Page 8 of Reckless Desire

Dominique hesitated, feeling the weight of her friends’ stares as they awaited her decision. Her mind raced, torn between her undeniable attraction to the mystery man and the unspoken boundaries that existed within their respective dynamics. To approach him would be to risk everything she’d worked so hard to build but to ignore the magnetic connection would be just as painful.

“Damn it,” she muttered under her breath, her fingers tightening around her slave’s leash as if seeking solace in the familiar feel of it. The muffled sounds ofWe Go Down Togetherthrobbed in the background as she tried to make sense of her conflicting emotions.

Shavonne spoke quietly. “Ari, we’re not trying to push you, but there’s something here. We can see it. Can’t you feel it?”

“Of course I can,” Dominique snipped, her frustration boiling over. “But this isn’t just about me. Clearly, there are others involved, and I won’t risk hurting them for my own selfish desires.”

“Even if it means denying yourself a chance at happiness?” Chasity challenged, her eyes searching Dominique’s face.

“Especially then ‘cause who said it would be happiness with him? I have an empire to continue building and a heart to protect from men like him.”

All the while she spoke, her gaze flickered back to him. She could feel the pull of him growing stronger, threatening to knock down the walls she’d spent the last year building.

“Come on,” Dominique got up abruptly, picking up her bunny mask. “Let’s get out of here.”

Before they exited the lounge, Dominique glanced over her shoulder and locked eyes with the tall stranger one last time before leaving his sight. She then proceeded to walk behind the wall.

Chasity grasped her arm and tugged her away from the crowd of people entering and exiting the lounge, her eyes twinkling with excitement as she talked. “Beau thang, I swear to God, you and that guy … it was like watching two magnets being drawn together.”

“Except we didn’t touch,” Dominique muttered defensively, avoiding her gaze. She wiped her sweaty palms against her stockings, her heart still racing from the intense encounter.

“Doesn’t mean there wasn’t heat between you two,” Shavonne teased, nudging Dominique playfully. “I could practically see the sparks flying across the room.”

“It doesn’t matter how much chemistry we have. Our lives are too complicated for anything to happen.”

“Pssh, complicated can be fun, Ari,” Chasity argued, her voice softening with understanding. “Sometimes you just gotta take a chance, you know?”

Shavonne’s eyes glinted mischievously, “Besides, who says it had to be anything serious? You both seem like people who appreciate a little … adventure.”

“You know I’m not the Lara Croft type, Vonn. There’s nothing to explore.”

Chasity pursed her lips. “Hmph, I’d take my ass around the world in some ancient tombs and dangerous ruins if it were with that man.”

“Facts!”

Shavonne and Chasity celebrated with a high-five. Dominique tried to turn away, but Chasity grabbed her arm, forcing Dominque to look down at the hand that kept her in place. As soon as she did, Chasity let go and conceded, raising her hands in surrender.

A playful smirk danced on Chasity’s lips. “So, you’re really just gonna walk away, Ari? After all that eye-fucking y’all just did in there?”

“Chas, you, of all people, should know why I can’t,” Dominique replied, frustration simmering beneath her words. “You saw the woman attached to him.”

Chasity debated, “You act like he can’t release her.”

“Really, Chas? You have no idea how long those two have been together. That’s her Dom, and they’ve probably been together for a long time.”

“I seriously doubt it. We’ve been at this for years. In a scene with your Dom or not, there are things he won’t do. Even though Xan was an asshole, he never did that in your face without your knowledge. No Dom ever would. She kept her head low like a bottom would when they were doing their job. That man in there is under a contract just like you’re out here with that slave.”

Dominique glanced down where her friend was pointing. Her slave was on the floor and still on all fours like a dog. It dawned on her the words Chasity said moments earlier. “Shit … let me handle this.”

She moved a few feet away from her friends. After removing the leash, she commanded the man to stand on his feet. He stood, towering over Dominique. She placed her hands on either side of his face, giving him a comforting smile. “As I told you upstairs, you were wonderful tonight. I knew you could do it. You were a great slave to have. I will miss you. Take care of yourself, okay, William? Remember to follow the rules, and it will last long. You may leave my presence now. Have a good night.”

Without another word, the man behind the mask nodded quietly before turning away to walk in the opposite direction. Dominique stuffed her diamond leash inside the bag and rummaged through it to fish her phone out. She quickly dialed for the car service. Once she had everything settled, she headed back over to join her friends, who were still chatting animatedly. “Okay, that’s taken care of. And our ride will be here in a couple of minutes. Now, what were you saying?”

Shavonne spoke up first. “Ari, I’ve never seen you so caught up over nobody. Not even Xan, and I know you don’t wanna hear it, but he was fine too. Are you sure you don’t wanna see what’s up with that guy?”

Before she could chime in, Chasity fanned a hand in front of her face. “Okay! She’d be crazy not to ‘cause I mean, sheeeesh … that was a whole lot of BDE coming from one side of the room.”

“Okurrr!” Shavonne giggled.

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