by Kate Benson
“Of course,” he promises easily. “I have no reason to lie to you.”
“Alright,” I nod, releasing a low sigh at my own insecurity before the words finally come pouring out. “You’re a Dom. We know that.”
“We do.”
“I’d have to imagine that’s a pretty big part of your personality,” I reason. “It seems to be anyway.”
“You’d be right.”
“So, if that’s true, why haven’t you asked me to be your submissive?” I begin, the surprise in his gaze not lost on me, although I don’t understand it. “I mean, I thought that was kind of part of the deal when I came back.”
“I never said that.”
“Really?” I balk sarcastically, narrowing my eyes at him. “You never said that?”
“No, Isabella. I didn’t,” he insists, his voice even as he stares back at me. “I said it was something I enjoy, a personality trait I possess, not a requirement for us spending time together.”
I can tell by the shift in his demeanor that being questioned isn’t something he enjoys or is even used to. Something about his tone makes me even my features out and sit straighter for reasons I don’t understand. I quickly replay the conversation for the third time today alone, knowing it inside out.
“Okay, well maybe you didn’t say it in so many words,” I allow. “But I feel like it was kind of implied.”
“Do you?” he asks, his lips quirking up on either side. “Is that the reason you came back?”
“No,” I shake my head, searching carefully for my words. “And you said it wasn’t an immediate thing, so maybe that’s all it is, but I guess I just kind of assumed that your… preferences…” I say awkwardly, making him swallow a deep laugh. “I don’t know. I guess I just thought it would have come up by now. Unless I’m missing something.”
“I’ve been pretty upfront with you, haven’t I?” he asks. I nod my agreement. “So, what would you be missing?”
“I don’t know,” I shrug.
“Bullshit,” he says bluntly. “Try again.”
“It’s not bullshit,” I roll my eyes, settling back into my seat and turning away from him slightly. “I can only guess since you haven’t talked to me about it, but I mean, it’s gotta be a trust thing, right?”
“Bella, if I didn’t trust you, you wouldn’t be sitting half naked in my kitchen eating ice cream with me right now,” he counters, shaking his head. “It’s not that, it’s just…”
He swallows a smirk he thinks I haven’t seen before righting his features and looking away.
“What?” I insist, hating that he won’t meet my eyes.
“Are you quite certain you want my total honesty? You don’t always like it.”
“Yes, I’m sure.”
“Alright,” he sighs, glancing back down at me in deliberation before my impatience demands otherwise. “Isabella, I’m not entirely sure that specific role is one you’d enjoy. Sexually? You’re a natural, but… verbally?” My eyes narrow and he can no longer fight the amusement resting in his chest. “Since we’ve started this conversation, you’ve displayed no less than eight punishable offenses,” he laughs, leaning back lazily in his chair. “As you might imagine, I have a tendency to be quite strict. If you were my sub, you’d spend the bulk of your days in the proverbial doghouse.”
“So, basically what you’re telling me is that you don’t think I can do it?”
“I never said that, either,” he insists. “I think you can do anything you set your mind to, but that type of relationship isn’t about what you’re able to do. It’s about whether or not your submissive desires compliment my dominance in every aspect,” he explains. “I’m not sure your list of desires includes being punished on a constant basis, which after the last two months, I’m fairly convinced would become your fate.”
“Well, I get paid to kiss your ass at work all day and you’re already fucking me,” I counter, his jaw tensing as I roll my eyes. “It can’t be that hard.”
“Hmm… make that eleven.”
ADAM
Although she’s reasonably calm, it couldn’t be more obvious to me that she’s irritated as we make our way toward my bedroom.
“You do realize being my sub isn’t just about us fucking and you kissing my ass all day, don’t you?”
“If I’m being honest, Adam, no. I’d really have no idea what it entails,” she says, her voice thick with sarcasm as she bats her eyelashes for a moment before deadpanning and looking up at me. “Perhaps I’d have a better understanding about it if I were deemed worthy enough for that particular conversation.”
“Isabella?”
“What?”
“I think right now, you should be very grateful that I’m not your Dom,” I say calmly, pulling the covers back and gesturing for her to get in bed. “Come on. It’s bedtime.”
“I’m not tired yet,” she says, ignoring my frustration as she holds my eyes. “Why should I be grateful?”
“Because if you were in training right now…” I trail off, clearing my throat and rubbing my palm over my thigh to ease the anxious tingle just beneath the skin. “Let’s just say our evening would be headed in a much different direction, little one.”
“What are you saying, Mr. Avery?” she challenges me, her voice husky. “That you want to punish me?”
“Oh, I’d like to do much more than that.”
She’s breathing unsteady, her tits pressed firm against the fabric of my t-shirt. Her gaze is hooded, her thighs clenched together slightly at the idea of me having my way with her, owning her.
“But you won’t,” she says, her low voice bringing me from my thoughts.
“No,” I shake my head. “Not right now.”
Chapter Six
ISABELLA
After our talk last night, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t feeling a little disappointed. However, I also can’t deny a slight tinge of relief.
I don’t know much about that part of his life and although I desperately want to get closer to him, the last two months have been amazing. The idea of changing anything yet tastes bittersweet, even in my thoughts. Coming back to him is something I know without question I’ll never regret, but I also can’t say I’m quite ready to shift from the unexpected place of content I’ve found in him.
One thing I know for certain, though, is the topic isn’t one I’m willing to allow to tarnish what I feel for him.
I told Adam I want him however he came and nothing about that has changed.
“I have a late meeting this afternoon,” he says as we pull up to my building, his voice a welcome distraction from my wayward thoughts. “Will you be alright on your own until around eight?”
“Of course,” I say, taking his hand and stepping out. “I have my class at the gym tonight anyway. It’ll give me time to get cleaned up.”
“Don’t clean up too much,” he winks, glancing down at me with a smirk as we reach the steps that will lead us to my apartment. “I like you dirty.”
His joke makes me giggle to myself, the pink tinting my cheeks making him grin as I push the door open and we step inside. The familiar smell of candles and home hits me and I can’t help but inhale deeply. As much as I love spending time with Adam, as amazing as his place is, it feels like it’s been weeks since I’ve really been here in my own space.
“Do you have to leave in a hurry today?” I ask, glancing up to find him looking at his phone, shaking his head.
“No, baby. My first meeting isn’t until nine,” he says, slipping it into his pocket with a sigh before training his eyes on my body as I strip down to my panties and begin thumbing through my closet. “Why? Do you feel like being late to work this morning?”
“My boss would never allow that,” I shake my head teasingly. “I told you. He’s a real co
ntrol freak.”
“You may have mentioned that,” he smirks, taking a few steps closer and coming to a stop behind me, bending to run his nose up the arch of my neck, tugging my hair to pull my lips to his. “Fortunately, some rules are made to be broken.”
He kisses me hard as he winds his arm around my waist, flattening his palm over my stomach and slowly moving it low. His hand slips beneath the waistband of my panties, his low groan making my thoughts go hazy. I’m already wet when he slides the pad of his thumb over my clit and sinks two fingers inside, slowly fucking me. My knees go weak at his touch, my hands leaving the hangers and gripping the doorframe for support almost immediately. His hot breath washes over my skin, the sensation of Italian wool brushing against my ass as he runs his tongue over the arch in my shoulder sending me into overdrive.
I’m panting, completely falling apart at his touch so quickly I should be embarrassed, but I’m not.
I only want more.
In what feels like seconds, my walls begin to clench around his fingers and my back arches, pulling a low hum of pleasure from his chest as his lips reach my earlobe.
“There’s my princess,” he husks, his teeth grazing my skin. “Come for me, Bella.”
“Oh, my God,” I whisper as my head falls against his shoulder, my chest heaving as his name begins leaving me in a breathy moan.
“Yes, baby,” he croons as my orgasm pours over his fingers, pulling another low growl from him. The grind of my hips comes to a slow stop and my eyes drift open, finding his gaze on me, his lips turned up slightly at the corners. “I have to go, darling,” he whispers, pressing his lips to my hair before releasing me and moving toward the door. “Have a good day.”
“Wait,” I manage, shaking my head clear as he comes to a stop. “What about you?”
“Oh, don’t worry, little one,” he winks, the sight of him licking his fingers clean as he pulls my front door open making me release a whimper. “You’ll make it up to me later.”
ADAM
My meeting ran later than I would have liked and when we finally begin to push away from the table, I can’t say I’m thrilled with the results.
The numbers, the projections, they were all clear and concise, exactly what we needed for such a presentation. However, when I called on Isabella’s supervisor, Sabrina, for her input on what our marketing department could offer the client, it was obvious she hadn’t done her homework beforehand.
Considering her name was all over every report I’d been given as recently as this morning, I’m less than impressed with her performance.
I take another quick look at the report before I swallow my irritation. By the time I reach my car and pull my phone out, I shake my head when I see it’s after nine.
“Hello?” she answers on the second ring.
“Hi, kitten,” I start, cranking the ignition. “Where are you?”
“Home,” she yawns. “Falling asleep on my couch. How was your meeting? Are you still at the office?”
“No, I’m leaving now. I’ll be there in ten minutes.”
“Okay,” she says, the obvious smile in her voice easing the blow of the last three hours. “Be safe, baby.”
“I will,” I promise.
When she pulls the door open a few minutes later, relief washes over me as I see her, but I’m somewhat surprised to find her still in her pajamas.
“Hi, princess,” I say, leaning in to kiss her. “Are you nearly ready?”
“Hey,” she smiles, pushing the door shut behind me. “Ready for what?”
“To go,” I reply. “It’s getting late. I need to get you to bed.”
“Well, you know, Mr. Avery, I may not be a billionaire or have a fancy penthouse,” she smirks, a small giggle slipping through her lips as she gestures toward her bedroom. “But believe it or not, I’ve got everything we need for that right in there.”
“I know you do, but go on,” I allow, patting her on the ass as I pull her close and press my lips to her hair. “Get your things, darling.”
“Seriously?” she asks, her eyebrows quirking together as she looks up at me. “We’re already here. Why don’t we just sleep at my place tonight?”
“Honey, come on,” I sigh, holding her eyes as I kiss her parted lips. “I’m exhausted and I’ve had an incredibly long and frustrating day. Please just go get your things.”
She stares up at me, her expression shifting slightly as she begins to speak, releasing a sigh as she thinks better of it.
“What?” I ask as I release her.
“Nothing,” she shrugs, her irritation more than obvious. “I don’t get why we can’t stay here tonight, but whatever.”
“Because I said so,” I reply bluntly, reaching for the remote on the end of her couch and turning the television off before handing her the full wine glass. “Here. Come finish your wine first.”
She says nothing, taking the glass from me and holding my eyes as she empties it in one long sip before handing it back.
“Is there something else you’d like to say?” I ask, arching my brow at her expression.
“Nope,” she says, her voice clipped as she turns away from me and stomps toward her bedroom.
I release a low breath, pinching the bridge of my nose before I rinse the glass and leave it on the counter, calmly following her. I come to a stop at the door and lean on the frame, watching her pull a bag from her closet and toss it onto her bed.
“Why are you being difficult?”
“I’m not being difficult, Adam. You are being presumptuous.”
“How is wanting to go home presumptuous?”
“How is assuming I’d like to pack and leave my apartment at ten o’clock on a work night when we could sleep here not presumptuous?” she argues. “I’m tired, too. I’m already in my pajamas and-”
“Enough,” I cut her off. “Presumptuous or not, I’d like to go home and I want you with me. If you need me to help you pack a bag, fine. If you want to wear your pajamas in the car, I don’t particularly give a shit, sweetheart, but I’d rather not spend what little time I have left with you tonight doing this,” I insist, her expression falling slightly with my tone sending a quiet wave of guilt through my chest. “I’m not trying to hurt your feelings, Bella. Please don’t get upset.”
“I’m not upset,” she says quietly, releasing a low breath and collecting herself before moving toward her dresser. “It’s alright.”
“Would you like my help?”
“No, thank you,” she shakes her head, pulling a couple of things from a drawer and putting them into her bag. “I just need a few minutes.”
I nod silently and watch her move through the room quickly before she moves toward the bathroom, turning to step passed me. My arm hooking around her waist stops her.
“Come here,” I start, my voice low as she glances up at me. “I’m sorry for being abrasive. My frustration isn’t intended for you.”
“I know,” she offers, resting her hands on my chest as she reaches up on her toes, giving my jaw a gentle peck. “It’s okay.”
“Give me a kiss,” I whisper, pressing my lips to hers when she raises on her toes. “Good girl.”
Chapter Seven
ISABELLA
The next morning as I step onto the elevator with Adam, I can’t help but notice how distracted he is. Most days, he begins with a clear head, calm and ready to take on the world. Today, he seems anything but.
“Are you alright?” I ask, slipping my hand into his, my chest warming when he turns to me and gives me a quick nod.
“Yes, baby. I’m fine. I’ve just got a lot on my plate with work this week,” he admits, pressing his lips to my forehead. “Thank you for bringing your things for work this morning. It gave us both a little more time.”
“You’re welco
me,” I return his smile, leaning my head on his shoulder. “Is there anything I can do to help you with your work stuff?”
“That’s sweet of you to offer, but no. I don’t think so,” he shakes his head. When the doors open, I move to step out, but he doesn’t for a moment, instead staring down at me in thought. “Actually, there might be,” he corrects himself, leading us out. “What do you know about the Miller-Hughes account?”
“Some, but just the developmental stages,” I admit as I climb into the back of the town car that’s waiting downstairs in his garage. He slips inside beside me, reaching for my hand and keeps his attention on me as we pull away. “Our department was in charge of some of the boards and pitch ideas for the factoring deal we made with them about a month ago. I know their starting numbers and what we were able to present for their campaign, but not much else. Sabrina sat in on all the meetings for that account and isn’t too keen on keeping me in the loop once things leave my desk unless I screw something up.”
“How much do you remember about the initial projections?” he asks, glancing at his phone as he pulls up a spreadsheet.
“All of it,” I shrug. “It’s been a month since I put it together, so I may need to take a quick look to refresh my memory, but otherwise…”
“You did this?” he asks, clearly surprised when I nod. “What about the boards? Pitches? Was that also you?”
“Well, that is my job, Mr. Avery,” I wink playfully.
“I think that’s debatable,” he says, kissing my hair as the we pull into his private garage at Avery Financial. I’m about to ask him what he means when his door opens, pulling my attention. “Come, darling.”
“Should I take the main entrance?”
“Not at all,” he insists, tugging me toward his private elevator.
“What if someone sees us?”
“Don’t worry about it,” he shakes his head, pulling me inside and pressing the button that will take us to our floor. “Once we’re officially inside, I’ll behave. Until then, however…”
