Page 3 of Dominated

I’d been with my fair share of women as well.

Not a single one had been anything like Pepper.

Her beauty.

Her intellect.

Her sexuality.

Her presence was like the steam that fogged up my mirror when I took a shower—unavoidable, thick, consuming every time I breathed.

There wasn’t one characteristic that stood out quietly.

Every part of her screamed.

From her light-blue gaze to her black hair to her body, which was rich with curves.

“What would make you think that?” she asked.

She didn’t turn her body toward me.

She didn’t give me that satisfaction.

But she would.

Soon.

“You’re too bold for wine; it doesn’t bite the way you need it to. Whiskey isn’t smooth enough for a tongue as sharp as yours. That’s where the vodka comes in. It can lash when you need it to and crawl down your throat as though it’s mild … even if it’s not.” I ran my hand across my mouth, drawing her attention there. “How’d I do?”

Her eyelids narrowed. “I’ve seen you here over the last few months and at the LA location, but I don’t know your name.”

“Bale Pierce.” I held out my hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Pepper.”

“Don’t tell me you guessed that too.”

I smiled, chuckling. “Who said I guessed anything about you?”

Her hand began to turn warm, and she pulled it away, her stare moving to the bartender.

Before she could place her order, I voiced, “Ms. Michaels will have a vodka soda, please.”

When Pepper’s eyes returned to me, she said, “What about the garnish?”

“The main act is my specialty. I don’t know anything about the supporting roles.”

“Is that so?”

The bartender set a tumbler on top of the wooden bar top, adding ice to the glass. “Two limes and a lemon?”

“Please,” Pepper replied without looking at her.

I had about sixty seconds to make an impression and get what I wanted, or I would lose her.

I wasn’t going to let that happen.

“There are men in here tonight who are looking for supporting roles. To be a shadow in a club full of light. To watch and self-soothe.” I adjusted my tie, but didn’t loosen it. I just wanted her to notice my hands and the power in my fingers. To envision what they would feel like on her body. “That’s not me.”

She heard the bartender place the glass in front of her and reached for it, keeping our eyes locked. “What is your thing then, Mr. Pierce?”