Unseen (Without Mercy Book 1) by Libby Campbell

Author:Libby Campbell [Campbell, Libby]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781990303104
Publisher: Libby Campbell Romance
Published: 2022-01-13T16:00:00+00:00

13

SAD GOODBYES

When Josie and Sir Godfrey entered the salon, a hush fell over the people gathered. Gloria was curled up beside Naomi on the settee. Cal and Gerry were discussing an article in Time magazine that lay open on Gerry’s lap. Josie’s energy was so depleted by the events of the day followed by this long interrogation that she couldn’t make sense of their conversations. She stood beside Gloria and rested her hand on Gloria’s shoulder.

“You’re next, petal, but don’t worry, Sir Godfrey doesn’t let Sutherland badger you.”

Sir Godfrey helped Gloria to her feet with a gentleness that seemed at odds with the fierce warning he’d given Josie in the hallway. He held Gloria under the elbow as though she might crumple and fall any second. She covered her face with her hands like a child about to play peekaboo.

At the sight of Gloria’s distress, Gerry rose and handed her an embroidered handkerchief. “Save your tears, lovey. If the detective smells fear or weakness he’ll turn up the heat. Of course, my fearsome husband won’t let him get too carried away, but do try to think of him as an enemy. Keep your guard up.”

“Okay,” Gloria whispered, her face looking porcelain-doll fragile. With a deep inhale and a pause, her earlier tears began to dry, allowing her familiar beauty to shine through again. She allowed Sir Godfrey to lead her toward the library.

“Irma,” Josie said, “please take some water and glasses to them.”

“Excellent idea,” Sir Godfrey said. “Perhaps we might have some lemonade as well?”

Cal slid in beside Josie and patted her knee. “That wasn’t too hard, was it?”

She shook her head. It wasn’t just Sutherland she hid her weakness from; she didn’t want Sir Godfrey or Lady Geraldine seeing her weak either. Even though her sister Nelly was two years older, Mercy had always called Josie the mighty hub of the family wheel, the person who kept them all connected, who kept their lives turning. It was natural for everyone to assume she’d have no problem when she followed Sutherland into the library. She had always tried to be a strong, independent woman like Mercy wanted her to be. Unfortunately that meant few people ever saw past her outer shell.

Cal knew her better than that. Like the others, he respected her feisty side, but he knew the vulnerable part of her as well. No one else ever dared to order her to knees, with her head bent in submission, naked in both body and soul. For Josie, those times when he took control were moments of sublime freedom.

She’d craved that surrender today, but when she tested it by pushing him away, he’d allowed himself to be pushed. He’d stepped away from the authority she’d given him over her. Her safety net had failed. She didn’t need a comforting hand on her knee. She needed the release of the spanking he’d promised but hadn’t delivered.

Frustration burned through her.

Gerry watched them closely. When she knocked the cigarette butt out of her holder, Cal picked up the Bakelite box and offered her another.

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