Page 24 of Seduce

“They can be. It was amazing how many college students were interested in the lifestyle. We were young though, so basically after the group put us through our paces, we were given a mentor.” Thank goodness for that. His mentor had helped him focus his need for control and helped him work through his grief.

“Sounds like an interesting group.”

“Yes, they’d been around for a long time and had learned how to encourage those who needed it by fostering a growing environment. Their rules were strict. We weren’t allowed to play until we were over twenty-one and it had to be under the supervision of our mentor.” He’d learned so much before he played for the first time, and those lessons stayed with him.

“How did that go over?”

“For me, I loved it. I learned more about myself and who I was than ever before, but it also gave me a family of sorts.” It also eased his sense of loss.

“I’m glad.” She smiled as the waiter brought their food.

“Did you go to college locally?”

“No. I went to MIT.”

“Impressive.”

“Enough about me. How about you? Where did you go to school?”

“DC.”

“George Washington University?”

“At first.” She took a bite of food, chewed, and swallowed. “My father wanted me to have a certain degree, and GW was the best place to go, but after my first year, I knew I didn’t want to be there. So I found a smaller college that would allow me to get my library science degree.”

There was a tinge of sadness in her voice. “Your father didn’t approve.”

Tessa groaned. “My father has never approved.” Her gaze met his. “I don’t want to talk about my family. Let’s just say, while I talk to them, I will never see eye to eye with my father.”

“What about your mother?” Her face softened.

“Mom was the best. She was the buffer between my father and me. She was also the one who put her foot down when I changed colleges and stood up to my father to let me do what I wanted.”

“I see.” They ate in silence while he mulled over what she told him. He’d question her more about her family later. When the waiter cleared away their plates, Damon told him he’d signal when they were ready for dessert.

“So let’s talk about the club and kink.”

Her brown eyes widened, and she glanced around.

“As long as we keep our voices down, we’re fine. There’s a reason why I choose this restaurant and this table.” Damon slid closer to Tessa. He kept his gaze on her face for any discomfort with him being close to her.

“Are you sure?” There was a slight tremor in her voice, and he frowned.

“Tessa, what is it?”

She shook her head. Damon reached out and gripped her chin between his fingers and turned her head to face him. “Tell me.” He dropped his voice.

“What if someone hears us?”

She was worried about that. “There’s no reason to worry, besides this looks like we’re having a date.” Her fears were his to ease.

“I know, but…” She closed her eyes. “I’m being silly.”

Damon studied her. “I think there’s something deeper. Shall I get the check and go back to my place or yours?” He kept his gaze on her to see her reaction.

“No.” Her lashes rose to reveal determination in those eyes. “I’m fine.”

He kept his gaze on her. No tremor now, just steely courage in her voice. “I reserve the right to call a halt to this talk if I feel you’ve become uncomfortable.” He would do it. He didn’t want her withdrawing.

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