Page 129 of For the Sub

If…

He shook his head to clear it of his momentary lapse of common sense.

His life was structured the way he wanted it, and he planned to keep it that way.

Back at the Moline, he and Brandy packed their bags.

Then he drove them to his loft, which wasn’t more than two miles away.

“I had no idea you were so close. We could have stayed here,” she said.

“Being at the hotel was important to the whole experience, and I wanted to spoil you.”

“That spa day…”

He slid her a smile. “Wonderful?”

“Amazing,” she corrected. “I’ll be able to do so much work next week.”

They rode the elevator to his floor.

His place was wide open, industrial-looking, with exposed brick and duct work. It was constructed from light wood, stainless steel, tall windows, lots of stunning lighting and not much else.

“No art, Sir?”

“I’ve never gotten around to it.”

“No photographs? Mementos?”

Through her eyes, he saw anew how stark it was.

“I gather you didn’t live here with your wife?”

“My aunt isn’t the only one who’s nosy.”

“You can always refuse to answer.” She gave a small, half-apologetic smile. “Or put your tongue in my mouth to get me to do what you want.”

Her carefully constructed image shut him the hell right up.

When he didn’t respond, she wandered to the window, her back to him.

“I apologize,” he said gruffly, not accustomed to uttering those words.

Brandy obviously wanted to get to know him better, and she had that right. “I know I’m difficult.”

She faced him again.

When she asked questions, she was treading on uncertain ground.

Other than his aunt, Damien, and Gregorio—his most trusted confidants—no one knew the real truth about Eleanor.

“Being open isn’t easy for me.” He moved closer to her. “I’m not accustomed to talking about what happened. About my wife.” Wryly, he added, “Most people have respected that. Except you and Aunt Mame.”

“Sorry, Sir. I guess you could order me not to mention her again, and I will abide by that. But it puts boundaries around what we share. I’m not allowed past a certain spot in your life. That makes me an acquaintance, nothing more. Someone you fuck and spank.” She touched her pendant. “And pay off with expensive trinkets.”

Fury boiled in his blood.

“I understand where you’re coming from. And I appreciate you letting me know so I didn’t get other ideas.”

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