Page 85 of Entice

“Master Max, Master Damon.” She inclined her head at them before looking directly at Jordan. “Master Jordan, Sir.”

“You look great,” Damon said.

“You’ll turn every Dom’s head tonight,” Max commented.

Jordan groaned, and Crystal hoped it meant something. “Thank you both.” Taking a deep breath, she dropped to her knees in front of Jordan.

His swift intake of breath was the only warning she had before he spoke. “Oh, hell no.” Jordan grabbed her under the arms and lifted her to her feet. “You never have to kneel in front of me.”

“But…” Her words trailed off when he glared at her.

“Excuse us.” Jordan took her by the elbow and led her toward one of the secluded areas of the club.

“Jordan,” she protested. “What are you doing?” Had she misjudged him?

“You and I are going to talk.” He found two chairs, put them across from each other and pushed her down onto one. “What the hell are you wearing?” he asked as he sat down.

Their knees were touching, and the heat from his body called to her, but his question threw her for a loop. “I thought you might like it.” Did he hate it? Was she fooling herself by dressing like this? Her confidence dropped.

“You’re going to have every Dom in this place panting after you. Is that what you want?”

“No.” She took a deep breath. “I want one person panting after me. You.” It was time for her to lay all her cards on the table no matter what the outcome.

“What’s changed?” His eyes narrowed in suspicion.

“Several things.” She took a deep breath. “My family is history. I will no longer have any contact with them.” It had been a hard decision, even once she came to the realization how toxic her family was. She found her inner strength and sent a long letter to her family, wishing them well, but telling them she would no longer be in contact.

When his expression didn’t change, she fought down the sense of failure. “I’m sorry I didn’t return your calls. I had to get my head on straight.”

“And did you?” His tone was flat.

Wariness filled her. He wasn’t acting like a man who wanted a relationship with her. Well, to hell with that. Oh to hell with all of it. If he didn’t want a relationship with her, if she’d misunderstood his messages, then it was on her. “What the hell is wrong with you?” she demanded. “I come here to tell you I want to be your sub, no matter what. I want to be in your life, and yet I can feel your reluctance, your reticence.” She started to rise, but Jordan put his hands on her shoulders and kept her in place.

“You left me a letter after you cleaned out your office. A letter. You asked me to give you time and space.”

“I did.” She took a breath. “I did, and I’m sorry for that. I should have talked to you.”

“Why didn’t you?”

At least he was talking to her. “Because I was scared. Scared of what I was feeling. I needed time to find myself once again.” Time to convince herself she was worthy of Jordan. She was. She deserved the life she wanted and wouldn’t bow to the expectations of others.

“It took you almost two weeks.”

“Nine days to be exact.” She lifted her chin. “I took the time for us, Jordan. If I hadn’t, then I would always worry my own fears would come between us.”

“Haven’t I made it clear you can talk to me about anything?”

His features softened, and Crystal took a breath. “You did. But it was something I had to do on my own. Or should I say almost on my own.” No holding back. “I started seeing a kink-friendly therapist.”

Jordan’s eyes widened.

“All those resources came in handy.” She gave a little smile.

“Did it help?”

“Yes.” She tilted her head. “I’m sorry if I took so long. I needed to do it for me.” She straightened. “I get it. I hurt you too badly, even if I did it for the right reasons. It’s—it’s okay. So if you’ll release me, I’ll leave.” It was the last thing she wanted to do, but she wouldn’t guilt him into staying with her.

“I’m never letting you go.”

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