Chapter Five
Four days had passed since their last session. While she’d certainly texted him as required, obeying his various instructions, she hadn’t gone out of her way to ask about setting up an appointment. She also hadn’t been on SubmissiveLife. Granted, Dominick wasn’t necessarily surprised, given the way she’d raced out of his house, her face as red as her blistered ass. He tapped his finger on his office desk, turning the chair in order to gaze out the window.
What a fucking asshole he’d been. There was no way she couldn’t have noticed the bulge between his legs. Being attracted to her was one thing but being unable to hide his desire was entirely another. He was a man of discipline himself. Perhaps he’d made a huge mistake in agreeing to the arrangement. Unfortunately, he hadn’t been able to get her out of his mind since meeting with her.
The first time.
She was absolutely gorgeous, in an unassuming way, almost bashful in the way she handled herself. And he adored the nervous tics, the way she chewed on her bottom lip or wound her fingers around strands of her long hair. Even the way she put her toes together, almost like the way a young girl would stand was endearing. And her smile. God, her smile was beautiful.
Yep. He was a goner, hooked on a girl that he had no business being with. Hmmm… And why was that exactly? Because she was younger? Oh, that was bullshit. Because she was barely making ends meet? As if he cared.
Then what? She was the real deal. Kind. Open. Honest. Everything he’d never experienced.
There was absolutely no reason he couldn’t take this a little farther. He didn’t want to spook her, but he did want more. Admitting it created a wave of heat behind his way too thick jacket and shirt, a bulge ready to burst from his pants. “Fuck.” He slid his hand over his crotch, trying his best to alleviate his discomfort. Instead, he spread his legs, stroking up and down as he envisioned her face, her eyes every time she pulled an implement from the bag. She was so refreshing.
He missed their frank discussions even more than the physical interaction. The hours spent just talking had been special. Now that he was her daddy dom, she’d fallen into the role completely, maybe too much so. He hadn’t expected they would stop talking. His mind raced with various possibilities.
He’d issued two additional rules, that she wasn’t to come without his permission and that she was required to spend at least five minutes a day in a quiet corner in her apartment, reflecting on what she’d learned so far. There’d been no feedback of any kind. Had he pushed her too far?
Closing his eyes, images of her naked body rushed into his mind, playing one after the other, so vivid in color and detail that he was left breathless. He wanted this girl in the worst of ways. What in the hell was he going to do and how could he show her? She needed to make the next move, to contact him for another session. Struggling to calm his raging libido, he grabbed his phone, almost praying that she’d left another text. She hadn’t.
He jerked up from his desk, pacing the floor. This was getting ridiculous. He should simply call her, ask her out to dinner. No, that would break what limited level of trust they’d managed to glean together on a wing and a prayer. Everything had to occur naturally, in an easy manner, with her making the first move. He snorted at the thought. Would she actually accept him in any other manner?
Wait. This was not what either of them had signed up for. He was living in a fantasy world and needed to shake the idea. He would discipline her on a regular basis, punish her as necessary, and move on with his life. Period.
When his office phone rang, he physically jumped, rolling his eyes at the realization he’d been daydreaming for far too long. He still had business to tend to, work to be done. He grabbed the phone on the first ring. “Asbury.”
“Dominick. Sorry to bother you, but you’re needed in the conference room. We have an issue.” Hearing the concern in Fred’s voice, he frowned. The latest contract was a ballbuster and although Fred was supposed to be working on the final details, he’d known the sellers were none too keen the land was being sold for another commercial building, instead of a home site as had been originally proposed. No negotiations. “I’ll be right there.”
He grabbed his cell phone and headed out of his office, taking long strides toward the conference room. He was going to remain steady on the deal that had been agreed to, accepting nothing less. Bullshit and changes at this point he refused to accept. The conference room door was open, and he could hear the ongoing discussion. Very terse.
Fred flanked his side, pulling him further down the hall. “Look, Mr. Waters is seriously trying to back out unless we agree to at least building townhomes within the project. I figured you’d want to handle this.”
“You were right to call me in. Is he willing to negotiate in any other manner?” Dominick asked, homing in on a few terse words.
“Not at this point. Waters seems to think he has the upper hand since he knows the building commissioner.” Fred shook his head. “Bull-headed guy.”
“You mean he’s a bastard. Don’t worry. I know how to handle him.” Dominick plastered on his practiced smile as he walked into the room, remaining in the doorway. He listened as the various parties continued to talk over each other, his attorney included. Troy was a shark in expensive clothing, but the man seemed unraveled today. Granted, Brice Waters was no pushover, considered one of the most formidable men to do business with in the city. “Gentlemen. I suggest we get down to brass tacks.” He knew his powerful and authoritative voice would shut down the room.
And it did.
“Okay, what is the concern?” Dominick asked, honestly not giving a shit as to Mr. Waters’ position, but he allowed the man to speak, followed by certain basic threats by the man’s attorney then cutting words issued by Troy. He held up his hands. “There will be no townhouses. Period.”
His phone buzzed, a text coming in. Dominick immediately froze, resisting the urge to yank the phone from his pocket.
Mr. Waters stood. “Then there is no deal. I haven’t signed the contract and there will be no business together without your reconsideration.” He had a look of knowing on his face. “I’ll simply go to your competitor. Or, you can agree to my terms and I’ll throw in another piece of property on the riverbank, allowing you to build that second condominium you’ve been pining away for.”
For some reason, Dominick held back. He remained quiet while everyone in the room had their eyes on him. This was the deciding moment. He’d never softened his position on a single deal in his entire career. Everyone knew he was a tough businessman, making deals that no one else in the city could. Why was he hesitating to any degree?
Fred walked in beside him, clearing his throat. “A very interesting suggestion, Mr. Waters, but I don’t think that’s what Mr. Asbury wants to do. Our game plan hasn’t changed since day one.”
The usual sense of entitlement Dominick normally felt wavered, creating questions in his mind. Being distracted wasn’t in his company’s best interest. Sighing, he was unable to resist pulling out his phone, a rush floating into his heart the second he saw the text from his baby girl. He rolled his finger across the screen, his mind completely off the game.
“Dominick? Right?” Fred asked, crowding closer.
Sir, may we have another session tonight if that’s possible? I’m in need. Please, Daddy. If that’s possible.
Fuck, he was sweating like a damn pig. Hell, yes, tonight was possible.
“Dom, what do you want to do?” Fred pushed.
Dominick exhaled, a smile crossing his face. What he wanted at this point had nothing to do with his business or this deal. However, he needed Waters to sign and get it underway or he’d lose hundreds of thousands of dollars on work he’d commissioned already, including a full assessment of the site. “Brice. What are your thoughts about this townhouse? Why is this so important to you?”
Brice seemed taken aback. He took a quick glance at his attorney, who nodded. “Because the number of homeless seniors is increasing on a monthly basis. They’ve been pushed out of their affordable homes by developers much like yourself. My idea? One hundred units built on the outskirts of your project, all equipped with variances allowing for easy living, access to services that they wouldn’t have otherwise. My thoughts are to have a fully contained live and work site, complete with restaurants and commercial shops, an affordable grocery store, and medical services. This could be a true prototype that I would be proud to be a part of. Simply destroying the trees and land in order to provide another commercial office building I want no part of.”
“What about the additional infrastructure that will be needed?” Dominick threw back, already planning the night ahead. The idea wasn’t bad, even though regrouping would cost significant funds. He’d never considered a prototype of anything.
“I’ll take care of whatever additional costs are required, including curb and gutter. I’ve looked into various grants and we have an opportunity with those as well.” Brice directed his comment to Dominick only, his eyes flashing.
He walked closer to Brice Waters, staring the older man in the eye. “What about the medical facilities? That takes specialized designations.”
“That can all be handled through my organization. If you’ve bothered to look at my portfolio, you know I’ve built something of this nature before, albeit on a much smaller scale.” Brice had a puzzled look on his face. The man had been expecting a fight. He’d wanted to pull out of the deal.
The text sounded again since he hadn’t answered. Dominick was in a good mood, ready to take the bull by the horns. What the heck. He was ready to take on something completely different. “I tell you what.” He took a quick glance at his attorney, who was ready to jump out of his skin. “If you provide me with details about the potential extra costs, with a statement that you’re willing to cover them, I’ll sign the deal. We will build your townhomes. Asbury Associates will invest in the future and even consider additional sites at some point.”
“Dominick!” Fred hissed under his breath.
Dominick held out his hand, glaring at his VP. “Do we have a deal because this is the last time it’s going to be on the table?”
Brice stood, walking around the attorneys until he could shake Dominick’s hand. “Son, we have a deal. If you won’t take this the wrong way, I’m very proud of you. You’re not the man I expected.”
Yeah, well, he had no doubt his executive team as well as his board of directors might say that in an entirely different fashion. No matter. He’d given his word. He allowed the shake to linger for only a few seconds before breaking away. “Fred. Troy. You can settle the rest of the arrangements. I have some other things to attend to.” He walked out of the conference room, a huge grin on his face. And he heard the exclamations, the confusion in the voices of his people. What did he care? Life was about more than just business deals.
Dominick was barely in his office when he answered her.
Seven sharp. Don’t be late. I’ll expect you to wear something appropriate. Please send your list.
He’d barely hit send when he heard footsteps, someone storming into his office.
“What the hell was that?” Troy demanded, not bothering to close the door.
“That was a business deal.” He walked toward his desk, shutting down his computer and grabbing his keys.
“Where the hell do you think you’re going? We need to talk about this. You can’t go off half cocked on this shit.”
“Last time I checked, I owned this company.” The words were stated with full authority.
Troy hissed under his breath, the expression remaining enraged.
“I have a life, Troy, which is something you should try to achieve.” He grinned as he walked past Troy, a skip in his step.
“Does this have anything to do with that tramp you’re seeing, the one you’re disciplining?”
He stopped in his tracks, exhaling before turning sharply, closing the distance. His fist was clenched as the anger swelled, filling his mouth with bile. “How. Fucking. Dare. You.”
Troy’s eyes opened wide. “Ever since you signed that arrangement with her, you’ve been distracted. Now you’re destroying our business.”
“Our business?” Dominick knew the sound had filtered out into the hallway. He calmed his rage before crowding even closer. “I suggest you remember your place as well as what confidential arrangements I make that you’re privy to. If I ever, and I do mean ever hear you say something like that again, I will terminate you. Or worse.”
He inhaled, puffing up and taking a step back, his eyes darkened.
“Do I make myself clear, Troy? Do I?”
“Crystal.”
Shaking his head, he made certain he kept the hard stare before heading for the door.
“I’d be careful about what arrangements you make, Dominick. They will come back to bite you in the ass.”
As Dominick walked down the hall, he could tell by the looks on at least two of his employees’ faces that they’d overheard the conversation. What they did with the information could be damning, but at this point, he simply didn’t give a shit.
He was in his car and speeding off before anyone else had a chance to stop him. As he turned on the satellite radio, he made a decision to go shopping. His baby girl was going to learn about the finer things in life. Period.
Another call would need to be made. His pulse skipping, he dialed the number to the guardhouse, whistling to the music. “Sam. It’s Dominick Asbury. How are you?” He zoomed down the road, swerving around other cars, knowing exactly where he was headed. She would be surprised. “I’m glad. Are you working tonight?” He found a heavy metal station, the music fitting his mood. “Perfect. Listen, do you remember the young lady who visited me the other day? Well, she’s going to be a regular guest. If you can put her on the list for me, I’d appreciate it.”
* * *
Her master’s cock had been hard as a rock. Jenna would never forget the way his shaft throbbed, thumping against her belly as he spanked her. She’d wanted nothing more than to slide onto her knees, releasing his dick and sucking him dry. Wasn’t that a quaint addition? She rolled her eyes as she fastened her skirt. Why had she panicked, racing out of his house? Think about something else.
Wear something special. Well, this outfit should do it. She glanced at the perfectly pressed white shirt and the checkered short skirt and giggled. She’d ordered the damn outfit from Amazon, terrified she’d look like an idiot. She had to admit, with her hair in pigtails, she resembled the schoolgirl look more than she cared to admit. At least this would make certain to draw the line in the sand. They were just an arrangement. Nothing more.
She twirled and pouted like a teenager, holding the stance. Then she fell against the dresser, smacking her hand on top. Who did she actually think she was kidding? She’d fantasized about the man for so many hours, she’d lost track of the days. Everything about her spanking had left her… well, in panic mode for a solid day, finally accepting that she had feelings for him. For the man who had spanked her to the point she’d had trouble sitting for a solid day. Not good in any manner.
Frowning at her reflection, she twisted and lifted her skirt. The very white baby doll panties might be a bit too much, but she was determined to go through with this, one way or another. Pulling on the elastic, she rubbed her hand across her ass cheeks, no longer able to see any red marks. Damn. Well, she’d have more after this evening. After the spanking, she’d realized that she did indeed crave not only his firm hand, but his authority in the way that he required her to follow his rules.
Not being allowed to come had been the worst. She huffed and eased her panties back into position, smoothing down her skirt before hiking up her socks. Well, the look was going to have to do. If she didn’t leave now, she would be late, and she didn’t want to risk even harsher punishment.
“Here goes nothing.” She had to keep her hormones squashed. Snickering as she walked out the door, she caught the eye of more than one of her neighbors. “Shit.” Another curse word. The list was growing longer.
The drive was filled with the same apprehension, but this time her emotions were complex. She felt like a student with a huge crush on her teacher, bending over his desk for a whipping with a wooden ruler. Her panties were already damp from the thought of seeing him again. Adding the naughty image into her mind only proved to make her nipples hard.
She was behind three cars as she pulled into Reed’s Landing and slid down in the seat as she made her way to the guard house. She had to look ridiculous. Breathe, girl. You can do this. The same guard was on duty and she regretted her choice in outfits. “Hi, I’m—”
“Mr. Asbury is expecting you, Ms. Parker,” he said, smiling. “Have a lovely evening.”
Why was he being extra nice to her? Mr. Asbury must have called ahead. The power the man must wield. She trembled at the thought. There was no hesitation this time as she pulled down his long driveway, but she did study her makeup in the rearview mirror before easing out of the car. She knocked on the door and held herself with confidence, keeping her legs together, her hands in front of her. A prim and proper baby girl.
Master Dominick opened the door, his eyes widening as he gazed down the length of her. “I must admit, I approve, young lady. Come in.”
“Thank you, Sir.” There was no noticeable lust in his eyes, only a slight admiration for the way she was dressed. Maybe she’d been wrong about his earlier reaction. Business arrangement only. He was dressed in another crisp shirt and vivid tie, the deep turquoise matching his eyes almost perfectly. She couldn’t help but take a gander at his muscular chest inching into a carved waist and those legs. Whew. He had the longest legs. Even the dimple in his chin was alluring, creating a wave of heat between her legs. She took a deep breath and inhaled the scent of his exotic cologne, the fragrance of musk and something woodsy. She also gathered a whiff of her feminine wiles and squeezed her buttocks, as if the action would prevent him from gathering her scent.
“I’ll be with you in a few minutes.” He walked away without issuing any additional commands.
Maybe he hadn’t noticed. Sighing, she was almost disappointed, but what did she expect? His earlier reaction had been based on her naked body, not because of the woman inside. She undressed and deposited her clothes, noticing the duffle was already waiting for his selection, positioned by the desk. She walked toward the corner, less apprehensive than the time before. When she placed her hands by her sides, she almost immediately moved to reflect on her behavior the last few days. In truth, she’d been much calmer, more focused than she’d ever been. How ironic.
The time spent standing in the corner seemed to go by quickly and when she heard his footsteps, she clenched her buttocks again, holding her breath.
“You seem far more relaxed than you did before. I’m glad. The discipline is already working,” he said with quiet reservation.
“Yes, Sir. I feel good.” She turned, feeling more sheepish than she had before. His eyes darted quickly away, a slight redness creeping up along his cheeks, which made her completely self-conscious. He’d changed in the limited time he’d been away, now wearing a pair of jeans and a Henley shirt in the same vibrant hue. What if he kissed her? What if he took her into his arms? She fought a moan from the thought alone, her nipples now aching, longing to be plucked and twisted. A brief image of her daddy sucking on her nipples floated into her mind. No. No. This wasn’t possible.
“Excellent.” He grabbed the bag, placing it on the same spot on the desk. He didn’t look in her direction as he unzipped the duffle, rummaging through.
The tension between them was entirely different but palpable, leaving her uncertain of her reason for being there. “I sent you the list, Sir. Did you have a chance to read my infractions?”
“I did. Seems you were a better girl in the past few days, although your mouth is rather caustic.” He grinned as he issued the words, yet still kept his gaze in another direction.
But his voice was strained.
“Are you going to warm me up, Sir?” He was twisting the brush in his hand, rubbing his thumb up and down the wooden handle.
In her mind, the move was oh-so sensual.
“I will, but I think I’ll do that with the spoon then use the brush this evening. Please get into position.” He placed the items on the desk, dragging the bag to the floor and took a decided step backwards.
Exhaling, she walked toward the desk and leaned over, lifting her arms to grip the other side. Tingles slid down from her neck to her back, oozing into her legs, which were twitching. She had several questions in her mind, thoughts that she wanted to share, but at this point, she was forced to accept that the line between then had solidified, creating a barrier. Why hadn’t she talked to him during the past few days? Their conversations had been so enlightening, uplifting to her life in general.
Master Dominick lifted the spoon, murmuring so softly that she was unable to hear what he said.
She wanted to watch him, to study every aspect of what he was doing, how he was preparing, but she remained in position, her fingers white-knuckled from the way she was crushing them against the desk. Her mouth was once again dry, the anticipation killing her. There was also such excitement, making her heart flutter, her legs quake. Why did she question whether her reaction had anything to do with her upcoming spanking?
“Spanking a woman is very cathartic for a man.” He said the words as he tapped the spoon against one ass cheek then the other.
“Why, Sir?”
“Because it’s a manner of issuing control, of allowing the submissive to understand his authority.”
“I understand, Sir.”
“Do you?” he asked as he tapped her ass again then the tops of both of her thighs. “Spread your legs.”
She did as was required, spreading her legs, imagining that she was leaking on the expensive mahogany wood. “I believe so, Sir. For a woman to submit, to trust enough to hand over her body to be disciplined and trained is a gift and very powerful. Sir, I mean Sir.” He seemed to hesitate before smacking her again, this time with additional force.
“You’re right. You do understand. There’s also a deep connection formed, the kind that few couples recognize.” He smacked the inside of her thighs, moving from one to the other.
This time, she held her breath, hearing the words and longing for even more closeness.
Crack! Smack!
She hadn’t been prepared for the sharp cracks against her buttocks. Yelping, the sting sent a shot of desire into her loins.
“Is that something that you crave as well, baby girl?” Master Dominick’s words were whispered.
Jenna blinked several times, swallowing her fear before answering. “I do, very much so, Sir.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” He smacked her ass several times, moving from side to side then peppering her upper thighs with the same forceful slaps, every action methodical. The spoon was smacked against her inner thighs four times each before he pulled back and rubbed her ass, his fingers dancing down the crack, coming dangerously close to her pussy.
She was quivering, her heart racing and yet she was wiggling on the desk, grinding her pelvis back and forth.
“Discipline is an excellent tool in keeping romance alive, passion bursting,” he stated, spanking her again. And again.
Listening to his words, the velvety baritone was soothing on one hand, arousing on the other. She held her breath for fear of moaning, crying out with almost desperate need. Her pussy was throbbing, aching for his tongue, his fingers to give her any kind of relief.
“Punishment, true punishment is reserved for the most severe infractions, but a firm hand is needed at all times.”
Even the sound of the spoon whooshing in the air just seconds before slapping down on her naked skin was a powerful aphrodisiac. Beads of perspiration trickled down from her forehead, falling on the desk. She watched as they popped along the wood, mesmerized by their glistening form. “Yes, Sir. I believe you, Sir.”
He continued, remaining quiet for a full minute as he worked, issuing one swat after the other.
When she realized he was tapping on her labia, she was unable to hold back the moan, her toes curling.
“And there are many forms of discipline that are effective, including punishment fucking.”
“Sir?”
“Taking what I want and not allowing you to come would be an example.”
She heard the catch in his voice, the gravelly husk that was more animalistic than anything. “Yes, Sir. I understand.” Now, she couldn’t hold back the ragged pants, spreading her legs as far as they would go.
A full minute ticked by as he raked the slender end of the spoon down the crack of her ass.
Electricity shot through every muscle, another wave of burning desire ripping through her. She was caught in his web and wanted to beg him to allow her to suck him, to please him in any manner. She sucked in her breath, watching the popping of bumps along her arms, the hair standing on end.
“Okay. I want you to switch your position and lie on your back with your legs in the air.”
His authoritative tone had returned, and she heard him taking two steps backward. She struggled to stand, her legs nothing but mush, her eyes darting in his direction. He was as turned on as she was. This was… Breathe and obey. She closed her eyes as she sat on his desk, leaning back and lifting her legs.
“Hold them up and together for me. I’m going to use the brush now. We’ll do forty tonight.”
Jenna couldn’t help but notice that his hand was shaking as he eased the spoon right beside her and grabbed the brush. She bit her lower lip, again to keep from crying out, wanting to watch his every move. She curled her arms around her legs, holding them in the air and as the first smack hit her ass, she bent her legs at the knees, the sting stealing her breath.
“I said hold them.” His hand moved to the back of her legs, guiding them up, his fingers brushing down to her ass.
The touch was enigmatic, so powerful that she was lost in a few seconds of utter bliss. She’d never had a man touch her in such a manner, so gently, so intimately.
“This will hurt but you know you deserve it.”
“Yes, Sir.” She once again held her breath as he began, taking his time to swat her in exactly the same place from side to side. Even over the snapping sound, she heard his short breaths, so scattered, as if he was struggling to breathe. As the spanking began in earnest, the stinging turning into pain, even moments of raw agony, she closed her eyes, floating above the round of punishment, finding a place where there was no stress, no worries. Her nipples remained hard, her pussy wet and aching, and this had to be as close to ecstasy as she’d ever been.
Master Dominick exhaled, the sound elongated and used a single finger, rubbing over the area he’d spanked. “Ten more to go.”
This time, she had no fear of running away, of leaving him without giving her thanks. As he blazed the wood against her naked ass, she counted in her head every strike, allowing her pussy to clench and release, clench and release to every smack. By the time he was finished, she was ready to explode, a climax so close, so damn close. A moan slipped past her lips and she kept her hands in position, even though her legs were shaking.
“I think you need more,” he stated, ever so commanding.
“Yes, Sir.”
“Open your legs.”
She obeyed instantly, widening her legs as far as they would go. Looking at his face, she saw the shimmer from sweat, the pinched lines around his eyes and the look of hunger that would not be denied. “I can be a very good girl, Sir.”
The statement seemed to drag him from his own personal ecstasy and they locked eyes, his full of excitement. Lust. He inched closer, peering down. “I will punish you in so many ways.”
Only able to nod, she held her breath once again as he tapped the brush against her swollen pussy once, twice, and a third time.
His shoulders were heaving, his tongue dragging over his lips as he smacked her again, using just enough force that she jerked up, her back arching, unable to hold back the scattered whimper. Lick me. Fuck me. Use me. The words were on the tip of her tongue. The pain was exquisite, driving her to new heights of pleasure.
“I can sense you want to come.” His voice was decidedly different, laced with such need that his words were almost slurred.
“Yes, Sir. Please, oh, please.”
“Not yet. You will learn control in every method.” He tapped her twice again and stepped away, his head turning, his breathing still ragged. “You can get dressed.”
She curled her legs together, fighting with her little voice to beg even more, to offer her body in any way he desired. “Yes, Sir.”
He leaned over, grabbing the bag, stopping in mid-action. “I would like for you to stay and have a drink with me.”
Giddy, she swallowed, fighting a squeal. “I would like that, Sir.”
“Excellent. Find me in the kitchen. I’ll open a bottle of wine.” He wasn’t asking. He was commanding.
She was able to hold her breath until he left then eased her hand between her legs, lightly touching her pussy lips. The way he’d spanked her had been incredible, as if he’d known exactly what she needed, her darkest cravings, the ones that kept her awake almost every night. She’d admitted things to him that she hadn’t shared with anyone else.
As she thought about him, his authority and utter control, she swirled the tip of her finger around her clit, enjoying the sensations, even though there was a hint of pain remaining. She slid her other hand down to her ass, rubbing the tender flesh, reveling in the fact she’d received such a hard spanking. God. Was it sinful to want to ask for more? For the use of his belt? Perhaps she was a depraved creature, unable to tell right from wrong.
She slipped her fingers into her pussy, thrusting in and out for a full five seconds before realizing that she was disobeying him. Lowering her legs, she removed her hand and opened her eyes. A hint of color drew her attention and out of the corner of her eyes, she noticed his eyes, gazing at her in the shadows. Watching her. Hungering for her. She didn’t engage, choosing to look away, knowing that she’d no doubt displeased him.
Counting to ten, she darted her eyes in his direction again. He was no longer standing there. He was no longer watching. And for some reason, sadness rolled into her system.