Page 58 of The Assignment: Room 3

I need to change the subject because my stupid brain is overanalyzing this entire conversation.

“Where are we going for lunch?”

“Dulip.”

I stop dead in my tracks. “Are you kidding me? That’s not a last-minute lunch date kind of restaurant.”

“You think this is a date?” he says with a coy satisfaction.

“I just mean that it’s one of those places where a guy would take a woman when he wants to woo her.”

“You mean back in the 1800s when ‘woo’ was last used?”

I shove his side, but he only pulls me closer. “How did you get a reservation?”

“You know Ryder?”

“Yeah.”

“Dulip is his restaurant.”

“Shut up! Seriously? How did I not know this?”

“Because you’re too busy falling in love with me to notice an inferior male specimen. It’s your primal urge to procreate with the top dog.”

Been there, done that, but Flex doesn’t know, so I keep my mouth firmly shut.

“Anyway, I called him last night and asked him to squeeze me in, but they don’t open until five.”

“Then how… you’re kidding, right?”

“I never kid about food. It’s not a big deal. Just means we getsome privacy when I dip under the table and eat your pussy. Not that you mind having an audience, but I figured Ryder might get pissed at me if I tried it during regular hours.” A thrill courses through me as we walk the last few blocks. It seems sonormal, like so many couples who pass us by on the street. Little do they know that we are two of the kinkiest people in the city.

“What’s on your mind, pet? You seem a little distracted.” He’s not wrong, but as usual, I only give him half the story.

“Just work stuff.”

“If you’re too busy, we can walk back.”

“No. It’s just something Dalton said this morning, and it has me wondering.”

“What? You can talk to me.”

“He mentioned a promotion if I keep going the way I’m going. He asked me to set up a lunch for next week to start talking about what that would look like.”

“So, you’re thinking about going to lunch with my best friend, even though I just told you I’m going to make you orgasm in the hottest restaurant in town?”

“I didn’t…”

“I’m kidding, pet. That’s amazing! Dalton is a good guy, but when it comes to business, he looks for real talent and passion from his employees. The fact that your work is getting you recognized is awesome. I’m so proud of you.”

I don’t want to acknowledge the moment my heart sprouts wings and flutters in my chest at his praise. I never expected Flex to be such an attentive Dom, but he really is so supportive. He makes me feel like I’m worth something. I don’t remember the last time I felt that way about myself. Before my ex.

“Thank you.” We reach Dulip and get some stares from passersby as we saunter into the closed restaurant.

“After you, my lady.” He holds the door open for me like a gentleman. Then I think of what he said he’s going to do to me, and it’s anything but gentlemanly.

We are ushered to a table for two. The best in the house and the only one that will be occupied while we’re here.

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