Free His Submissive Jewel [The Martinis and Chocolate Book Club 3] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) by Lara Valentine Page A

life has to offer. And yes, sometimes it’s tough to be his parent.”
    “I know. I was a rotten kid, I guess. So when I told my parents I wasn’t going to be a lawyer, I was going to be an artist, well, they felt betrayed. I might as well have said I was running away to work in a carnival. It was the last straw for them.”
    Cam held up his hand. “Now, wait a minute. I never said Caden was a rotten kid. He was just a challenging kid. You weren’t rotten, either, Noelle. You just had parents that didn’t know how to handle you, that’s all. I’m sure they’re proud of you now.”
    Noelle shook her head. “You don’t understand. I had to sneak away to go to school in New York. I left in the middle of the night, leaving a note behind. My parents forbade me to go. They said they would only pay for college if I became a lawyer. So, I packed my bags, my life savings, and my old car and headed for New York after they fell asleep one night. They were livid then, and they’ve never really put it behind them. Every holiday I hear about how my life could have been so much better, if only I had listened to them.”
    Cam blinked in confusion. “Wait a minute. You left for New York on your own? How in the hell did you live then? Did the scholarship pay living expenses?”
    “No, just tuition and books. I got a job as a waitress. I waited tables through school and had five roommates. New York was amazing, and I don’t regret a moment of it. I entered a lot of art contests, and that money helped, too. By the time I came home to live and start my business, they’d cooled down some. But they’ve never really forgiven me.”
    Cam scraped a hand down his face. “They left you to fend for yourself? Fuck, Noelle, I’m proud as hell of you for taking care of yourself. Working hard and going to school isn’t easy. It just underlines for me just how stubborn and independent you are. I admire what you’ve done. Abby tells us that you’re very successful and sought after for your designs. Your parents will come around, I’m sure.”
    Noelle felt the heat in her cheeks. Her friends had told her they were proud of her, but coming from this man, it meant so much more. His opinion shouldn’t mean this much, so soon. But it did. She was glad he admired what she did. She was proud of herself, too.
    “Maybe they will. I’ve learned to live without their approval. My own approval is the most important thing. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished. I’m proud of what I’ve done here tonight with you. I was able to put my trust in you and submit. I know you probably don’t think it’s a big deal, but for me it’s huge.”
    Cam shook his head firmly. “You’re wrong. I know what a big deal it is for you. I’m humbled by the trust you’ve placed in me.”
    “A Dom humble? Isn’t that a contradiction?”
    “If a Dom isn’t humbled by the gift of submission, he doesn’t have any business being a Dom. You don’t owe me anything, Noelle. I can’t take anything you aren’t willing to give me. That’s how this works.”
    Noelle felt a lump in her throat forming. It only made her trust him more with this delicious combination of gratitude and domination. She felt the urge to make a statement to him about how she was feeling. She may have only promised him a short time, but she wanted it to be filled with how she felt tonight, at this moment.
    Noelle dropped the blanket and pressed her body against his hot, hard chest.
    “I want to try everything with you. Push my boundaries, tie me up, gag me, spank me. Do whatever you want to me. I want to experience everything with you.”
     
    * * * *
     
    This woman was a revelation. So spirited, so independent, yet soft as butter inside. She needed a strong man to protect her tender heart. It was clear her parents had wounded her with their callous attitude. He wouldn’t mind a few minutes with her parents. They needed their eyes opened to what a treasure they had in Noelle.
    Cam’s