Page 5 of His to Keep
Holy. Shit.
“I like this,” he murmurs, voice even lower. He brings his knuckle to my burning cheek. “The way you blush.
“What’s your name?” I blurt out, then wince. I shouldn’t be asking questions. I should remember my role.
He shakes his head. “Seems I need to apologize again. Seeing you up there on that stage shot all my manners to hell.” He holds out a hand. “I’m Luke.”
I’m not surprised he doesn’t give a last name. Many of the members of the club carefully guard their privacy, particularly the ones who are as well established as this guy obviously is. I wouldn’t even be surprised if he gave me a fake name.
I hope not, though. I like the sound of Luke.
“It’s nice to meet you,” I say, shaking his hand. Once again, those sparks fire at the feeling of his skin against mine. “I’m Rebecca.”
He nods once, jaw clenching as he squeezes my hand a little tighter. He seems to be struggling to control himself, and I wonder if he’s having the same reaction to our touch as I am.
“Drink that,” he says gruffly, pointing at the glass in my hand. “I want to get started.”
My stomach sinks.Stupid, silly girl,I tell myself. How foolish to forget, even for a second, what this is about. I toss back the liquor in my glass, straightening my shoulders. “Where would you like me, sir?”
His eyes widen, surprised. “I’d like you to sit right there while we talk.”
I blink up at him. “Talk?” I thought he wanted to get started?
He nods, seemingly confused by my reaction. “To talk about our evening together and what we both hope to get out of it.”
I blink some more. My mouth is probably hanging open in an unattractive gape. What we both hope to get out of it? What in the hell is he talking about?
He studies my face, his forehead furrowing. Then he kneels in front of me, taking my hand. “Rebecca,” he says in a careful voice. “I’m beginning to get the feeling we’re not quite on the same page.”
I shake my head, at a loss. “My dom said—”
His face turns granite hard, jaw clenching tight, the hand still holding mine suddenly like a vice. “Yourdom?”
I nod, a trickle of fear running through me at the sudden change in him. He looks so fierce.
“Yes, sir. He’s the one who entered me into The Draw.”
He drops my hand, swearing under his breath. “I wasn’t thinking…” he mutters, running a hand over his chin. “Fuck.”
“Is something wrong?” I whisper.
He swears again, before he finally faces me. “I’d forgotten that sometimes doms enter their subs into The Draw,” he explains, looking wary. “Or maybe I’d just convinced myself that…” He shakes his head. “Never mind.”
He stands and begins to pace, expression agitated. “Tell me about your dom.”
“I…” I’m so confused by everything that’s happened since I stepped off the stage. I can’t seem to get a read on this guy, or what he expects from me. “What do you want to know?”
“What’s your relationship like?” He stops pacing, eyes burning into mine. “Is it exclusive?”
I hold out my hands. “Obviously not? I mean, he’s the one who entered me into The Draw.”
His jaw clenches again. “He wanted toshareyou.” His obvious distaste for the word makes shame curl in my belly.
“He’s wanted to for a while, but I’ve been…hesitant.” Jesus, what is with my big mouth tonight? I’m basically admitting to this guy that I’m a terrible submissive. What if he goes back and tells Aden about all my mistakes?
That idea sends a sharp stab of fear through me. I force a smile, hoping Luke can’t see how fake it is. “He decided The Draw would be a good inducement to help me…be more obedient in this area.”
If I’d thought Luke looked agitated before, it’s nothing compared to the stormy expression he wears now. He holds up a hand. “Let me get this straight. Your dom knew you didn’t want to be with other men, and he forced you into The Draw anyhow?”
