Gideon's Redemption by Maddie Taylor Page A

gently as all humor suddenly fled her face and her voice took on a serious tone. “To be honest, Gid, I’m relieved. After making such a mess of things last time, I happily hand you the reins. That way we can be sure I don’t muck it up again.”
    Gideon was thoroughly surprised by her reaction. He’d been expecting at least a mild push back at his high-handed pronouncement, but instead, she was taking it all in stride. As she leaned in, she sealed her lips over his and began to kiss him gently. He sat motionless, accepting her tender advances as he recovered and tried to assimilate her response.
    He knew being so heavy handed was a risky calculation, but she needed to know he was in charge. Indeed, since he was the captain and navigator of their ship, she could be first mate, but when it came to guiding their course, from now on, he was in charge. As with everything since he’d confronted her in her apartment and they’d uncovered the truth, he’d taken the upper hand. He’d demanded re-entry into her life and into Eli’s. With little input from her, he’d arranged for them to move into his house, insisted she share his bed, spanking her and loving her as he established his authority. Thankfully, she had accepted it all readily. It dawned on him then. The reason she was so open to following his lead without question was because she knew it was exactly what she needed—what was necessary for them both.
    Before long, the press of her soft lips and even softer body snuggled up against him brought him back to reality. Pulling his head back, he broke the kiss. “You’re very agreeable, Shannon. Is this the kind of relationship you wanted back then, honey? Outside of the bedroom, I mean. Did you want me to take charge, to lead, and for you to follow?”
    “Yes, Gid,” she breathed against his lips. “Does that make me a freak?”
    “Hell no, baby. I actually think it’s very natural, a traditional male-female type of role. But why didn’t you say anything back then?”
    “I guess I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t know it was a thing, this domestic discipline. It was always fun and sexy in bed, but the couple of times you called me on my behavior… Well, it made me feel better when you held me accountable. I never really had that, Gid. I’ve come to realize I need that kind of structure in my life.”
    Relieved and overjoyed by the outcome of their exchange, he celebrated by exerting control and taking over the kiss. Rolling her onto her back, he sealed the deal by devouring her mouth, creating an indelible memory of this moment ten very long years in the making.

Chapter Nine
     
     
    Beeeeeep!
    She knew the long tone meant she only had ten seconds left. Her trembling fingers flew over the keypad. Damn! She hit six instead of five again and growled in frustration. “I can’t do this. It’s too complicated.”
    His hands brushed hers aside as he entered the correct code and deactivated the alarm.
    “Come on, babe. It’s not that bad.”
    “Yeah, Mom, it’s so easy a nine-year-old can do it.” Eli, who had conquered resetting the alarm in three attempts, snickered as he watched his mother’s utter failure for at least the twentieth time.
    “No comments from the peanut gallery, thank you very much.”
    “Try again, Shannon.” Gideon’s deep voice, talking low behind her, was the cause of the problem. His hard body behind her, rubbing against her tender butt and causing the ache between her thighs, was distraction enough, but his hand was her undoing. He had it wrapped around her hip, his thumb dipping just beneath the hem of her top, and he was stroking her belly and driving her mad.
    Turning her head, she quietly implored him to stop. “Please, I can’t think when you’re doing that.”
    Stunning green eyes looked down at her. She figured her desire was blatantly obvious because his mouth turned up slightly and his eyes flashed with heat. His hand stopped, but instead of stepping back, he