Page 302 of Dirty Discipline, Vol. 1

He wrapped his other hand around her head and pulled it toward him to kiss the top. Then he released her.

“I didn't know you taught preschool music.”

Why did that seem like a personal question? “Um, yeah.”

“Where? What do you teach them?”

“At the U of A. One of the professors designed the class. I teach 18 months to three-year-olds and a three- to five-year-old class. It's a lot of creative movement and hands on stuff. They sing, play with instruments, listen to songs and stories. Super cute.”

Dom was staring at her as if it was the most fascinating thing he'd ever heard. “I'd give anything to watch that class.”

Huh? “You would? You could—oh, I guess you can't, can you?”

He shrugged and what looked like a flicker of pain crossed his face. Stella pulled into the parking lot of No Return and stopped the car in front of the back door. “Door to door service, my lord.”

“Thanks, Stella,” Dom said, climbing out. He unlocked the back door of No Return and held it open for her.

“Thanks for coming to my rescue, Dom,” she said after they entered. “Again,” she said a little wryly.

“No problem. I'm glad you're all right. I'll catch up with you after closing to give you my keys, okay?” He said it casually, over his shoulder as he disappeared into the crowd.

“Sure. Thanks.”

She waited for him at the bar after closing. The bouncers were still working on getting everyone out and the staff had turned on the fluorescents, which made most of the crowd scramble like cockroaches heading for cover. Not everyone, though.

“Hey, Kate. Great performance, as usual.”

She couldn't remember his name. She wasn't even sure she'd ever known it. He was good-looking in that frat-boy kind of way, and cocky enough to be leaning in a little too close.

“Ah, thanks.” Unbidden, the memory of her last spanking came to mind. You need to learn how to send out appropriate signals. You do not always need to be nice.

She lowered the wattage of her automatic smile and looked around to show disinterest.

“Listen, my friends and I are having an after-party at my place. Do you want to come? I can ride you if you don't feel up for driving.”

I can ride you. How was that for neuro-linguistic programming? “Thanks, but I have plans, already. I'm waiting for Dom.” Shit. She should have left off that last part, considering Dom was right behind the bar, listening to the whole thing. You do not need to be rescued by your friendly vampire.

“Okay, cool. Well, if you change your mind, we're at 5th and University.”

“Okay, thanks.” She barely gave him any eye contact, looking away immediately, as if dismissing him. He left without a pause.

She could feel Dom's hazel eyes on her and she started to flush. “What? It's true,” she snapped defensively. When he didn't answer, she dragged her eyes up to meet his.

His lips were curving in a smile, “I was just going to say well done. You handled that perfectly.”

She felt her face grow even hotter, this time flushing with pleasure at his compliment. “You think so? Thanks!” she beamed like a little girl.

He chuckled and she knew it was because she was a dork. Oh well.

The employees finished cleaning up, drank their shift drinks, and started to leave one by one. If she didn't know better, she would think that he was stalling so they could be alone. Finally, when Stella—who was the last person there with them—started gathering her things up, Kate got off the bar stool and walked around behind the bar, which was absolutely forbidden when the club was open for business.

“Are you ready? I'm thinking I'll ride with you first to make sure you have the feel of it.”

She should have been thrilled at the obvious attempt to spend time with her. Instead, she heard the insult to her driving and rolled her eyes.

Dom frowned. “Did you just roll your eyes at me?” His tone was stern.

She shrugged.

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