Emily shook her head. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, considering.”
“Considering what?”
She rose on her toes, face inches from his. “Considering I’d like to punch you—sir.”
“Tensions are high,” Rhys interjected. “Maybe I should take her home.”
Alec shot him a glare that could cut steel. “Don’t. Even. Think about it.”
He read the line and didn’t cross it. Smart move. It was almost comical. But she was in no mood to laugh.
To keep the peace, however, she relented. “Alec can take me home.”
“Alec?” someone asked.
“We’ve known each other forever,” she explained.
There were nods of understanding. This wasn’t a hookup gone wrong—it was history unraveling.
Alec had calmed but remained tense when he led her toward the sidewalk that wrapped around the house, past the maze, and eventually to the front parking lot. Naturally hands-on, he usually guided her with a touch. Not this time. Smart man.
“Dammit,” he uttered, stopping short. “I need to get my keys. Wait here while I get them.”
When she nodded, he frowned, something he was doing a lot of around her.
“I need your verbal agreement.”
“I won’t go anywhere without you.”
He turned then swung back, something raw in his expression. “Emily, I owe you an apology. A real one.”
Startled, she asked, “What did you just say?”
“It’s not as if I’ve never apologized,” he grumbled then took a breath. “I didn’t handle tonight well. I got jealous and reacted and did something unforgivable.” His hand slid behind her neck, not with dominance but tenderness. “I shouldn’t have dragged Rhys into it. I shouldn’t have treatedyou as some test to run. It was wrong. You said ‘red.’ I heard it loud and clear. And I’m listening now.”
“You hurt me,” she whispered. “Not the kiss. Not Rhys.You.You made me feel... interchangeable.”
Alec flinched as if struck.
“This is all new to me, and very confusing. And yes, I still want to punch you, sir.”
He pulled her close. “If that clears the air between us, go for it.”
A little laugh slipped out, and she drawled, “Sorry, but that’s not my kink.” Then, more serious, “I’m not sure what is.”
“This was your first night. No one has it all figured out on day one. But that’s why you have me.” His hand cupped her cheek, and his pitch dropped to a stirring baritone. “I know—without a doubt—you’re wrong. Any dom won’t do for you. Only I will.” He pulled her into a kiss that was dark, possessive, and hungry.
Her knees went weak, and she not only believed him—she forgave him.
Long moments later, when he let her up for air, he rested his forehead against hers. “Don’t worry, baby. We’ll figure this out.”
When he left to retrieve his keys, Emily was grateful for the moment alone to collect herself.
The cutting words coming out of the shadows robbed her of that.
“He’ll dominate and fuck you, but he’ll never be yours.”
She whirled to find a tall blonde leaning against the labyrinth fence, arms crossed, bitterness sharp in her eyes.
