Page 49 of Dmitri

I don’t mean to scare her, but this is important. I can’t believe I was stupid enough to think that all because she was brought to me that night of the fight, and that she said she was aware of the Monarch Club, that it also meant she’s a part of my world already.

Red flag.

“You like rough sex,” I say calmly, knowing that much already. I’d also quickly peeked at her paperwork as she signed the bottom of it and handed it to Sophie. “And anal.”

Her cheeks blaze scarlet.

“What else?” I lean back, patiently waiting for her response.

“I…” Daelyn breaks eye contact with me. “I like being choked a little. And…spanking is okay.”

“That’s good to know,” I say, encouraging her. “What’s something you absolutely do not like?”

The vein in her neck stands out, pulsing rapidly. Her eyes dart away for a second. “I don’t like to be gang-banged.”

“Okay.” I somehow manage to keep my voice even, but my instincts flare with fury because what the fuck has happened to her in the past? Was she assaulted or coercively forced to endure something she didn’t want? Maybe I’m reading into things toomuch. Time to back it up. “Is there anything you’ve wanted to try and haven’t yet?”

She stares at the carpet, thinking. “I’m not sure.”

“That’s okay.” I gently place my hand on her leg, making her flinch a little. Shit, she’s jumpy. I’m botching this fun night up before it’s even started, which isn’t like me at all. Then again, neither is bringing a guest to the Monarch. Or breaking into women’s houses.

Daelyn’s got me out of fucking character.

Red flag.

I keep my body relaxed so I don’t come off too intimidating. “How about a safe word?”

“Crocodile,” she says immediately.

I like it.

“Good girl.” Kissing the top of her head gives me a chance to smell her shampoo. I have no clue what this woman washes with, but she smells incredible all the time. She’s like a field of flowers mixed with arousal. “Tonight, we’re just going to get to know each other, okay?”

She nods.

“And you must be honest with me. Always.” I cannot stress that enough, and the way she tenses in tiny ways every time I bring it up makes me wary. “If I don’t know what’s going on, I could end up damaging you and that is the last thing I want to have happen.”

“I’m already damaged,” she says under her breath.

My rage comes back, full force. “Hey.” I grip her chin and make her look at me. “No, you’re not. Don’t say that about yourself, Daelyn,ever.”

She knocks my hand away, unfazed. “You don’t know me, D.”

I like that she’s called me D instead of Dmitri. I shouldn’t, because that’s what only my closest friends call me, but hearingit come from her lips makes the hot rage flowing through my veins cool off a little.

“That’s why we’re here, Firefly. To get to know each other.”

“With a staring contest?”

I shrug and pull out another smile. “I mean, we already discussed beaches, orgasms, and murder. It’s time to bring our relationship to the next level. Besides, staring contests are fun.”

That earns me a nervous giggle. “I just have to stare at you while I come.”

I nod.

“That’s it?”

“That’s it.” It’s harder than it seems, which she’ll find out if she agrees to the game.

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