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You sure about that?
I ignored my inner grumbling as I walked up the stairs to the guest bathroom. The house was quiet and peaceful, and I already felt a little better just being here. Soon, I would be Mr. Steele’s good girl and the restlessness and anxiety I’d felt all week would disappear.
I took my carefully folded work clothes from the backpack, muttering a curse when I realized I had forgotten my nylons. Quickly, I stripped off my clothes and put on my work clothes. I slipped into my heels, hoping Mr. Steele wouldn’t be upset that I wasn’t wearing nylons.
Despite all the clothing layers, my body was numb, my cheeks were bright red, and I couldn’t stop shivering. I stuffed my clothes into the backpack and checked my phone before turning it off and throwing it on top.
I had one minute to get to his office and hurried down the hallway. Mr. Steele sat in his usual spot behind his desk, and, like before, he didn’t look up from his computer when I entered the room. I sank to my knees on the cushion beside the door, bowed my head, and folded my cold hands in my lap.
The coldness in my bones, the burning in my legs, and the achy sting of my bottom lip faded away. Peace and a sense of purpose washed over me, and I embraced it fully. This was what I needed, what I craved.
I expected Mr. Steele to make me wait like he had before, and I hid my shock when he stood only a few seconds later and walked toward me. I kept my gaze on my lap and my back straight, waiting eagerly for his greeting.
“Hello, Charlotte.”
I lifted my head and smiled at him. “Hello, Mr. Steele.”
A scowl creased his forehead, and my anxiety shot to the surface. Shit, what had I done wrong?
“Stand up, please,” Mr. Steele said.
I stood, wincing at the sting when I automatically started chewing at my damn lip.
“Your cheeks are bright red, and you’re shaking.” Mr. Steele took my hands. “Your hands are freezing. Did your car break down again?”
I shook my head quickly. “No, it’s still at the mechanic.”
Disapproval flashed across his face, but before I could apologize, he pulled me toward the couch in his office. The fireplace was already turned on, its bright flames sending warmth and light over the sofa. Mr. Steele sat and patted his lap. “Sit down, Charlotte.”
I hesitated. I wasn’t a small girl and didn’t do things like sit on a man’s lap. Hell, I even got self-conscious about being on top during sex. I was so busy trying to keep most of my weight off of the guy while still looking sexy that climaxing in that position was impossible.
“Do as I say,” Mr. Steele said.
I sat gingerly on his lap, tensing my stomach muscles to help me balance as I mostly hovered on his thighs. He made a grunt of disapproval, and his arm slid around my hips, pulling me off balance and fully into his lap.
“Better,” he said before tugging me closer so that I was resting against his chest. He rubbed my back. “Did you walk from the bus stop?”
“Yes,” I said. “I dressed warmly, though, and changed when I got here, so it was fine.”
“You’re freezing,” he said, touching my hands again. “You can’t stop shivering.”
“It was a little colder than I expected,” I admitted. “But, honestly, I’m good.”
“Why didn’t you take an Uber?” he asked. “You said you were paid on Friday.”
“Marvin is an expensive guy,” I said.
He raised an eyebrow. “Marvin?”
“My car,” I said.
A small grin flashed across his face. “Right.”
He examined my bottom lip and I looked away self-consciously. He caught my chin between his finger and his thumb. “Look at me, please.”
My need to obey and please him had me turning my head back immediately, letting him look his fill at my lip.
“Are you ready to tell me what happened at work that caused you to do this?” He pressed lightly on my bottom lip.
