Free Trading Tides by Laila Blake Page A

really pale," someone else put in.  
    They made it too easy, that's what I would tell myself later. Maybe, they were hoping for an early start to their evening as well. I touched my stomach and shrugged.
    "I don't know, I think I may have had something dodgy for lunch." I shook my head, made myself look a little weaker than I felt. "What do you say, we just wrap it up for today? I think we'd all benefit from some time to let all these ideas percolate in our heads and then we can come back fresh?"
    Everybody nodded—a little too vigorously, maybe, but then who was I to complain.
    "How about we meet again tomorrow afternoon, and by then I want one good idea from each of you, something you care about in a web portal and how to make it our own, okay?"
    This time the nods were smaller, accompanied by little murmurs as the chairs were pushed back. I sighed, almost dizzy with relief. I could leave, go home—now. Just blow off the rest of the day and see Paul. Almost immediately the plug stopped hurting, felt good again, good and wrong and dirty. I waited until they were all out the door before I pushed myself to my feet with a little groan.
    "Do you need a ride? I could take you home?" I turned to see Dan again, standing in the doorframe. He swept his gaze along my neck and down to my ass. I swallowed hard, blushed and stood up straight.
    There was a part of me, maybe a cruel part, that wanted to throw the sympathy flirting back in his sweet, handsome face—tell him that my Master had shoved a plug up my ass to remind me of him, that I just wanted to go home to get spanked sore and fucked into the ground.  
    I took a deep breath and smiled instead.
    "Oh, it's fine. I just need to get to bed, I'll be good. I'll get my boyfriend to come get me. Thank you, though." I did blush a little—at the lie more than anything. I didn't care about lying to Dan, but it made me stop and frown anyway. Paul wasn't my boyfriend. Nothing about that word felt appropriate, and that both hurt and excited me even more. I was so preoccupied with this, I hardly noticed Dan's expression. He apologized for no reason and then walked back to his desk, while I pulled my phone from my pocket and texted Paul.

    Iris: Can get out of here early. Are you still busy at the museum?

    He answered when I was back at my desk, cleaning up for the day.

    Paul: Just got out a few minutes ago. Tiny place. Can be there in 15 minutes or so.
    Paul: Wait outside.

    I couldn't help the broad smile that slid over my face. I hid it though, ducking deep over my keyboard, until I could keep a straight face. Then I walked into Lyle's office and explained I'd head out early.  
    I'd always been a good girl, not someone to blow off work or invent excuses, and I was a little shocked at how easy it was. He smiled, wished me a speedy recovery and then practically ushered me out of the office. The subterfuge alone sent excitement coursing through my body when I left the building like a naughty girl, skipping the last few classes to go smoke with her friends. Or in my case, to get fucked by her Master.
    I stayed at the nearby bus station for its roof and protection against the wind, stepping from one foot to the other while the plug seemed to drag heavier against the tight ring of muscles with every minute I stood. I bit on the back of my hand, stifled a groan, then pushed my head against the glass wall of the small station, waiting, waiting.
    When his truck rolled to a stop in front of me, I almost collapsed against the opening door. He lifted a plastic bag off the passenger's seat and then pulled me inside, smiling at the look on my face.
    "Naughty girl," he chastised and I slammed the door shut. He did look far too delighted for it to take effect of course, and I wriggled my ass against the sheep's skin to find relief against the sudden rush of desire.
    "I got us some real dinner, can't have you passing out can we?" Nodding to the bag now sitting on the dashboard, he shifted the gear