Page 10 of Power Play

“I’m glad you followed a path that makes you happy, although I’m not sure, based on that scene I saw.”

“I had a bad week.” She shifted on the sofa. “I lost several patients over the last few days. It’s not unusual to lose patients, but I had too many too close together.”

“That has to be tough.” He curved his fingers around her neck, stroking her skin softly. The feel of his skin against hers was a comfort and not a bit intrusive. Regina filed that thought away to think about later. Right now, his hand felt too good to bother with thought.

“It was. Two were elderly, so it was expected, but one was just a kid. He had so much ahead of him.” She blinked back tears. She’d cried enough tonight and didn’t want to think about work until she had to. “So tell me, how did you become a gallery owner?” Time to get the spotlight off her.

He grinned, as if he knew what she was doing. “I own several galleries. The one here in Pleasant Valley is my newest.”

Which meant he didn’t stay in one place for long. Good to know. She didn’t need to get involved with a man who would just leave her. Was she thinking about getting involved with him?

Not relationship involved. Maybe some play involved. “That doesn’t tell me much. Do you still live in Chicago?”

“Right now I do.”

“Are you planning on going back now that the gallery is open?”

“I’m not sure yet.” He played with her hair where it had come loose. “Staying has its advantages.”

“Why Mr. Morgan, are you flirting with me?” She fluttered her eyelashes.

“I believe the correct term is Dom Dane.”

Heat flared low in her belly. His voice had the right tone, the one that set her off every time. “Damn Dom voice,” she said softly.

Dane stared at her. “Dom voice?”

Regina bit her lower lip. “Sorry, it’s something in your voice. I don’t know how to explain it, but a few of the Doms have that tone. The command along with a hint of tenderness and caring.”

“You heard that in my voice?”

She didn’t blame him for being skeptical. “I have intuitive ears.” She’d trained herself over the years to hear the slightest inflection in someone’s voice. It helped in her job.

“I like your ears.” He reached over with his other hand and brushed his finger along her exposed ear. “I like you.”

“We don’t know each other.”

“I’d like to get to know you.” He leaned forward. “In and out of Wicked Sanctuary.”

“Ram in a glass shop,” Regina muttered, not sure how to answer him or how she felt about his request.

“What was that?”

“You’re an Aries, right?”

“I was born in April, but what does that have to do with anything?”

“Stubborn, bull-headed, charges right ahead, and arrogant as heck,” Regina checked off some of the traits associated with the astrological sign.

“I can be all of those. I wouldn’t be in my position if I weren’t.” He cupped her cheek. “Is there something wrong with a man knowing what he wants?”

“Only if the woman agrees.”

“Consent is important,” he agreed. “So I’m asking for your consent, Regina.”

Her heart almost melted. Damn, a man asking for consent was so sexy, especially one like Dane. His eyes were bright with need, his skin warm against her, and…oh yes, that attraction. It was there, boiling beneath the surface. She wanted to play with this man in the club. Maybe even out of it. She wanted to see how wild he would be in bed.

They did have slight past together. But nothing major. Could she take a chance? Especially if he was leaving soon? “I don’t take ultimatums well,” Regina blurted out, recalling his earlier orders about seeing only him.

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