My thoughts drift, and Julie’s voice pulls me back into the moment.
“You should totally do it, Brie. You said he’s gorgeous. Seriously, what’s the problem? If you feel safe, I say why the hell not? Shit, maybe I’ll sign up for a lesson with him myself if this works.”
The idea of Julie touching him, of him growling out orders meant for her ears, isn’t a pleasant one. It hits me like a smack to the face, and the insane urge to keep him all for myself flares up inside me. Shaking off the growing feelings as nothing more than casual interest tinged with lust, I maneuver my car into the underground garage of my building.
I park in my usual spot and grab my purse, exiting the car with the phone still pressed to my ear.
“I’m glad you’re supportive of this,” I tell her. “I thought you were going to think I was crazy.” Actually, I considered not telling anyone what I was up to—even Julie—but then I realized that wasn’t smart. He could turn out to be a serial killer. “I think this will be good for me.”
I’m willing to put in the hard work to get what I want. Though, trust me, the idea of getting closer to Dom doesn’t seem like work. He is intriguing and sexy in a domineering way. I’ve never been attracted to a man like him before, so I’m sure it was just a fluke. My boyfriends in college were certified geeks—glasses-wearing, white-tennis-shoe-sporting nerds from the IT lab. I almost giggle when I think about the differences between him and the men I’m used to. It’s almost like comparing two opposing species. A lion to a guppy.
“I’m proud of you,” Julie says. “When do you see him again? And you know I’m going to want more details, right?”
Heading inside the elevator, I laugh and punch the button for the sixth floor, where my apartment is located. “I’m well aware.”
• • •
Lying in bed that night, I can’t stop my mind from spinning, playing back my encounter with Dom. As I hug a pillow to my chest and burrow under the covers, I realize he took control prior to us even meeting, telling me how to dress, right down to my choice in underwear, and I eagerly obeyed. Maybe I have more of a submissive nature than I realized.
When I think about him inspecting the panties that he tucked into his pocket, a small smile uncurls on my lips. My life may be neat and well-ordered, but the panties that more closely resemble dental floss than underwear should signal to him that I’m open to a sexual adventure.
I feel naughty and slightly breathless, but if he can really help me win over Kirby, my decision is made. I’m going for it. Hell, it might even be fun.
Chapter Eight
Hale
Brielle followed through like a good little submissive.
By Thursday evening, waiting for me in my in-box is the signed nondisclosure agreement. It might not hold up in court, but it gives us both the peace of mind we need to pursue this affair discreetly. A second attachment contains her test results. She’s completely clean. And her middle name is Gertrude. I suppress a chuckle.
I send her an e-mail, attaching my own recent test results. My name has been blacked out, but she’ll learn that I’m twenty-eight and was born in Chicago. I tell her to meet me at a quiet, swanky lounge in downtown Chicago on Friday night. Our first lesson will begin then.
The Dominant in me is smirking at what I have in store for her.
• • •
I spot her immediately. Seated on a bar stool with a glass of white wine in front of her, Brielle is oblivious to the men’s attention she’s currently garnering. The plum-colored dress tied around her neck that dips low on her back, falling nearly to her ass, makes me feel oddly possessive. I clench my fists at my sides and take a deep breath.
“Who said you could wear a backless dress?” I whisper near her ear as I sidle up behind her. Brielle jumps as though my voice has startled her. She’s not mine, she’s only mine to train for the next six weeks, yet something about the men around her being treated to the graceful curve of her spine, the dimples in her lower back, bugs the fuck out of me.
Brielle looks stunning as she turns to face me with a worried expression. Her mouth forms into a pout, and her gaze travels the length of my body. Leaving late from work means I’m still dressed in a suit, though I’ve loosened the tie and unbuttoned my collar.
“I—” she begins.
“You look beautiful,” I say, looking directly into her eyes.
“Thank you,” she says softly, her posture relaxing.
I take the seat beside her and when the bartender approaches, I order a club soda.
Brielle watches me curiously. “You don’t drink, do you?” she asks, her brow creasing.
“I never drink when I’m working, or when I’m playing in a scene. Keeping my head clear so I can focus on the woman I’m with is much more appealing than a cheap buzz.”
She nods. “You’re quite controlled, aren’t you?”
“Most definitely.”
“What do you do for fun?”
I smirk. “You want to know about my hobbies?”
“Why not?” She grins, bringing the glass of wine to her plump lips.
Something tells me that enlightening her about my activities at the club will only make her more nervous. And as fun as seeing that response would be, I need her to relax, open herself up, and trust me. Tonight will be our first time together. Still, she should know a little about the man she’s hired.
“I like pushing women to their limits. Role playing, light bondage, spanking.” I grin. “And on Sundays, I take my nana to church.”