Page 45 of Disgrace

Richard walked away years ago, leaving me to die. But that final act of cruelty was just one of a hundred I’d endured while we were ‘together’. Sadly, the effects of a toxic relationship will always cause unbidden issues. The damage is done. As an adult, I can acknowledge that and the abuse by my mother for what it was. I can tell myself it wasn’t my fault. Iknowit was not my fault. But that rot runs very deep and is very quick to erode the edges of hard-earned positive self-esteem, at any opportunity. It’s much easier to believe the bad stuff.

“Hey, where did you go?” His kind smile and softly spoken words continue to chip at my crumbling shield.

“This is new territory for me, too.” I meet his gaze, kind eyes and an honest soul.

“I know, baby. But if one thing your background as a Domme does provide, it’s the importance of communication.” He flashes his killer smile. “I won’t know your limits unless you tell me.” The sincerity and significance of his words lie heavy. But he is right.

“I think I did tell you the other night,” I remind him. He instantly shifts in his seat. His face is impassive, but his eyes flash with a much more devious memory. I raise my brow at his flush of colour. “You’re hard?” My eyes dip to the significant bulge in his jeans. I lean over to close the distance, but my breathy whisper just causes him to narrow his eyes.

“Andthatisn’t helping.” His tone is a stern warning, but his light kiss on my nose softens the sting. “You didn’t tell me exactly, but you did show me. And that was the fucking hottest thing ever. I have never had someone go allalpha chick.” He shifts again and I swear his bulge gets bigger in its confined denim prison. “I know as Selina youownthe club, but this was real life and wow, Peitra looked like she was going to shit herself.” I giggle. He joins with a much deeper belly laugh. “I left immediately, but my departure didn’t improve her mood. I may have called her a fucking bitch.” I splutter the water I was just sipping.

“Really?” I can’t hide my shock. He is fiery, I know, but always professional.

“Sheisa fucking bitch.” He casually repeats his character assessment of the delightful Peitra.

“Oh, I know she is, but you’re her boss. Isn’t it frowned upon to call employees names?” I admonish lightly.

“She’s an intern, and I am sure she manipulated that meeting—the venue at least.” He scratches his day old stubble pensively. I like the slightly rougher look. He wears the bad boy look almost as well as he wears the sexy business owner. “She probably cancelled the client attending, too.” He comments derisively. “I don’t think there will be a complaint.” He sips his water before continuing. “But she is loosely part of Daniel’s family, so that does make it tricky. Not that he would disagree if I sacked her for gross misconduct,” he points out ruefully.

“That might make family get-togethers interesting. She’s only just graduated; that will kill her career.” I may not like the girl, but her actions have far reaching implications I doubt she considered

“Something she might’ve thought about before she insulted my girlfriend.” He dismisses my concern.

“Maybe you could just put her somewhere else?” I offer with a sly smile. His expression is more one of shock than surprise.

“You’re defending her?” He sits back and stares at me.

“Not at all, but everyone makes mistakes.” I shrug. I’m not a fan but I am also not that vindictive.

“You are too sweet.” He sweeps his knuckles softly across my cheek.

“Don’t go crazy now. I didn’t saywhereyou should transfer her. I was thinking maybe janitorial detail?” He barks out a laugh.

We share a delicious creamy coffee desert and sip on the complimentary Limoncello and watch the world go by.

“Do we need some new rules?” I ask after a while.

“I don’t think we do.” The confidence in his reply is clear in his tone. “As long as we talk first, to avoid any misunderstandings. However hard, it’s better to be honest.”

“Are you being honest?” I challenge his naïveté.

“Hmm?” His brow is furrowed with confusion.

“You said you got jealous of me, my work.”

His brows knit tighter together. “I did say that.” He draws in a breath. “But I am not going to stop you working, Sam. I will deal.”

His tone is sincere, but I am uncomfortable, knowing that the underlying feeling is still there. If it is a fraction of what I felt seeing him with Peitra, then it’s too much.

“I could maybe cut right back,” I muse out loud. His gaze is fixed on me, but his face is implacable. I trace the rim of the glass absently with my finger before sucking the remnant of the sticky liqueur into my mouth. “There is really only one client I would have a problem letting go.” He doesn’t hesitate to fill in the blanks.

“Leon.”

“How did you—” I start but he interrupts.

“It’s pretty obvious he needs you for something, and I know it’s not sex,” he teases.

“Oh…wait, why not sex?” I challenge his assumption. His correct assumption.

---