“No, I… well, just… gawked.”
He eyes flashed. “That saves me from kicking someone’s ass.” He pulled her against his chest. Cupping her cheek, he raised her face to his. “Let me give you a taste of my world.”
Her gaze shifted behind him, to where the torches glowed brightly around the patio and the playground beyond.
“I’ll take care of you, Em,” he promised, with his face so close to hers, she felt the warmth of his breath on her lips.
“I trust you to, Alec,” she whispered, meaning it. “That has never been in doubt.”
“Sorry, Coulter. It appears our friend here beat you to the punch.”
Master Leland stood nearby with another man. Rugged-looking, wearing only a sleeveless leather vest, and inked—tattoos snaking up the side of hisneck and a half sleeve adorning one arm. Exactly the kind of dangerous dom Emilythoughtwould fit in here. Nothing like Alec’s clean-cut, controlled confidence.
“Let’s not be too hasty,” the newcomer drawled. “She hasn’t had a good look at me. Some subs prefer rugged over pretty-boy charm.”
“She’s not a masochist,” Alec cut in, sharp as a blade. “And she’s with me.”
Julia peeked between the men, eyes wide. “You know Master Alec?”
Emily hoped she’d forgotten their mailbox conversation. No such luck.
“He’s not— He couldn’t possibly be—” Julia’s gaze ping-ponged between them before she doubled over laughing. “You thought he was—”
“Julia, don’t,” Emily groaned, but her soon-to-be ex friend was chortling too loudly to hear.
“Care to share the joke,” Alec drawled, “since I appear to be the butt of it?”
Another peal of laughter broke free.
“I think we all want to know what’s so funny.” Master Leland’s no-nonsense tone broke through where others didn’t.
Julia straightened and tried to compose herself. “It’s just a joke between friends.”
“I’ve had a trying day and could use a good laugh. I’m sure Master Alec would appreciate a little levity too.”
Emily shook her head. “That’s not really necessary, is it?”
“The ones not in the loop think it is,” Alec insisted.
Obviously torn between obedience and loyalty to a friend, Julia squeaked, “I’d really rather not.”
“And I’d rather you did. We can discuss your reluctance to obey a dominant’s order, later.” The big bald intimidating master tapped his ear. “Why don’t you whisper it to me?”
She cast Em an apologetic look before moving closer.
Well over six feet tall, Master Leland had to bend low to hear her confession.
“Boring Vanilla Dude! Yarborough?” he bellowed without warning. “I’d believe he was secretly in love withmebefore I’d believe that.”
The laughter that followed was big and booming like his voice. After slapping Alec on the back, he slung a heavy arm around Julia’s shoulders and started toward the gathering.
Emily didn’t dare glance at Alec when Master Leland said amid his continued chuckles, “I can’t wait see the others’ reactions when they hear this.”
She wanted to vanish in a puff of smoke. Or swim home. Emily looked down the sloping yard to the trees lining the water.
“I wouldn’t,” Alec advised. “This is Florida; there are gators in every body of water.”
“He isn’t wrong,” a soft voice said out of the darkness. The other dom, all but forgotten.
