Reclaiming Quinn - Parker Williams Page 0,7

of the pack.”

“Okay, Lyram. I can’t thank you enough for what you’re doing.”

There was a smile in Lyram’s voice when he said, “I’m not doing anything. This is all on you. Don’t screw up.”

And before he could say anything else, Lyram hung up. Deke shook his head as he slipped his phone into his pant pocket. He had time now. Time to be with Quinn, to help him heal. Time to show his mate that he was loved, worshipped, and adored.

There was a hesitant knock, followed by a soft voice. “Master?”

“Come in, Quinn.”

The door opened, and Quinn stood there, serving tray in hand. For the first time, Deke noticed what clothes Quinn had chosen. He’d dressed in the most garish and outlandish colors that didn’t go together at all. He looked beautiful. Deke loved the fact that Quinn enjoyed bright, vibrant colors because it told him the sense of whimsy and wonderment was still alive in Quinn.

“I like your choice of clothes.”

“If they displease you, Master, I can—”

“Stop, Quinn. Bring my food over, please.”

Quinn did as he was asked and set the tray on the edge of the nightstand.

“Did I say I didn’t approve of your clothing?”

“No, Master.”

“And there’s a reason. I like what you and Dani chose. I love the colors, the style, and what makes them even better is that you helped to pick them out. So please, don’t think I don’t approve, because I truly do.”

For the first time, Deke noticed a hint of pink in Quinn’s cheeks, and Deke had hope.

“I’ve got a question for you. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?”

Like he’d been hit by lightning, the shyness was gone, and in its place was the return of the obedient slave. Deke hated that. He didn’t want this. He didn’t want Quinn to call him Master. He wanted to hear his name from Quinn’s lips, preferably with love.

“There’s no wrong answer here, Quinn.”

“Are…. Are you sending me away?” Tears filled Quinn’s eyes as he clenched his hands into fists. “I don’t want another master. I’ll do better. I’ll do whatever you want, but please don’t send me away.” His body shook so hard, Deke had a difficult time holding on when he took Quinn’s hand. “I can be better, you’ll see. I’ll never come into your room again, and I’ll….” He turned his pleading, tear-filled gaze on Deke. “Please, Master. Don’t make me leave you.”

Oh holy hell. Deke tugged Quinn down beside him, then pulled him into a hug. Quinn stiffened, but Deke was going to make damn sure he knew there wasn’t going to be a beating, there would be no anger, and he sure as hell wasn’t going to let Quinn go.

“You’re not going anywhere, I swear. You belong to me, and only me, okay? I’m never going to share you, and I won’t let others touch you. You….” He swallowed hard, hating the words he was about to say. “You’re my property, Quinn, and I won’t ever let anyone else have you. So get that thought out of your head.”

Quinn’s body shuddered, and the heat of his tears warmed Deke’s neck. They sat there, with Deke stroking a hand over Quinn’s back, until Quinn was all cried out. Deke slid over on the bed and pulled Quinn down beside him.

“Sleep.”

“But, Master, Dani—”

“Sleep. Do it for me, okay? I’ll talk to Dani.”

Quinn’s eyes fluttered shut. “Yes, Master.”

A few moments went by, and Quinn’s breathing evened out. Deke’s stomach clenched at the thought of losing Quinn. He wished Quinn could see that Deke had no intentions of ever giving him up.

And now, more than ever, he wanted to make Quinn smile just for him.

Chapter Three

HIS LEGS were wobbly by the time Quinn stepped out of the plane. He’d never seen the world from that viewpoint. Everything was tiny, and it surprised and humbled Quinn to know that no matter what his problems were, the earth didn’t care, because he was just a speck on the planet. He’d been so nervous when the plane had taken off. Master had leaned in and brushed their shoulders together, which reminded Quinn he was there.

When Master suggested Chicago, all the fears of Master giving him away resurfaced. Lydon was a small town, and others similar to it dotted the area, but when Ryker had gone there with Kristopher, he’d joked that in a city the size of Chicago, they could dump a body where it might never be found. Quinn’s mind raced