Coming up behind her, he squeezed her shoulder. “Not sure how to thank you. For Nicole. And Nancy.”

Her dimple appeared. “You could give me more of what I had last night. I’m a masochist, you know.”

His eyes narrowed on her hopeful face. He’d created a monster. Last night, after using a cane on her, he’d fucked her until around two a.m.

After a second of thought, he smiled slowly. “Be my pleasure. Before you leave, find your favorite toy. Use lube, insert it, wear it this afternoon while you’re gone. You’ll be stretched and ready for me tonight.”

“But…” Delightful anxiety bloomed in her eyes. “Right.”

Damn. Maybe he’d haul her to bed early.

Linda picked up a piece of bacon. “Got a treat for you, Conn.” She bent to give it to the dog and winced.

Sam grinned. “Someone have a sore ass today?”

“You’re such a sadist. And yes, you left bruises.”

He knew he had. Earlier in the bathroom, she had been examining a purple spot on her bottom with the half-fascinated, half-pleased look of many submissive-masochists.

He ran his finger down her pretty cheek. “I like leaving marks here and there.” Liked knowing she had a few sore spots to remind her of him. A kind of branding.

Unable to resist, he wrapped an arm tightly around her waist and squeezed her soft ass.

She eeped, then groaned as he squeezed harder. Hurting her so nicely. She sagged against him. “Damn you.” Her pupils had dilated, and pink swept into her cheeks. “How do you do that?”

“Arouse you? It’s not hard.” He leaned in and pinned her against the counter with his weight. Her hair had grown long enough for him to get a good grip, and he tugged her head back. After kissing up her neck, he nipped her earlobe, enjoying her sharp inhalation at the bite of pain.

“Sam.”

“Mmm-hmm.” Running his hand down her front, he explored the V between her legs, then traced over her clit. He could feel it harden despite her tight jeans. And then he let her go.

When she swayed toward him, he took a step back.

Her mouth dropped open. “You’re stopping?”

“You have to leave for work in a few minutes, remember? You said you’re the only person there this afternoon.” And now she could work behind the counter while aching for him.

Her lower lip poked out in a sweet pout. “You want me to suffer all day?”

“Yep.” He pressed his erection against her soft stomach. Even sadists had to hurt sometimes. “We both will. And once you’re home, I’m going to take your cunt first and then your pretty ass. Yep. I’ll fuck you senseless.” He pushed against her body again and smiled down into her big brown eyes. “Before that, I’ll put you over my knee and turn your ass red.” The welts—and anal plug—should make that even more fun. Maybe they’d work on that begging problem she had.

Despite the glare she gave him, her voice came out husky with arousal. “Thanks, Master Sadist. That really will make my day easy.”

“You’re welcome, missy.” Then he leaned forward and gave her the words that erased the glare from her face, the words that came easier every time he said them. “I love you, Linda.”