Page 8 of Tattoos and Tiaras
“Do you remember what started the whole thing, why we were at loggerheads with each other? Because honestly, I don't. I seem to recall it had to do with you parking in the wrong spot, but thenit escalated.” I looked up from my hands to Perry and saw his lips twitch in a small smile. His blue eyes had a warmth to them I'd not noticed before.
Perry pursed his lips as he thought. “I believe you’re right. I think I might have accidentally parked in the wrong spot. I was more concerned with getting Mrs Ascot inside the surgery after her fall.”
“Ah yes. Um, I might have been a bit of a prick.”
“You might've, but I think, as you pointed out, we’re both adults, and we seem to be talking just fine now, and I don't see any reason why this demonstration shouldn't go well. Just think if we'd actually talked like grown men, we might have discovered that we have a lot more in common than you think.” There was something in Perry's expression, like he wanted to say more, but he stopped.
I chuckled softly at how we had both acted, but I wasn’t going to let Perry get off scot-free. “Now, let's not go too far. I'll admit I might have been a bit hasty, but you're no angel.”
Perry smiled like a lazy, fulfilled cat. “Oh, I know. I also enjoy baiting brats when I get the chance, and you were such an obliging brat.”
I huffed, neither willing to confirm or deny if it was so. “You seem very sure of yourself, but I've come to recognise that as a common trait amongst Doms.”
Perry chuckled softly before he stood up. “Wait here. I'm going to grab us a couple of bottles of water.” He tilted his head giving me a once over. “Have you eaten tonight?”
“Um, does a bag of crisps count?” I asked in all seriousness. I'd slept past my alarm and had been in a mad rush to shower and get out of the house in time to get to the club. At least I had remembered to feed Tennyson before I left.
“It most certainly does not. Wait here for me. You cannot possibly expect me to let you scene with an empty stomach.”Perry arched a brow, his lips set in a purposeful frown, and I was getting a taste of the sort of dominant he was.
“I slept in.”
“You worked last night?” Strangely, I didn't find his questions annoying. I was oddly touched by his concern for my well-being. I'd always found him an attractive man, well, bloody gorgeous to be honest, but I was also now warming to him as a person.
Strange days indeed.
I nodded. “Twelve-hour shift. We're down on A&E staff. I'd set my alarm, but I slept through it.”
Perry narrowed his eyes. “Are you sure you’re up to this, Cullen?” There was no accusation or anger in his tone. If anything, he sounded concerned and that threw me. Now that I was there, there was no way I wanted to give up the chance of having the scene. Even if it was just a demonstration in front of a room full of members, it was still the closest I'd been to a proper scene in months. I needed this, but I didn't want to say that to Perry, to come across as some desperate lunatic.
Squaring my shoulders, I looked up at Perry. “Honestly, I’m perfectly fine. I wouldn't have agreed if I didn't think I was up to this.”
I felt the urge to squirm under Perry's intense gaze. “I'm trusting you to know your limits, and I don't just mean in a scene, Cullen.” I sat a little straighter, feeling pleased until Perry spoke again. “You will have a sandwich and some juice before we scene, that is non-negotiable.”
I could argue just for argument’s sake, but I also knew that even scenes that were not physically taxing could be emotionally and mentally draining, so something light to eat was not the dumbest idea. But it was irritating that Perry had to point it out. I was coming around to the idea that maybe Peregrine wasn't a total dick and calling him Sir wasn’t going to stick in my throatlike I worried it might, but I still had my reservations about the man.
“A sandwich please. Nothing with pickles though, they give me indigestion.”
Perry gave a curt nod before leaving me to my own devices for a few minutes while he headed to the bar to order food.
I spotted a familiar face and waved as Seb came closer, dressed in the most spectacular footed pyjamas covered in rainbow-coloured llamas and shooting stars.
I had to wonder if it was one of Sebastian's designs. A lot of the club’s littles were getting their onesies and play clothes made by Sebastian by that stage.
“Cullen,” Sebastian called my name and ran over to where I sat.
I could hear Daddy Marco call out, “Sebastian, slow down. Remember last time.”
“That was the table's fault, I swear,” Sebastian yelled over his shoulder before he dove onto the sofa next to me.
I lowered my voice and whispered to Seb, “Was it really the table's fault?”
“Oh god no, but the last thing I need is for Daddy and Pappa to think they’re always right, and I need to keep them on their toes.” Seb answered seriously before he smirked knowingly. “Saw you sitting with Master Perry. That was a surprise.” I didn't miss the way Seb's eyes twinkled. Since we'd become friends, that boy had been on a mission to find me a Daddy Dom no matter what I said. He was as bad as Rhys, wanting everyone as deliriously happy as he was.
“Don't go seeing things that aren't there. I'm doing him a favour. His regular sub helper can't help tonight, so I'm filling in.” I answered, trying to avoid Seb's eyes.
“I bet that's not the only filling in you wish was happening.” Seb snickered behind his hand.
“No. I mean, not that there’s anything wrong with the man. It's just up until an hour ago, I would have said he was my sworn nemesis.” I mumbled, looking over in the direction of the bar. I saw Perry standing talking with Marco, both men smiling.
