Page 11 of The Widow's Dom

She smiled. “Thank you.”

He loved the blush that covered her face.

They continued to eat in silence. Nick sat back and groaned. “I can’t remember the last time I ate so much.”

Shane laughed. “I do the same thing. You should taste her lasagna.”

Janessa ducked her head and grabbed a few plates. “I hope you have room for cheesecake.”

Nick almost moaned. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d had a piece, and it was one of his favorites. “I’ll certainly try, but you might have to roll me out of here.”

Janessa laughed. She set three pieces on the table with new forks.

He made his way through that, and damned if it wasn’t the best he’d ever had. “You’re a very good cook. I hope I get to try more of your dishes.”

“Sure.”

Shane stood and set his plate in the sink.

“I’ll get the dishes,” Janessa said to her son.

Shane turned to Nick. “Are you still going to stop by and help me with the fence?”

Nick nodded. “Sure. I don’t want you to do it alone.”

Janessa’s brows pinched together. “He wasn’t going to do it alone. I’m going to help him.”

Nick narrowed his eyes. “No, you’re not.”

The kitchen went silent.

Shane looked back-and-forth. “This is my cue to leave.”

He was out the door before his mom could say anything. Nick almost laughed at the disgruntled look on Janessa’s face.

She faced him and crossed her arms over her chest. “Would you like to explain why you think it’s your place to tell me what to do?”

Nick stood to his height and walked past her to set his dishes in the sink. He pushed the stopper in and started filling the sink with water. He could tell she was wary of him, but he didn’t sense any fear, which was perfect. To be a good Dom, he had learned it best to keep the sub on her toes. They got in less trouble that way.

“You don’t have to do that,” she said.

“You just fed me the best meal I’ve had in a long while. This is the least I can do. Now, do you want to wash or dry?”

“I’ll wash,” she said. “After you answer my question.”

“I’ll answer you when we’re done.” He was forcing her to give in. It was the first step in her feeling him dominating her.

They stared for a moment before she exhaled and started the dishes. It didn’t take them long working together. She handed him the last glass and then drained the sink.

Before she could turn and move away, he was behind her with his hands on the counter, caging her in. He didn’t try to touch her because it was too soon for that, but he could show her a few things.

“What are you doing?” she asked and shivered.

He was pleased to know she was reacting to him in a female way, not a fearful way.

“The reason I said no was…” Nick said.

“Which you know you can’t.”

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