Secrets (Passion Shields) (11 page)

She quirked her eyebrow, allowing a smile to touch her lips.

"I'm good. But I'm also realistic. It
would've been arrogant of me to expect any different from you. Our relationship is about the journey as much as it's about the outcome. Do you understand, Lina?"

A hard tap against her bare bum had her flinching. The links jingled. A dull sting spread warmth out from her right tender cheek.

"Yes, I do, Benjamin."

"Moreover, a well-behaved Lina means I won't get to do this—" he tapped the other bum cheek.
Harder. She winced. "—often. It makes you vulnerable, and I'm the one who gets takes care of you afterwards."

"Why?" The word just slipped out.

His hand paused on her skin. "Don't you know by now, Lina?"

In that instant it all came
flooding into her mind, suffusing her soul.

"Your reprimands are a way you show your love through
your patience and self-control. Without it I don't think I would've made progress with relinquishing my fears and trusting again."

She heard him sigh. Was that relief?

"It's always my pleasure to love you in all the ways I can," he said and reached for her left hand. He released the cuff and massaged her wrist.

"You've earned yourself a reprieve. For the first time since you signed the agreement, I think you finally understand the purpose."

Relief washed over her body like a sea breeze. He also released her right hand. When he shifted his weight from her body, she sat up and hooked her arms around his neck before kissing him, injecting her gratitude into the passionate exchange.

He looked amused when she came up for air.

"What was that for?" he asked as he lay back on the bed.

"Thank you for being so understanding," she said,
settling next to him, her hand on his chest, and her leg over his.

His lips brushed her forehead.

"So you didn't sleep, huh?”

"Yes, one thing I found out. I don't sleep well without you, Ben. I will happily share your bed for the rest of my life."

"And I will happily share the rest of my life with you."

The End

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