Page 86 of Caruso

A flicker of a smile lights his face, and he shrugs. “I use a club. The women know the rules, and I get to play without the headache of being responsible for one woman.”

“A club?”

“In Vegas.”

“Sodom and Gomorrah?”

“How the fuck do you know about that place?”

He appears angry, causing me to shrug, my soft giggle floating down to the plain below.

“Giorgio took me there.”

“What the fuck!”

Tommaso explodes, his rage echoing around the open space, and I say quickly, “For a meal, the steak was good.”

“Is that all you did?” His voice is tight, controlled, angry, and I shiver inside.

“Yes, we left, and when we returned, you were back. He seemed pretty pissed about that.”

“I bet he was.”

Tommaso breathes a little easier.

“Giorgio thrives on danger. He always has loved the club more than is good for him. He has a habit of losing control with his fists, which is a problem I have yet to find the answer to.”

“It’s all about control with you, isn’t it?”

I’m intrigued by him, and he nods, turning toward me once again and then surprises me by softening his voice.

“I have a feeling you would benefit from being controlled, Taylor.”

“Me!” I bark out an incredulous laugh.

“I would hate it.”

“Would you though?”

I fall silent because part of me craves it when he acts on my behalf. Telling me what to do, directing my actions.

“I’ve always fought against being controlled.”

“Then allow me to educate you on the benefits. Give me two days to see if it’s for you.”

I think about his proposition. Two days being controlled by him, obviously sexually, which is fine by me. But I’m guessing it also includes what goes on outside the bedroom. My life, my freedom and my mind.

His voice wafts across my soul as he whispers, “Give yourself a break and let someone else figure it out. It’s a freedom many find addictive, and you would be helping me out at the same time.”

“To channel your mind away from whatever is eating at your soul?”

He smiles, and my breath hitches at just how handsome this man is.

“If I do agree, will you tell me one thing?”

“I can’t agree to something without knowing all the facts. State your question now, and I’ll consider it.”

I hide a smile because that is so like him.