How to Discipline Your Vampire(20)

            I straightened my posture proudly, and cupped his face in my hand. “As long as you serve me properly, I will take care of you,” I said, dodging his answer slightly, but still praising his performance. He leaned into my gesture.

            It was true, though. The laymen out there think that Dommes are just about power—about making men feel lower. Nothing could be further from the truth. A good Domme cares for her submissive—it is a beneficial relationship for both, if done right.

            But nobody had been right for me. Every man thus far had been too selfish, or too self-deprecating, or too needy, or simply not what I wanted.

            Now here, kneeling in front of me, was a man who desired exactly what I wanted to give.

            “Obey me and keep me satisfied and I can give you what you need,” I whispered.

            He said nothing, just nodded contentedly. I dressed and offered him dinner.

            “I know in your contract that you specify dinner after our scenes,” he said hesitantly, “but I’d rather not eat. I will stay and talk if you like.”

            Truthfully, I wasn’t disappointed. There was a part of me that didn’t enjoy the “getting to know you” segment of the day. It had gone too far with Brent, and I didn’t want anything to screw things up with William just yet.

            “You may leave,” I said simply. “I look forward to your visit tomorrow. You set the bar high, William.” I praised him, placed my hand on his elbow, and guided him to the front door. I was anxious to fill out a scene card about him. I may very well be doodling stars and happy faces on this one.

            He turned to me, appraised my face for a moment, and responded. “I did my homework and began props for this week’s scenes early. I left a preview for tomorrow in today’s props. If you’d like.” He raised his hand and, for the first time since we met, touched me.

            He drew one long finger across my collarbone, leaving an icy-hot trail on my skin. “Sleep well and dream,” he said, “since I am unable to do either.”

            My jaw dropped and I watched him open the door to leave. He turned around and added, “Although, being with you today was the closest thing to a dream I’ve had in decades.”

            My pleasure turned to annoyance in a flash.

            “Excuse me?” I seethed.

            “Mistress?”

            “Never revisit a scene—even moments later. Drop the vampire shit.”

            I slammed the door, spun on my heel, and headed toward the note cards, volumes of journals, and a night of sweet, sweet dreams.





CHAPTER FIVE

            William

            “Read ’em and weep,” Gus said, splaying his cards in front of him with pride. “Straight.”

            Jack chuckled, cigar in his mouth wiggling maniacally. “Royal flush, you old fart.”

            Three other men at the table folded their cards, disappointed.

            “No smoking, Jack,” I lectured jokingly.

            “There’s no smoke if there ain’t no fire, young man,” he grunted.

            I laughed and gave him a friendly pat on the back. “There’s a concert in the all-purpose room,” I suggested. “Jazz.”

            Gus huffed loudly. “When are you going to get some modern stuff in here? Jazz makes me feel eighty.”

            “You are eighty,” Hank said.

            “I’m seventy-nine in August.”