Page 2 of Reckless (Dark Confessions 3.25)

“Hey babe, how was your day?”

He looked at me, and I couldn’t tell if it was how he usually did or if he was looking for something.

“Having difficulty with a product, but I think I’ll have it figured out soon.”

I smiled, walking over to the vanity and picking up the hairbrush. “That’s great, babe. I know you’ll figure it out. You’re so smart.”

“Hmm, did you do something different?” he asked, prowling over.

“Different? No, I don’t think so.” I turned, looking in the mirror, trying to figure out what he meant. Darren came up behind me, moving my hair.

“Maybe I just miss seeing you. You’ve been busy lately.”

“Oh? I hadn’t noticed.”

“Where were you today?”

“Oh, um, I had brunch with the girls. It was fun.”

“You sure do spend a lot of time with the girls. I barely get to see you between them and your other two lovers. Do you not care for me anymore?”

Panic rose, and I turned, attempting to soothe him. “Of course I care for you, Darren. I love you, you know that. Things have just been hectic. I promise to make more time for you. Let’s go to dinner tonight?”

He pulled my damp hair back, looking me in the eye. “I’ll tell you when I’m free, pet. Don’t you dare think you can order me around when it fits your schedule. I’m busy.”

“Of course, sir. You’re right.”

“Tomorrow night.”

“Yes, tomorrow night.”

He kissed me, barely brushing my lips before he let my wet hair go, stomping out of the room. I took a lung full of air, fighting to keep the tears back. I had to find something soon. I couldn’t keep doing this much longer.

* * *

“Pet, you’ve been quiet.”

I turned my head, looking at the man who’d turned my world upside down. I nodded, smiling. “I’m sorry, Dare. Did you say something?”

“Come here.”

His voice commanded obedience, and like the pet I was, I obeyed. Getting up off the chair, I walked over to where he sat on the edge of the bed, his shoe still in his left hand. His right hand wrapped around my ass, and he pulled my half-clothed body to him. His nose skirted up my abdomen, and I held back the moan that wanted to escape. I hated how my body responded to him, especially when I felt this way.

“Tell me what’s wrong, pet.” Again, there was no denying the order.

“I’m worried about my new friend.” The words left my mouth before I thought about them. I felt him stiffen for a millisecond before he returned to his exploration, his hands dipping beneath my panties, pulling them low. He hated when I spoke of my friends, and especially now, I needed to tread carefully.

“What about her?” He asked cautiously, but it was the final clue I needed to know my gut wasn’t lying to me. I hadn’t gotten much off his computer since most was in code or plans that didn’t make sense. What I could understand seemed to center around either Loren or Imogen. Neither were people I wanted Darren to have his clutches in. Taking a breath, I decided to be brave and test out how far I could push it.

“She’s had someone following her. It’s kind of scary, actually. Then her ex-husband attacked her. Thankfully, she knew how to defend herself. It just made me think about how we don’t really know people. I mean, she was married to him for ten years, and then he does that.”

“People are full of secrets.”Like you, I mused.

“True. It’s why psychology interests me so much. I like to figure out people’s motives.” His fingers grabbed my flesh, and I sucked in a breath at the force. I said something he didn’t like. Retracing my steps, I tried to repair whatever misstep I’d taken. “How was your day, Dare?”

“Still having trouble with someone. But better now.” The shoe fell to the ground with a thud, and I knew what was coming. He thrust a finger up into my core, and I gasped, the intrusion not pleasant. Bracing on his shoulders, I steadied myself.

“Oh? Anything I could do to help?” I asked, trying to keep the tinge of pain out of my voice. If he knew it hurt, he’d do it again, liking that he’d hurt me.

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