a damn Dom.
Only, fine, it was especially annoying when he was right. Like today. He’d realized the reason she clung to her apartment was because she still didn’t feel secure.
She rested her forehead on the steering wheel. Although she was working on those fears, they wouldn’t magically disappear, which meant he’d simply have to deal. Normally, they did well at talking to each other. Unlike Barry, Ghost listened to her. They should be able to work out a compromise now.
Right?
How angry was he going to be?
Through the windshield, she eyed the third-story landing. Maybe she should have had another drink.
As she slid out of the car, Natalia and Olivia stepped through the gate in the fence.
Natalia ran over to give her a hug. “He’s sitting by the pool and feeling all mopey. Go for it.”
“Thanks.” Valerie brightened. At least she wouldn’t have to climb those steps and wait at the door. “Wish me luck then; I’m going in.”
Natalia giggled and ran back to her Mistress.
The two were wonderful together.
The gardens were quiet as Valerie walked past the lanai and to the secluded pool area.
There he was. He was sitting on a bench, forearms on his thighs as he watched the water splashing into the pool. The Colonel, who was usually so very alert, hadn’t even noticed her. He seemed…sad.
Her heart gave a painful squeeze.
Straightening, he turned and spotted her. His green eyes sharpened, and in one sweeping look, he evaluated her posture, her mood, probably even her alcohol intake.
He rose.
“No, sit.” She opened the screen door and crossed to him. “I’m sorry.”
“An interesting approach.” His lips tugged upward. “What…exactly…are you apologizing for?”
Her breath huffed out. Doms were annoying. Couldn’t he just assume she was sorry for everything?
Only she wasn’t—and he probably knew it.
“Join me, Professor.” He tugged her down to sit beside him on the bench.
“I’m sorry I lost my temper and left.”
“I like your temper. But walking out?” His gaze was level, his voice even. “You surprised me.”
She winced.
“Lass, I’m glad you didn’t cave in and agree to something that bothers you. I didn’t take into account your past.” He smiled slightly. “As Olivia and Natalia pointed out.”
They’d spoken up for her? How sweet was that?
He stroked his hand down her arm in a warm caress. “I’m sorry for pushing you. I hope you can forgive me.”
She stared at him, then hauled in a shaken breath.
“Valerie, what?”
“I…I wasn’t expecting you to apologize or be reasonable. Only, I know you are, but I was braced for you to be angry.” Because Barry would have been.
His eyes narrowed slightly. “One more example of how the past can linger and bite a person on the ass, hmm? I’m not your ex, pet.”
“I know.”
“You do—in your head. It might take time to know it in your gut. Not your fault and not my fault. It’s nothing but fact.” He leaned forward and kissed her gently. “Which is why you are right to wait before giving up your apartment, and I was wrong to push.