Read Online OnlyatTheCavern by Anna Alexander - Free Book Online Page A

sentence. “Why? I
don’t understand.”
    The look of distress on his handsome face broke her heart.
In a sense she was punishing him for something that was not his fault, but the
damage was done. In time she hoped he realized that she was granting him the
best gift she could provide. Still, the pain of loss burned through her. She
stood on tiptoes to throw her arms around his neck, drawing him into a fierce hug.
    “I love you,” she stated emphatically and fought the tears
blurring her vision. “And it’s because I love you that I have to let you go.”
    He shook his head, burying his face in the crook of her neck
as his arms closed around her as if she were his tether in a storm. “Why?”
    “Several things. One, you’ve lost all respect for me after
seeing the way my family treats me.”
    “That’s not true.”
    She shushed him and drew back to frame his face between her
hands. Her thumbs stroked the curves of his cheeks and her throat grew tight at
the sight of his tear-filled eyes. “It is, and you know it. Well, maybe not all
respect, but enough to make a difference. But that’s not the only reason.
Mitch, I’m doing you a grave disservice. I’m holding you back from what you really
want.”
    “You’re what I want.”
    “Maybe. In the beginning. But I realized tonight that we’ve
grown complacent. We fell into a routine that was comfortable, but you want
more. You need more.”
    He shook his head again and she stilled him with a press of
her palms against his cheeks. “Look where you are, Mitch. Why did you come with
Emil tonight? You must have known he was trying to hook you up with his sister,
and you were interested enough to accept the invitation.”
    Beneath her hands, his skin heated and he broke his gaze to
stare at the ground. “I-I’m lonely when I’m not with you,” he finally admitted
in a small voice.
    “I know. At least, I know that now. We had an agreement, and
you’ve kept it beautifully, as have I. But it’s not enough anymore. You want
what I can’t provide and to keep you from it would be entirely selfish of me.
You are a great guy and are entitled to your happiness.”
    His lips pinched together and his breathing continued to
escalate while his eyes danced about. She recognized the signs of panic as he
tried to hold it together.
    “Tell me,” she commanded with a sweep of her thumb across
his lips.
    “I’m scared,” he whispered. “What if I don’t find someone
who understands me as you do?”
    She nodded. “Change is scary. But I’m not casting you out on
your own. I will find you the perfect Mistress. I promise. I’ll find you one
who will help you soar, not just keep you aloft. No matter what, I’m still your
friend.”
    He released a stuttered breath and hauled her against him in
a hug so tight, she struggled for air, yet she clung to his shoulders just as
fiercely. When the need to breathe drove her to move, she turned her head to
brush a string of kisses along his cheek. Her lips settled on his in a gentle
kiss. His mouth softened against hers and he kissed her back without any of the
heat and hunger of lovers. This was a kiss of friendship. A kiss of goodbye.
    Mitch pulled away with a little sniffle and smoothed a hand
over her head. “I’ll never forget you.”
    “Of course not. I’m going to make sure your new Mistress
rides your ass like you deserve.”
    He chuckled and gave her one last quick hug then walked her
to her car, opening the door at the sound of the lock disengaging.
    She waved at him through the window and as she drove down
the driveway, watched in the rearview mirror as he climbed into his own
vehicle. Once she turned onto the street, a sob broke free and the tears she
held in check streamed down her cheeks.
    Mitch wasn’t the only one afraid of change. The selection of
a new submissive wasn’t easy. And after the year she had spent with Mitch, his
replacement was going to be a tough act to follow. Also, the connection they
once