Page 45 of For the Sub

Deep inside her, nerves and anticipation collided, merged, then arrowed up her spine.

When he’d accepted her invitation to her gathering, she’d hoped he would remain overnight.

Making it through the afternoon and evening had been difficult because of her fantasies, all of them focused on him.

Still, now that the moment was here, she recognized it was a monumental step. Not for him, she was certain, but most definitely for her.

Master Niles was a self-assured, rich, powerful Dom whose resources allowed him to have a different woman every day of the week if he wanted.

She’d thought she could have him over, have a scene and be casual the next morning, but it turned out it wasn’t that easy for her.

Master Niles was more complex than she’d believed him to be from their meetings at the Den.

If she were honest, she would admit that part of her had been surprised when he had shown up prepared to grill.

His barbecue skills were only a few steps above dismal. He seemed to give people two choices in how they liked their burgers cooked—burned or charred beyond recognition.

Still, he’d shocked her by seeming at ease.

He’d sipped a couple of beers, and when she’d checked on him through the windows, he’d been engaged in conversation.

Like the fearless dragon he professed to be, at the end of the evening, he’d even shaken John’s hand.

She appreciated that her temporary Dominant didn’t scare easily.

But wanting to work together after her guests had left…that represented something new and a little uncomfortable to her.

If he’d stay within the lines of her preconceived boundaries, things would be easier.

At times, Brandy wore submission like a comfortable blanket. It kept her warm and safe. But taking it off revealed the real, vulnerable person beneath.

After Reyes, she’d vowed to keep that person hidden and protected.

Master Niles continued to say nothing, and he eased away from her, giving her space. He picked up his beer, took the last drink, then slid the empty bottle onto the countertop.

His words still hung between them, ripe with expectation.

Why the hell had he gone and complicated things?

He didn’t rush her, and she appreciated that he would respect anything she decided.

With the emotional state she was now in, asking him to stay really was flirting with danger.

Despite that, she wanted to be back in his arms. If he left, the loneliness would be worse than the potential risk. “I’d like you to stay.”

He captured her hand and raised it to his lips with old-world elegance. “The pleasure will be mine, beautiful Brandy.”

His touch skittered awareness across her nerve endings.

Oh yes. She’d made the right decision.

Her imagination provided half a dozen scenarios for what they might do later, and each image was more evocative than the previous one.

“Now, about your refusal of my help with the dishes…” He released her and grabbed a hand towel.

With focused intent, he made small circles with his wrist, wrapping the towel round and round.

“Oh no you don’t!” She danced away from him.

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