Page 11 of Relentless Pursuit

“I want to keep everything as is.”

His chiseled jawline tightened and all she wanted to do was crawl into his lap and run her lips along it, relaxing him.

“I’m in this for an adventure. I want to try new things.”

“That’s what worries me.” He finished his drink. “The things you want to try, you might not like.”

“Then I won’t try them again.”

When he laughed, his body relaxed, putting her at ease.

“When are you going to let me meet someone?” She traced her finger around the rim of her glass. “Connie said what we’re doing is different from what Blake did with her.” Kayla wondered why Julian was investing so much time in her. “Why are you taking your time screening me?”

“Each case is unique. Perhaps Blake thought Connie was ready. I’m not convinced you know what you’re getting into.”

“I’m not the eighteen-year-old girl you left on that terrace.”The one you wouldn’t kiss.

“I can see that.” He flipped open his tablet. “I’m quite certain that girl didn’t know what nipple clamps were.”

I still don’t.

“What’s your fascination with them?” He read over her list. “You’ve mentioned them several times in your paperwork.”

“How is it so easy for you to discuss these things?”

“Embarrassment has no place here. You’re requesting a very specific lifestyle. The men you’ll be matched with won’t tolerate doubts. I’m not saying you’ll be forced into anything, but it’s my job to protect my business. Blake may have used poor judgment when he allowed you to apply under the platinum package.”

“I won’t back out.” Why couldn’t he understand that she wanted this?

“I want to give you every opportunity to back out before you get in over your head.” When he skimmed his fingers along her wrist, she jumped because she hadn’t expected the contact. “Nipple clamps?”

“I want you to... I mean...” She cleared her throat and tried to put any thoughts of him out of her mind. With or without nipple clamps. “I want to be stimulated in ways that I’ve never tried before. I need a dominant man to help me find what I like and what I don’t like. I understand that what I’m searching for is specific and most men who want a submissive woman have certain expectations, but there must be someone out there who has patience and would take pleasure and pride in molding me into what he needs.”

He squeezed her wrist in his hand, but didn’t say anything. He had a far-off gaze as if he were deep in thought. Had she finally convinced him she was there for the right reasons?

“Julian?”

“That’s what you should have put in these papers.” He released her arm, rubbing where he had gripped. She hoped he continued to touch her. “No man in his right mind would be able to resist such a temptation.”

“What about you?” she whispered. “Would those words have appealed to you?”

“Very much.”

How was she ever going to find the right match now? The only one she wanted was sitting across from her.

Chapter 4

Julian had the private dining area in the club set up for he and Kayla on Saturday evening. This was against protocol. Screening potential clients to match them didn’t require the amount of time he was investing in her. But then again, he wasn’t screening her for anyone.

“Christine said you were in here.” Blake came through the doors and studied the room. “You’ve been spending an awful lot of time here for a man who isn’t looking for a match.”

“You know what I’m doing here.” He popped the bottle of champagne.

“No.” Blake glanced at the crystal flutes Julian poured the amber liquid into. “I’m afraid I don’t.”

“Don’t start.”

“I indulged you last week, but I thought you would find a way to get Kayla to change her mind about finding a match. It looks to me like you’re courting her yourself. That’s a bit dangerous, don’t you think?”

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