Chapter Eleven

Watching his friends dance to Devil Woman wearing red leather thongs and horns had Skye laughing so hard he had a coughing fit. Rayne pressed a fresh bottle of water into his free hand.

“I can’t believe Luke tied you to his bed. Well, actually I can, because he’s Luke and that’s just the kind of thing he’d do, and it’s hot…but it means you can’t dance with us, which is so not fair. How often do I get to strut my stuff around here? You’ll just have to pretend to be sick for a bit longer.”

“I’m not going to do that, Rayne. I want to get back to work. I don’t like that you and the others have to pick up my slack.” Skye pouted.

“That’s because you are sweet and nice. What do you two think you’re doing?” Benjy and Frank were play wrestling on the floor at the end of the bed, limbs tangled, both in hysterics. “They need mud, or foam… Or jelly! That would be even better. Can you picture it, Skye? A pit of strawberry jelly and lots of slippery skin-on-skin contact. Yum!”

Skye almost spat his mouthful of water across the bed. Instead, he choked and started coughing again. The door opened and Luke, glasses perched on the end of his nose and carrying several folders, stepped into the room. Benjy and Frank scrambled to their feet while Rayne inched toward the door

“Time we were all going,” Rayne said. “Glad you’re feeling better, Skye. We miss you.” He gave Luke a sheepish grin.

How Luke managed to keep a straight face while the three semi-naked young men scrambled out of the door, Skye had no idea. He lay still and tried to look innocent.

“I leave you alone for one hour and come back to find some kind of orgy going on in here. Exactly what have the four of you been up to? I’m sure those boys were fully dressed when they arrived.”

“They wanted to show me their costumes for the angels and devils party tonight. Rayne had his iPod and mini speakers and said that the only way to show the outfits off properly was to dance. He put together a playlist where all the songs either had devil or angel in the title. It all went downhill from there, Sir.” Skye displayed his bound wrist. “But I didn’t get out of bed, Sir. Promise.”

“You’re flushed again.” Luke placed his folders on the desk then grabbed the thermometer. “Open.”

Skye sat with the thermometer sticking out of his mouth for a full minute and tried to think thoughts other than how gorgeous Luke looked in his glasses. When Luke extracted the instrument from his mouth, Skye kept his fingers crossed that his temperature would still be normal.

“It’s fine,” Luke said. “Those boys just got you overexcited, didn’t they? No more visitors for you today.”

Skye attempted to look suitably remorseful. Luke massaged the bridge of his nose, frowning. “I brought up a copy of the generic contract for us to look through together, but perhaps it should wait until tomorrow.”

“No! I mean… I’m fine, Sir.” Skye detected a twinkle in Luke’s eyes. “You’re teasing me!”

“Perhaps.” Luke undid the tie around Skye’s wrist. “Would you like to take a shower after being in bed all day?”

“Yes, please, Sir. That would be wonderful.”

“If you’re still feeling fine once you’re done, you can get dressed. We’ll look through the paperwork together. While you’re in the bathroom, I’ll call Tor and ask him to send up something light for supper. It will have to be sandwiches, or salad because they’re very busy in the kitchen with the final preparations for tonight’s dinner.”

“I’m not very hungry, Sir. I’m still full from the soup we had at lunchtime.”

“You still need to eat something,” Luke said, his tone stern. “Or I’ll take some convincing that you’re fit enough to go back to work tomorrow.”

As he swung his legs out of bed, Skye resolved to eat everything he was offered. He couldn’t face another day in bed, doing nothing. He stripped off his borrowed top before walking naked into the bathroom, pleased that his show wasn’t lost on Luke who muttered something under his breath about brats in need of spankings.

Skye took his time in the bathroom, partly because he wanted to think through what was about to happen and partly because he wanted to look his best for the man who was going to become his Dominant. It was like winning the lottery. Skye couldn’t believe how lucky he was. He’d thought himself fortunate to be under Luke’s tutelage in the first place, but for Luke to propose a personal contract between them was more than he could ever have hoped for. His feelings for Luke grew by the hour and Skye suspected he might be in love—not that he knew how that was supposed to feel. If it was about the rush of joy he felt every time Luke walked into a room, or the concern that welled up when Luke seemed tired, or just the physical reaction of his body when Luke looked at him as if he mattered…then it was love. He didn’t care that it had happened so fast. He trusted his instincts.

Once he was finished, Skye hung the wet towel on the rack. He had nothing to wear so went back into the bedroom as he was. Luke was at the desk in the lounge, working, but turned around to give him an appreciative stare.

“Much as I’d like to keep you naked,” he said, “it wouldn’t be appropriate while we’re discussing the contract. I’m not making any promises for later, though. I went to your room while you were in the shower and fetched some clothes for you. They’re on the bed.”

Images of what might happen later on that night filled Skye’s head. He distracted himself by pulling on the jeans Luke had selected, then the soft pale blue pullover that was one of his favorites. Luke hadn’t provided underwear, and the rub of denim against Skye’s cock did nothing for his self-control. He suspected that it was a deliberate move on Luke’s part. He doubted the man did anything without thinking through the consequences first.

“Come and sit down,” Luke said. He took one of the armchairs near the fire. Skye took the other one, perching on the edge of the seat. He was far too nervous and excited to relax. He touched his neck, wishing that Luke’s collar was still in place. In contrast, Luke seemed at ease, the papers in his hand held steady.

“You should know, I haven’t done this before,” Luke said. “I’ve witnessed contracts for other people and been involved in paperwork for all the staff here, but I’ve never had my own submissive.” He pushed his glasses up his nose.

“Then this is a first for both of us, Sir. I’m glad.” Skye was shocked at his own bravery. Luke gave him courage.

“It’s important that you feel able to speak your mind. If there’s anything that bothers you, tell me. This agreement keeps you safe.”

Skye didn’t think a piece of paper could make him feel any safer than he already did with Luke, but he understood that a formal agreement made sense.

“There are all kinds of contracts and no one right way of doing this,” Luke said, settling back in his chair. “Some can be really detailed, but the one I have here is quite simple. It can grow with us. Its main purpose is to define the standards expected of you as a submissive and me, as your Dominant. It’s also an important, symbolic representation of the commitment between us.”

Luke’s use of the word commitment sent a thrill of pleasure through Skye’s body.

“When you sign this, if you sign it, you must be giving your informed consent.”

“Yes, Sir. I know what I’m doing.”

“You and I both have expectations and desires. It’s important we articulate them and that the contract meets both our needs.” Luke handed Skye two sheets of paper, stapled together. “Take a look. I’ll give you time to read it again later. There are a few things we need to agree and the first is the period of our arrangement. I suggest six months initially, with an option to extend at any time.”

“I think that’s about right, Sir. It’s long enough for a fair trial, for us to get to know each other properly.”

“Good.” Luke smiled. “There’s a section on our roles and duties, and another about punishment. That’s me punishing you, in case you were wondering.”

Skye snickered. “I kind of worked that one out, Sir. But punishment isn’t the same as discipline, is it?”

“No. I’ll administer discipline every evening. Punishment is to correct disobedience or dishonesty. I’ll always explain why I think a punishment is necessary and I’ll tell you what it will be. It will always be defined and never open-ended. Your safe word still applies and that’s what the next area of the contract covers. There’s an important bit about the limitations to my authority and respect for your safe word.”

“What do you mean by limitations, Sir?”

“This isn’t a contract between Master and slave. You’re an independent person agreeing to submit to my authority and guidance. That doesn’t mean you abdicate responsibility for your own well-being. I expect your honesty at all times. If you’re worried or anxious about anything at all, you speak to me. Your safe word is sacrosanct at all times, without exception. Use it and everything stops, but then we talk about why you’ve used it, okay? I can’t make things better if I don’t know what the problems are. I’m not perfect and I’m going to make mistakes.”

“You make it sound like I have all the power here,” Skye said, intrigued.

“That’s because you do. Only you can grant me control over your body. That’s not something I can take from you and I wouldn’t want to. We must both be willing participants in this, aware of what we both need. I need to be in control, to be in charge, and you…”

“I want someone to take me out of myself, to help me make decisions. I want to take care of you too. That’s okay, isn’t it? I need to feel useful, that I’m making a contribution and not just taking from you all the time.” Skye pulled his knees up and hugged them.

“It’s more than okay. Then finally, there’s a bit about terminating the relationship and why it can be ended. We both sign it, then I’ll ask Tor to witness it for me and you can ask a friend to witness it for you too. The witnesses can ask you questions to make sure the contract is what you want, that you don’t feel any sense of obligation. If you change your mind, or want to wait a while, that’s fine and it will have no effect on your job here. How does that all sound? Is there anything you want to ask?”

“Well, I was kind of expecting a tick list of things I would and wouldn’t do. I mean…there are things I’d like to try, but other things scare me.”

“There are contracts like that, but I’d prefer that we discuss those things when they arise. I already know you enjoy bondage and chastity. If I want to introduce anything new into a scene, I’ll discuss it with you first.”

“That sounds good, Sir. I don’t think I have any other questions.”

“Then I want you to take the paperwork to your room and read it through again on your own. If you decide you have more questions, that’s fine.”

 

Skye had no doubt that he would sign the contract. The words he and Luke had agreed on together made everything fall into place. He was amazed at how a fragile piece of paper could represent the solid foundations of their burgeoning relationship. If it had been etched onto a stone tablet, Skye wouldn’t have seen it as any more permanent. Luke’s wishes were paramount, however, so Skye took the document back to his room to read alone. He had never been so certain of anything in his life. He couldn’t wait to scrawl his signature in the space provided then get on with being Luke’s submissive.

Trainee submissive. He had to keep it in his head that he still needed a lot of training to become the man Luke wanted him to be—that he wanted to be. A little ink wasn’t going to result in fireworks or some kind of earth-shattering change, but it did mean that Luke wanted him.

Me. He wants me. Not some other, perfect sub. He doesn’t mind that I’m clumsy sometimes, that loud noises and crowds scare me, that I only have vague notions of what I want to do with my life. He read the pages four times, until the words were etched into his brain. He didn’t want Luke to think that he hadn’t taken his direction seriously. He fidgeted, lying on the bed, then paced his room before deciding to go and find Rayne. He made sure to put a fleece jacket on over his sweater and thick socks and boots on his feet. He guessed Luke’s definition of looking after himself included warm clothes. It probably didn’t include an outing to the garages so soon after being ill, but that was where he was most likely to find Rayne, even in the early evening.

He made it to the entrance hall without being seen, but then Goran appeared from the snug, a crate of glasses in his arms.

“Skye! Does Luke know you’re down here?”

Skye stared at the floor. “No, Goran. I mean, he knows I’m out of bed and everything. I need to find Rayne.”

“Why don’t you go and wait in the snug? I’ll track the brat down for you.”

“Oh, I don’t want to be any trouble. I can—”

“You can go—”

“Wait in the snug. Yes, Goran.” Skye knew it wasn’t a battle worth fighting. Goran chuckled and headed toward a storage cupboard with his box.

The snug was one of Skye’s favorite rooms at The Retreat. It was how he imagined he’d like his home to be one day—cozy, warm and welcoming. He loved to browse the bookshelves, picking at random because he liked the color of a spine or because the title sparked his interest. He wished he had more time to read, especially history books, which had always been his first love. He picked a volume on the English Civil War then settled in an armchair beneath the warm glow of a standard lamp, his precious papers tucked next to his thigh. His head was deep into the Battle of Edgehill in 1642 when Rayne arrived.

“Brains and beauty. You have a ridiculous advantage over the rest of us, you know.” Rayne threw himself into the chair next to Skye. “Goran dragged me out of the garage and told me to come find you in here. That man is fine.”

“I didn’t take you away from anything important, did I?”

“Actually I was hiding in the car listening to a podcast of last week’s episodes of The Archers on my iPod.” Rayne giggled. “I only had another five minutes to go. I would have had to come in soon anyway because I’m helping out at tonight’s dinner and a little bit of manscaping is required if I have to display my hot bod in that teensy costume.”

“I’m sorry you have to do my job as well as your own. I tried to tell Luke that I’d be okay to work tonight but he—”

“Got all protective and insisted you weren’t well enough yet?”

Sky nodded. “I’m afraid so. Though I have to confess I’m quite glad I don’t have to dress up tonight. That costume is minuscule.”

“It is, isn’t it? I’m intending to make as many trips back to the kitchen as possible while I’m wearing it. I want to make sure Tor gets an eyeful of my hotness.”

“He’ll spank you again.”

“Oh God, I hope so.” Rayne shifted in his seat. “Gets me all horny just thinking about it. But we’re not here to talk about me. Goran said you needed me for something, so what can I do to help?”

Skye closed his book then placed it on the floor by his feet. He handed the contract to Rayne. “Luke and I, well… We…”

“Oh my God, is this a contract?” Rayne bounced to his feet then did an excited circuit of the room, waving the papers.

“Yes. Can you sit down, Rayne? You’re making me feel giddy.” Skye rolled his eyes. “Luke insists I have a friend read it and witness my signature. Apparently, it’s something to do with making sure that I’m not under any duress or pressure, especially because Luke is my boss.”

“And you’re asking me?” Skye nodded. “That makes me your best friend in the whole wide world, doesn’t it?” Rayne retook his seat, sitting cross-legged. “I’m honored that you’ve asked me, I really am.” He read for a while then looked up. “You agreed all this together, right?”

“Of course. Earlier this evening. We sat down and Luke took me through it line by line. I would have been quite happy to sign it there and then.”

“And you’re sure this is what you want?”

“I’ve never been surer of anything in my life. I trust him, Rayne. I’m not exactly experienced and he’s so patient, so in control of everything.”

“I’m not surprised. Luke Redding is hot as hell and he’d walk over hot coals for any of us. Have you and he…?”

Skye’s face heated. “Rayne! That’s none of your business.”

“But now we’re officially besties, you’re obliged to tell me everything. It’s an unwritten rule.” He tapped his fingers on one knee. “Waiting.”

“Have you and Tor?” Skye figured his best form of defense was a question.

“I wish! I’ve never even seen him with his shirt off, and that in itself is a tragedy. It’s not like I haven’t offered myself up on a platter, well-seasoned and prepped if you get my meaning. The man must be celibate—though that would be a heinous waste of a good Dom.”

“Heinous?”

“Heard it on some documentary about mass murderers.” Rayne handed Skye the contract. “Of course I’ll sign it. Do you want me to do it now or is there a formal thing going on?”

“Oh, I don’t know. Luke didn’t say. I suppose he might want you to sign it at the same time as Tor. I’ll have to let you know.”

“I need to get going,” Rayne said, scrambling from the chair. “Angels and devils wait for no man—and my sweetmeats will be in Tor’s stew pot if I’m late.”

“God forbid. I should get back too. I imagine Luke thinks I’m snuggled up in bed, not down here with you.”

“If he catches you, then my balls won’t be the only ones in danger.”

“Thanks, Rayne. For being here, I mean.”

“Anytime, gorgeous. Now go back to bed or Luke won’t be using his tie to keep you there. It’ll be something metal with a big padlock.”

“On the odd occasion, Rayne, you actually say something intelligent.”

“Sir!” Skye and Rayne spoke at the same time. Luke stood in the doorway, holding two steaming mugs.

“Sorry, Skye. Friendship only goes so far, even if you are my bestie. You’re on your own.” Rayne scuttled toward the door, edging past Luke with a sheepish grin.

Skye didn’t know whether to stay put or get to his knees. He met Luke’s steady gaze.

“How are you feeling?”

“Good, thank you, Sir. A little tired.”

“I brought some hot chocolate.”

“How did you know I was here, Sir?”

“Goran came to find me. He told me he had to stop you from going outside in the cold.” Luke came over and sat in Rayne’s recently vacated chair. “You don’t need my permission to leave your room, Skye, but I would prefer you didn’t venture into the grounds when it’s sub-zero and dark. Not until I’m happy you’re recovered at least.”

“I’m sorry, Sir. I was so excited about the contract and I couldn’t wait to tell Rayne all about it.” Skye hated the thought that he’d done something to upset Luke. “He says he’ll be my witness, but I wasn’t sure if he should go ahead and sign or if you wanted him to do it at the same time as Tor.”

“That’s good news. It would be nice for them to do it together, don’t you think?” There was a hint of mischief in Luke’s eyes, which made Skye snicker.

“I think you’re a very naughty Dom, Sir. Oh…I didn’t mean to say that out loud!”

“I can’t imagine why you should think that.” Luke kept a straight face. “Have some hot chocolate.” He handed over the mug and Skye welcomed the distraction, breathing in the sweet scent.

“Oh, wow, marshmallows!” He poked at the pink blobs floating on the surface of the deep brown liquid.

“Frank made it and he insisted they were a requirement. I drew the line at whipped cream.”

“I can think of a few other things to do with that,” Skye whispered. He peeked at Luke from beneath his lashes.

“A few hours’ rest has done you good, hasn’t it? Or has the fever come back?” Luke made a show of feeling Skye’s forehead.

“Sorry, Sir. I don’t seem to be able to control my brain to mouth connection this evening.” Skye took a big gulp of chocolate. If he was drinking, he wasn’t speaking and that seemed like a wise move, though Luke was unperturbed, his expression unreadable as usual.

“I think being ill has thrown you. You’d only just started getting used to your routine then it all went out of the window. Routine is a form of security. Psychological bondage, if you like.”

Skye thought about that for a moment. “You’re right, Sir. I like to know what I have to do and when. I tend to panic without those boundaries, like I can’t keep my thoughts together. They keep dashing off in different directions and that gives me a headache!” He gripped his mug. “It’s better when I’m with you, Sir.”

“Because I give you a focus. It’s why you respond so well to chastity—which some submissives hate by the way—because it’s an element of my control you have no choice but to carry with you. Taking your choices away eases your mind.”

“That’s exactly it, Sir! I wasn’t sure how to express it. The cage…and the collar…they make me feel safe. Like you’re right there with me. I must be some kind of freak. Who enjoys having their bits locked up?”

“You’re not a freak. You’re unique and I love that about you. I think you’d be surprised about how many subs relish chastity. There’s a very close relationship between pain and pleasure—and the pain doesn’t have to be physical. There’s a certain delicious mental torture to knowing you can’t find release, however much you might want to.”

Skye blinked. Luke was good at giving him a fresh perspective on submission. He was also turning him on.

“You’re still learning, still finding your way. It’s my job to guide you toward being the kind of submissive you want to be.”

They were interrupted by Tor, who entered the room hefting a cloth-covered tray.

“Sandwiches for supper. Can’t stop, I’m afraid. The guests are heading to the dungeon for dinner and we’re going to be full speed ahead for the next few hours.” He deposited the tray on a nearby table.

“Go! We’ll bring the tray back to the kitchen once we’re done.” Luke stood to uncover the tray. “This is quite a feast for a quick supper.” Tor had already gone, not waiting to be thanked. Skye had guilt pangs for not being there to help with the dinner. He couldn’t imagine eating anything while his friends were hard at work, but Luke handed him a loaded plate.

“I know you feel bad about not being downstairs with the others, but I want you to rest until tomorrow. If you get sick again because you go back to work too soon, Tor will have my hide.”

“I hadn’t thought of it like that.” The sandwiches did look good, and they were Skye’s favorite—brie and cranberry. He should have known that Tor would never settle for plain cheese and pickle. Skye took a bite, then another and before he knew it he was staring at a crumb-strewn plate.

“There are more,” Luke said. “Or there’s a plate of sliced fruit.”

“Can I get you anything, Sir?” Skye took another sandwich for himself and some orange segments.

“Some of those black grapes, please.”

Skye selected the plumpest grapes from the bunch then handed them to Luke on a small plate. A yawn escaped before he could stop it.

“I think you need an early night.”

“Yes, Sir.” Skye nibbled his sandwich. He was almost full, but he managed to finish it. The orange segments proved to be sweet and succulent. “I haven’t done anything useful all day, so I don’t know why I’m so tired.”

“Your body has been working hard to regain its energy. It will be a few days before you’re back to a hundred percent.”

“But I can go back to work tomorrow…please, Sir?”

Luke gave him a stern look. “Yes, providing you eat proper meals, drink plenty of water and rest when you can. I catch you doing anything else and you won’t enjoy your punishment.”

Skye gulped and resolved to be good. He didn’t want to find out what that punishment might be. He rubbed at his eyes.

“That’s it. Bed.” Luke got to his feet. “I’ll deal with the tray later.”

Skye wished that being ordered to bed could have happened under sexier circumstances. As it was, all he wanted to do was sleep—but he still wanted to do that with Luke rather than in his own, lonely bedroom.

When they walked passed the door to the dungeon, raucous laughter and music floated from the stairwell.

“Sounds like everything’s going well down there,” Luke observed. “No doubt we’ll hear all about it in the morning.” He led the way upstairs to the staff wing, pausing outside his door.

“Well, good night, Sir.” Skye took a few steps down the corridor.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Luke’s question stopped Skye in his tracks. “You sleep in my room from now on, where I can keep an eye on you.”

“I…yes, Sir.” Joy and trepidation made Skye’s heart beat faster.

“And there’s no need to get anxious. All we’ll be doing tonight is sleeping.”

Skye couldn’t remember how he’d arrived in Luke’s room the previous evening. He wanted to memorize every second of his first proper night in Luke’s bed. Being sick didn’t count.

“You’ll find a fresh toothbrush in the cupboard over the sink. You can use my toiletries and we’ll move your things in here tomorrow. Go and do what you need to in the bathroom while I sort out a few things downstairs. I’ll be back by the time you’re done.”

Having had a shower earlier in the day, Skye just freshened up and cleaned his teeth, listening out for the sound of Luke’s return. When the door clicked, he padded into the bedroom barefoot and wearing just his jeans, arms full of his discarded clothes.

“Just put them on the chair for now. We’ll sort out wardrobe and drawer space tomorrow.” Luke stood at the foot of the bed, collar in his hand. “This has been off your neck for quite long enough. From now on, you don’t take it off without my permission. The one exception is if I’m not with you and you want to take a shower or go for a swim. The leather won’t do well in the water, so you can take it off yourself then, but only if I’m not around to do it for you.”

Skye sighed as the collar closed around his neck and something inside him settled into place.

“Take the rest of your clothes off and kneel on the bed.” Luke fetched something from the dresser that glinted when the light hit it. Skye sucked in a breath and worried that expressing an appreciation of chastity may have been short-sighted. He stripped then clambered onto the bed facing Luke.

“Knees apart, hands behind your back, keep your eyes on mine.”

Skye had no idea how Luke planned to fit the chastity cage when Skye’s cock was ramrod stiff, but he did as he was told, a little embarrassed at how exposed the position made him. Luke placed the chastity device on the bed before squeezing a dollop of lube onto his hand. He rubbed his palms together until they glistened then reached for Skye’s erection

Breathing was no longer possible. With Luke’s fingers wrapped around his cock, Skye lost the capacity for speech or thought because there was no room in his brain for anything but sensation.

“You don’t come until I say you can,” Luke said. Skye squeezed his eyes shut, keeping as still as he possibly could. “Open your eyes, Skye. I want you to look at me.”

Skye’s breath stuttered, but he met Luke’s gaze. He couldn’t stop the strangled moan that resulted when Luke moved his hand. A series of slow, steady pulls had Skye begging for release in seconds.

“Sir! I have to. I can’t stop it. Please…”

Luke still his hand for a few moments before starting the motion again. He cupped Skye’s balls in his free hand, stroking and squeezing them in time as he jacked Skye’s rigid shaft. Skye panted. He sobbed his frustration, hot tears rolling down his cheeks.

“Your cock and your orgasms belong to me now,” Luke growled. “Remember that.”

“Yes, Sir!”

Luke slid one slick finger toward Skye’s hole. “Come.” He snapped the order as he rubbed his fingertip across the sensitive skin. Skye jerked, his orgasm rolling through him with an intensity that made him cry out. Sheer force of will kept his hands behind his back as he came into Luke’s palm. He watched, shuddering, as Luke licked some of the seed from his fingers. “You taste good.”

“I…” Skye had no idea what to say to that.

“Stay exactly as you are.” Luke went into the bathroom for a few moments. Skye took some deep trembling breaths. He gripped his left wrist with his right hand, fingers digging in hard enough that he guessed he might have bruises in the morning. The slight pain helped clear his head.

Luke returned with a washcloth. He made sure Skye was clean and dry in a way that made Skye’s cheeks burn. It was such personal attention and Skye was not accustomed to another man having unfettered access to the most sensitive parts of his body.

“You shouldn’t be embarrassed,” Luke said as he re-fitted the cock cage. “You’re mine. Every part of you.”

“I know. It’s all so new, Sir. I’m being stupid.”

“No, you’re not.” Luke stroked his cheek. “I should be more aware of your inexperience. I forget sometimes… You addle my brain.” He locked the cock cage. “There. Now you can’t escape me. I’m around your neck. I’m holding your cock. I’m with you always, Skye.”

“Thank you, Sir.” Skye couldn’t say anything else because Luke pressed his lips to Skye’s. The kiss was thorough, possessive. It left Skye in no doubt as to who was in charge, who had control. His mind eased and all the icy slivers of worry that remained melted away.