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Eve Warner is the type of woman to always think there is a problem.

“She’s not telling me because she’s a proud woman who doesn’t want to admit she’s submitting to the likes of you.”

Well, we went straight to my jugular.

“I could understand her not wanting to admit that she’s submitting, but what the fuck is wrong with me?”

“Come off it, Mathison.” Eve slips off the stool, lording her height over me. Sheesh, these Warners are ridiculous. Are their parents giants? “Everyone knows that you’re the type of Domme who flits from girl to girl looking for their kicks for the night, but rarely comes back for seconds. I’ve heard quite a few heartbroken girls rage about you at the club.”

“Before fucking them yourself, of course.”

“Not always. You ever hear of sexual preference? My greatest enemy.”

“I’m sure it is.”

“Look, Mathison, I’m sure you’re a decent person. I’m sure you give a girl a good time.”

Where is this going…?

“But you walked into a new playground when you set your sights on Kathleen. I don’t know what you’re doing to her, but it’s making her skittish and the most insecure I’ve ever seen her. I shouldn’t approach you two in a restaurant and watch her cower. She won’t tell me anything about you. I’ll have you know that Kathleen used to be one of the most formidable women I knew. What the fuck have you done to my friend?”

She’s speaking softly, but I feel her threats vibrating in my veins… not that I show I’m feeling that. Not good to show weakness in front of Eve. Or any Warner, for that matter.

“I’ve done nothing she didn’t ask for.”

“Oh, Ira.” Her sigh is melodramatic, like the roll of her eyes and the swish of her hair. “You’re dominating a Domme. You’re forgetting that.”

“I’m not forgetting that.” I’m reminded every other day.

“Yes, you are. On the surface, you know that Kathleen likes taking people for trips to Dominationville, but I’ve never gotten the feeling that she’s a switch. She’s been eating and drinking her role for years. You can’t suddenly dominate her and not expect something to be going on…”

“Why are you talking to me about this? Shouldn’t you be talking to her?” My patience is wearing thin. If Eve doesn’t cut to the chase and leave on her own soon, I might have to throw her out. I’m not in the mood to play her games. Especially after waking up feeling like a fucking King in my bed.

Eve tsks. “I would, if she would return my messages. So I’m coming to you before I go storm down her door. I figure, if something’s bothering her to the point she can’t tell me about it, something smells like you.”

Before I can erupt like a freakin’ child, I clear my throat and take a deep breath. My fingers grip my arms, madly. “I have no intention of hurting Kathleen. In fact…” I’m probably going to regret this. “We’re in love.”

A home is supposed to be an escapist’s paradise. No awkward silences allowed. Yet here Eve and I are, staring each other down as she narrows her brows and acts as if she smells something foul.

She plucks a knife out of its holder, eyes it, looks at me and slams the knife back where it belongs. Yeah, I get the point. Way to be a stereotype though, Eve.

“Do you love her? Because she hasn’t said fuckall about loving you.”

I keep my balance steady. My voice… well, it has its issues. “I do. And she’s told me that she loves me. We’re working it out from there.”

Eve looks away, studying my flooring before glancing back at me. She no longer looks angry. She doesn’t even look concerned.

She looks… sad.

“Fuck her all you want, Mathison.” She steps away, staring at me over her shoulder. “Just don’t fuck with her. Don’t lead her on. Don’t tell her that you love her unless you really, truly mean it. Don’t. Don’t change who she is, don’t make her change at all, unless you’re absolutely, really, 100% sure that you want her for more than your tickled fancy lasts.”

My front door opens. The cat pokes her head out of the library.

“I don’t want to pick up the pieces of a broken woman who doesn’t know who she is anymore. Treat her well, or I’ll have to treat you quite unwell. By the way… thanks for the dress.”

She leaves. Her caution stays behind.

Chapter 66