Page 18 of Salacious Desires

He stops in front of me and jabs a finger at my chest. “Now you’re just making up shit to get your way. What happens when you fall in love with one of the security guards? Are we going to switch them?”

When did my brother become such an asshole? And why does he always have to be right?

“First of all, Jax isn’t my type, so I don’t think we need to worry about that.” I grin, but all I get in return is more pacing. “I know I’m asking a big thing. And I also know you’re doubtful, given my track record with never committing to a woman. She’s different, though. She’s so naturally submissive, I think it’s in her DNA. But she’s been hurt and never had anyone take care of her. I want to be that person.”

Easton huffs and lets out a forced chuckle. I’m going to have to go in for the kill.

“You told me when you saw Faye come in for the Intro to BDSM class that you knew right then she was the one. Well, I think Lily is my one.”

Stopping in his tracks, he narrows his eyes at me. “You’re a real asshole for bringing Faye into this.”

I smirk and square my shoulders, standing a little taller. “Yeah. It got you to buckle, though, didn’t it?”

“Fuck you. You better marry this girl; otherwise, I’m going to kick your ass.”

I laugh and stride toward the door. I need to check on Lily and make sure she’s on her break. Then, I need to go somewhere alone and analyze why I’m not freaking out over Easton’s comment about marrying her.

“Love you, bro,” I toss out before I leave.

“Love you too, dick.”

CHAPTER 9

LILY

I can’t wait to crawl into bed. This has been a great night, but I’m drained. And I need some quiet to think. I have a lot to think about.

Like Drake feeding me an entire meal.

Like Drake telling me he’s interested in me and wants to see me more.

And like the bulge I saw in his slacks when he stood up from the table earlier.

“Hey, pretty girl.”

I don’t have to look up to know who that is. His presence is like a soft blanket.

When he’s around me, no matter how intimidating he might be, I always feel safe and even comforted. And feeling safe isn’t something I’m used to. It’s also something I’ll never take for granted.

“Hi.” I glance up at him from where I’m standing at a register, entering my tips. The club is mostly empty. The only people here are employees finishing their end-of-night tasks. Tonight was excellent. The best I’ve had so far money-wise—and that was with me taking three breaks.

“I came to walk you to your car,” he says as he steps so close to me that his chest nearly touches my shoulder.

My heart starts to race, and my core clenches. Without thinking, I lean into him slightly, breathing in his spicy scent.

“Oh, I don’t have a car. I take the bus. There’s a stop right out front, so there’s no need to walk me. Thank you for offering.”

Drake doesn’t say anything for several seconds; then, he swallows and clenches his jaw. Uh-oh. I know what that means. I said something he doesn’t like.

“You’re no longer riding the bus, Lily. Especially at night.”

My skin prickles at the warning in his voice. He’s so bossy. It’s in a way that’s different from when Jack was bossy. Drake never puts me down, and he seems to be most bossy when he’s worried about something I’m doing. Unfortunately for him, though, riding the bus is my only option, so he’s just going to have to deal with it.

“I don’t drive, and taking a cab is expensive. The bus is fine.”

His nostrils flare, and his gaze narrows. “The bus is not fine. Not for you. Especially not at night in the city. Why hasn’t security told me you were catching the bus?”

I stare up at him, unsure of what to say. Why would security tell him?

---