Page 97 of Silk Sheets

“So…” I trailed off, rocking on my heels with my hands in front of me. “I did a thing.” I looked over at him for a second before clearing my throat. “Abadthing,” I clarified before casually looking ahead just like him.

He stayed silent and continued smoking without any reaction whatsoever.

“And I was wrong for doing the thing that I did. So, I’d like to apologize,” I said, turning my body to look at him completely. “I didn’t understand the importance and seriousness of the situation and I know now that it was wrong but I just—I don’t think—I find it difficult to speak to you about these things because you’re so scary,” I admitted. “Chase said that I shouldn’t be afraid of either of you but I just…” I trailed off in uncertainty, looking down at the floor.

“Go inside, Dakota. It’s cold out here.”

My head snapped up. He dug in his pocket for his car keys, and stepped forward but I grabbed his arm to stop him.

“I’m trying to apologize—”

“I know,” he flatly said, and my heart rate picked up.Why is he being so calm? I slowly loosened my grip on his arm, slightly confused at his reaction.“Now, go inside.”

I slightly scoffed, rubbing my tongue on the inside of my cheek.

“Fine. Don’t accept my apology,” I shrugged as I turned on my heels, heading inside.

I slammed the door behind myself, heading straight for the living room. Chase and Logan both occupied the couches, speaking amongst themselves.

“He didn’t even care,” I threw my hands in the air, standing in the doorway. “I muster up all this courage to apologize and he tells me,‘Uh. Go inside, Dakota. It’s cold out here’,” I mimicked his voice, hearing Logan chuckle. “What?” I breathlessly said in disbelief and confusion. “Is he on some new relaxation drugs?”

“What’s going on?” Logan asked, leaning back against the couch, arms crossed over his chest in amusement.

“She had Kaden punish her to see whether or not masochism would be a yes or no,” Chase said to Logan and suddenly he wasn’t laughing anymore.

“Did he hurt you?” Logan sat up and I nodded then shook my head.

“I mean yeah, of course it hurt but I didn’t say my safe word—” I cut myself off in confusion.Of course a punishment hurts, why would he ask that?

“Did he leave?” Chase asked me and I nodded.

“Shit,” Logan murmured, getting up from his seat before passing me.What’s going on?

TWENTY-FOUR

DAKOTA

After a while of Chase calming my nerves and suggesting I head to bed, I finally stopped pacing up and down.

“You’re right,” I nodded, fiddling with my fingers in front of my chest. “Kaden just needs a minute and—well, he’ll forgive me. Right?” I swallowed hard.

With a reluctant sigh, Chase got up and walked over. It was just him and I in the house since Logan had left to find Kaden.

“I can’t answer that,” he shook his head, gently holding my face in both of his hands. “But you can’t ever do something like this again, Dakota. With either of us. We need you to be open and honest. It’s important.”

I nodded apologetically. “I know.”

He pressed his lips to my forehead, and with that kiss of comfort, my heart steadied. I wrapped my arms around him, burying my face in his chest.I messed up… bad.

Chase and I found ourselves on the couch as we got comfortable. Logan eventually returned and I jumped up in anticipation. My eyes were wide with panic and Logan offered a calming smile.

“Breathe,” he encouraged and I slowly inhaled with a sharp exhale.

Kaden entered the living room and my heart dropped as he headed straight for me. He grabbed the back of my thighs, lifting me onto his shoulder, and I nearly yelped, grabbing his lower back for support.

“Where are we going?” I asked as he carried me upstairs.

His voice was hoarse. “The playroom.”