To Love and Obey (Boundaries) by Katy Swann Page A

hand, he had seemed so happy when she’d called him Master, and yesterday, when he’d rewarded her in the kitchen, he had been anything but distant. It didn’t make sense. What was going on?
    She continued to torment herself until it was time to go home, by which time she had convinced herself that Adam was definitely going to dump her as soon as he got back from his trip, and find himself a nice, willing slave to serve him.
    The following morning, she fidgeted nervously with his coffee as she steeled herself to go into his office. The door was open, but he didn’t call out to her as he usually did. Uh-oh, not a good sign.
    She popped her head round the door and stuck a smile on her face. “Good morning,” she said, briskly, and walked toward his desk.
    He was bent over some report or other, seemingly engrossed, and ignored her greeting. As she placed the cup down on a coaster in front of him, he finally looked up and gave her a smile of sorts. “Oh, hello. Thanks.”
    She was shocked at how tired he looked. His eyes were slightly hollowed and dark shadows beneath them made him look almost haunted. Previously unnoticeable lines were now etched across his brow, which seemed to have frozen in a permanent frown. But it was the fact that he hadn’t shaved that shocked Rachel the most. At work, Adam was always well-groomed, his suit crisp and sharp, his face closely shaven and his hair neat and stylish.
    Today, though, he looked like he’d just stumbled in after a rough night at Boundaries, his hair unkempt and his suit rumpled.
    “Are you okay?” she cried, not able to keep the shock out of her voice.
    He nodded and ran his hand though his hair. “Yes, I’m just tired, that’s all.”
    When she didn’t give any sign of letting him get away with such a vague answer, he added, “I came straight here from the airport last night and have been working all night. I didn’t realize it was this late.”
    She wanted to walk around the desk and massage his shoulders for him, he looked so tense and exhausted, but the fear that he was still angry stopped her. Instead she remained where she was, and wondered what to say next.
    “I’ve left some reports on your desk. I’m not to be disturbed by anyone, except Lord Granville.”
    And with that she knew she was dismissed.
    She struggled through the morning, shielding calls and visitors and worrying about what was wrong. Adam remained in his office the whole time and barely acknowledged her when she brought him some coffee at eleven o’clock.
    Finally, at half-past twelve, his door opened and he emerged looking, if possible, even worse than before. “I’m going home to get some sleep,” he said, his voice sounding croaky with exhaustion. “My car will pick you up at eight o’clock sharp, make sure you’re ready. Oh, and bring a weekend bag.”
    Before she had a chance to comprehend his words, Adam was gone. Car? Weekend bag? She’d been so sure he’d been about to either fire her or dump her, or both, she was stunned by what he’d just said. That meant he wanted to see her tonight. And he wanted her to stay for the whole weekend. Why?
    Maybe he was building up to one final ultimatum? Or maybe he was so sure she’d willingly become his slave that he planned to keep her chained and naked all weekend. Or maybe he really was going to dump her and he just wanted to use her one last time then throw her out like an unwanted toy?
    * * * *
    Later that evening, when she was ready and packed, she poured Mandy and herself a large glass of wine each.
    “Has it occurred to you that he might just want to spend the weekend with you with no ulterior motives?” Mandy rolled her eyes at Rachel and took the glass. “Honestly, give the guy a break. You don’t know what the problem is. It could just be something related to work.”
    “So how come he turned all funny on me the moment he realized I’d fucked up the lunch order?” Rachel pouted, knowing that she sounded like a