“I want him brought to justice,” I reiterate, but at the moment, I can’t tell him what that means.Rex narrows his eyes but says nothing.I have the uneasy feeling that he knows I want BK dead, but I can’t bring myself to tell Rex not to kill him.
I return to my work.I’m trying to connect the Blackbird murders to the Bondage Killer, but it feels off.The Bondage Killer didn’t select single victims.The Blackbird scenes were much more straightforward in composition.
I’m missing something.
I stand and stretch my aching back.In times like these, when I’m deep in a case and need release, I’d seek out a club and a scene partner.An anonymous meeting, a one-off to get me out of my head.
I can meet all of your needs.It’s all I want.It’s all I’ve ever wanted.
I can feel Rex’s gaze on the back of my neck.He’s been watching over me, vigilant as a dom.We’re not in a scene, but Rex is so intense he probably thinks that every time we’re together, it’s a scene.He wants to exhort control over every moment.
And I want to let him.
I sigh and face him.
“What do you need?”
“I need a break,” I say.
“Then let’s take a break.”He holds out a hand.He’s been so careful to offer to lead rather than assume.
I take it and he leads me out of the dark situation room, back into the suite.I’m tense, waiting for him to snap and revert to the monster that wants to lock me away.So far, he’s behaved himself, and I’m trying to give him a chance to earn back my trust.
The scent of butter and garlic hits me and makes my stomach gurgle.Rex must have called in someone to set up a table by the darkened windows.The food is ready, plated on fine china and covered by silver domes to keep it warm.Room service at its fanciest, except there are telltale red and white checkered placemats that tell me where the food is from.
“Oh my gods, you got Paisanos.”
“Your favorite.”He holds my chair out for me.
I waste no time digging into the food.Stuffed mushrooms, fresh rolls and bruschetta, fettuccine with prosciutto.
Rex inhales a huge steak and then sits back, watching me with a small smile on his face, as if it’s satiating some need of his to watch me eat my food.My cheeks heat under the laser focus of his attention.
“You have to try this.”I raise my fork, offering.
He leans in and lets me feed him a bite of pasta.His lips close over the fork, and I flush.Even though the act of feeding someone is dominant and the act of being fed submissive, I still feel like he’s the one calling the shots, directing our roles.It makes me blush further.
His small smile says he notices my heated cheeks and knows the reason I’m blushing.
My phone vibrates, distracting me.
It’s Silva.
Silva: Girl, you’re married?To Rex Roy?
“Excuse me,” I say to Rex and text Silva back.
Me: Long story
Silva: I heard Chief wants you to lead the 8 am debrief.Congrats
This is news to me.I check my email and sure enough, there’s a summons for me to present my profile of the Bondage Killer at the early morning meeting.There’s also an email from Bonds, gruffly welcoming me back to the case.
“What is it?”Rex asks, and I realize I’m grinning.
“I’m back on the case.”
“Congratulations.”
