Page 50 of Defy

A pang of guilt hit me for telling her to wait until I called her to meet the textile designers.

Had I just done to her something her parents forced her to do by making her stay in the shadows until they wanted her to appear?

Fuck. I had no idea how to navigate anything anymore.

Before her, I knew the rules. I kept my emotions in check. A submissive had her place in my life. Sure, scenes, sex, and intimacy were all part of it. As a Dom, I would give myself to them as much as possible, but nothing went past the club.

Even with Maria, who I’d taken on as a long-term submissive, no part of me could conjure the deep-seated affection she needed. And the primal desire to protect had never become a factor in our relationship.

With Sophia, the depth of what I felt, my desires, and my need for her went to a visceral level I never knew existed. It was instantaneous and raw.

It drove me to do things I’d never do for anyone else.

Releasing a deep breath, I turned away from Sophia and moved toward the two textile engineers.

I studied Rico and Henrietta on my approach, taking in everything about them. The image they projected was one of a united front. Henrietta’s dress seamlessly coordinated with Rico’s suit from color to texture. No one looking at them would have any doubt they came as a pair. The only thing that made them stand apart was the stark contrast of their hair color. Rico had white, blond hair, while Henrietta’s was a striking red.

Rico’s blue eyes brightened in recognition when I neared. “Damon, it’s been a long time. What are you doing here? I didn’t think this type of place was your scene.”

“I’m always up for a change of pace.” I shook his hand and then inclined my head toward Henrietta.

“Good to see that you haven’t become a hermit.” Rico shot a glance toward Henrietta. “Though we couldn’t blame you considering what we read about the new penthouse you built.”

“The one you read about is just a prototype for a different building. You should know I’m not the type to give away the secrets to my personal living space.”

Henrietta’s mouth tightened around the edges as my words hit their mark. I wanted her to know that I remembered what she’d done.

Then she smiled. “You’re smart to show a different property and keep your privacy. You can never be too careful.”

Oh, the irony.

“Exactly.”

“Who are you here with?” Henrietta scanned the area around me.

“My girlfriend. She is chatting with a few friends. She will find me sooner or later.”

“You’re dating someone in the fashion industry? I thought you preferred quiet relationships over ones with high-profile women.”

What would she know about my relationships with anyone? We had only ever worked professionally, and for her to know even a tiny clue about my personal life meant someone from Violent Delights told her.

I cocked my head to the side, perhaps she saw me come in with Sophia.

No, that couldn’t be it. Henrietta wouldn’t have acted surprised to see me.

And from how she continued to search over my shoulder, she was looking for Sophia.

“What makes you think I’m with someone high-profile? Not everyone in the fashion industry is in the limelight.”

“Is she a designer then?”

“Among other things.”

“Speaking of designers,” Rico interjected. “What is your opinion on the Keith Randolph murder?”

Of course, they’d want my take on the situation. Especially if they knew I was with Sophia.

“I prefer to keep my thoughts on the dead sex offender to myself. It’s rather gruesome evening out conversation.”

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