Page 72 of The Dom with the Clever Tongue

“Shit. Maybe I did.” She flushed, visibly, while he studied her. “I was a little overwhelmed.”

He nodded, trying not to grin and mostly succeeding. “Understandable. I am a bit fucking awesome.”

“Smugness isn’t a good look for a Dom.” She glowered and pouted at the same time.

“Mmm.” He figured he’d stretched things as far as was polite and snuggled back down into Reece’s hair. The grin slowly came back. A team of cheerleaders with pom poms and party horns was in order.

Something popped loudly out in the living room and the lights dimmed for a moment. The smell of smoke drifted in. He leapt off the bed and dashed out the door, but found himself being closely followed by Scarlet.

Next to the table, they found the vibe smoking. The cord had separated entirely from the base of the vibe and melted a spot of plastic into the timber floor.

“Oh my god!” Scarlet yelped then started to laugh nervously. “We exploded the vibe! I didn’t even know that was possible. Thank goodness I wasn’t using it on Reece when it decided to blow.”

Malachi carefully picked it up off the floor and examined the broken end. “Do you think this is covered under the warranty?”

She chuckled. “I could try claiming but I don’t think forced orgasms are listed in the small print.”

Chapter 13

Mother Nature finally realized it was spring. Instead of frigid May nights and semi-warm days, the first of June felt like a delicious taste of summer. The sun beat down on the ocean plaza and Reece turned her face into it. Growing up going to the beach with her cousins and grandma had turned her into a beach bunny, despite the mad summer rush. Just being there in the salty air made her feel young again. She smiled. Later in the season, she’d drag Scarlet into the waves and laugh as she whined about jellyfish.

With a hand up to shield the sun from her eyes, she gazed at the sparkling blue in the distance. Maybe Scarlet would have time for a quick beach walk before she had to go back to work after lunch. Then she caught sight of her.

Though Scarlet’s body was athletic, she still had a feminine sway when she walked. She’d never admit it of course. Wearing a dirty t-shirt and equally dirty jeans, she sauntered up the sidewalk toward where Reece was waiting in front of the coffee shop. She’d taken her tool belt off at least. Though Reece had to admit it was pretty damn sexy. Nothing drew attention to a woman’s hips like a thick belt around them. Especially with Scarlet, who’d used one on Reece just the day before.

Even though she didn’t love pain, the fact that she’d forced her to take it anyway more than made up for the welts she’d complained about after. And now she was getting wet thinking about it.

“Hey, kitten,” Scarlet said with a smile then pecked her on the cheek. They were careful about PDA. Just because they lived in a liberal part of the country didn’t mean there weren’t still prejudices. It wasn’t worth pissing people off for just a kiss or two.

“You look sexy.” Reece looked her over while exaggerating licking her lips.

Scarlet chuckled then turned to the shop. “Come on. I’m starving and I don’t have a lot of time. Jude is a slave driver.”

As Scarlet opened the door for Reece, she gave her a wink at the private joke.

Inside the shop, they both stared up at the menu. “What are you getting?” Scarlet asked.

“Salad.”

Scarlet looked at her. “You’re getting too skinny. Eat some real food.”

“Too skinny!” she almost yelled.

“I like you curvy. If you’re too skinny, I’m worried I’ll break you.”

She snorted. “I’ll eat the croutons instead of taking them off.”

They ordered their food then sat at a table near the window. Scarlet talked work for a few minutes, describing the condition of this fixer-upper they’re working on for a rich couple invested in flipping it. Reece nodded supportively, doing her girlfriend duty. Most of the time, she had no idea what Scarlet was talking about, but she never said so. It was probably the same for Scarlet when Reece started talking clutches versus handbags. When Scarlet seemed done with work stories, Reece changed the subject.

“What time are we meeting Mal tonight?”

“Eight, I think.” She smirked at Reece. “You scared?”

“No.” Her gaze flicked to the window to avoid eye contact. She was very scared. Scarlet was getting her first tattoo then they had their last play session together. Malachi had said it would be special but that could mean anything.

Scarlet chuckled. “Liar.”

She scowled at her smug girlfriend. “I still have to get through the rest of the day. I’m travelling to two boutiques to talk shoes. Not a terrible commute but it stressful enough that I don’t want to think about tonight.”

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