Page 38 of Ravish

“Yes.” He traced her cheek. “Does it bother you?”

She nodded. “I...” Her eyes closed. “I guess I’m thinking about my business. Every time I see someone, I’ll be thinking about being topless here and if they’ve seen me, Sir.” All she could hear was her mother’s voice when she was younger, telling her appearance was everything.

Colby tucked her close to him. “I understand.”

“Is that going to affect our relationship, Sir?”

“No.” His voice was firm.

“Are you sure, Sir?”

“Are you questioning your Dom, sweetheart?” His voice dropped an octave.

“No, Sir.” She wasn’t questioning him, not really. Lara wanted to nip the issue in the bud before she got in too deep. If Colby had a problem with her staying dressed in the club, then she wanted it addressed.

“I can hear you thinking.” Colby shifted. “Are you ready to go home?”

“Yes, Sir.”

Colby helped her to her feet and had her stand in front of him while he laced the halter top back together. She’d forgotten he’d undone it. Lara would have to think about that.

He took her hand and walked her to the ladies’ room. She slipped inside and got her things out of the locker, put her coat on, and came back out. He was standing there, a small bag in his hand.

The ride to her home was quiet. When he pulled up in front of her duplex, Colby reached over, put his fingers on her chin, and she turned her head.

“I heard you thinking all the way here. There is no right or wrong, Lara. The relationship is what we make it.”

“But what if I can’t play in the club?” She was having serious doubts. Doubts because of her family ties.

“We’ll play at home in private until you’re more comfortable.”

“But—”

He put his fingers over her lips. “Let’s not borrow trouble. Now give me your phone.”

Lara fumbled in her purse, held her finger on the sensor, then handed the phone to him. “You already have my cell number, but I see you didn’t put it in your phone.” He gave her the phone back and climbed out of the car.

Colby walked her up the steps and waited until she unlocked the door and turned the alarm off. “Any questions or concerns, and I mean anything that comes up, call me. I’ll see you Monday.” He brushed his lips over hers and waited until she stepped inside and closed the door. “And no getting yourself off, sweetheart. That’s my job.”

Lara’s forehead hit the wood of the doorframe. How did he know? That man saw things she wasn’t sure she wanted him to see. She locked up, set the alarm, and made her way into her bedroom. She had a lot to think about.

* * * *

Colby sat in the borrowed car and stared at Lara’s place. He didn’t want to leave her, but he needed to let her work through tonight. He only hoped she’d call him or Sierra, or one of the other women she was friends with if she needed to talk. That reminded him, Max mentioned about starting a sub group where they could talk freely within their group. He’d have to check to see where they were on that and ask Lara to join.

While she might have hadsomeexperience in college, it wasn’t anything like the club. And he suspected Lara hadn’t played much. She had knowledge, but not practical experience. That wasn’t odd; it happened. He started the engine and drove home. He’d return the car to Damon tomorrow and get his bike.

Once inside his apartment, Colby undressed and put the clothes in the hamper before he stepped into the shower. He’d give Lara Sunday to think about tonight, then go to the café on Monday to chat. It wouldn’t be the conversation he wanted, but he’d be able to tell if she was pulling away.

He’d give her some time to process and cook her dinner on Tuesday night, and they could have a nice private chat. He meant what he said tonight: if she couldn’t play in the club, they’d play into the bedroom until she could.

The relationship was new, and it would take time to figure out. In the meantime, he already had more ideas about clothing. Tomorrow, he’d go into his workshop and start working on them.

* * * *

Colby walked into Lara’s café Monday morning to see her all but dancing to the music she had on. There were two couples in the café having breakfast. It was early yet, barely nine. He walked up to the counter.

“Good morning, beautiful.”

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