Page 9 of Reckless Desire

Dominique insisted, though the longing in her voice betrayed her true feelings. “Nope. I’m good over here. ‘Cause I’m sure he ain’t nothing but a bunch of games and, in the end, heartache. There’s nothing to see.”

“Perhaps,” Chasity agreed reluctantly, her tone softening as they reached the exit. “But is it what you truly want?”

The question hung heavy in the air as the three women stepped outside, the cool night breeze offering little relief from the heat of Dominique’s swirling emotions. She sighed, running her fingers over her wavy hair as she contemplated her friend’s question. A part of her yearned to take a chance, but another part feared what it might cost her if she did. Then there was the fact that she couldn’t shake the image of him with his submissive and the uncertainty that crept into her thoughts. She couldn’t answer Chasity’s question.

She finally murmured, a note of defeat coloring her words. “Yeah, perhaps it’s for the best.”

Dominique felt an emptiness as she and her friends walked away from the entrance of Club Desire toward the SUV, waiting for them by the curb. The unspoken connection with the mysterious man lingered, leaving her wondering if she had made the right choice. When she looked out the window, he was standing there watching her. As they drove away, Dominique suddenly had a feeling that this was only the beginning.

Love is so much like a chess game sometimes. One move at a time and the right move at the right time can change everything.

~Unknown

Chapter 5

Vincent’s footsteps echoed off the polished marble floors as he exited the office, his thoughts fixated on the work he had cut out for him. His mind was a whirlwind from the morning filled with back-to-back calls for the case involving his brother, Joey. The gravity of the situation sat heavily on his shoulders, but it was a burden that Vincent bore with pride. Fifty years ago, his grandfather had begun the family business, and now it had grown into a successful empire through his dad’s and his own hard work. But for the first time, they were running into some serious legal issues due to his brother’s missteps. Vincent needed to get to the bottom of things, and soon. As he strode down the hallway, he noticed a familiar figure leaving a client’s office a few doors away.Her.

It was the Dominatrix from Club Desire. Gone were the bunny ears and black leather corset outfit, replaced by a more professional look. The white crop jacket hugged her shape perfectly, while the high-waisted black slacks accentuated her curves. She moved with that same magnetic grace he remembered from their brief encounter, and it stirred something primal within him. Her eyes locked onto his, causing a shiver to run down his spine—an involuntary reaction that he couldn’t control. Though Vincent prided himself on his ability to remain composed in any situation, this woman had a way of unraveling him.

Vincent straightened his silk tie. “Excuse me,” he called out, his deep voice cracking with nerves. He cleared his throat, cursing his sudden vulnerability.

She turned toward him, her deep-set brown eyes meeting his gaze. For a moment, time seemed to slow, then she blinked, a hint of recognition lighting up her face. “Yes?” she asked cautiously.

“Hi, we met last week at …” He rubbed the back of his neck, feeling heat creep up his cheeks. “I’m sorry. Uhh, we didn’t, actually. I didn’t get your name. I’m Vincent.”

“Ah, right.” Her lips curved into a tentative smile. There was a softness in her eyes that hinted at her own nervousness. “I’m Dominique.”

“Nice to meet you, Dominique.” Vincent extended his hand, secretly relieved that she shared his uncertainty.

The second their fingertips touched, Vincent felt an exhilarating tingle from the top of his head to the tip of his toes. He held onto her touch for a beat too long, not wanting to let go of the connection they had forged in the dimly lit club.

“Are you here for a case?” Vincent asked, releasing her hand reluctantly.

“Something like that,” Dominique answered, her voice guarded. She shifted her weight from one stiletto-clad foot to the other, avoiding his gaze.

Vincent’s mind raced, searching for a way to prolong their conversation. He needed to know more about her. Their chance meeting felt like fate, and he wasn’t going to let it slip through his fingers without a fight.

“Would you—” Vincent began but was interrupted by Dominique’s phone shrilling in her purse.

“Oh, sorry. Excuse me,” she said, quickly reaching into her bag.

“No worries, I understand,” he sighed, feeling a pang of disappointment. “I’ll let you take that. Anyway, it was nice seeing you again.”

“Likewise,” Dominique said with a polite nod.

She stepped away to take her call, which appeared to be brief. Her eyes lingered on his face for a moment longer before she started to walk away. Vincent felt a persistent inkling that their paths were destined to cross again. The memory of Dominique’s touch lingered on his skin, and he yearned for more. He watched her leave, the sound of her heels echoing in the hallway. A magnetic force kept pulling him toward her, and before he knew it, the words tumbled out before he could stop himself.

“Wait,” he called out. “Wanna grab something to eat? I’d really like to get to know you better.”

Dominique paused in her stride and turned slowly to face him, her eyes narrowing as she studied him for a moment. Her lips curved into a hesitant smile. Vincent’s pulse quickened.

“Sure. I suppose I could use a bite to eat,” she conceded, a hint of intrigue coloring her tone.

“Okay, great,” Vincent replied, trying to suppress his excitement. “There’s a place just around the corner. It’s quiet and offers good food. Shall we?”

Once they were outside of the building, they walked side by side, the atmosphere between them heavy with anticipation as they navigated the bustling sidewalk. Vincent took notice of how Dominique moved with elegance and composure, her hips swaying hypnotically as she took each step. He stole glances at her, drinking in the sight of her unique and stylish look with a tapered fade that emphasized her beauty and natural brown skin tone. Her short, wavy top added a playful and fun element to her overall appearance.

When they entered the restaurant, Vincent requested a secluded booth near the back, away from prying eyes. Once they were seated, a server got their drink orders and an appetizer.

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