Balkins had been involved in several large political gaffes over his derogatory remarks about minorities, especially African Americans. So conceding in this situation seemed very out of character for him.
Kate was damn glad Balkins had. She glanced over at the senator as he took a breath to speak. “For one night I can be the bigger man and allow Kate to show you what a true submissive can be. She and I will have plenty of other nights to explore together.”
It took a Herculean effort not to make retching sounds as she watched Balkins straighten as tall as he could, glancing up now and then at the imposing new Dom. She supposed he thought that would make everyone forget how short and small he was. Next to this Adonis, Balkins looked like a garden gnome.
The senator stuck out his hand in what looked like an overly practiced gesture. Unfortunately, his outstretched palm was now level with the new Dom’s crotch.
Kate swallowed a giggle.
“I’m Senator Balkins, one of the premier Doms at The Dungeon. I do hope you’ll come to me if you need any tips or guidance.” His condescending tone and words set Kate’s teeth on edge.
She noticed Master Ralston’s expression of disgust at the word premier before she looked to see Master Dex’s reaction. Other than a tightly clenched jaw, he gave no outward sign he had registered anything the idiot senator had said or implied.
The new Dom leaned down just far enough to accentuate the height difference further and grasped Balkins’s hand in his much larger one. “I’m Master Dex.” He shook it gently, almost as if trying hard not to break something frail. An obvious message to Balkins, if the jerk was smart enough to catch it. “I’ll keep your welcome in mind as I settle in.” As soon as the last word left his mouth, he dropped Balkins’s hand, dismissing him, and turned to Kate.
His heated gaze enveloped her, and she felt it all the way to her toes. He held out his hand for hers, palm up in a gallant gesture she had read about in historical romance novels but didn’t think actually ever happened.
It was an invitation, but the slight spark of amusement in his eyes told her it was also a challenge. One he hoped she would accept.
She smiled as her heart pounded and her clit throbbed. She’d never wanted to take on a challenge so badly. “I’m Kate.” She laid her hand in his, cocking her head to the side and looking up at him from under her lashes. She felt like a lady in a ballroom in the eighteenth century, rather than a woman standing in a kinky BDSM club wearing jeans.
The strength and the warmth from his touch spilled through her and ignited every nerve ending along the way. She had to resist giving in to the urge to throw herself against him and feel all that hard muscle.
“It’s an honor to meet you, Kate.” When he raised her hand to his lips to brush a light kiss across the backs of her fingers, her core clenched.
She felt Master Dex’s heavy gaze and realized she had fallen silent. A quick glance showed he watched her with open interest, as if cataloguing her for later study. A trait she admired and understood, since people often told her she did the same thing to everyone and everything around her.
“Would you like a cup of coffee in the lounge while you tell me all about The Dungeon?” His beautiful lips curved into a very potent smile she should probably be ashamed to admit made her knees a little weak. “Master Ralston said you would be the perfect sub to show me the ropes, pun intended.”
Heat flared through Kate’s body and settled in her cheeks as she tried not to swoon.
You can tie me up anytime.
She glanced at Master Ralston, noting in her peripheral vision that Balkins lurked just far enough away to not be considered part of their little group, yet close enough to hear what was being said.
She stood as straight as she could, tipping her head back to meet Master Dex’s gaze. “I’d love to.” She turned to the owner of The Dungeon. “Thank you for suggesting me, Master Ralston.”
The club owner nodded and moved toward Balkins. “You’re very welcome, Kate.”
She turned her attention back to Master Dex, and her breath caught in her throat. This day had just gotten a whole lot more promising.
Chapter 2
When Kate and Master Dex entered the lounge hand in hand, conversations stopped, and heads turned. Kate knew she was attractive, but this reaction was because the gorgeous man next to her exuded sex, power, and just a touch of danger.
As if oblivious to his effect on those in the room, he leaned close to her ear and said just loud enough for her to hear, “Where would you like to sit?”
In your lap.
She stopped short, hoping she hadn’t said that out loud.
Since when did a Dom ever ask her anything? They all told her. She motioned toward the back corner of the lounge and led him to the VIP area, where they had large U-shaped booths with tables that could be pushed out farther if more room was needed. She bit her bottom lip as she realized she actually could sit on his lap back there if the opportunity arose.