Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 86510 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 433(@200wpm)___ 346(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86510 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 433(@200wpm)___ 346(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
He frowns. “I see. How have you been, Blossom?”
“I’ve had a difficult few months.” Not a lie, but I leave out the life-changing two days in New Orleans.
“I’m sorry to hear that. Do you want to talk about it?”
We all sign confidentiality agreements as members of Black Rose Underground, so there’s no way that Darius knows what went on between Jackson and me. That’s the way I like it.
“It’s not a big deal. I had a scene go too far. But the funny thing is, it’s not the first time that’s ever happened. I’m not sure why it affected me so profoundly this time.”
“Maybe you’ve come to the tipping point.”
“What’s that?”
“It happens to most submissives at some point.”
Then why haven’t I ever heard of it? “You’re going to have to explain that.”
“I don’t have any hard evidence or statistics. My findings are purely anecdotal. But I’ve been a Dominant here at Black Rose for quite a while, and before that, a Dominant at another club. And I found that most submissives like you—those who stay out of relationships and just come to play—eventually want something more.”
“What about Dominants? Don’t you want more?”
He shrugs. “Maybe someday. But right now, this suits me fine. I’m a workaholic in my day-to-day life, so I don’t have time for a real relationship. Plus, I’d have to find someone who shares my proclivities in the bedroom.”
“I think you could probably find that person here.”
“But most single ladies who come here are like you, Blossom. They come because it’s what they prefer, too. A no-strings-attached way to practice what they enjoy in the bedroom and not have it mean anything.” He shakes his head. “I take that back. I know it means something to you. It does to me as well.”
I smile at him. “It’s okay, Darius. I know what you meant.”
“Who are you meeting?”
“A new member. He’s only been here a couple of times.”
Darius grins slowly and nods. “Ah. I know who you mean. The Scotsman.”
My cheeks warm. “He looks the part, doesn’t he? He’s actually American. He was born and raised in New Orleans.”
“I think I see him now, actually.” Darius leans over and whispers in my ear. “Make sure he puts a collar on you, love.”
So much for the rule of not staring and not gawking.
I do stare.
Because Ronan walks in, wearing his O’Connor tartan, like he did the first time we met. Shoes, hose, and no freaking shirt. Just like he did the first time I laid eyes on him.
The first time I fell under his spell.
God, he’s beautiful.
He zeroes in on me and heads toward me.
I’m only drinking water.
Darius makes his escape, nods at Ronan as he approaches me.
“Who’s that?” Ronan asks.
“His name is Darius. He’s a Dominant.”
“Did he ask you to play?”
“He did, but I told him I was meeting you.”
He raises an eyebrow. “What was he whispering to you?”
“If you must know, he said that you should put a collar on me.”
He pulls a velvet choker out of his sporran. “I should’ve given this to you when we landed. My mistake.” He burns me with his gaze. “Believe me, Blossom, it will not happen again.”
The soft velvet from Ronan is cool against my throat.
“Are you just drinking water tonight?”
“I only allow myself to have one drink before a scene, and I wanted to wait until you got here.”
“Good enough.” He motions to the bartender.
Freddy is on duty tonight. He’s a broad-shouldered young man, shirtless as per the rules here at Black Rose.
“Good evening, Blossom. And you are…” He nods to Ronan.
“Ronan,” he says. “I’ll have a Macallan fifteen-year, neat.”
“Coming right up, and for you, Blossom? A lemon drop, I assume?”
I ponder a moment. “Freddy, I’m going to try something different tonight. Make me a Sazerac.”
Freddy’s eyebrows rise. “I think I can safely say that you are the first person since I’ve been working here who has ever ordered that.”
“Do you know how to make one?”
“I know how to make everything, beautiful.”
Ronan goes rigid beside me at Freddy’s endearment. But Freddy calls all women beautiful. Besides, I’m not exactly his type. He’s in a relationship with another bartender, Leon.
Freddy turns to prepare our drinks, and Ronan touches my cheek.
“So…a Sazerac.”
“Yes. I enjoyed it. I didn’t think I would, but I did, and… I don’t know. I feel like I want one. I feel like…” I shake my head, let out a nervous laugh. “I’m not making any sense.”
“It’s all right. I know what you’re saying. New Orleans gets inside your soul. You weren’t even there for very long, but you can’t wait to go back, can you?”
“You’re absolutely right. How did you know?”
“Are you kidding me? I grew up there. The place is a part of me. I may look the part of my Scottish heritage, but I’m equal parts Creole.”