Page 16 of Conflicted
“Oh, hell.” Bob’s body twitched like he wanted to go over to Will and Nathan before his gaze returned to her face. After studying her for a few heartbeats, Bob turned his head to the main room, seem to have a silent conversation with someone. With a sigh, he carefully cradled Ruby’s head with one hand and pressed her against his chest.
She stood a bit awkwardly with her clothes between them as Jim strode past them and ushered both pissed off men into the dining area.
Bob stroked the back of Ruby’s head. “Relax, pretty girl. Jim will take care of the idiots.”
Despite the tension still in her body, Ruby chuckled. “I just called them the same thing in my head.”
Beneath her ear, his laugh rumbled in his chest. He really is a amazing guy. Feeling vulnerable and a bit unsteady after her scene and the altercation between the two Doms, she tried to snuggle closer to Bob, and his arm tightened around her before he held her back and stared at her face.
“Do you want to stay at the club, or should I take you home?”
Ruby pondered his question. She didn’t want to see Nathan or Will tonight, and the fun of wearing her new dress had worn off. “Home, please.”
To her utter amazement, Bob picked her up from the floor princess style and carried her to the dressing room, despite her protests.
“No, you’re not too heavy – you’re an itty-bitty slip of a woman, and you look like you’re about to collapse.” He gave her a stern shake when she tried to get down. “Be still.”
With the ease of a seasoned Dominant, he removed the blanket from her shoulders and threw it in the big hamper. Without bothering with her bra, he slipped her tank top and hoodie over her head and helped her into her jeans – commando. He even zipped her boots.
He rose gracefully and slung an arm around her shoulder. “Let’s go.”
Ruby nodded and followed along outside toward a black Ford Mustang. Bob pressed on a key fob and the car beeped and flashed its lights. Ruby halted in her tracks. “What about my car?”
“You’re in no condition to drive. How about I drop you off here tomorrow morning to collect your car?”
“Oh. Okay.” Apparently, he’s going to stay the night.
“Ruby.”
Something urgent in his voice made her lift her gaze at him, and she met thoughtful eyes and a sincere face.
“I’m not leaving you alone. You had an eventful night, and the chance of sub drop is all too real. Don’t think I assume anything is happening, and if it makes you feel better, I can sleep on the couch or something.”
“Thank you.” She let out the air she’d been holding in. “You are welcome to sleep in my bed, but I don’t believe I’m up to sex.”
Bob chuckled huskily. “I don’t think you are either.” He opened the passenger door. “In you go.”
Ruby slid into the car, the buttery soft leather seat engulfed her, and she silently admired the sleek car’s interior. It was as gorgeous from the inside as the outside.
When Bob entered the car, she couldn’t refrain from teasing him. “You know, I never took you for a black sports car kind of guy.”
A smile flashed on his bearded face. “Oh, why not?”
“Well, aren’t sports car drivers ego-centric adventure seekers and isn’t the black intended to make an impression?”
His grin widened, and the engine roared to life. “Now that’s pure armchair analysis.” Bob shifted into drive, eased off the brake, and allowed the powerful car to roll forward. “This is a Ford Shelby GT500KR – I’m a bit of a Knight Rider fan.”
Ruby flicked her lip ring with her tongue. “Didn’t Michael Knight drive a Pontiac?”
“Oh, a girl who knows her cars, I like it.” Bob checked the road and eased right. His driving smooth and competent. “For the remake in 2008, they switched to this make and model because General Motors wasn’t continuing with Pontiac, and there wasn’t a fitting alternative for the Firebird.”
Ruby hummed her understanding and leaned her head back. She was tired to the bones, and aside from the occasional direction she gave Bob, they didn’t talk.
Twenty minutes later, she led Bob into her loft apartment and switched on the lights above the kitchen island but left the living room lights out to let Bob admire the view. If the luxury of her home surprised him, he didn’t show it. But when he caught sight of the view, he moved to the tall, floor-to-ceiling windows.
“Stunning,” he commented.
Despite the fact she was running on empty, Ruby smiled. “Yes, it is and the key reason I rented the place.” Well, that and the fantastic shower. She cleared her throat. “Do you want something to drink?”
