Free Vanished Pride (The Seven Sin Sisters 4) by Paloma Beck

the
Santucci chef sent down a meal for us. You rest in the bath. It is the way it
should be.” Donovan used the sacred benediction so often used by their
ancestors.
    “That’s nice. I’ll
relax. I think I need this actually.” Paige took his hand for balance as she
placed one perfectly painted toe into the water to test the temperature and
followed with the firm placement of her foot. Once she shifted her weight, Donovan
offered his other hand and guided her in. The bubbles settled around her, embracing
her, and he watched longingly as Paige laid her body back and closed her eyes.
    “It has been a long
day, Paige. Rest before we talk of what happened.”

 
    * * * *

 
    “You cannot expect us
to wait for the Pronouncement through another full moon. My senses heighten. It
will cause more damage than good to wait.” Donovan was exacerbated by Paige’s
complaint about the Pronouncement being too soon. They had already waited months.
The full moon had tormented him enough to know he would not go through it again
without being mated. The only thing that would prevent the pain would be to
complete their Mating, to receive their blessing from Mary Magdalene.
    “But what about the
competition? I need to prepare, to be focused. It will take place just three
days following the Pronouncement.” Paige’s whining voice had the hairs on the
back of Donovan’s neck standing on end. His patience was dwindling. They’d been
discussing this now for two hours.
    They had fallen into a
comfortable pattern over the last few days, but that had involved very little
talking. There was lots of great sex and plenty of delicious food, reminding
Donovan that he was going to have to step up his workout routine if he was
going to be spending this much time with his mate. Now it seemed his eating
wasn’t the only thing he’d let get out of hand.
    “It will all work out
as it should. We will not wait.” Donovan gave his final word.
    Apparently, Paige
thought otherwise, as she added, “We will wait. I will plan a wonderful
Pronouncement for March.” Her defiance and consternation was admirable, but
this was non-negotiable.
    “No, you will not, Principessa .”
    Paige’s eyes shot up
with his use of her nickname. She remembered how he’d once explained he saw it
fitting when she was acting spoiled. He’d also been clear how he’d handle that
behavior. She remembered. Donovan was pleased with the shiver that ran down his
mate’s spine. Beautiful.
    “You know as well as I
do what you need. You’re spinning out of control. Clearly, you have been since
Layla filled you in before I had a chance to talk with you the other day.”
Donovan spoke as he moved towards her.
    Paige continued to back
up until she was wedged between him and the kitchen table. She licked her lips
and looked up at him, then lowered her eyes. His Valendite Breed senses meant
he could smell her arousal. She could deny it all she wanted but Donovan knew
his dominance turned her on.
    “Paige,”
Donovan spoke her given name purposely knowing it would garner her attention
quickly. “You remember I tend to use Princess when you’re acting like a spoiled
one. I also told you what I would do when you acted that way.”
    Paige
nodded and kept her eyes lowered. He wondered what was going through her mind.
The emotions he picked up were scattered and he couldn’t get a good read.
    “I’ll
let you choose. You can come to me and place yourself into position or I can
place you across my lap again like a child.” Donovan watched for her response.
She said nothing but he was determined to wait her out.
    “What
position?” Paige finally asked in a quiet voice.
    “I’d
like you to bend over the table here.”
    “In
the kitchen?” By her high-pitched response, he knew he’d shocked her. He
suspected he’d do that often until they got used to one another.
    “It’s
the perfect place. There’s so many instruments to choose from,” Donovan teased.
Paige’s shocked