Darkest Dreams Read online

  “I know. They’re the kind of obligations that mean you can fill that nice tub with lots of warm water.”

  “And keep the unemployment line down. I help thousands, if not millions of lives every single day. I’m quite the catch, you know.”

  “I know.”

  He added in some bubbles, and when it was done he helped Avery into the water, following in behind her.

  “My ass is nice and hot.”

  “That was just using my hand. I’m wanting to use a lot more stuff on you,” he said, kissing her neck.

  He couldn’t keep his hands off her.

  “Promises.”

  “You know our contract didn’t have a time limit.”

  “I know.” She looked up at him. “Will you be taking on more subs at the club?”

  “No. I’ve already called ahead and let them know that for the foreseeable future I won’t be taking on any more subs or anyone else. I won’t give demonstrations either, if you don’t want me to.”

  “Demonstrations is where you have to use a submissive, right?”

  “Yes. It helps.”

  “I don’t know if I’m ready for that.”

  “I don’t think I’m ready to share you with that world. I like you all to myself.”

  “There’s something I wanted to ask you.”

  “You can ask me anything.”

  My friend Ella, she keeps asking what is going on, and why I’ve just abandoned the club, and her.”

  She had spent every single evening with him this week.

  “What would you like to tell her?” he asked.

  “The truth, even though I don’t know what the truth is.”

  He stroked her cheek, staring into her eyes. “Tell her that we’re dating, and exploring our life together. We decided to do it without others watching, and we’d appreciate it if she kept our relationship private.”

  “That’s what we have? A relationship?”

  “You don’t think we have one?” he asked.

  “I don’t know. We have a contract. An agreement. I didn’t know that went into an actual relationship.”

  “What do you think to a relationship with me?” he asked.

  “I don’t know. You’re not what I expected, not at all.”

  “And what did you expect?”

  “Someone who didn’t have all of this.”

  He sighed. His wealth made her nervous.

  “I told you not to worry about this.”

  “You said you weren’t in the media anymore. What is someone wants to do a juicy story on the billionaire bachelor that disappeared?” she asked.

  “It won’t happen.”

  “What if it does?”

  “Avery, I’ve come to see that people will write about anything they think is newsworthy. A lot of the crap you hear is gossip.”

  “It’s not that. I don’t want to be seen as some kind of gold digger, Dominic. I’m not wealthy. I’m not even in the same league as you.”

  He slammed his lips down on hers just to silence her. He hated hearing negativity, and right now she was throwing everything out there.

  The kiss did the job, silencing her.

  “I don’t care what anyone else says about us. We know the truth, and at the end of the day that is all that matters to us. You, me, and what we think of each other.”

  “You’re right. I’m so stupid.”

  “No, you’re not. We’re in a relationship, Avery. To me that means not living in secret, allowing me to pick you up, and maybe having a little date with Ella, and a boyfriend of her choice.” He shrugged. “I’m not going to hide from the world.”

  “What about Darkest Dreams?” she asked.

  “When we’re ready to go to the club. We’ll go.” He was doing everything slowly so he didn’t overwhelm her with what he wanted.

  In the past week, Dominic saw a plan. He saw them together, and a possible future. What he hadn’t anticipated was Avery’s fear over their differences.

  Reaching out, he picked up a bar of soap.

  “I’ll text Ella when we’re out. Do you think it’ll be okay for me to go to coffee with her tomorrow morning?”

  “I’m not your keeper, Avery. We’ll go together if you’d like.”

  She nodded. “Actually, I’d love that.”

  “You arrange the time and place, and I will join you.”

  He rubbed the soap into his hands, getting them nice and slick.

  “You’re not going to use a sponge?” she asked.

  “Why use a sponge, when I’ve got the perfect tools right here?” He pulled her to him, cupping her tits, and teasing her nipples. She relaxed against him.

  Stroking his hands over her body, Dominic came up with another plan.

  He was going to be Avery’s every single little desire and fantasy, and slowly, he’d work his way into her heart, and into her life for good.

  Chapter Six

  “So, you two are like, together together?” Ella asked, staring across the table of the booth they were sharing.

  Avery smiled at her friend, feeling nervous and somewhat awkward. Ella had been hurt to realize that she’d been keeping secrets, and that was clear just by looking at her friend. Ella was pissed.

  “We are, Ella.”

  “Uh, and you’ve not been at the club because you’ve been together?”

  “Yes.”

  Dominic seemed to have all the answers so she was allowing him to deal with the grilling. Ella kept staring at her, though. “Have you been ordered not to answer me?”

  “What? No?”

  “With all due respect, Dominic, I’m in a little bit of a confused, fuzzy feeling right now. You’re a Dom at Darkest Dreams, and yet you pursued Avery outside of it?”

  “He asked me out on a date, actually. I wouldn’t call it pursued.”

  “This is the same guy who didn’t even give you the time of day while you were visiting, Avery.”

  “Why do you seem so angry with me?”

  “Because you’re not seeing how dangerous this is.”

  “Wait a minute,” Dominic said, raising his hand. “I’m not a threat to Avery. I care about her, and I’ve made sure we’ve gone through the contract, and set our boundaries.”

  “A contract? Seriously?” Ella turned her attention back to Avery. “Is this what you want out of your life? A contract relationship.”

  “I don’t get it, Ella. What do you want from me?” Avery asked.

  “I want to talk to my friend without her damn boyfriend hovering over us. I want to know the truth.”

  “I am telling you the truth,” Avery said.

  “I’m not forcing her to keep secrets,” Dominic spoke up.

  “Then explain this past week to me, because right now I’m having a really hard time understanding what you did, and why you did it.” Ella folded her arms over her chest, glaring at them.

  Staring at her friend, she saw the concern in Ella’s eyes.

  “Dominic, would you give us a moment, please?”

  “Sure, babe.” He dropped a kiss to her lips, and left them alone.

  Avery blew out a breath.

  “So, you can think for yourself?”

  “What the hell is wrong with you?”

  “If I lied to you, and then suddenly pushed a boyfriend into your face, and especially considering the lifestyle we like to walk, don’t you think you’d be a little concerned?” Ella asked.

  Sitting back, she started to see it from Ella’s side. “You’re worried in case I’m in danger.”

  “I know you’ve got some kind of thing going for Dominic. I’ve seen it. Every single Dom has seen it at the club. I thought you were getting over it seeing as he’s a playboy. Now you’re telling me you’re in a relationship, and it’s all playing out far away from Darkest Dreams. Tell me you wouldn’t be a little suspicious, upset, or even hurt? We’re friends, Avery.”

  “I know. I’m so sorry.”

  “Then while I was asking questions, he wa
s answering them all. Not what I want to be seeing when I’m scared for my friend.”

  “I get it now, and I respect it.” She smiled. “He approached me on Friday night a week ago.”

  “What did he want?”

  “A date. A chance to explore without everyone from the club watching, whispering, and doing their best to interrupt.”

  “The club also offers protection. Don’t forget about that.”

  “I’m not. I just, I guess I wanted that privacy. I didn’t have to worry about anyone watching, or waiting for something to go wrong or to screw up. I got the chance to just be myself, and so I took it.”

  “I can see that.” Ella looked back at Dominic. He sat enjoying a cup of coffee, and reading his paper. “You’re happy?”

  “I’m happy. I’m safe. The only reason I didn’t tell you is because I didn’t know what to tell you. We’ve been going through the contract, and you’re right. I don’t want to live my life based on some contract, and worrying about breaking a rule. What I wanted was a guy I enjoyed being around, and even though Dominic is not what I expected. I enjoy spending time with him. He’s a good guy.”

  “Not what you expected?”

  “He’s rich, like really rich.”

  “Scary rich?”

  “Yeah, you can’t tell anyone, though. He loves his privacy.”

  “I won’t. I’ll only hurt him if he hurts you. Friends for life, Avery. Women have to stick together in this day and age. It’s a nightmare out there.”

  “Agreed. So, do you forgive me?”

  “Depends. What is he like in the sack?”

  “Seriously?”

  “Come on, Avery. Give me something.”

  “He’s amazing,” she said, laughing. “Now, can we bring him back so I don’t have to go crazy, and start gouging out women’s eyes? They’re eating him up.”

  “I suppose.”

  Avery climbed out of her chair, and walked toward Dominic. She was aware of all of the stares, and she wanted them to look. She wanted to stake her claim on the man that they had all been drooling over, and that belonged to her.

  “It’s okay for me to come and sit?”

  “We’re okay for now.”

  She leaned down, and claimed his lips, letting them all know that this man was taken, and that he belonged to her.

  Breaking from the kiss, she felt rather smug.

  “Just so you know I can do that every single time a guy looks over at you.”

  “Certainly, Sir. I just wanted everyone in this damn café to know that you’re mine.” She said the last word with a little growl to her voice.

  “Now, that is what I’m talking about. It’s about time you staked your claim.” He sank his fingers into her hair, and pulled her down for another kiss. Licking along her lips, he plunged his tongue inside.

  “Come on, kids. You’re giving the whole café a porn show, and I don’t think we can take it much more,” Ella said.

  Avery chuckled. Her cheeks were on fire, but she didn’t regret it. That kiss was really something.

  * * * *

  “You know it’s really freaky going to visit your girlfriend’s man,” Ella said, opening the door a little more.

  “I felt we got off on the wrong foot earlier today, and I wanted to make it right.”

  “Where’s Avery?” Ella asked.

  “I dropped her off to pick up some more clothes. I wanted to take her out to a restaurant, only she hadn’t packed anything, and she didn’t like the thought of me paying for dinner and a new dress.”

  “She told me you were wealthy, like scarily wealthy.”

  “I have a huge bank balance. It has never been a cause for concern before.” Avery had already told him that she’d let Ella know the truth. “My wealth is one of the reasons I want to keep her for myself.”

  “Keep her? She’s not an item you can just put on some shelf.”

  He stared at Ella. The anger was coming off her in waves. “You really don’t like me.”

  “What I don’t like is the effect you have on Avery, or what you do to her. You didn’t see how besotted she is with you. I don’t like it.”

  “I’m not going to hurt her.”

  “You’re a rich playboy. You may not intentionally hurt her, but you’re going to hurt her.”

  “I came here to tell you that I love her.” There! He’d finally said the words aloud, and he meant them.

  Ella stared at him. “You love her?”

  “Yes.”

  “Have you told her?”

  “Not yet.”

  “Why not?”

  “And you wonder why you can’t find a Dom? Have you ever thought of trying to be a Domme?”

  “This is my friend. I brought her to Darkest Dreams. I’m responsible for her. I don’t want to see her get hurt. I only wanted to help her, and yet, I’m worried that I’ve led her to you. You’ve got an exceptional reputation for being a good Dom, Dominic. I don’t deny that. What you don’t have a good reputation on is being the guy that a woman needs. Avery, she’s a good girl through and through. Darkest Dreams, opened her up, and now she’s in a relationship with you. One of the most qualified Doms I know. I have a right to be worried. I could take this to the club for them to see if you abused your power.”

  “I didn’t abuse anything. If you’re such a good friend, then you would see that I’m actually granting Avery the love and respect she deserves. She doesn’t want to be watched by everyone at the club as if she was just some specimen, and that’s what I bring when I’m at the club. I’m there as a Dom. I’m needed, and because of that, any relationship I have would be under scrutiny. I don’t want that for Avery.”

  “What do you want?”

  “I want this relationship to last.”

  “It has only been a week.”

  “And yet actions within a twenty-four-hour time period can change the way the world thinks. Time doesn’t mean anything, not really. We have precious little of it, and I’m not going to waste the time I have, wondering if my feelings are real. I know what I feel, I know my own mind. I didn’t come here to argue with you, or to justify myself to you.”

  “Then why did you come here?”

  “For Avery. She values your friendship, and the last thing I want to do is make her chose between us. I’m not going to do it, are you?”

  Silence fell between them, and Ella broke eye contact first. “No.”

  “Good. You don’t like me, and that is fine.”

  “I don’t dislike you. I just worry about Avery. She’s new to all of this.”

  “I’m going to guide her. I’m not going to hurt her, or abuse the power that she has given me. That’s not the way that I work.”

  Ella sighed. “We’re going to have to learn to get along.”

  “I can get along with anyone. The question is, can you put your feelings aside, and give me and Avery time?”

  Another silence fell between them, and he watched as Ella paced her own apartment.

  “Yes, I can. I’m sorry for being a bitch. I know it doesn’t excuse me, but I have my friend’s best interests at heart.”

  “That I can accept. She really is a special woman, and I’m blessed that she gave the trust of her body to me. One day, I hope to have her heart as well. Her love.”

  Ella chuckled. “I don’t think you’re going to have to wait long. I’ve never seen Avery so taken with someone. From the first moment she saw you, she was asking all kinds of questions about you. She’s been hurt before. Her previous boyfriends have only used her, and left her. It’ll be nice for someone to actually treat her like she deserves.”

  “That I can promise. Truce?”

  “Truce.”

  He shook her head.

  He’d made the right decision coming to see Avery friend. Ella meant a great deal to Avery. The last thing he wanted to do was come between friends.

  “I’m going to head back to her apartment.” Pulling a card out of his pocket, he handed it to her.
“Here are all my details. Call whenever you need anything.”

  “Will you be taking over all elements of Avery’s life?”

  “No. I only hope she’ll agree to spend a great deal of time with me, and I hope to convince her to move in with me.”

  “That is a big step. Good luck with that. You’re going to need it.”

  He left Ella, happy with the progress he was making. The drive to Avery’s apartment was only twenty minutes, and he parked in the only space available. He wanted her to move in, but he didn’t want to pressure her too much.

  Time and patience. They were the two things he needed, and yet they were the two things he struggled with the most.

  Chapter Seven

  Bent over Dominic’s bed with her ass in the air, she waited for the next impact of the paddle. They hadn’t gone to his house in the country. Instead, he’d brought her to his penthouse apartment. His place was so big; it embarrassed her that he’d seen inside her small, homey apartment.

  What did he think when he looked at her? Did he think she was silly with her small apartment, small job?

  Stop it.

  “Where did you go?” he asked, drawing her attention back to him.

  “Nowhere, Sir.”

  He’d picked her up, taking several items of her clothing, along with some of her books.

  Pushing her insecurities aside, she focused on the man that had been in her thoughts for a lot longer.

  His apartment didn’t have a playroom like the one in his basement, which to her sounded freaky. It was only when she saw it, she was able to appreciate the beauty of the playroom.

  The paddle slapped against her ass. The sound echoed off the walls, and she gritted her teeth as the pain rushed from her ass, all over her body.

  Dominic moved, and the paddle struck her ass on the other side. He moved, changing the angle, and direction where the hits would come from. Once he’d done six with the paddle, he changed to his hands. Each hit going a little harder than last time.

  He pulled her up, and turned her, making her look back at the mirror to see his handiwork. He squeezed her ass, and she couldn’t contain her moan any longer.

  “Spread your cheeks for me.”

  Reaching behind her, she opened her ass, and watched in an awkward position as he ran a finger down the crease of her ass. “I’m going to fuck this cute little asshole.” He moved some of her cream from her pussy, up to coat her ass.