Reckless Devotion (Book One)

by Jennifer Domenico

  She stares at me with disbelief on her features. I wait patiently for her to say something, and when she finally does, I can’t believe my ears. “I want that too.”

  After letting her answer sit with me for a moment, I continue. “I don’t apologize, Mia, hardly ever, but I’m apologizing to you for how I made you feel. I fucked up.”

  “I accept your apology, Gabriel.”

  “Thank you.” I smile, then lean forward and kiss her lips one more time. “I think I should go and give us both time to process everything.”

  “Okay.” She averts her eyes briefly, but then looks up again. “Will I hear from you soon?”

  “Do you think I can stay away?”

  A smile pulls at her lips. “No?”

  “No.” I brush my fingers over her lips as she leans into my hand and kisses it. I want to finish her off so badly, but I know I can’t yet. It has to wait. “Thank you for what you did for me. It was truly amazing.”

  She fixes those amazing eyes on me again. “We can do it your way, Gabriel. I’m in.”

  Her comment surprises me. “Why?”

  “Because I want to see what devotion feels like. Maybe, I’ll even get yours in return.”

  “You already have it.”

  After saying goodbye to Mia, I walk to my car, with only one thought lingering in my head. I’m fucking obsessed with that woman, and I love it.

  LYING IN BED after Gabriel leaves, I stare at the ceiling processing everything that happened. I’m starting to figure out something about him. He gets off on this whole domineering thing, but he’s not as hard and cold as he seems. There is a softer side that he just showed, and I’m so glad he did. Without it, I don’t think I could’ve gone on, no matter how hot he is. He’s not like any man I’ve ever met, and I don’t know how to handle it. He’s pulling behaviors and thoughts out of me I didn’t know existed. I mean what the fuck? He wants my devotion, he wants me broken and kneeling at his feet, and for some reason, the thought of that excites me. Maybe because no man has ever even tried. No man ever stands up to me, overpowers me, subdues me. I’ve spent my adult years being the head bitch in charge of my life, and I bask in the power of that. Then along comes Gabriel, stripping that power away from me with just a few words. Why I’m letting him, I’m not sure I’ll ever know. Maybe… I laugh softly as the thought comes to me. Maybe I’ve just been waiting for someone strong enough to handle me. Strong enough to match me. Strong enough to make me lose control.

  As I think back over the course of the day, the things he said, the things he made me do, a flutter of excitement hits me, and I want more. I want to know what kind of shit he’ll push me to do. He wants me obsessed with him? Well, I’d say I’m well on my way.

  THE NEXT MORNING, after dressing for work, I grab my handbag and walk out to the garage. In the car, I wait as the garage door rolls up and see that it’s raining, pouring actually, and it brings a smile to my face. I’m his storm. Beauty and destruction all in one. Never thought I’d find flattery in a comparison like that.

  Starting my short drive to work, I wonder if I’ll see him today. What will he be like? Nice? Bossy? I’m dying to find out. I pull into work, park, shut the car off, and then run inside to avoid getting too wet. As soon as I get inside, Frank waves at me.

  “Morning, Mia.”

  “Hi, Frank.”

  “Your breakfast is waiting.”

  Smiling, I nod. “Oh, thanks.”

  He nods, gesturing behind me. When I turn, Gabriel is sitting in the waiting area, looking down at his phone. I walk over to him as he looks up at me.

  “Hi.”

  He smiles, standing. “Mia. Glad to see you made it here safely.”

  “I’m like four miles away.” He gazes down at me with such an intense look on his face, I clear my throat. “Why are you here?”

  “To see you, of course. To bring you breakfast, to smell your perfume, to gaze at your luscious mouth. I couldn’t stop thinking of you last night. Did you think of me?”

  I nod. “Yeah.”

  “I want to see you tonight.”

  “Okay.”

  He steps closer, as a smirk spreads across his lips. “Are you ready for me, Mia? I’m gonna show you some fucked up shit, and I can’t wait to bring you fully into my world. Have you changed your mind after you’ve had time to think?”

  “No.”

  “Even when I’m a jerk and make you mad?”

  “I can handle you.”

  He swallows hard, holding my gaze. “I want to pull your dress up right now, rip your panties off, and bury my fingers in you so your scent will be with me all day.”

  “Jesus, Gabriel,” I whisper.

  “What, baby? Tell me, ma petite, am I getting to you? Did I find the crack in your armor?”

  “You created the crack, Gabriel.”

  He smiles, pinching my chin. “Can I kiss you here?”

  I shake my head softly. “No.”

  “That’s good, because if I did…” He shakes his head, grinning. It isn’t necessary to finish the sentence.

  “But tonight you’re welcome to pick up where that thought left off.”

  “Oh, I will.” He leans close. “Do you want to feel my tongue on your pussy?”

  I exhale sharply, glancing nervously around the lobby, making sure no one is close enough to hear us even though his voice is low.

  “Do you, Mia?”

  “Yep.”

  “Mmm, so do I. I bet you taste amazing.”

  “I do.”

  His eyebrow raises. “Do you want to make me happy right now?”

  I blink rapidly, knowing a demand of some kind is coming. “Yes.”

  “Good. Go in the bathroom, take your panties off, and bring them to me.”

  “Gabriel…” I whisper.

  “Do it. You’ll spend the whole day knowing I have them, knowing I’ll pull them out of my pocket and inhale your scent. My dick will be hard as a rock because of you. Then I’ll show up tonight and give them back to you.” He tilts his head. “If you’re good.”

  I consider the idea for a moment, wondering if without them, I’ll leave a wet spot on my skirt. It doesn’t matter though. I’m fucking doing it.

  “I’ll be right back.”

  Gabriel grins. “I’ll be right here.”

  As I hurry off to the restroom, my mind swirls with desire. I can’t believe I’m doing this, but then again, Gabriel is able to twist me just how he wants me. In the stall, I pull my skirt up, slide my panties off, and stare at them in my hand for a moment. Am I really gonna walk out in the lobby of my workplace and hand him my panties? Yep.

  Clutching them in a ball, I walk back toward him, but stop when I see Sara. Fuck. She turns and waves, and I force a smile to my face.

  “Hey,” she says, when I reach them.

  “Morning,” I say.

  Gabriel smiles with his hands in his pockets, completely calm. “I was just telling Sara that I had a morning errand to run, so I decided to stop by and make sure my girls had some breakfast.”

  “Girls?” I repeat.

  “Yep. I left two bagels over at the front desk.”

  I grin. Well played, Gabriel. Well played.

  “That’s so thoughtful.”

  “Isn’t it?” Sara asks, rubbing her brother’s arm. She obviously adores him, and it’s sweet to see, really.

  “Hey, Gingerbread,” Gabriel says. “Would you mind giving me and Mia a few minutes alone?”

  “Oh.” She turns to me and smiles. “Not at all. I’ll see you upstairs, Mia. I’ll take the bagels with me.”

  “Perfect.”

  We both watch her walk away, then Gabriel puts his thumb on my chin, twisting my face back to his. “Do you have something for me?”

  Nodding, I extend my hand and drop the ball of black lace into his.

  “Mmm, these are nice.” Lifting them to his nose, he takes a long sniff, embarrassing me as people walk by us ready to start their morning. “Fu
ck, Mia. You’re intoxicating.”

  As I flinch, a smile creeps onto my lips. “I have to go up now, or I’m gonna be late.”

  He nods. “I’ll let you go.” He steps closer, causing my breath to catch. “For now.”

  “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome, mon trésor.” Leaning forward, he kisses me sweetly on the cheek. “Have a good day and think of me.”

  “Count on it.”

  He winks before walking out. I exhale slowly and walk upstairs on shaky legs. Knowing I’ll have to talk to Sara about his surprise arrival, I try to compose myself like it’s nothing more than bagels, and I’m not naked under my skirt at her brother’s request.

  When I get to my desk, Sara is already waiting, grinning as she chews her bagel. “He came to see you?”

  “Yeah.” I nod. “And bring us breakfast.”

  “It’s so cute. I like seeing this side of Gabriel.”

  “What side is that?”

  “The romantic one.”

  I have to stifle all sarcastic comments threatening to slip out of my mouth. “Yeah, he’s something.”

  “What did he say after I left?”

  “We don’t talk about him, remember?”

  “Yeah, but I saw how he pinched your chin. Looked like he was gonna kiss you.”

  “Nope.” I sit down, pulling the bagel out of the bag. “Just on the cheek.”

  “It’s still sweet.”

  “Yeah, it is.”

  “So, what’s next with you two? Another date?”

  “I guess so. I’m kind of letting him call the shots right now.”

  Sara’s eyes narrow. “Why?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Forgive me for being shocked, but you’ve never let anyone take the lead on anything you’ve been involved in, especially romance. Why is Gabriel special?”

  Because I don’t have a choice and it excites the fuck out of me. “Thought I’d try something different.”

  “Different?”

  “Opposite of same. You’ve heard the word before?”

  She laughs, shaking her head. “Sarcasm.”

  “Good job.” Pushing the button on my computer to turn it on, I look up at my friend. “I have to get busy now.”

  “You’re keeping something from me.”

  “Sara,” I sigh. “I am keeping something from you. Everything about my relationship with Gabriel. In a nutshell, I like him. He likes me. I’m pretty sure we’ll keep seeing each other at least for a while. That’s all I got.”

  She nods, chewing a bite of bagel. “Okay, Mia. I’m sorry. I know I’ve got to stop asking.”

  “It would be easier on both of us.”

  “You got it. Lunch?”

  “Always.”

  “Okay. See you at noon.”

  “Bye.”

  As she bounces off to her corner of the office, I text Gabriel.

  Sara is so curious about us.

  It takes about fifteen minutes before he answers.

  What happened?

  Nothing specific. She’s just excited. She adores you.

  I do have some redeeming qualities. I promise.

  Hmm…

  Maybe I’ll show you sometime.

  I smile at my phone, thinking of a good response.

  I’d like to see that.

  Can’t wait to see you later.

  Are you gonna fuck me finally?

  Several minutes pass before he responds.

  No.

  My face falls when I read his answer. Well, shit. I put my phone on my desk, and try to focus on my work, but I can’t stop wondering why not. What is he waiting for? When my phone buzzes again, I quickly grab it and read his text.

  Soon though.

  I nod, reading it a second time. Now I wonder what we’ll do tonight when he comes over.

  A FEW HOURS later, just as I’m walking outside to my car, my phone rings.

  “Hi, Gabriel.”

  “Hi. What do you want for dinner?”

  “Dinner?”

  “Yes, the meal typically eaten in the evening.”

  Grinning, I unlock my car door. “I know what it is. I just hadn’t considered it yet.”

  “I’ll make this easier. Anything you despise that I should not show up with?”

  “Nope. I’ll eat anything.”

  “Hmm, good to know.”

  “I think you already found that out.”

  “Oh, we’ve just scratched the surface. How’d you do today without your panties?”

  “It was a strange sensation, but every time I moved, I felt kind of sexy.”

  “You are way more than kind of sexy, Mia. See you soon.”

  “Okay.”

  “Oh. Leave the door unlocked. I don’t want to knock. Take a shower and wait for me on the couch naked.”

  I climb inside the car, frowning. “Naked? What about dinner?”

  “I’ll handle the details. You just do as requested. Unless you’re thinking of defying me.”

  “What would happen if I did? Would you, like, spank me or something?”

  “Spanking doesn’t do a lot for me.”

  “What if I wanted it? Would you do it then?”

  “I’d consider it for good behavior.”

  “I gotta say, I’m more curious what you do for bad behavior.”

  “I’d be disappointed, Mia.”

  My brow furrows at his response. I don’t know why, but I don’t think I’d like that. “Well, I’m not planning to defy you tonight.”

  “Good. You have your instructions.”

  “Yes.”

  “See you soon.”

  He hangs up, leaving me on the edge of my seat. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

  About ten minutes later, I pull into my garage and hurry quickly inside. I decide I’ll take my shower, then unlock the front door, hoping he doesn’t arrive sooner than that. After pinning my hair up, I strip down and hop in the shower, washing quickly, but feeling like I’m being showered in fire. Every nerve is on edge in anticipation of what’s to come.

  When I finish, I apply lotion, spritz my neck with perfume, and release my hair, running my fingers through it. Taking a deep breath, I smile at my naked reflection then pad out to the living room where I unlock the front door. Filled with nervous energy, I sit on the sofa, waiting for him. I’m trying to be calm, but my leg is bouncing like crazy.

  When I hear the car door shut out front, I actually gasp out loud. Oh God. He’s here. A moment later, the door opens and Gabriel walks in, carrying a plastic bag, his face expressionless as his eyes take in my naked state. I watch as a slow smile spreads across his incredible mouth.

  “Very good, ma petite. I am pleased.”

  I nod, and offer a smile, remembering that I’m not supposed to talk until he tells me to. A ridiculous rule, but if this is the game I have to play to get that dick, then I’m playing.

  “Are you hungry?” I nod, as he tilts his head. “You can speak.”

  “I’m hungry.”

  “I brought Chinese food.”

  “I like that.”

  “We’re going to talk about a few things in preparation for what’s to come.” He walks over to the couch and sits beside me. After setting the food on the coffee table, he gently fondles my nipple, then lifts my hand to plant a soft kiss on it. I notice how he seems slightly uncomfortable, and for some reason, it comforts me. “Obviously, I’m not your average man with average appetites.”

  “Obviously.”

  “I like things a certain way.”

  “I know.”

  “We’ve established that this thing between us will stay that way. It’s important that the people close to us view us as any other couple. You agree?”

  “I agree.”

  “The next topic we need to discuss is trust.” He opens the bag and pulls out a container, then hands me a fork. “Noodles?”

  I nod, taking the fork and container. “Thank you.”

&nbs
p; “I’m going to ask you to trust me and understand that I would never allow you to be hurt.”

  “Okay.”

  “I’m going to put you in situations you haven’t been in before. Sometimes, you might not want to do it, but I’ll ask you to do it anyway, because I want you to believe that I know what you want and what you need better than you do.”

  I prickle against the comment. “I’m not submissive, Gabriel, but I’m trying.”

  “I’m not asking you to be submissive, Mia. I’m asking you to be…” He pauses then redirects his attention to the food. Opening a container and a package of chopsticks, he takes a bite of food. I’m perplexed by his silence, so I just watch him.

  A moment later, he glances at me. “Keep eating, Mia.” I nod, taking another bite. “Will you trust me? Nothing else can happen until I know this.”

  “Yes.” I rest my fork on the side of my container. “I believe that you and I are gonna make something special happen. I willingly go with you.”

  “So you trust me?”

  “I do.” I really do.

  He exhales and smiles. “Good. Let’s finish eating.”

  “Okay, but what are you asking me to be? Like, your girlfriend?”

  He brushes his fingers across my cheek. “We’ll talk more when we’re done eating. Before the night is over, I’ll ask you.”

  I nod, twisting my fork through my noodles for another bite. I’m on pins and needles now, a circumstance I imagine he wanted. Gabriel leans over, offering me a bite of his food.