Page 35 of Dare to Love Again

His finger traced over her cheek and along her jaw. “And your blushes are equally lovely, but before we get too far off topic, you have a choice to make.”

“I do?”

“You always have a choice, Esme. Remember that, no matter how intimidating the dominant. I’ve agreed to take you on, but only if you agree. If you prefer, I’ll help you find someone else.”

“But no one wanted me.”

“Due respect to Eric, I don’t think it was fair to send you out on your own to negotiate, and he heard from me about it. If you’d like to proceed and do the choosing, I’ll act in Paxton’s stead and make the introductions, easing the way and smoothing any feathers you may have ruffled.”

“But Master Eric said I only had until the end of the month, which is this weekend.”

“I know what he said, lass, but contrary to what everyone thinks, his word isn’t law. We have other owners. Because his judgment is usually sound, we go along with his decisions for the most part. Here, he’s wrong, and since I have joint ownership, as well as charge of you for the time being, I have a say.”

“You’re one of the owners?”

“Yes, and I’m willing to go to bat for you with Eric, the membership, and the board if need be. But you have to decide how it will be. Stick with me or continue your search. Time beyond this weekend, I’ll allow, but it can’t be forever. You’ve been coasting while trying to get your bearings. Three months isn’t all that long considering your situation and the fact your sponsor left you so abruptly, but it’s time to stop living vicariously through others, and do something about it.”

She bit her lip. Here she was, geared up for a scene, and it had turned, well...weird.

“This isn’t what I expected when I came here tonight.”

His smile conveyed his understanding. “No doubt. But how we proceed needs to be decided.”

“You’re one of the good ones,” she blurted out.

One brow arched in question. “You sound surprised. Eric might maneuver to get what he wants, but he wouldn’t set you up with an asshole.”

“In my experience, doms come in three varieties. Jerks like Carlos who care only about themselves, players who are only looking for fun without commitment—not that there’s anything wrong with that since there are subs who want that, too—and the good doms.”

“And your definition of a good dom would be what?”

“Someone who listens, not only to the sub’s kinks but to their dreams, fears, and passions. He understands a D/s relationship even with a power exchange is a partnership and has the sub’s best interests at heart. He knows when to push but also when to stop. Most of all, a good dom is someone who wants to know his sub on a level that goes deeper than libidos and genitalia.”

“Your husband was all those things, little Esme?”

“He wasn’t perfect, but he strived to be, for me.”

“Which makes him a tough act to follow. You realize that, yes?”

“I do, but I’m not looking for perfect. Although, I’d prefer not to be with a jerk or a player.”

“Understood. We have a lot of good doms here, trust me.”

“I’ve met a few, but most, like Master Eric, were claimed already. I think Master Tristan might be one, too. He turned me down, preferring someone who wanted him rather than the perks being with him offered.”

His chuckle was warm and wonderful, further easing her tension. “You’ve got them both pegged, but considering Eric is the dominant in the relationship, he’d probably disagree with the claimed part, but we’ll keep that between us.”

She nodded, realizing how that sounded. “Thank you.”

He grinned, something she noticed he did easily. “You’re very observant.”

“Observe is all I’ve done these past twelve weeks.”

“Something I had hoped to change tonight.” Cupping her chin, he held her gaze as he asked quietly, “To do so, I’ll need your answer.”

She paused, rewinding the conversation in her head to find the question.

“Do you choose me or continue your search?” he asked patiently.

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