Chapter 3

They ate in companionable silence for a while, enjoying the ambiance of the water and the happy mumble of voices around them. Then, casual conversation between the two of them kept things from feeling awkward. Juniper waved off the offer of another glass of wine. She wanted to remember her time with Magnus. This felt special.

“Oh, I can pay for my meal,” she protested when the check came, and he subtly took care of it.

“That’s not going to happen, Little girl. I didn’t ask if you’d like dessert.”

“Oh, no. I can’t eat another bite. Everything was so good, I’ll have to save room next time to try one,” Juniper commented.

“I will look forward to it.”

Looking up at him in surprise, Juniper said, “That sounds like you’re planning to eat with me again.”

“Definitely. Would you like to stroll through the grounds? It’s a beautiful night.”

She hesitated for a moment before stating firmly, “I’m not interested in a vacation fling.”

“I don’t do casual relationships, Little girl. Come walk with me, and we’ll talk.”

Nodding, she placed her hand in his when he rose and offered her assistance. As Juniper stood, he stepped back, allowing her to proceed from the table. He fell into place beside her with his hand on the small of her back. Feeling protected and cherished by such a small act, Juniper warned herself not to read too much into his actions.

He guided her through the crowd with that gentle hand on her back. She could feel its warmth through her thin shirt. They walked until only a few people were around, and he steered her into a private spot in the shadows.

“Little girl, I’m more than the head of technology here. I am here to make sure you’re safe,” Magnus said quietly.

“Safe? Why wouldn’t I be safe?”

“There are bad guys out there. A man was recently released from prison for bank robbery. He spent time here with your father when you were here as a child,” Magnus shared.

“Wait! What? This doesn’t make any sense. Is the reason you’ve spent time with me because you knew my dad hung out with bad guys?” Juniper’s heart rate increased as she grew angry. How dare he flirt with her? Touch her? And then, tell her that her dad was a crook?

“I’ve handled this badly,” Magnus began before stopping as she interrupted.

“You think?” Juniper set her hands on her hips and turned squarely to confront him.

This time, Magnus didn’t try to talk. He stepped forward until their bodies brushed together. When Juniper opened her mouth to ask what he thought he was doing, Magnus cupped the back of her head and kissed her.

Surprised, Juniper thought she ought to protest, but his mouth was like warm velvet. She froze against him and then felt herself move closer as she responded to his kiss. When he wrapped his free arm around her waist and squeezed her even closer, his heat enveloped her.

Magnus tugged gently at the hair he held captured, and she moaned in response, opening her mouth. He traced the inside of her lips before dipping in. His flavor tasted like the exquisite meal they’d had, plus a unique addition.

Needing more, she traced her tongue over his. He responded immediately, drawing her in. She knew she gripped his shoulders too hard but couldn’t loosen her fingers. He was her stability, the constant in a world that seemed rocked by his kiss.

When he lifted his lips, Juniper stared at him in disbelief. What had just happened?

“You’re mine, Little girl. I apologize for bumbling the words. I need to protect you from any threat.”

“Little girl?” she repeated. “You think I’m a Little girl?”

“Am I wrong?” he asked.

“I don’t know. I’ve read books, but I didn’t know it really existed.”

“It does. There are Daddies and Littles everywhere,” he assured her and leaned in to kiss her again as if he couldn’t resist.

“This seems so strange. I shouldn’t feel this way about anyone after just meeting them,” she murmured.

“Perhaps something inside you recognizes characteristics in me? There’s no rush in our relationship, Little girl. I’ll always be there to take care of you even if you decide you don’t need a Daddy.”

“A Daddy?” she repeated, hearing the capital letter in her head just like she’d seen it in romance novels.

“Yes, Juniper.”

“Do Daddies actually spank their Little girls?” she blurted.

“Yes. There are other punishments and rewards.”

“What kind of rewards?” The heat gathering inside her flamed a bit hotter.

He kissed her lips sweetly and hugged her close. “Those you just have to experience.”

“Oh!”

“You and I are going to spend time together. We’re going to explore this relationship. I’m also going to keep you safe in case this guy that knew your father comes here,” Magnus promised.

“That’s so weird. I don’t understand. My father passed away three weeks ago. He lived a comfortable life, but not a bank-robber-thief kind of one. There’s no way he was involved.”

“That’s good. Perhaps my intel is completely off base. I’m still going to make sure you’re protected. Okay?”

Juniper nodded. There was no reason not to. If the chiseled, mysterious man wanted to spend time with her, she wanted every minute of his time. She stared up at his face. Their kisses had knocked his cap up slightly, but the shadows still disguised him.

“Good girl. Let me walk you to your room, and you can get some sleep. I know you’re tired from traveling,” Magnus suggested softly.

“I am. Thank you.”

He adjusted his hat as they walked back into the lighted section of the path. That hand on the small of her back guided her into the resort and back to the elevator where they’d first met.

Curious, she asked, “Are you on my floor?”

“I am not. There is separate housing for some of the staff,” Magnus said as they stepped out onto the fourth floor. “Let me have your phone.” He quickly entered his cell number under the name Magnus and rang it so he would have hers.

Escorting her to her room, Magnus took her key and waved it over the lock. He held it open for her but leaned in to kiss her before moving out of the way. “Good night, Little girl. Sleep tight.”

“Good night, Magnus. Thank you for the intriguing evening.”

“Intriguing. I like that.”

With one last kiss, he stepped back. “In you go, Juniper. I want you to latch the security lock as well.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Definitely. For dinner, at least, if not before. Remember, I’m a phone call away,” he reminded her.

Turning to walk into the room, Juniper hesitated and then turned to kiss him softly. “I’m glad we’ve met.”

“Me, too.”

With a smile, she ducked into her room and closed the door. After hugging herself tightly, Juniper peeked through the peephole. He was standing there, waiting.

“Oh!” She quickly latched the security lock and peeked again. This time, he gave her a thumbs-up and moved away from the door.

In a fog, as her mind tried to fit everything that had happened to her in the last two hours into neatly organized boxes, Juniper walked slowly to her bed and sat down. She automatically reached for the stuffie she’d slept with every night since receiving it from Sammi years ago.

“Beaky. Do I have things to tell you,” she informed the stuffie.

* * *

Waking the next morning, Juniper kissed Beaky before stretching to get her blood flowing. She lay in bed for a few minutes, thinking about last night. Magnus really was the best kisser. Had everything really happened in just a few hours? It seemed like her entire world had turned upside down.

Well, you are on the other side of the world, Juniper thought with a laugh, picturing herself dangling upside down on the planet.

Yawning, she realized she didn’t feel one hundred percent back to full energy. She didn’t remember feeling any jetlag as a child, but she was older now. Today would be a good day to take it easy and maybe laze around the pool.

With that decision made, Juniper forced herself out of bed. After washing her face and hands, she dressed and went down to breakfast. It was lonely eating by herself, but she read a few chapters of a good book, and that helped. Not one of those books. She could never read those in public. They made her react too much.

Returning to her room, she brushed her teeth and tried to decide what to do that morning. It wasn’t quite warm enough to visit the pool. Swapping her sandals for her sneakers, Juniper decided to test her memory of the special features of the resort.

Heading down to the main floor, she ducked into the room that had been the library years ago. It was now labeled as a conference room. Inside, it was set up with comfortable seating and a large table. Juniper frowned at the change. The modern usage had banished all the quaint, old-world charm.

She’d loved playing in this room with Sammi. An old-fashioned doll house had stood in that corner over there. It was gone now, of course. I wonder…

Juniper stepped into the corner and ran her finger over a section of the trim around the window casing. Years of paint covered it, but she could feel the lever moving under her fingertips. Persisting, she wiggled and pressed on that yielding spot.

“Hi! Can I help you?”

Whirling around to see Sadie standing in the doorway, Juniper thought quickly. “Oh, I’m sorry. Is this room off-limits? I used to play here as a child. There was a huge doll house here.” She gestured to indicate the size and location.

“I wonder what happened to it,” Sadie said, moving forward.

“It was old then. I’m sure it fell apart,” Juniper said with a shrug.

“What a shame! That would be fun to have.”

“Is the meeting in here, Sadie?” a large man asked from the doorway.

“Yes, Phoenix. Come in. This is Juniper. She’s a guest visiting Danger Bluff after many years,” Sadie explained.

“Hi, Juniper. When were you here before?” Phoenix asked, walking in and dropping into a chair at the table.

“I visited every summer with my father. The last time was twenty years ago. He just passed away,” Juniper said quietly.

“My condolences. Did you spend all summer here?” Phoenix asked.

“Yes. My parents were divorced. My dad lived in a small apartment, so we just lived here while I visited on summer break. I loved spending time here at Danger Bluff. It was a long trip from the U.S., so I got to stay for the entire break from school.”

“That sounds like a little girl’s dream,” Sadie said with a smile.

“Definitely. Sammi—that was the owner’s daughter—and I were the best of friends. We had all sorts of adventures here.”

“Is there something special about that window?” Sadie asked.

“Oh, not really. We carved our initials in the wood. I checked to see if I could feel the letters still, but it’s been painted a few times. There’s nothing there.”

Another man approached in a Danger Bluff T-shirt and shorts. He looked as tanned and fit as the first guy. Juniper inwardly shook her head as the heat level in the room kept rising.

“Hey, Cookie,” he greeted Sadie as he approached and kissed the side of her neck.

“Hi…Rocco,” Sadie said. Her gaze was focused entirely on the hunk touching her.

Did Sadie just hesitate between those words like she usually called him something else? Juniper knew she hadn’t imagined it.

“Who’s this?” Rocco asked, smiling at Juniper.

“Hi! I’m Juniper. I was just exploring, and I’m obviously interrupting,” she said, edging toward the door. She’d have to come back later to see if she had been right about the lever moving.

“Juniper. Good morning,” a deep voice said from the doorway.

“Oops,” she apologized as she bumped into Magnus. “Good morning. Er, thanks,” she said as he steadied her.

“I’m glad to see you,” Magnus said at a volume meant only for her.

“Um. I’m glad to see you, too. I better get out of here before anyone else arrives,” Juniper said, shifting around his muscular form toward the door.

She escaped into the hallway and dashed out the door. Why did she feel like she’d almost gotten caught? They had to know about the secret passages. Right?