“Sorry, I’m not up on my fetish terminology.”
“I like to think of it as a school of discipline,” he said. “And for those who have difficulty learning, Club Dominion can sometimes be very helpful in providing extra motivation.”
“I think it looks creepy. That man out front? Ugh.”
“He’s really nice once you get to know him. Unless you’re one of his subs, that is.”
“Whatever.” She shook her head and walked faster.
Soon they’d arrived at the street where his apartment was located. The hookers were out in force again, but the little Hispanic man who Red had punched out was nowhere to be found.
They went inside his apartment.
Red turned to her. “So, you had your fun. Now it’s my turn.”
She crossed her arms. “What if I refuse?”
His eyes darkened. “I let you drop the formality while we were at dinner, but you can’t continue this way.”
She felt annoyed. She didn’t want to play his stupid game right now. “I don’t understand, actually. What’s the big deal?”
“The big deal is, we had an agreement.”
“Yeah, but I didn’t say I’d be going along with every little command you give me. I’m my own person, you know. Why does it have to be this elaborate production? Can’t you just kiss me?”
He shook his head and turned away from her. “Damn you,” he muttered.
For the first time, she was afraid she’d pushed him too far. “I’m just asking—“
He spun around and his face was a mask of anger. “Enough. Ask again, push me again, and you will never feel so alone. You think a few days of me ignoring you was painful?”
Her mouth got very dry then. He’d hit a sore spot. She’d somehow convinced herself that she was special to him now, that he was falling in love with her. But here he was, essentially telling her that he’d drop her like a bad habit if she asked one more question. And the worst part was, she believed him.
“Sorry, sir,” she said. “Sorry for my insolence.”
He was still angry and his chest was moving up and down quickly as his nostrils flared. But there was still that intense hunger in his eyes.
“Don’t you want to make love to me?” she asked him, finally. “Sir.”
His lips tightened. “I told you not to ask questions.”
“But I called you sir, sir.”
“I don’t want any more questions from you tonight. I satisfied my part of the bargain, now you will do the same.”
“Yes, sir.” As she said it, the tears came. She didn’t want to cry, but she couldn’t help it. The shame of it all. The wanting him, the needing his touch, and his coldness. She was just a plaything to him.
“Why are you crying?” he asked her.
She shook her head and turned away. Her shoulders trembled. Soon she was sobbing outright and she hated herself for it. Hated herself for her weakness in front of him. He would likely put her out on the street now and she’d have to find her way home.
And then the real freeze out would begin.
But instead of pushing her out the door, Red touched her shoulder. “Come.” His voice was gentle.
“Sir, I’m so sorry, sir.” She shook her head. “I’m fine, sir.”
“Come with me, Nicole.” He grabbed her hand in his and led her to the bedroom.
“I’ll get on my knees for you,” she told him, happy that he was giving her a second chance.
“No. To the bed.”
He took her in his arms and laid her on her back, and then he gracefully lay down next to her, still holding her in his arms. His dark eyes were staring into her own.
“Please, don’t look at me when I’m like this,” she said, tears still streaming down her face.
“Why? You’re beautiful.”
“I feel hideous.”
“No. No you’re not.” His eyes studied her as if she was a painting. “I don’t ever want to make you cry,” he said.
“I’m fine, really, sir.”
“You don’t have to call me sir right now.”
“But I want to, sir,” she pouted.
Suddenly Red leaned in and his lips met hers. He was so soft, so gentle that waves of pure happiness rippled through her body. His lips were soft and warm, and his breath smelled of mint and wine.
He stroked her cheek with one hand as he ever so lightly kissed her lips. “Nicole, my beautiful, sweet, innocent Nicole.” He kissed her again. Looked deeply into her eyes.
His body was against her and she could feel the strength of him and the heat of him. She wanted him to undress her, she wanted to take his clothes off and feel every part of him touching her.
But Red took everything slowly. His gentle kisses on her mouth until she could barely resist crying out for more.
And then his tongue, finally, entering her mouth. She pushed against him urgently, thrusting her hips into his as she took his tongue in her mouth greedily. She wanted him to know that he could have her right now.