Restrained Box Set: Boston Doms Books 1-4, page 48
“No. I don’t. But despite what the press likes to report, I’m not a complete ass. Plus, I need a little information about Bound.”
Oh God. Had he been there to gamble? And was that why he’d asked her out? “Information?”
“For a friend. After I spoke to him last night, he asked me a few questions about the club. I thought perhaps I could get those answers from you, rather than that dick of a boss of yours who doesn’t know what’s going on at his own club.”
Her hands shook as she folded the silk into a tight square. “You’re pretty observant.”
“Comes with the lifestyle,” Nick said simply.
“Oh.” Of course. A man like Nick Fairhaven wasn’t a sub in any universe. And though Sofia hadn’t played in years, working at Bound, she could spot the attentive, caring Doms as easily as the ones who weren’t.
Devan brought over their drinks and snacks, and Nick touched her arm.
“Thank you, Devan. Business going well?”
“More or less. Mac hasn’t been able to work much lately, though. He had to have another surgery. I need a vacation. I think we’re going to close for a
week once he recovers and do something…relaxing. Spend a week on a beach somewhere.”
“You deserve it.” Nick watched the woman walk away, a frown marring his handsome features. “She runs this place by herself. In two years, she’s never taken a day off—from what I’ve heard.”
He shook his head, then returned his focus to Sofia. After a taste of her cappuccino, the velvety foam sticking to her top lip, she rushed to hide behind her napkin before speaking. “So…you’re…last night at Bound, you were there to…”
“I’m a Master, Sofia. A Dominant.” He took a sip of his Americano and then sighed. “Though I haven’t played in eighteen months, nor did I have any intention of playing last night.” Resting his forearm on the table, he leaned forward. “You never answered my question in the car. Will this morning’s exam hurt your chances to pass this class?”
Sofia choked on a sound halfway between a laugh and a sob. “If I don’t ace the final—and find some extra credit points, I could lose my spot in the Master’s program. I’ve worked every damn day for the past ten years to put my sister through school, make a life for us. And I’m about to throw it all away with less than three weeks left in the semester.” She shook her head. “If I do fail the test, I’m going to have to quit. Though at least Gina won’t be banging around at all hours soon.”
“Your sister? How old is she?”
“Twenty-three,” Sofia said as she tried to force her spine a little straighter. Here in this quiet shop, Nick relaxed, and she wondered what he did for fun. Then again, she wondered what she did for fun. “Gina’s brilliant.
And headed for a backpacking trip through Switzerland in ten days, then off to Germany on a full scholarship to study some algae species that only exists in one specific lake no one’s ever heard of.” Taking a sip of her cappuccino to force the lump in her throat to go the fuck away, she clutched Nick’s handkerchief in her free hand.
He leaned forward, concern drawing his brows together. “Your words say you want her to go, but your tone says otherwise.”
“Gina isn’t my biggest fan. I had to be Mom for so long, that’s all she sees in me. But it’s been just us for years…and she’s my sister. I love her.
Even if she doesn’t feel the same.” Sofia tried to keep her lower lip from wobbling as she thought about how lonely and quiet the apartment would be without her sister’s huge personality taking up space.
Nick chuckled. “You know I have a brother. We’ve spent most of our lives hating one another. As I recall, at twenty-three, Alex told me to sod off in front of our mother, then punched me in the face.” A smile accompanied the memory, and Sofia caught a whiff of sandalwood and cloves as he ran a hand through his unruly blond locks. “I, being five years older and infinitely wiser, did nothing. Mum kicked him out of the house and told him he couldn’t return until he could be a proper gentleman and apologize.”
“How long did it take?” The tension in Sofia’s shoulders started to melt away, and she leaned back in the chair, cupping the coffee mug in her chilled fingers.
“For Alex to apologize?” Nick glanced down at his watch. “We’re going on thirteen years, six months, four days, and perhaps nineteen hours?” At Sofia’s laugh, he continued, “Mum relented when he returned with her favorite pastries from the local baker. We may not be the closest of siblings, but we love one another. I’m certain Gina doesn’t hate you.”
They didn’t speak for several minutes. As the coffee soothed Sofia’s raw nerves, she tried to remember the little she’d seen in the papers about Nick Fairhaven over the years. A brutal negotiator, yet a good businessman. Then some trouble with the mob. Vague memories of the reports of his gambling problem. Despite hating Victor and wanting nothing to do with his illegal poker game, she had to know if that had been the reason for his visit. “You said your friend dragged you out last night. And you promised to tell me why you wanted to get drunk.”
A shadow darkened his eyes, and he fiddled with his shirt collar. “I lost someone very special to me. Eight years ago last night. Terrance didn’t want me to be alone, and for some reason, thought a BDSM club was the proper environment for me to…forget my troubles.”
“So you were there to play.”
“I was there to appease Terrance only. I don’t share, Sofia. Nor do I enjoy being a target of voyeurs. Any play I engage in will be in the privacy of my bedroom—or hers.” As he spoke, he cocked his head. “What about you? You said you don’t date, but are you…attached to a Dom?”
Sofia nearly choked on her cappuccino. “Um…no. And…how did you know I’m…”
“You’re a natural submissive, love. When did you last play?” He lifted his cup, and she couldn’t help watching his every movement as he sipped, then licked his lips. “Sofia?”
Shit. Get yourself together. A bit of foam molded to her lips as she gulped down enough of the caffeinated courage to respond to him, and she hastily swiped at her mouth with a napkin before responding. “Five years ago. I…
had a boyfriend, and he was a practicing Dom. But then Gina had to transfer out of the dorms to save money, and I let her move in with me. That sort of put a damper on the relationship with my former Master. I haven’t been with anyone since. Haven’t dated or played.”
Streaks of aquamarine glowed in the azure depths of his eyes as he leaned forward. “Would you like to?”
6
Nick
A cross from him, Sofia squirmed in her chair. Oh, she’d be such a delightful sub, he thought with a smile. “My apologies, love. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.” Except he had.
Something about the exotic beauty called him in a way he’d not felt in years.
“I’m not looking to date anyone,” she said quietly. “Once I finish this class, I start full time at Boston College. After my first year, I’ll get a paid internship—it’s part of the Master’s program. If I fail…well, then I’ll be stuck at Bound. Damnit. I guess I can’t march into Victor’s office tonight and quit after all.” Sofia stared into her cappuccino, and Nick found himself mesmerized by the way her lower lip jutted out slightly to one side as she worried the plump flesh between her teeth.
“Would you consider another bartending job? I know a few restaurant owners. I could…put in a good word for you.” The offer escaped before he could stop himself, and she flinched. Or not.
“Thank you, Nick. Really,” she said as she met his gaze. Her dark brown eyes still carried the strain of a long, late night. Underneath the exhaustion, however, a sparkle of determination lingered. “I’ll be fine. I’ve been tending bar for seven years. Never had anything but glowing reviews—until Victor. If I have to find another job, any of my old bosses would vouch for me.” She took a bite of her biscuit, and her eyelids fluttered. “Oh God. This is fantastic.”
“I wouldn’t steer you wrong. Not where food is concerned.” He sat back, letting the coffee settle his nerves after the tense conversation with Alex.
Though, Sofia’s presence probably had more to do with the deep contentment that filled him rather than the caffeine. “Would you consider sharing a full meal sometime?”
“I…” Staring down at her hands clasped around her mug, she took a slow breath. When she raised her head, confusion clouded her gaze. “If it’s too personal a question, ignore me. But who did you lose?”
Nick didn’t answer right away.
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked.”
With a sad smile, he shook his head. “No, that’s not it. I assume you’re asking, in part, because a man in mourning shouldn’t look to start something with another woman.”
“Well…the thought did cross my mind. But you also promised to tell me why you were out last night, and you glossed over any sort of detailed answer.” Taking a sip of her cappuccino, she inclined her head. “If I’m not mistaken, you’ve barely touched your coffee. I don’t really understand why we’re here—beyond you wanting to somehow make up for my terrible day that you had nothing to do with—but I’d rather talk than sit here in silence.”
Nick tried not to let himself gape at the lovely, intelligent woman across from him. He was in trouble. Sofia had the power to captivate him and never let him go. Pulling himself out of his own thoughts, he swallowed hard over the lump in his throat. “Her name was Lia. We dated for three years, and she wore my collar for two—the only commitment I was mature enough to give her at the time. She died eight years ago. Last night was the anniversary of her death. I’ve healed—as much as one can after losing a loved one, I suppose—but April nineteenth is always a hard day for me. The last few years…I’ve spent it drunk and losing my shirt at the track. Last year and this year…well, betting is no longer an option. So drunk wins.”
A hint of relief warmed her eyes. Sofia reached across the table and covered his hand with hers. “I’m sorry, Nick. For prying and for your loss.”
The warmth in her fingers calmed him. “She gave me many things in our time together. Though I didn’t realize it until recently, the most important gift was the knowledge that life is fragile. We can end in a heartbeat. How many twenty-six-year-old women develop stage four liver cancer? Less than fifty per year. I asked you out today because life is too short not to try to get to know someone you find interesting.”
“Once my parents died, and I had to provide for myself and Gina, I started working at least two jobs—all the time. I haven’t had more than a couple days off a row in years. And even then…I felt guilty the whole time.”
Her voice carried a deep longing as she glanced over at the cheery clock hanging on the wall behind the counter. “I wish I could stay longer. But if I leave now, I might be able to catch a couple of hours of sleep before my shift tonight.”
Sofia stood and glanced down at his handkerchief still clutched in her hand. “I should wash this,” she said, almost to herself.
“No need.” His words escaped rougher than he intended and he kicked himself for letting his desire for her overwhelm his rational mind. “Bugger.
I’m sorry. I just meant that I have others. And…you could return it to me another time.”
An odd mix of arousal and fear flashed across her delicate features.
“Thank you. For this and the coffee. It was nice to talk to you outside the club.” She extended her free hand, offering him a friendly handshake.
“Have dinner with me?” He rose as well, catching her wrist and then rubbing his thumb over the soft flesh of her pulse point. “Tomorrow night.”
“That wouldn’t be a good idea.” With a quick glance down at her boots, she shook her head. “We don’t live in the same world, Nick.”
“What world do I live in?” He kept his grip firm, but easily breakable.
When she didn’t pull away, he took a step closer. “I’m the black sheep of my family, Sofia. Lost most of my fortune last year. Hell, I don’t even have a job at the moment. And after last night—I’m not sure I have a world any longer.”
Nick cursed his words as they left his mouth. He wasn’t poor, and he was building back his fortune day by day, but for now, he lived simply, with only a few splurges. Yet Sofia had just admitted she was scraping by, hand to mouth, and he sounded like a pompous ass. Of course she wouldn’t want to go out with him.
Her threadbare coat—high quality, but obviously at least ten years old—a thin patch on the knee of her jeans, and a purse that had seen better days spoke of a highly resourceful, yet frugal woman.
“You still have a world. You’re still rich. Still a Fairhaven. And I…have a sister and bills and an asshole boss and studying.” She offered him an apologetic smile. “Dinner would be a bad idea.”
“Don’t decide now.” Nick released his hold, then dipped his hand into his back pocket. From his wallet, he withdrew a business card—though it was
woefully outdated. “Devan, can I borrow a pen?” He strode over to the counter, and when she slid a pen over to him, he thanked her with a smile.
Crossing out his former title, he scribbled what he hoped was a humorous replacement on the front, then flipped the card over and pursed his lips. Once he’d finished the quick note, he turned to find Sofia only two feet away.
“Will you do me a favor?”
“Maybe,” she said, hesitant.
“Call me tomorrow. If only to let me know how you’re doing. Give me the opportunity to ask you to dinner one more time. I promise I won’t pester you after that.” He raised his brows as he held out the card and said a quick little prayer to himself.
Whether too polite to refuse or genuinely interested, he couldn’t tell, but she accepted the card and tucked it quickly into her pocket. “All right. I should go. Thank you again for the coffee.” She rushed towards the door, and as she tugged on the handle, he thought he heard her add, “And the company.”
Sofia
Sofia hurried down the street, her focus on the round T-station sign at the end of the block. The caffeine thrummed through her veins, and her hands shook as she dug out her fare card and swiped it across the turnstile reader. The race down the escalator, across the platform, and through the subway car doors a second before they closed left her heart pounding, and she collapsed into one of the well-worn seats before she let herself think back to what had just happened in the coffee shop.
Nick Fairhaven had come on to her. Worse, he’d asked her out on a date.
What the hell was he thinking? She frowned at the small bulge under her sweater where her stomach decided to muffin-top over her jeans. She wasn’t heavy, but she had ample curves, unlike Gina, who could easily model size zero clothing.
Her hand went to her messy locks, tucking a particularly unruly curl behind her ear. Of all the days to forego a shower. And he’d still looked at her like he wanted to eat her for dinner. Of course. He saw me in my uniform last night. The tight corset and micro-miniskirt left very little to the imagination. Sofia would disappoint him rather quickly once he realized that the sexiest item of clothing in her wardrobe at the moment was a single little black dress that had seen better days. Everything else? Jeans, leggings, yoga pants, t-shirts, sweaters…nothing clingy or revealing. When she got off of work, all she wanted to do was cover up.
“Get over it,” she muttered to herself. “He’ll forget all about you by tomorrow.”
She wouldn’t forget about him, though. Not the way he smelled, or how safe she’d felt tucked under his arm. How long had it been since someone had taken care of her? Too long.
As she emerged from the T-station a few blocks from her apartment, her phone buzzed.
Gina: Where are you? I thought you were going to pick up some travel-sized containers for my shampoo and stuff?
Tears pricked Sofia’s eyes, and she fumbled for the silk she’d tucked in her pocket. As she dabbed her cheeks, she caught his scent, and damn if she didn’t regret running away from him. “You were wrong about my sister, Nick,” she said quietly. “And you’re wrong about me, too.”
Straightening her shoulders, she blew out a deep breath. Pull yourself together, babe. The only one who can take care of you is you.
By the time she got home from her unplanned excursion to the drugstore, a headache banded around her skull. All dreams of a nap faded when she saw the clothing bomb Gina detonated. Blouses, sweaters, skirts, and all sorts of unmentionables were strewn over every surface of the living room. Sofia slept on the pull-out couch, and the living room was her bedroom. As such, her bed was currently occupied—by a tall, brown-haired guy wearing a
muscle shirt and torn jeans.
“Gina?” she called as she dropped her backpack on the counter. The guy glanced up, but then his phone beeped, and he returned his focus to the screen without a single word.
Her sister’s straight black hair dripped water all over the floor as she poked her head out of the bedroom. “Oh. You’re back. Great. Did you pick up the stuff I needed?”
“I’m not your maid. But yes. I did.” She handed over the small bag and cursed herself. If she didn’t want Gina to think of her as a maid, she needed to stop acting like one. “Any chance you could dump all this stuff in your own room?” Gesturing to the couch and the guy lounging on the well-worn cushions, Sofia tried—and failed—to keep the “mom” tone from her voice.
“Um. I really need to figure out what I’m donating to Goodwill. I’ll be done by the time you get home from work tonight.”
Sofia wrapped her arm around Gina’s shoulders and urged her into the bedroom. “I slept all of four hours last night, baby girl. Plus, I’m pretty sure I failed my exam. Please? Can you and the phone-obsessed bodybuilder out there clear out until five?”
“This is my place too.” Gina’s petulant tone grated on Sofia’s nerves and she blew out a slow, controlled breath. “Look, in a couple of weeks, you won’t have to deal with me anymore, Sis. I’m sorry, but I have to fit my entire life into one suitcase and a backpack and going through all of this stuff takes time. I thought you’d understand.”
