Page 17 of Power Play

Dane captured her hand in his; it was like ice. “Regina, nothing will happen that you don’t want. You’ve been relaxed and happy with me all week, so what’s happened?”

“I…” She broke off and tears came to her eyes. “I’ve been thinking that’s all.”

“Understandable. But you seemed fine at dinner.”

“I am. It’s just…” She tried to pull her hands from his, but he held on.

“Talk to me. Please.” If he could get her talking, he could find out what was going on and fix it. Indecision crossed her face. “Again, nothing will happen you don’t want. If you want me to take you home, I will.”

“No, I don’t want to go home.” She sighed. “Dane, I told you last week I haven’t been with a man in a while.”

He nodded.

“You do understand I play in the club.”

“I do.” He didn’t like that she’d been with other Doms, but that was before he came into her life.

“You need to know that I’ve never had sex with them.”

Dane froze. “No sex?” He’d played with subs who weren’t interested in sex, but Regina had an innate sex appeal. Were the Doms here blind? He was also relieved that she’d never had sex with any of them.

“I want you to understand. I go to Wicked Sanctuary because I need someplace I can go and let go of all the emotion I carry around inside me from my job. Sex isn’t the goal.”

“For some people it isn’t.” Was she trying to tell him she wasn’t interested in sex with him? Now that would be shame, but he’d respect her wishes if he couldn’t get her to change her mind.

“I’m bungling this.” She took a deep breath and let it out. “When I met you, something changed in me. I want to play with you at the club, but I think I want more too. Dane, I’m scared.”

“Of me?” He didn’t want that.

“No. Of what I feel for you.” Her green eyes deepened in color. “You could become someone important to me, and you’re going back to Chicago.”

“I’ve been thinking about staying.”

“Don’t say that because you think I want to hear it.”

“I’m not. I like it here.” He ran his fingers over her hair. “Give me a chance.” Dane stopped breathing until she nodded. “Thank you. Club safe words apply here.”

“Yes, Sir.”

Those words went straight to his dick. He stood and held out his hand. Regina slipped her hand into his.

* * * *

Regina forced air into her lungs as Dane led her down the small hallway to the master bedroom. She was going to do this? Yes. All week, all she could think about was being with Dane.

He was a Dom. There was another side to him as well. A softer side. She was probably going to get her heart broken, but she was willing to take the chance. The bedroom was lit by a small lamp and done in browns and beiges.

“I can’t wait to undress you.” Dane’s husky voice sent shivers of anticipation up her spine. “Your eyes brightened. That excites you, doesn’t it?”

“Yes, Sir.” She wouldn’t lie. It did. Most times, she undressed herself.

“Good.” He strode over to the bed, threw the covers back, and stood in front of her. “Let’s start here.” He reached up and pulled the clips from her hair. It cascaded down. “So beautiful.” Dane slipped his fingers through her hair. Her knees grew weak from his touch against her scalp. He wasn’t tugging, but if he did, she’d fall at his feet.

Regina couldn’t help herself, she tilted her head into his touch. Dane’s fingers slid from her hair to her naked shoulders.

“I’ve been wanting to do this since I first saw you.” He bent his head and nibbled at her collarbone.

Her heart raced, and her stomach quivered at the feel of his lips against her skin. She’d dreamed of this. “Dane,” she whispered as she lifted her arms to embrace him.

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