Page 6 of Rugged Soul

“Thought I told you to call me Domino.”

His tone is gruff but his eyes… lordy, his eyes have a wickedly playful spark that’s making me feel some kind of way I’ve never felt before. Tingly? Sensitive? Like my skin is too tight and I’m overheated.

“Domino,” I repeat, hoping I don’t sound as awkward as I feel. “Ready to take a tour? I think you’re really going to love this place.”

“Lead the way,” is all he says in response.

I show him the kitchen and open dining area, fit for a bar or restaurant with just a few minor adjustments. Then we take a tour of several rooms in the back of the building along with a small hike around the edge of the property line. I’m feeling more confident this time around as I walk from room to room and point out certain features.

Domino hasn’t said anything, which I hope is a good sign. At least he’s not protesting, right?

“So,” I say once we’ve seen everything and are back in the front lobby area. “What are your thoughts? The complete commercial kitchen is a steal at this price,” I add, reminding him of the best selling point.

“So you’ve said.” His face is stoic as ever, not giving away a single emotion.

After an uncomfortable amount of time has passed, I finally speak again. “Any questions?”

“What other properties do you have lined up?”

Seriously? That’s your question?! I refrain from rolling my eyes, though just barely. Instead, I paste on my biggest smile and grab my clipboard and pen, eager to take notes.

“Maybe you could tell me some more specifics on what you’re in the market for? Let’s start with your current clubhouse. What do you like about it?”

“I like that I didn’t have to buy it and customize everything,” comes his grumbled response.

I should be annoyed, but he's kind of adorable. Domino is in over his head as much as I am, it seems. I just want us to be able to work together and find him something he's excited about. That is if Domino is capable of excitement.

I wait him out, not letting him get away with his non-answer. Finally, the confusing man lets out a heavy sigh and combs his fingers through his hair. My eyes are fixed on his thick arms corded with muscle, flexing as he reaches over his head.

“There’s nothing technically wrong with the old place,” he starts, focusing on the floor. I can tell it’s difficult for him to get the words out, but I’m just happy he’s talking. “The guys and I just need a new start. Someplace that doesn’t have the ghosts of the past, you know?”

Domino peers up at me, his eyes locking with mine. I nod slowly, letting him know I understand more than he realizes. This gives me a new insight. I thought he was looking to check off a few boxes and get the ball rolling, but this decision has a lot of emotion wrapped up in it. Domino is looking for a sense of renewal, not just a piece of property.

I have my work cut out for me but at least now I have a direction.

“The club, Deviant Souls, has had a rough few years,” he continues. I’m pleasantly surprised that he’s opening up a little more. Domino rubs the back of his neck and then crosses his arms over his chest. It’s like he doesn’t know what to do with himself as he’s sharing this information. My heart goes out to him. I wish I was brave enough to hold his hand or give him a hug. He seems like he needs one. “We kind of split up and some people went one way while most of us went the other.”

I nod, inching a little closer to him so he doesn’t feel so alone in this big, empty building.

“I got the shock of a fuckin’ lifetime when my MC brothers elected me as the new president. Never in a million years did I think I’d be in this position.”

“President?!” My eyes go wide and I feel the sudden need to curtsey or bow or something. I end up doing an ungraceful combination of the two, which I’m sure looks foolish.

I’m almost afraid to look up, but when I do, I see the barest hint of a smile breaking across Domino’s lips. I return his smile even though I’m blushing from embarrassment from head to toe.

The familiar beastly roar of the motorcycles from earlier echoes in the otherwise still and quiet air, making me jump and gasp. Domino turns to look out of the open door, reaching behind him and placing a large hand on my hip to tuck me behind his back. His protective hold sends shivers up and down my spine, and I automatically curl into him, fisting his shirt and pressing my forehead against his rippling muscles.

“You know them?” he grunts.

I shake my head no and Domino tightens his hold on my side.

“Just from when they drove by earlier. The guy with the eyepatch stopped to look at me,” I manage to stutter out. Adrenaline and lust rush through my veins, along with something wholly unfamiliar; safety.

That’s what I've been missing in my life. I've never felt unloved by my mom, but there have been times I've felt unprotected. Unsafe. Unstable. Right now, however, I feel like Domino would slay any dragon that dared look at me the wrong way.

The men speed past this time, not pausing at all, simply letting both of us know they’re here.

“Motherfuckers,” Domino mutters under his breath. His hand falls from my hip and he takes a step forward, leaving me cold and bereft of his comfort.

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