“That was quite the carnal sex,” he said, laughing. “Are you sure you’re fine with everything I do? I feel like I’m pushing you too much.”
Taking off the chain, he nuzzled my neck and sniffed, probably smelling the leather around my neck.
“No … It’s quite the opposite, actually. I like it. I’ve never had a man want me so much he’d go to such lengths to get me.”
He smiled and kissed my earlobe gently. “I’d hunt you down if I have to.”
His words made my heart jump.
“I need you in my life, Julie. No matter how much I kept telling myself that I shouldn’t, I can’t stop it anymore. You are perfect for me, in every way.”
I smiled and turned my head to look into his beautiful blue eyes. “Will you let me in then? Into your heart and your life?”
He lightly brushed his lips against mine. “You’re already in deep, babe.”
Chapter 3
When we came home, Dominic took my coat, and when his fingers brushed my shoulder, the flame in my belly was rekindled.
“I’ve asked my assistant to make us dinner, so you could relax. After what I put you through today, I figured you might be tired.” A sly grin flashed by, and I tried to suppress a smile, thinking about all the dirty things we did today.
“I hope you like spaghetti,” he said.
“Heck, yeah, that’s my favorite dish!” I said. I took off my leather collar, because I wanted to feel my own skin again and Dominic had said it was okay. I placed it on the table beside the door and brushed my fingers along my freed skin.
Suddenly the doorbell rang, and Dominic went to answer.
“No, I don’t take packages personally. Bring it to the clerk; he’ll put it in my mailbox. I’ll get it later.”
He brushed his fingers through his hair and frowned. Then his eyes widened. “What? Are you sure?” He let out a sigh and grated his teeth. “Fine, bring it up.”
He slammed the phone down and opened the door. Moments later a man came to deliver a package. “I’m sorry, sir. He insisted I’d bring it personally.”
I looked up and watched the two. Dominic nodded and took a deep breath, before taking the package from his hands. The man’s fingers were shaking. He turned around and left so quickly, I thought he wanted to get out of there as fast as possible.
What’s going on?
Dominic turned around. I could see his face again. His brows were furrowed, his lips pursed and pointing downward. As he unwrapped the package and opened the box, his pupils dilated.
“What’s in it, Dom?”
His mouth opened, but nothing came out. His hands were trembling, and I could see he had trouble holding onto the box. Jamming the lid back on, he said, “Nothing. You’ll have to eat dinner by yourself, Julie. I have to go.”
“What? Why?”
He stomped away to grab his coat. The box was still firmly clenched between his fingers.
“Dom, tell me, please. What’s happening?”
Just before he walked out the door, he turned around to me. “Listen … don’t go anywhere. Don’t talk to anyone. Just don’t do anything until I get back here or until you hear from me. Stay here, alright?” His voice sounded genuinely worried.
“What? What are you talking about?” I held my ground, using the table as support. I could see something was bothering him, but I didn’t know what.
“Please, Julie. No questions, just do this … for me. I don’t want to see you get hurt.”
Me? Get hurt? How would that happen? Was something about to go down?
When he told me he got the casino from his father, and that it came with a lot of nasty shit, I didn’t know exactly what it meant, but I never thought it could mean danger. Was Dominic in danger? Or was I? Who was he dealing with and what were they doing?
This can’t be good.
Before I had a chance to say anything, he’d already stormed out the door with the package.
The air around me was suddenly filled with despair. I don’t know where it came from, but I suddenly had this feeling like something bad was about to happen, and I didn’t know what. Dominic kept me in the dark, for whatever reason, and it scared me. What was in that box that had frightened him so much? I didn’t have any control over the situation, and it freaked me out. What was I supposed to do now?
Then I heard something buzz. I looked around the house and found his cell phone lying on the table. Why does he keep forgetting it? Is he purposely trying to get me to look at it? I walked up to it and reached for it, stopping myself just before I grabbed it.
No, Julie, don’t. That’s rude.
I ignored the voice in my head. I needed to know what was going on, and this curiosity was stronger than my will to be respectful of his stuff.
I picked it up and looked at the text message that just came in.
We’ve really gotten to a point of no return, Dom. Something must be done. I’m here if you need me. Call me when you’re ready. Sharon.
The same woman that had texted him before. What did she want from him? What was their connection? Did it have something to do with the box? Or was he really going behind my back to see her?
I was overcome with doubt and in need of some guidance. I needed someone to talk to, but had no idea who. I hadn’t spoken to my family in years and I’d left most of my friends back in town when I left my ex. There was only one person who’d understand what I was going through, being a submissive to a rich and powerful man who had plenty of secrets he wasn’t sharing. That one person was the lady I’d met at the play club. Daisy.
For a moment I thought of our little conversation. She told me she could help me understand him. Teach me how to be his sub. Maybe this was why he was gone each time. Maybe that Sharon woman was better than me. I wanted to give him what he needed, but he still wouldn’t let me in. How could I understand him and be with him if he wouldn’t let me in? Was I not good enough?
Maybe Daisy can help.
I went through my coat until I found the paper on which she’d scribbled her phone number. I dialed the number, and when I heard the voice on the other end of the line I knew it was too late to turn back.
***
I opened the door, and there she was, the lady with the curly, long blonde hair. This time without a mask. It wasn’t until she spoke up that I recognized it was her. She seemed so different without it. So blank and emotionless. Almost as if she was here for an assignment.
“Hey, Julie,” she said, and she shook my hand. “I’m so glad you invited me over.”
“Yeah, come in,” I said, and I closed the door behind her.
She walked in and looked around, her gaze lingering on the huge windows in the back. “Quite a dom you have. Lovely view. I can imagine why he’d want to live her.”
“I adore this place.”
She chuckled. “I’m sure you do.”
“Hey, would you like to have dinner right now? I mean, it’s already cooked, otherwise it’ll get cold,” I asked, and walked into the kitchen.
“Sure,” she said, chuckling. “I could do with a bite. By the way, is it possible to get some tea as well? I have this strange habit of drinking tea with dinner.” She laughed again. “It’s because of what my dom taught me.”
“Sure, no problem. I’ll have some too,” I said.
While the water came to a boil, and the food was ready to be served, I clenched the sink. I knew her being her was totally against his wishes, but I needed some support. Even though I was already questioning what I was doing. My fingers shook as I picked up the mugs.
Stop it, Julie. Don’t be weak now. You made the decision, go on with it.
“I was almost starting to think you’d never accept my offer,” she said from across the room.
I came back with our dinner and tea, and placed them on the table before, sitting down on the comfy couch.
“Well … to be honest, I wasn’t sure about it, but …”
“But what?”
She
stared at me with this distinct look, as if she totally knew what I was talking about, but wanted me to say it instead.
“I really didn’t know what to do. I still don’t.” I took a bite from my spaghetti.
“Well, I’m here now and as I’ve said before, I can help you become a better sub to him.”
“That’s just it, he doesn’t want me to have anyone over. Even though I could use some sort of … a friend.”
She put her mug back down and rested her head on the back of her hand, her elbow leaning on the armrest. “Everybody needs a friend, Julie. Especially in the world we live in.”
I swallowed the hot liquid that burned in my throat. She said it with such a tone that I couldn’t help think if she knew more than I did.
“So, tell me, where’s your dom?” she asked. She grabbed her plate and started on her spaghetti.
I wanted to say he was at work, but of course, that was a lie. I didn’t want to lie. I was sick of the lies.
“I think he’s with a woman somewhere.”
Her eyes widened and her brow went up. She put her plate back down. “And you trust him?”
“Of course I do, it’s just that …”
“You’re afraid he might not be truthful.”
I flushed and felt ashamed that she knew exactly what was going on in my mind. “Well it’s just that I’ve seen these text messages and I just don’t trust it. I don’t know. There’s something off about it. And Dom’s not telling me things either. It’s like he’s afraid, or something.”
“I see. Well, to be honest, you could always ask him about it. What could he possibly do? You’re already taking a beating regularly, and I know how that’s like. Not really even punishment.” She leaned forward. “Since I told you I’d help you, I’ll start now. Let me give you a bit of advice. Our doms can’t harm us physically. Their lies can. Confront him.”
“But how? I can’t just ask him.”
“Push him. Give him what he wants. More than that. If you do, you’ll have better chances of him spilling the beans. It’s give and take. I know for sure your dom is like every other guy out there … lure them in and they’ll tell you everything there is to know. Then you’re the one with the power.”
She winked and drank up her tea. We were silent for a moment and I took the time to eat until the plate was empty. Daisy was also finished and I brought the plates to the kitchen. When I came back, Daisy stood up and walked to the window. With her hands on the glass she looked down, peering into the depth below. “Hey, is that your dom’s car?” she said.
I jumped up from the couch and came to the window. “Shit!” I screamed. It was a limo, and Dom just stepped out.
“Crap, you have to go, fast!” I said, and I grabbed her arm and dragged her to the door. “He can’t see you here. He can’t know I brought someone in.”
She chuckled and snatched her coat, while I opened the door.
“I’m sorry,” I said. “I didn’t think he’d be back this quickly.”
“It’s okay, I understand,” she said. “I know it’s a hassle, but at least we got to talk a little. Let’s chat some more next time, okay? I can’t wait to exchange information about our doms. I love having another friend,” she blew me a kiss in the air before walking off.
Friend? I barely knew her.
I closed the door behind her, leaned my back against the wood and took a deep breath.
Only a few moments later the door was flung open again, and I was pushed forward, almost tripping over my own heels.
It was Dominic, this time without the package, but with a look on his face that instilled fear with me. I’d never seen him this terrified.
Chapter 4
“You’re okay,” he said, breathing heavily. “Good.”
I frowned. “Why do you keep saying that?”
He walked past me, ignoring my question, and went straight for the fridge to get a bottle of whisky. He grabbed a glass from the pantry and filled it up to the brim. In one go he gulped it down.
What the hell?
“Dom, please say something …” I said, walking up to him. His back was to me, but I could see he firmly clenched the sink. I put my hand on his shoulder, and it tensed up. “What’s wrong? Why wouldn’t I be alright?”
His hand went up, and then he poured some more into his glass, drinking it up instantly. He turned around, and I could see a flush appearing on his face. His eyes were closing slowly each time. He was already getting hazy from the booze.
A long drawn out sigh came out of him and he closed his eyes, brushing his index finger through them. “Nothing for you to worry about. Let me handle it.”
He picked up his glass and the whisky again, but I snatched both from him and put them down on the counter behind me. He seemed furious. His eyes blazing with fire, his lips curling down, hands balling up into a fist.
Dominic stomped over to me, and I backed up, pushing my back further into the counter. He stopped right in front of me, nostrils flaring, shoulders rigid, legs and arms spread apart like he wanted me to know who was boss. Well, it didn’t impress me. Okay, maybe a little. I swallowed. His menacing physique and dominance wouldn’t make me waver. I wouldn’t let him have it. Not even if he made me.
“Give it back,” he growled.
“No.”
“I am your master, Julie. Give it!” His brows furrowed and he clenched his teeth together.
“No!”
His fists came down on the counter right beside me, and I jolted up from the bang.
“Whatever it is, Dom, I can see you’re trying to drink it away,” I said. “That won’t help you one bit, and I won’t let you do that to yourself.”
My eyes welled with tears, but I wouldn’t let them out. I wasn’t hurt. I just couldn’t bear to see him like this. So damaged by something that he had to resort to alcohol.
He opened his mouth, but nothing came out.
“You left your phone here,” I said. “You got a text message while you were gone.”
He looked down upon me with narrowed eyes. “And you checked it?”
I couldn’t stop the blush from appearing on my face, and even though I didn’t answer, my silence said enough.
“Why?” was all he said.
“I’m sorry, Dom. I just … you weren’t here, and I needed to know what was going on. I can’t live like this, not knowing anything, it’s eating me up.”
“And? Did it quell your curiosity?”
My eyes drifted to the floor, unable to look him in the eye. “It only gave me more questions.”
“Like what? Don’t you trust me?”
“I do … I just … my past experiences have made me so insecure. Every woman I see speaking to you makes me think she wants you for herself.”
He laughed.
I shake my head. “I’m such a jealous bitch. Pathetic.”
He took my chin with between his thumb and index finger and forced me to look at him. “Hey, you are not a bitch, don’t call yourself that. Of course, I understand if you’re a bit scared, seeing what your ex did to you.” He cupped my face and brushed his fingers along the edge of my jaw. “Listen. I’m not cheating. I will never do that to you.” He searched my face for a reaction. I nodded quietly.
“That woman is just …” he grew silent.
“Just what?” I asked.
“She’s helping me with some shit at work.”
“Some shit? You mean that shit your father left you? Tell me, what kind of shit are you in, exactly?” I raised one eyebrow daringly.
He sighed again and licked his lips. “Nothing you want to know. It will only make things worse if you do.”
I rolled my eyes. “Why can’t you just tell me what’s wrong?”
“Because that will hurt even more, trust me,” he said, turning his eyes toward the floor. “Please … just stop. Don’t ask me to do this.”
“Well, whatever it is, drinking won’t solve your problems either, Dom,” I repeated. Maybe it would sink
in if only I said it often enough. “I know all too well.”
He snorted and shook his head. “As if anything else will.”
I put my hands on his waist and slowly nudged him closer. He didn’t resist. “I could ease the pain a little. If you let me.”
I pulled him in for a soft kiss on the lips. It was tender and passionate, but his desire to always take me grew again, and soon his mouth opened. With his tongue he plundered my mouth, forcing himself upon me. His hands slipped from the counter to my back, and then it was like he tried to devour me.
Suddenly he released me, snatched the bottle from behind me and took a step back.
“Hey!” I yelled, as he held the bottle high up in the air. Raising his head, he took a sip straight from the bottle.
“What the hell,” I murmured.
He let out a big sigh after the drink. “Refreshing.”
“Give that back,” I said, and I reached for the bottle, my arms and legs stretching to their limit. I wasn’t tall enough to even get to his hands. He swayed the bottle back and forth, a sneaky smile curving his lips, while he raised his eyebrows a couple of times.
“Come on,” I said. I jumped up and down, but each time he held the bottle up higher.
He laughed and looked down at me. “Well, this is a nice view.” Then I noticed he wasn’t actually looking at my eyes, but at my chest.
I could feel them bounce each time I was jumping, and the moment I realized he was eyeing them, I stopped, heat rushing to my cheeks.
I pursed my lips and squinted. “Whatever.”
Folding my arms, I turned around and walked to the door. “Go ahead, drink until you faint. I thought you might like to have me instead of the booze, but I guess not. Have fun.”
I left him standing in the kitchen as he sloshed down more whiskey. I walked up the stairs, but when I was halfway up, he yelled, “Hey, where are you going? I was only fooling around.”
He stood at the bottom of the stairs, gaping at me with the bottle still in his hands.
“Come on … get back here,” he said, throwing his head back.
“Make me,” I said.
The Billionaire's Bet #3: A Risky Raise (Erotic Romance with alpha male) Page 3
