It fucking hit him hard.
She couldn’t admit to having feelings for him? To wanting to be his sub?
Because she doesn’t want it and you’re forcing her. But there was something about the way she held herself. Her shoulders were hunched, her hands tightly clenched together.
She’s lying.
“All right then.” He stood up. Her shocked eyes went to his. Had she expected him to push her?
Well, he would. Maybe just not in the ways she’d anticipated.
“I am not going to force you to admit to things you don’t feel. We’ll still help you if you need it. You and your sons.”
Christ, she had kids.
As much as he wanted to pull her into his arms and never let go, he couldn’t force her.
He turned away. It was one of the hardest things he’d ever done.
Two sets of incredulous eyes looked at him. Duke and Brody. But Reyes gave him a knowing look. He’d likely seen what Ink had.
“Wait,” she cried out.
He forced himself to keep his face a blank slate as he turned back. Yeah, he was a manipulative bastard. But fucked if he was letting her go without a fight.
“It’s okay, Betsy. I get it. I don’t know all the details but if they were threatening your sons, I get why you pretended to want me. To be a Little. Me helping you isn’t dependent on you giving me anything. Including a part of you.” He turned away again. “Duke, can you take over?”
Duke gave him a knowing look. He’d caught on.
“Betsy, right? We need you to tell us who you’re working for. Who is threatening your sons,” Duke prodded.
“No, wait, please. Please. Ink.”
He tensed, hating the sound of her in such distress. But he had to separate himself. He walked towards the interconnected door.
“Betsy,” Duke said. “I need you to tell me what’s going on.”
“I want to talk to Ink.”
“Betsy, he just needs a moment—”
“Please,” she cried out. “Ink, I do want you. None of that part was fake. Not after the first time at the club. When I was your Little girl, it was like there was nothing else. Nothing bad. Nothing could hurt me. I felt free. Please, Daddy. Please.”
He heard the first sob, was turning before the first tear trickled down her cheek. Fuck. She never cried. Not during anything. She was kneeling on the floor, her distress clear.
Asshole. You pushed her too hard.
He hadn’t expected this. He’d just needed to find a way through that barrier to what she truly felt.
And you also wanted to know what she would do if you tried to walk off. You pushed her too hard.
He sat on the floor and pulled her onto his lap, holding her close and rocking her. “Shh, button. Shh. I’m here.”
“Please don’t leave. Please don’t leave. I’m sorry. I’m sorry for it all.” Another sob racked her body.
He tilted her chin up. “Are you mine, Betsy?”
“I can’t be.”