His Human (The New Neighbors #2) - M.A. Innes Page 0,14

I will decide your punishment, little human. If you drive erratically or unsafely, however, your punishment will be more severe. I will not have a reckless submissive, little human.” Maverick’s stern words made it clear that I was going to have a very protective Dom.

“Yes, Sir.” He was going to make me come again if he kept saying things like that while he was touching me.

But as his limbs pulled away, I had to resist the urge to whine. I didn’t want him to stop touching me. It was quickly becoming addictive. The constant caresses that ranged from loving to sexy were something I could easily get used to.

“I’ll be careful.” I took a deep breath, centering myself and trying to get my brain back in gear. There would be no driving home on remote tonight.

“Very good.” One limb ran over my head in a stroke that felt almost tender. “I will need your address to find your home, but I will also follow you to ensure your safety.”

Oh yes, he was going to be a very hands-on Dom when it came to my safety.

“Yes, Sir.” With some guys I’d have argued about it, but after meeting George and getting to understand where Maverick was coming from, I knew I should pick my battles carefully.

Things like work and privacy were higher up my list than driving safely…and feeding myself should probably go somewhere on that list.

Giving him my address and waiting for him to drive across the parking lot gave me a few minutes to get my brain cells in some semblance of order. I’d never had anyone affect me the way Maverick was, but that wasn’t surprising considering how badly my dates had gone for the past few years.

Between assholes and working too much, I hadn’t found anyone I liked in a long time…and unfortunately, the few I’d liked hadn’t understood my need to submit. When they’d just seen it as a kink I should be able to set aside when it wasn’t convenient, I knew it wouldn’t work.

But Maverick wasn’t that way at all.

All the conversations I’d had with Cameron about limits and asking me to help him remember that he needed boundaries with George came rushing back, and I grinned. I probably owed him an apology before I asked him to help me with the same thing.

By the time Maverick had pulled up beside me in the parking lot, driving a sporty number that probably cost more than I made in a year, I was mostly clearheaded. The drive home didn’t take long, but it was exhausting. I hadn’t thought that much about rules and the other drivers on the road since I’d first learned how to drive.

It was worth it, though, to see Maverick’s smile as we both climbed out of our cars. “You did very well, little human. I am very proud of you.”

The sincerity and delight in his voice made me smile, even though the words were probably technically a bit condescending if I’d taken them at face value. But considering how he felt about cars and driving and his job, I could understand where he was coming from.

“Thank you.” I curled into his body as his tentacle pulled me in for a tight hug. “I wanted to show you that you didn’t have to worry about me.”

He made a sound that was probably his version of a scoff. “I do not think that will be possible.”

Smiling probably wasn’t the right response, but the sound in his voice was just so funny. I couldn’t think of a response that wouldn’t sound flippant or encourage his behavior, so I just tried to get my smile under control as he relaxed his grip and I stepped back. “Come inside.”

As we walked toward the front of the townhouse, I glanced back toward the vehicle. “Nice car.”

He nodded like the comment was appropriate, but instead of bragging about how much it cost, he surprised me. “It had numerous safety features that are the most current on the market.”

Of course it did.

“That’s good. Did you research a lot of cars?” The answer had my eyes nearly bugging out.

“No. I have been working with the manufacturer on designing new safety options. Did you know there are entire careers around testing the newest automobile and airplane designs?” He said it casually, but I had to shake my head.

Of course he was helping to design new cars and the latest planes.

It was no wonder he could afford the damned car, then.

“I’ve never