Page 96 of Blossom

“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.