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"Yeah He doesn’t like handing out that ood day, so be nice to hiainst Sir, enjoying the feel of his strong arms around her She watched Cullen, and her heart suffered at his silence Cullen was never quiet When Deborah disappeared into the house, Beth twisted to look at Sir "He looks like he needs a hug"

"He does, doesn’t he?" His ar her

She crossed the patio to where Cullen stood, staring out at the lake He seemed so lonely that her chest squeezed She looked up at him, as always a little startled at his size, even taller than Master Nolan

He finally realized she was there and turned to face her His eyes narrowed, and he tilted her chin up "Little Beth, what’s themean to you?"

Typical Do I just caave hi she could A second later, his arms wrapped around her, and he squeezed back

She didn’t move, just rested her cheek on his wide chest, and ever so slowly, his muscles relaxed Eventually, he took a deep breath and released her "Thank you, love I needed that e hands, he kissed the top of her head "Now go back to Nolan before he digs out his rifle"

She gave hione from his face She ran back to where her Master waited for her He’d get a hug too

Chapter Eleven

Master Nolan did up a good barbeque, Beth thought, looking down at the grilled steak, baked potato, sweet corn, and salad that he had piled on her plate And he said he cooked badly Then again, ood hunt, not as cooking

Once served, thecohed Men and their sports

Kari and Deborah were already seated at their Doaze and jerked her head toward the other table on the patio

Kari brightened then frowned, her eyes sliding up at Dan Permission would have to be obtained, obviously Hround and walked over to Sir Stopping inher face solee Could the subs eat together and indulge in girl-talk? Please, Sire?"

Sir choked on a laugh

"Damn, Nolan, how’d you accoet Kari to say er at Beth When she rose, he pulled her between his knees, his handsher tender bottoerous little sub, aren’t you?" he lanced at Kari "Sweet and stubborn, the both of you I can see why you get along

"All right with you, guys?" Nolan asked Dan grinned down at Kari and nodded When Cullen looked at Deborah, she shook her head no

"Just the two of you then," Nolan said

"Really?" Beth asked "You don’t aze made her feel…cherished "How could I say no when you asked so nicely? Go ahead, sugar"