Page 81 of Until I Own You

She is docile, eyes lowered, lips sealed.

Those lips…painted with a dark red lipstick I’ve never seen on her.

I can’t shake the idea of her lip prints left around my cock.

Keep it together, Seth. Lunch hasn’t even started.

I greet her with an open hand. “Hello, Bridget.”

She takes my hand, lets me pull her close so I can kiss her cheek.

All outward appearances are friendly. Casual. If people we knew saw us together, they would think nothing of it.

Well, they’d probably be confused that we’re even deigning to dine together since we have a decade’s history of fighting like cats and dogs. But I am fine relying on their confusion to keep our entanglement hidden.

As I pull away, I am captivated by her scent. Sweet and floral, as always, her perfume and shampoo interacting to create a landscape for my senses I’d love to live in the rest of my life.

The maître d’ pulls out Bridget’s chair for her.

My temper spikes, but I have to keep it in check. Of course, he doesn’t know that it’s my job to care for her in that way. She is my sub, yes, but there are things I will do for her regardless of that dynamic. Because I am a gentleman.

And because a tiny part of me would love for Bridget to think of me beyond the dynamic.

It was easy to fall into intimacy when we have promised each other a release we have been craving. But once she’s trained, I want to make sure she wants to stay in my life as my sub.

And I won’t be sharing her with anyone.

Which means I have to be good enough to be seen with her in the light of day as well as dominate her behind closed doors.

I’m getting ahead of myself, of course. There will be lots of…barriers.

But for now, Bridget is in front of me, and we are having a very important training lunch.

“Thank you for joining me today.” I settle back into my chair.

“Thank you for having me.” Her eyes are still downcast, a small smile on her lips.

My chest warms. “You may look at me when we are out in the world, Bridget.”

Bridget’s eyes rise to meet mine. Stunning green, complemented by her blue dress.

“And you may speak more freely,” I add.

Her lips curl in a nervous way. She tucks a lock of her long dark hair over her ear. “Sorry.”

“There is no need to apologize.”

“I just want to show you that I am committed to this.”

I bite my lower lip and give her a tiny nod. “I haven’t doubted that for a moment.”

She smiles again, shoulders rising with what seems like an inhale of pride. Such a sweet sub for me.

“Of course, there are rules for when we are out in the world, and I’d like to teach them to you.”

“Yes, Si–” Her eyes widen. “Seth.”

I can’t conceal my smile.

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