Page 18 of Rory: His to Discipline

“It was you,” she whispered tipping her head back and looking into his eyes.

“Of course,” he answered.

“Then you know?”

“That you’re staying over the pub? Yes. Come on, babe, open the door, my hands are on fire.”

Tess unlocked the door, praying his hands would be the only thing on fire. She had absolutely no idea if he was angry or not.

“Did Molly tell you?” she asked, feeling a little betrayed.

“Babe, ever heard of surveillance? It’s what I do. Now, open the door.”

Pushing the door open, she put as much space between them as she could, circling behind her desk and waiting, for what she was not sure.

“Here,” Rory said, handing her the coffee. “One sugar, extra cream, just the way you like it.”

Tess held out her trembling hand and took the cup. Setting it on her desk, she shrugged out of her jacket and backed away from him to hang it up.

“What the hell’s wrong with you?” Rory demanded with a scowl. “You’re acting like you’re afraid of me.”

“Are you not mad at me?” she asked, working to keep her voice calm.

“You’re damn right I’m mad at you. I haven’t had a good night’s sleep since you pulled your disappearing act. My mother was very hurt. The time I spent looking for you could have been spent looking for real criminals and not a naughty, ungrateful little .…”

“Oh no, Rory, please do not say that,” Tess pleaded, twisting her hands in distress. “I love your family and am so thankful they took me in. I would never do anything to hurt them, especially your madre.”

“Then why did you run away? Is it because I spanked you?” he asked, taking a step toward her.

“No, that was very bad of you, Rory, but that is not the reason,” Tess replied, backing up another step. “It was the other thing you did.”

“Tess,” he barked. “For God’s sake, will you stop before you’re in the closet? I am not going to spank you now. I would not take the chance of Delbert Bertram Winston the Fourth getting a look at your adorable bottom,” he told her with a grin. “I will, however, reserve the right to take care of that at a later, more appropriate time. By the other thing, I take it you are referring to my actions in your bedroom?”

Tess nodded and blushed fiercely.

“Are you angry because I touched you, or angry because I stopped?” he asked, watching her closely.

“I am not angry at all,” Tess insisted, her hands over her face in embarrassment. “It was wondrous. I realized that day you would be a very demanding lover. What happens if I cannot meet your demands? I do not think I am a submissive woman. I will not be able to make you happy, Rory,” she whispered, tears filling her eyes.

“Oh, babe,” Rory answered, setting his coffee down. Striding to her, he pulled her hands away from her face and gently tipped her chin up. “You make me happy just being near me. Every smile you give me brightens my day. I love everything about you, even when you misbehave. I don’t want a doormat. I want a woman who gives as good as she gets. You may not always be able to submit to me, but that’s all right. It’s what will make our lives exciting. I will never hurt you, Tess, and I will teach you. If there are times when you just can’t, I’ll adjust. Please give us a chance, Tess,” he whispered, turning her hands up and kissing each palm.

Tess nodded and threw herself into his arms. Rory tipped his head back and mouthed a silent "Thank you" to the Man above. He was kissing her wildly, her feet far above the floor when Del walked in.

“Detective O’Malley,” Del stuttered in surprise. “Is everything all right? Tess?”

“I’m fine, Del,” Tess replied, burying her face in Rory’s chest to hide her tears. “Rory was just leaving.”

Del stood quietly, assessing the situation. Tess seemed shaky, but happy and O’Malley had a self-satisfied grin on his face.

“Actually, we are both leaving,” Rory answered. “Get your coat, babe. Nick and Maggie got home last night and called me this morning. Rebecca and Mason are having their baby today. We’re heading over to the hospital now. You should be able to handle things around here, right Delbert?”

“Oh, of course, you two go right along. Don’t worry about a thing, Tess. Rest assured you are leaving the office in capable hands.”

“Thank you, Del. Oh, Rory, a baby. Come on, hurry, I do not want to miss this.”

* * *

Rory and Tess arrived at the hospital in plenty of time.