“Oh,” she said. She stared at him in consternation. “I’m sorry.”
He moved his thumb down over her lips. “Nothing to be sorry for. I had a great time tonight.”
“Me too,” she whispered. “I was worried you had given up.”
“Given up?”
“You know, asking me out. You went six weeks before you asked me out this last time. I was worried you’d given up on me. That you weren’t going to ask again.”
He could see how his plan to take things slow could easily have been interpreted as him growing disinterested. He needed to rid her of that thought immediately.
“I didn’t want to scare you off,” he told her, cupping her face with one hand. “I figured you needed me to slow down and I was willing to wait until you were ready. Now, though, I know you’re just as attracted to me as I am to you.” He took her mouth in a deeper kiss, playing with her, teasing them both until their heavy breathing fogged the windows. With a laugh, he started the truck and turned on the defogger.
“Put the lap belt on, babe. I want you close to me.” She put the belt over her lap and snuggled in against him as he moved out onto the road again.
“I want you to play with me this Saturday night, at the club.”
“Don’t you have to work?”
He shook his head. “No, I have the night off. Mace is managing the club on Saturday night.” Roarke, Club Decadence’s owner, usually filled in when Dylan needed to take leave. But Roarke had a newborn now. So they’d hired Mace as a back-up manager. He needed some experience managing the club on his own, which would give Dylan more time to seduce Tilly.
Mace was the perfect choice. He had a good head on his shoulders and knew how to keep his cool. Dylan knew the club was in good hands on the nights he wouldn’t be working. The nights he would hopefully be spending with the pretty blonde tucked in against him.
He pulled up to the curb outside her apartment.
“Wait for me to open your door,” he demanded before stepping out of the truck. His gaze roamed his surroundings, constantly on alert. Coming around the truck, he opened the door and helped Tilly down.
“Are you expecting trouble?” she asked. He placed a hand on the small of her back as they headed for the front door. He loved touching her and intended to take every chance he got.
“What? No, why? Has there been trouble around here?”
“No, it’s a pretty good neighborhood. You just seem to be searching for something.”
He opened the door for her and they walked through and down the hallway to her first-floor apartment.
“You can never be too careful,” he told her.
Once the door was unlocked, he stepped into the small apartment. The place was sparsely furnished with a tiny couch he’d be scared to sit on, a television and cheap looking shelves that held some photos and books.
Dylan walked over and studied the photos. There was one of Tilly and four large men. A couple of them had the same pale blond hair she had. Her brothers?
“I’m not going to have sex with you,” Tilly blurted out.
Dylan turned, raising his eyebrows, the photo still in his hand. He quickly put it down as he turned to her.
“N-not tonight and not when we play at the club on Saturday,” she told him.
Dylan watched her for a long moment, wondering how to approach this. He could back off, but would he lose all the ground he’d gained tonight?
“Why not? Don’t you find me attractive?” he asked in a low drawl.
Tilly swallowed heavily, running her gaze over his body. She licked her lips and it was all he could do not to take her into his arms and claim her mouth with his.
“You know I find you attractive,” she replied.
“Really? What do you find attractive about me?”
“Are you fishing for compliments?” she asked.
He shrugged. “Maybe I’m feeling a bit insecure. After all, you rejected me four times before agreeing to go out with me, and you just told me you aren’t going to have sex with me. I guess there’s something you don’t like about me.”
Eyes wide, she gaped at him. “Are you kidding? It’s me who should be feeling insecure. I’m the fat, pudgy one, while you—”
This time he couldn’t hold back. Insulting herself wasn’t something he would tolerate. Moving swiftly toward her, he grabbed her around the waist and lifted her into the air. She clasped her legs around him instinctively as he turned so she was leaning back against the wall and kissed her deeply.
He pulled back to give her a stern look. “No talking about yourself that way, understand? You are not fat or pudgy. You are beautiful.”
“Me?” she asked with surprise. “But I’m just well, me.”
“Yes, and I like you. Just the way you are.”
Was he serious? Tilly gazed up into his face and could see that he was. Her ex had a long list of things about her that he’d wanted her to change. He’d even written them out and stuck them on the fridge to humiliate her. Every time his friends came over they’d seen the list.
They’d all known how inadequate she was.
“There must be something you think I need to improve. My thighs are chubby.”
His gaze narrowed in warning.
“My tummy isn’t flat.”
He growled.
“My hips are too wide.”
“None of that now,” he murmured. “Or I might have to spank you.” He spun around and carried her over to the small sofa which creaked under his weight. He flipped her over so she was facedown on his lap.
Uh-oh.
“Dylan, no,” she cried out, just before his hand descended on her ass.
“Got anything else to add to that nonsense you just spouted off?” he asked.
She peered over her shoulder and saw his hand poised to strike.
“Umm, no, I’m good.”
He gave her two heavy smacks.
“Ow! What was that for?”
“You are better than good.” He continued to spank her. “You’re gorgeous, beautiful, smart, sweet and sexy.”
Dylan rolled her over so she was sitting on his lap. He tucked her in against his chest. “I don’t like you talking down about yourself, Tilly.”
“Yeah, I kind of figured that,” she said dryly, reaching back to rub her stinging ass.
“I want you to see yourself the way I see you.”
“That could take a while. I haven’t liked what I’ve seen for a long, long time.” Javier had ground her self-esteem into dust so she wouldn’t challenge him. So she would believe that she was worthless. It had been hard to claw back some self-confidence and there were still issues she was dealing with.
“Then that’s something we’ll work on, won’t we?”
Tilly nodded, feeling a bit embarrassed and uncomfortable. Did he really think she was beautiful? She ran her fingers over his chest. “It’s just hard to believe that you want me, you know? It feels like a bit of a dream.”
“It’s no dream, sweetheart. I’ve wanted you for a long time. I didn’t ask you out, expecting that you would immediately fall into bed with me. And I can tell you now that our first time together will definitely not be happening in the club. But while we are dating I expect that you’ll only be with me and that includes at the club, understand?”
She nodded, still in a state of disbelief. “Yes, Sir.”
A smile turned the corner of his mouth up. “I’ll pick you up Saturday night at eight. Wear that red corset with the short, black leather skirt.”
He gave her a long, scorching kiss before placing her on the sofa and standing. “I had a great night, Tilly.”
“Me too.”
“Good, I’m glad. I’ll call you tomorrow. Make sure you lock up behind me.”
She walked him to the door, shutting it behind him. Then she leaned against the wall for support, her legs like jelly. Wow. A knock on the door made her jump in fright, her heart racing.
“Lock the door, Tilly,” h
e ordered.
Safe in the knowledge that he couldn’t see her, she rolled her eyes.
“Good girl,” he said once she’d engaged the locks. “Sleep well.”
Sleep? Yeah, sleep was the absolute last thing she had on her mind.
Chapter Two
“Dylan owns a bar?” Tara questioned her as they jogged along slowly. Tilly had made a New Year’s resolution to get more exercise and Tara had decided to join her.
Tilly nodded, puffing a little. Damn, she really was out of shape. Of course, it was March and this was only the second time they’d gone jogging all year so she was bound to be a bit out of breath.
“How come he kept it a secret?”
“He said he’s a silent partner,” Tilly replied before slowing and waving her hand at Tara. “You keep going. I’m going to walk for a few minutes.”
Tara studied her with concern. “You look kind of pale. Maybe we should sit for a while.”
“I’m just really out of shape. I’ll be fine.” Although she did feel slightly queasy and lightheaded.
“I’ll walk with you. I don’t know about this exercise thing,” Tara said as they walked along. “Sweating is just gross.”
Tilly chuckled.
“So, what else happened last night? Spill.”
Tilly raised her eyebrows. “You want me to kiss and tell?”
“Of course! I’m an old married woman. My life is boring.”
Tilly snorted. “You’ve been married a whole five weeks and you just got back from a cruise around the Greek Islands. I really don’t think my date with Dylan can compare to that!”
“I’m just glad you said yes to him. I thought we’d all be old and gray before you finally went on a date with the poor guy.”
“I figured if I went on a date with him, then he would see I was nothing special and move on to someone else.”
“What?” Tara stopped and grabbed her hand, turning her. “Are you kidding me? Tilly, you’re a blockhead! I hope you didn’t say that to him.”
She shook her head.
“No, I don’t suppose you’d be able to sit easily if you had,” Tara teased.
Tilly winced.
“What? What happened?” Tara asked demandingly before dragging her over to a nearby bench. She was surprisingly strong. They both sat, Tara still holding her hand as though afraid she might bolt. Tilly knew she’d pester her until she told her everything.
“He spanked me.”
“He did? On your first date?” Tara grinned at her. “You go, girl.”
Tilly rolled her eyes, but she smiled back. “It wasn’t like that. It was a few spanks over the top of my clothes. Although they still stung.”
“Well, he does have hands the size of dinner plates. Why’d he spank you?”
“It’s personal.” She didn’t really want to hear Tara lecturing her about her self-image.
Tara’s eyes gleamed, but she didn’t question her further.
“He asked me to play with him on Saturday night at the club.” Actually, he’d kind of told her she was going to play with him. She was glad he’d made the decision. If the choice had been left to her, she’d probably have wimped out and ended up miserable with regret. Sometimes she wished she could be a little less cautious when it came to men, but she just didn’t trust her instincts anymore.
“I need to go home and get ready for work,” Tilly told Tara, who nodded. They both headed toward the bus stop.
“I’ll see you Saturday night,” Tara told her with a wink. “I’m looking forward to it!”
Tilly just rolled her eyes as her friend laughed and climbed on the bus with a wave.
***
Tilly lay on her sofa, trying to find the energy to move. If her couch had been more comfortable, she’d have gone to sleep then and there.
She rubbed a hand over her face. Her phone buzzed and she picked it up, smiling as she saw a text from Dylan, checking to make sure she’d gotten home from work all right. He was working tonight and the fact that he’d taken time out to check up on her filled her with warmth.
Tilly flicked a text back to say she was home safe and about to go to bed.
As she placed her phone down anxiety hit her. She hadn’t dated anyone since she’d left Javier. Was she sure she was ready for this? Her relationship with Javier hadn’t been a healthy one and it had left her feeling insecure and unsure around men.
No one at the club knew the full truth. Everyone thought she’d been abused by her former Dom, but Javier hadn’t been a dominant. She’d actually known very little about BDSM until she’d moved to Austin and met Taylor. Taylor had been her roommate and a dominant. He’d helped her discover her submissive side.
How would Dylan react when she told him the truth? She knew if things went any further with him that she would have to come clean.
Knowing she’d only toss and turn if she went to bed, she turned on the television and curled up on the couch with a blanket.
Although she felt anxious about Saturday night, she also knew that Dylan was nothing like her ex. He didn’t need to put her down to feel like a big man. Dylan was patient and kind. The only time he’d ever been angry with her was the night she’d stepped between two Doms at Club Decadence. They’d been about to throw punches and she’d stepped in to diffuse the situation.
Her phone buzzed and she picked it up, seeing that it was Dylan again.
Meet me for breakfast tomorrow?
Dylan liked to text in full sentences. She replied to him. With a yawn, Tilly decided that she’d better go to bed. She had a long day ahead of her if she was getting up early for breakfast.
***
Tilly smiled across the table at Dylan. “So what made you decide to become a silent partner in a bar?” she asked.
Dylan sighed, looking sad. “I served with Marc’s brother, Anton, in the Marines.” He set his gaze over her shoulder. “Afghanistan. I came back. Anton didn’t. When I got home, I went to visit Anton’s family. His mom is something else. A force to be reckoned with. I had just intended to pay my respects and suddenly I found myself sitting down to dinner and promising to come back the next Sunday. When I learned that Mrs. Tarron had cancer and that Marc was going to sell the bar to pay for her treatment, I offered to help. I knew they wouldn’t take a loan, so I bought half of the bar. I’ve never had anything to do with it, other than sampling the food.”
“That’s terrible. Especially after all they’ve been through.”
“Mrs. T. is tough. If anyone can beat cancer, it’s her.”
“My mom died of cancer,” she blurted out without really meaning to.
“Oh, Tilly. I’m so sorry.” He clasped her hand in his large, warm one.
“It’s okay. I mean, it’s not, but well, I never really knew her. I was only three when she died and I don’t have any memories of her.”
“Doesn’t make it any less painful,” he said. “You were raised by your dad?”
“Yes. I also have four older brothers.”
“I think I saw a photo of them at your apartment.”
She smiled, knowing which photo he meant. “That was taken by the lake on our ranch. It’s beautiful there.”
“How long since you’ve been home?” he asked.
“A while,” she said. “I don’t go back much.” Before he could ask her any more questions, she checked her watch. “I should probably get going. I’ve got to be at work soon.”
“I’ll drive you home,” he offered.
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I want to. If I drive you home, I get to spend more time with you.”
Well, she couldn’t argue with that.
***
Tilly walked into her apartment later that night, tossing her purse on the sofa. Placing her hands on the small of her back, she stretched. She walked to the fridge and pulled out a beer, taking a large pull of the ice cold brew.
Her answering machine beeped annoyingly. With an irritated sigh, she reached over a
nd pressed the playback button.
“Hi Tilly, it’s Nate Rivers. I’m just calling to let you know that Javier Cabeza has been killed in prison. There was a fight and he was stabbed. There is an investigation into exactly what happened. If you have any questions, you can call me on…” He rattled off a number, but she didn’t pay any attention.
Feeling numb, she played the message again. And again. Finally, she moved to the sofa and sat, just staring off into the distance.
Javier was dead? Murdered?
Tilly wasn’t sure how to feel about that. Should she be relieved? Sad? She felt kind of numb. He’d been a horrible man who’d put her down whenever he had the opportunity. Still, she couldn’t be glad he was dead.
She’d wanted him to suffer in prison for a long time.
Her cell phone rang and she grabbed her purse, digging around inside until she found her phone. “Hello?”
“Hi, midgie,” her father’s voice rumbled down the phone.
“Hi, Daddy.”
“Did you hear about Javier?” he asked in a gruff voice.
“Yeah, Nate left me a message on my answering machine. I can’t believe it.”
“Nate left you a message?” her father said, sounding outraged. “He couldn’t even wait until he got hold of you to talk to you?”
“It’s okay, Daddy.”
“It’s not okay. There’s such a thing as common courtesy. I’ll be having words with that boy.”
Poor Nate, she thought. Nate and her brother, Dare, had been best friends since they were five years old. Her father saw him as another son.
“How come Dare didn’t call me?” she asked. Her second-oldest brother was a now a deputy sheriff.
“He’s in Dallas for Trent’s wedding. Gets back day after tomorrow.”
“Do you know exactly what happened?” she asked her father.
“No, apparently there were a number of prisoners involved in a fight and someone stabbed him. Good riddance, I say. I can sleep easier at night knowing he’s no longer on this earth.”
Guilt flooded her at the thought of her father lying awake, thinking about Javier and everything he’d done to them. Her fault. She’d brought him into their lives.
Sinfully Yours, Sir Page 2
