Page 30 of Claim

It felt as if his whole body engulfed the space around me. He wore a fitted black shirt and dark denim jeans. His dark brown hair was unkempt and disheveled, not styled back as I’d seen him the last time. I preferred this look so much better. And he bore a dusting of a beard, making him appear dangerous and a bit intimidating.

The arousal that already coursed through my body from watching the couples bounded higher. This man drew me to him despite all the warnings—his and others.

I ached to press my thighs together and relieve the desire that stirred inside me from being near him.

“You told me to stay away from you. I am free to come here as I please.”

Damon clenched his jaw. “Are you planning to play or observe?”

Irritation prickled the back of my neck. He had the nerve to ask me that question when he was inside the walls of this club, looking for an experienced submissive.

I was too innocent for him.

One night only, he’d said. I hadn’t realized how much his words had truly hurt until now. Or maybe I had and just chose to ignore them.

“It isn’t any of your business, is it?” I lifted a brow, then added, “Unless you’ve changed your mind about your warning from the other night.”

“I’m not available to you.”

Meaning no to me but yes to someone else.

“Thank you for the confirmation.” I kept my face impassive, turned, and stepped toward the center of the lounge.

I refused to give him any reaction to the sting of his words. If I wasn’t what he wanted, I’d find someone else.

I only intended to observe tonight but fuck him. I’d enjoy myself with another Dom. Why the hell not?

Why not start my sexual discovery adventure with two men in the same week?

Better late than never, Sophia.

“I did not dismiss you.”

I paused and said, “You aren’t my Dom. I don’t need your permission. Have a good evening, Damon.”

“We aren’t done speaking.”

Tilting my head to the side, I said, “Yes, we are. You warned me away. I’m listening. Tell me to stay defeats the purpose. Now, I will find someone who wants me.”

“Sophia, the warning is for your own good.”

Ignoring him, I made my way into the lounge.

My own good.

I had four brothers to tell me what was for my own good. The last thing I needed was another man to add to the list. I lived life on my terms, and no one stopped me. My parents had washed their hands of me long ago, and as far as I was concerned, Damon Pierce could do the same.

As I entered the main social space, I focused on Clark Ventana, who stood off to one side of the room near a high-top table. He held a glass of deep amber liquid in his hand as his sharp blue eyes scanned the crowd. The way he carried himself made him look as if he were a king surveying his subjects.

If only I could muster up even an ounce of attraction for him, then I wouldn’t have to feel like a total loser. Unfortunately, the lady bits stayed completely dormant around the blond-haired, blue-eyed Norwegian god. My girl liked broody, green-eyed, brown-haired assholes.

With an internal sigh, I approached Clark, setting an elbow on the table.

“How are you tonight, Mr. Ventana?”

He lifted his tumbler to his lips, giving me a suspicious once over. “Good evening, Miss Morelli. I’m surprised to see you here.”

“Why?”

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