Chapter 2

Sahara picked up her phone. Put it down. Then brought her hands up to tug her hair and groaned really loud when Jami laughed. Today was not her day.

Jami had shown up at her door about twenty minutes ago, acting like she just wanted to visit. Except, Luke Carter was with her. Sahara had no problem with her friend’s fiancé, but Jami wasn’t in the habit of bringing him along when they hung out. What the hell was he going to do while they chatted about the insanity of Sahara’s life? And discussed how Dominik had left her a message asking her out like it was the most normal thing in the world?

She’d let Jami hear the message, and they’d sat on the couch and discussed how she should respond, but Luke sitting in the kitchen playing Angry Birds on his phone was still weird.

Jami and Akira had probably talked about what had gone down with Cort. After all Jami had been through in the past, right down to having her very own demented stalker, her men were understandably protective. But it wasn’t like Sahara would invite Grant over while Jami was here and let him—damn it, he wasn’t some kind of animal! He’d never hurt anyone without reason.

So he had a reason to hurt you?

Yes. No. Hell, she didn’t want to think about him now. She wanted to think about what to say to Dominik. And she needed her best friend’s help.

She wouldn’t ask Akira. At this point, she’d be lucky if Akira ever spoke to her again. But she needed Jami not to be laughing at her. This was serious. And messed up. And damn confusing.

“Stop it!” Sahara tossed her phone on the sofa beside Jami and sat on the coffee table. “You may have done great throwing yourself at Seb, but I—”

“Whoa, Sahara. You really want to go there?” Jami’s eyes narrowed and she leaned forward, her hands on her knees. “If you want to do bitch-chick mode, I’m up for it, but that’s fucking low. Yes, I went after Sebastian, but I don’t judge you for being scared of starting a new relationship. It’s a fucking date—”

“Jami, boo, please retract the claws.” Luke came into the room and Sahara groaned again. There was no way he could improve the situation. And he only had to open his mouth to prove it. “You’re friends. Sahara needs to get back in the game. How about telling her why she should go out with Mason? He’s big and sexy and has a nice ass—”

“You are taking Sebastian’s suggestion of embracing who you are way too seriously, Luke.” Jami cocked her head as Luke sat on the arm of the sofa. “You do know Mason would dismember you if you hit on him, right?”

“Naw, he’d just laugh at me. Seb, however…” Luke smiled and closed his eyes as though picturing their Dom’s reaction. “He might beat me within an inch of my life. He’s so possessive lately.”

“Umm, yeah. You are a freak.” Jami patted Luke’s knee fondly before returning her attention to Sahara. “Look, here’s the deal. Neither you nor Dominik are looking for anything serious right now. He’ll treat you great, you’ll have fun, and I insist you make it perfectly clear to Grant that going back to him is not an option.”

“Annnnnd we’re back on that.” Sahara sighed. So much for not thinking about him. “Jami, I’m not an idiot. Grant is…a friend.”

Jami covered her face with her hands. “And you’re not an idiot?”

Luke grabbed Jami’s ponytail and tugged, frowning at her. “Jami—”

“Luke.” Jami made a face at him. “In the kitchen, man of mine, before I beat you to death myself.”

Hopping off the arm of the sofa, Luke turned, leaning down to take Jami’s head between his hands and kiss her long and hard. He rose, winked at Sahara, and then disappeared into the kitchen.

“Don’t mind him. He keeps telling me I should be nice, but with how cold he is to his sister…”

Yes! Sahara sat forward, motioning for Jami to go on. Talking about Luke’s sister was a much safer topic.

“Oh, fine, I’ll change the subject, but only because I love you.” Jami gave Sahara a crooked smile and sat back against the sofa. “She’s a hot mess, but she’s such a sweetie once you get past the attitude. We had another ultrasound just the other day. She’s really starting to show, and our baby boy is getting so big! Sebastian is helping me set up a nursery. Luke helps too, but only when Sam’s at work.”

“She’s working? I thought she got fired.” Sahara could remember at least two jobs Sam had gotten and held for no more than a day. The girl insisted she wanted to support herself, but she’d stolen from both her employers. It was almost like she couldn’t help herself.

Jami shrugged, hunching her shoulders and staring at her hands. “Silver pulled some strings and got her working at one of the concession stands at the Forum. I hated asking because Silver wants me to talk to my dad and I can’t, so it’s weird. But…anyway, Sam doesn’t work at the cash register, so all she can steal is pretzels. She’s doing all right.”

“That’s good.” Sahara rolled her eyes as Jami picked up her phone and handed it to her. The temporary reprieve was over. Either she called Dominik or Jami would force her to explain why she was avoiding him. Not that she was, exactly. She clasped her hands around her phone and chewed on her bottom lip.

“Do you want me to stay here or give you some privacy?” Jami’s tone was soft, like she finally understood how hard this was. She knew about Sahara’s casual lovers, knew that Sahara had been crushing on the Cobras’ owner for way too long, but she couldn’t seem to let go of her concern over Sahara not moving on.

And maybe she was right to. Grant coming over was messed up. Sahara wouldn’t deny that, and she wouldn’t deny that dating would be healthy and liberating, and it would close and lock the door to Grant in a way that saying “We’re just friends” couldn’t do.

Besides, she liked being around Dominik. Liked the way he smiled at her, the way he watched out for her at the club, the way she’d felt ready to go along with whatever he suggested.

If only he’d taken the lead with all the chances she’d given him. Then again, they’d either been around other players, or her friends, or at the club. They’d never truly been alone. And now they would be.

“Go keep your fiancé busy. I don’t care if you make out, but if you fuck on my table—”

Jami snickered as she stood. “That was my table too until this morning. And I always washed it after—”

“No! I didn’t need to know that!” Sahara shoved Jami toward the kitchen, laughing. Her friends were out of their minds, but she loved them anyway. She searched for Dominik’s name on her phone and dialed before she could think about it too much. She was in a good mood and she wasn’t scared anymore. Nothing would happen unless she let it.

Which was one of the most wonderful things about the man. He always gave her a choice, and maybe one day, the choice would be she didn’t want the option to run away anymore.

“Hello, sunshine.” Dominik’s voice sent a dark thrill right through her. Deep and rich, like a mouthful of Black Forest cake so delicious she’d never forget the way it tasted even after she licked her plate clean. “I wasn’t sure you’d call me back.”

“I wasn’t sure if I should.” Sahara moved to the sofa, tucking her feet under her as she toyed with her hair. “What made you decide to call?”

“I missed you.”

“Did you?” Inhaling, Sahara shifted, bringing her knees to her chest and hugging them with one arm. “You were the one who told me not to come to the club until I knew why I wanted to be there.”

“This is true. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to see you.”

“You’re a Dom. You should be looking for girls at—”

“I’m a man, Sahara. Let’s not make this complicated.” His gentle chiding reminded her so much of how he’d treated her at the club. As a Dom who cared for her, but would never push her to submit. “We can have dinner as friends if you’d like. No pressure.”

Saying yes would be so easy, but she didn’t want “just friends” with him. Not today, not after putting that wall up between herself and Grant. She didn’t need a wall between her and Dominik. “I thought it was a date. I…I wanted to know when you were coming to pick me up.”

Silence, and then a soft laugh. “I’d braced myself for a polite no. I need time to get ready, so let’s say around five thirty?”

Less than an hour. She giggled, feeling unexpectedly giddy. A deep breath and she was able to give him a coherent answer. “That works. If you need time to get ready, I’m guessing I should dress nice?”

“Don’t tempt me, girl.” The low growl in Dominik’s tone had Sahara pressing her thighs together and holding her breath. “If you give me the opening, I will tell you exactly what to wear.”

“What if that’s exactly what I want?” Sahara was playing with fire, but she didn’t care. With Dominik’s control wrapping around her like the sleekest silk ropes, she’d never felt more freedom. “Tell me what will please you, Sir.”

A chuckle that made all the hairs on the back of her neck rise and Dominik replied. “So naughty. Wear a red dress and leave your hair loose. I’m warning you now, Sahara. No matter how much you beg, you will get no more than a kiss from me tonight.”

Sahara’s lips parted. She swallowed hard. “Why would I beg?”

He let out a soft, amused sound. “I’ll see you in a bit.”

The call ended. Sahara brought the phone to her chest and fell back on the sofa, squealing so loud Jami rushed into the room, leaning over her and staring at her like she’d gone nuts.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m wonderful. He’s…he’s amazing. And he wants to go on a date with me.” Clearly, but Jami couldn’t possibly understand what that meant. “A real date!”

That didn’t make anything clear, but Sahara shot off the sofa and ran to her room to find her sexiest red dress. She had tears in her eyes and she wasn’t even sure why. Except…well, she’d avoided relationships because she couldn’t trust a single man who lusted after her. Going to the club, she knew she was safe. And that was because Dominik was always there. And he was the only one she needed with her tonight.

She wasn’t damaged. Wasn’t broken. A wonderful, caring man wanted to take her out and…

It’s just a date, Sahara. Her hands shook as she pulled the dress from her closet and laid it on her bed. She was making way too much of this. She needed to relax or he’d think she was a head case. Not that he didn’t already know, with how often she’d had to safe word during a scene and crawl away in shame.

He understands.

She didn’t doubt that at all. He would probably give her good advice about Grant if she told him about this morning, but she didn’t even want to bring up her ex. Tonight was for her and Dominik. No past, no fear. Nothing but him and her and so many possibilities.

“No more than a kiss.”

The idea of him kissing her made her heart flutter. She threw herself on her bed and laughed into her hands. After the morning she’d had, the evening couldn’t have turned out more wonderful. She heard someone come into her room and peeked through her fingers at Jami.

Who sat on the edge of her bed and took her hand away from her face. “So…you’re happy?”

“I am.” Sahara sniffed and swiped away her silly tears. “And I think I really will be. I don’t want to get too excited, but…”

Jami waited for her to continue, and when she didn’t, simply lay down beside her and grinned. “It’s about fucking time. You deserve this.”

Okay, that was going a little far. Sahara didn’t think she deserved happiness more than anyone else. But she wanted it.

And for the first time, she really believed it was possible.

* * *

Dressed in charcoal slacks and jacket, with a white shirt and black tie and a warm, dark gray wool coat because it was still damn cold out, Dominik stepped up to Sahara’s door and knocked softly. He was well aware that he looked like he was going somewhere fancy. He wanted Sahara to see she deserved the best. Her uncertainty had him reassessing their every encounter, and he was determined to make this one different.

Behind the door, he heard rapid footsteps. Shouting—yes, that was Jami. He grinned, recalling the girl as a shy young teen before she’d gone through her rebellious phase. Now she’d grown into an intelligent, feisty young woman who’d enveloped Sahara in her close-knit group of friends. Friends she was quite protective of.

He wondered if she would have a few things to say to him before he left with Sahara. The door opened and he snorted as Carter let out a heavy sigh and gestured for him to come in.

“If it helps any, she looks really hot.” Carter shut the door behind them and led the way to the small kitchen. He reached into the fridge for a beer, shutting it after Dominik turned down his offer for one. “There’s some lipstick drama going on. They might be a while.”

Nothing new, Dominik had waited on women before dates in the past. He’d never seen Sahara out and about without the extra polish she honestly didn’t need. But he wouldn’t rush her. If putting on just the right lipstick made her more comfortable, all the better.

He sat with Carter in the living room with one ankle propped on his knee, only half listening to the young man until an unexpected subject came up. He dropped his foot and leaned forward. “Ramos is letting you and Jami try to have a baby?”

Carter’s eyes narrowed. “We’re not his damn pets, Mason!” He rolled his eyes when Dominik arched a brow. “Not like that. You know what I mean. It’s not so much that we’re trying. We’re just not trying not to anymore. And he’s doing his fair share.”

“And you’re telling me this because…?”

“There could be a little me in nine months!”

Dominik smiled as the situation became clear. “And you’re scared to death.”

“Fuck yes.” Carter kept his tone low as he rubbed his thighs. “It’s just a lot, you know? Getting married with her dad hating me so much, making a kid a real possibility. I want to be with her and Seb forever, and everything is awesome, but…I know it won’t be easy. I just want everything to be perfect for her.”

Well, the boy’s growing up after all. Dominik patted Carter’s forearm as he met his eyes. “If you weren’t a little afraid, I’d say you were a fool. Both you and Jami are very young, but not so young that you’re not capable of being great parents. It could take a long time or she could be pregnant already. Despite the situation with her father, you know you’re not alone. You, Jami, and Ramos have a strong relationship and so much to offer. And you know the team will be there for you.”

Swallowing hard, Carter nodded. “Right. And she’s got Silver. And the other girls. But…wow. That wasn’t what I was expecting from you.”

Of course not. Knowing Carter, this wasn’t the first time he’d had this conversation. But Dominik was curious. “What were you expecting?”

“Umm, something like we’re too young. Wait until we’re married. We’re not ready and—”

“And I’m not one to waste my time lecturing you on things you already know. I can’t tell you if you’re ready. But I can tell you to take care of my girl, which you’ll probably hear from most of the guys. Jami will always be the little girl we watched grow up, and both you and Ramos will have to answer to all of us if you hurt her.” Dominik gave Carter a pleasant, warning smile. “Not sure what else there is to say.”

“Got it. And I won’t. She’s my boo.” Carter turned at footsteps coming down the hall, opening his arms as Jami came over to sit on his lap. He held her close and kissed her shoulder. “How you feeling?”

“I heard you talking. And I’m not pregnant, so stop worrying. I’m so telling Sebastian what you were saying, and you’re gonna have to bag it again, stud.” She planted a kiss on his cheek as he groaned, then hopped up to give Dominik a hug. “You, however, are awesome. I was going to warn you to treat Sahara good, but I’m not worried.”

Dominik gave Jami a little squeeze, making an “I’m watching you” gesture with two fingers pointed from his eyes to Carter while she settled back on his thighs. She giggled as Carter fell back against the sofa with his hands over his face.

The discussion turned to less serious topics, but Sahara still hadn’t come out. Dominik suspected she was overthinking things and decided to put a stop to that.

Jami grabbed his arm when he stood. “She’s coming.”

“I find that hard to believe.” Dominik glanced down at Jami’s hand, pleased when she moved it without having to be told. He might not even consider being dominant toward the girl, but she knew better than to lay her hands on men who weren’t hers.

Or perhaps he’d grown too accustomed to club protocol. Regardless, he’d come here for Sahara and he didn’t need Carter and Jami as chaperones. The whole setup was mildly amusing, but enough was enough.

He headed down the hall quietly, listening to the shuffling just beyond the last door. And the frustrated groan. He cleared his throat. “Please tell me you’re not worried about looking perfect for me, Sahara. That takes no effort at all.”

Another groan and a strained laugh. “Great, now I feel silly.”

“Which is adorable.” He leaned against the wall by the door. “But either way, I don’t want the fact that this is an ‘official date’ to change how comfortable you’ve been with me in the past. I’m not a new man you’re trying to impress. I’m a man who already is.”

The doorknob turned and the door opened a crack. He heard her take a deep breath before she came out.

Then it was his turn to take in as much oxygen as possible. Sahara always looked amazing, but in a snug, crimson lace dress, clinging to all her curves and falling to just above her knees, she was sexy and elegant all at once. There was something vulnerable in her eyes, in her stance even though she stood with her shoulders back and head held high. He found it hard to believe that she didn’t know how beautiful she was, but maybe that wasn’t the issue at all. The way she looked at him was expectant, almost shy. As though she wanted to know she’d pleased him.

She had, but he hadn’t asked her out just to have a gorgeous woman on his arm. He could call his agent and have his pick of models to make an appearance. He wanted the woman he’d had easy conversations with. The woman he’d held while she cried after the loss of the coach they’d all loved so much.

He could have made this easier on them both by taking her somewhere simple, to a movie, out bowling or…there were many options, but none that would make his intentions clear. He wasn’t taking Sahara out because he had nothing better to do. There was something between them that he wanted to explore. Tonight would be special. Possibly a new beginning.

“Look at me.” He tipped her chin up with a finger. “What do you see?”

Her lips parted. Then she bit her lush, glistening, red bottom lip. “I see you. You look…very handsome, but you’re still the same man who’s been there for me, at the club and…and for a long time.”

Inclining his head, he gave her a broad smile. “Good girl. Now, you do know that there may be photos of the two of us online before the end of the night. It will go much better if you don’t seem afraid of me.”

“I’m not afraid of you, Dominik.” She exhaled and laughed. “I have no reason to be.”

Well now, he wouldn’t go that far. A little fear made things interesting. He pulled her close and brushed her ear with his lips. “That’s cute. Shall I give you a reason?”

She went perfectly still, her little gasp hot against the side of his neck. “Umm…”

He chuckled and backed up a pace, offering her his arm. “There’s no rush. Are you hungry?”

Red spread across the tops of her cheeks. She clearly wasn’t thinking about food. But she nodded. “Did you make reservations somewhere?”

“I did.” He checked his watch, relieved that he’d shown up early, because they had just enough time to make the six o’clock seating. “Thank God you’re low maintenance. Any longer and we’d have to make new plans for the night.”

Her brow rose as though to say he was full of it, but she didn’t comment as she led the way down the hall to fetch her jacket from the hooks by the door. Jami and Carter quickly joined them and they all left together, Sahara pausing to lock up.

They parted in the parking lot. Dominik opened the passenger seat of his black Range Rover, offering Sahara a hand and making sure she was comfortably settled before going around to the driver’s side.

Before he’d even pulled onto the street, Sahara had the radio on. She flicked through each station, cocking her head to listen to the first few seconds of each song. Then she wrinkled her nose and glanced over at him.

“Do you have any CDs?”

“No, but my iPod’s in the glove compartment. See if there’s anything you like on my playlists.”

She pulled out his iPod, then continued checking the glove compartment. “Is there a wire?”

“No, it’s wireless.” He grinned when she ducked her head, her cheeks going red again. “Just pick a song and play.”

There was silence, then Sahara let out a sound of excitement. “Oh! I love this song!”

“Bottoms Up” by Brantley Gilbert came on, a newer country song with a sultry beat and a naughty, sexual outlaw theme. When he stopped at a red light, Dominik watched Sahara out of the corner of his eye as she swayed to the music, singing softly. He had to admit, he’d expected her to find one of the few Top 40 songs he’d downloaded. Or at least show some surprise at his taste in music.

Instead, she spent the entire drive picking songs she clearly knew, losing her shyness halfway there and singing loud enough for him to enjoy the sweetness of her voice. There was a slight New York edge to her tone, and she didn’t hit all the notes right, but he liked listening to her. Seeing how the country tunes had her letting go. They’d have fun on a road trip. On the open highway, in the summer, with the windows rolled down and the music blaring, he had a feeling she’d be right in her element.

Hell, she’d probably love going to his older brother Joshua’s place down in West Virginia. When his brother wasn’t stationed somewhere overseas, he was on the ranch he owned with two of his college buddies. The place was the complete opposite of where they’d grown up. Miles from the closest town, but it suited him.

It was a bit early to be thinking of taking that kind of trip with Sahara, but after pulling in front of the Halifax Dinner Theatre, he couldn’t help meeting her eyes as he lifted her from the seat and lowered her to the sidewalk.

The question just came out. “Have you ever been to a tailgate party?”

She blinked and a smile spread across her lips, so big you’d have thought he’d just told her she’d won tickets to the Super Bowl. Or…well, maybe she wasn’t that into football. Maybe a trip to the Caribbean.

He was definitely overthinking things now, but whatever excited her, his question was on that list.

“I wish! Jami was telling me Max had a tailgate party for his thirtieth birthday and Oriana showed her pictures, and it looked like so much…” Sahara bit her bottom lip. “Actually, you were probably there.”

“I was.” Dominik put his hand on the small of her back to guide her inside as she looked up at the sign where a harlequin figurine perched. Then she turned her head from side to side to take in the theatrical décor of the lobby. His mind was no longer on the possible future. He remembered that day, sitting with Oriana in the back of Max’s father’s truck, believing life couldn’t get any more perfect. Even at his brother’s ranch, he hadn’t felt as at home as he had on the farm where Max grew up. Early mornings, doing chores with Max and Sloan, coming in smelly and sweaty to a hearty breakfast Oriana had prepared with Max’s aunts.

That wasn’t his life anymore. And dwelling on memories while he was with Sahara wasn’t fair.

At the end of the lobby, a man dressed as a pirate greeted them with an exaggerated accent and brought them to the table Dominik had reserved, a few feet from center stage. He and his younger brother, Cam, had brought their mother here last time she’d come to visit and she’d loved it. He couldn’t say why he’d decided on this place for his date with Sahara, except for the fact that he wanted to avoid anything stiff and awkward. Hopefully, she’d have as much fun as he and his family had.

They settled in and the waiter—also dressed as a pirate—came with their salad. Sahara took a few bites, chewing thoughtfully. Then she set down her fork.

He knew, just by the expression on her face, that whatever she had to say wouldn’t get their night off to a good start.

And he was right.

“Did you see her today? Is that why you asked me out?” She dropped her gaze to her napkin. “Not that it matters, but I want to be prepared. I’ve seen what you expect from subs and…and Oriana is perfect. I can’t compete with her.”

“It’s not a competition, sunshine.” He meant every word, but he could tell she didn’t believe him. Which was his own damn fault. It was no secret how things between him and Oriana had ended. His teammates tended to avoid mentioning her at all.

But the point was, the relationship was over. He was here with Sahara, and there was nowhere else he’d rather be.

Putting his hand over Sahara’s, he leaned forward, speaking low. “I never brought her here. She wouldn’t enjoy the…crude humor in some of the acts. But I think you will.”

She wrinkled her nose. “So you think I’m into ‘crude humor’?”

He laughed and tapped her nose. “I have no idea. But I’d like to find out.” He stroked the back of her hand. “When I considered all the places I could bring you, it occurred to me how much I love the way you laugh.”

“So why not a comedy show?”

“Sammy Sugar’s the only big act in town. I can’t stand him—I had a feeling you wouldn’t like him either.”

“Ugh, no. I’ve seen his shows and he kinda pisses me off.” She speared a piece of salad with her fork, taking a bite and letting out a soft sound of pleasure. “Mmm, I love this salad dressing. Maybe you made a good choice on coming here after all.”

Well, he was happy she approved, but her comment amused him. “Based on the salad?”

Cocking her head in thought, she shrugged. “The service is good too. And to be honest, this place isn’t as formal as I thought it would be based on what you’re wearing. I mean, other people are dressed nicely, but there’s no snobbishness. I don’t have to worry about knowing which fork to use.”

“I do aim to keep the cutlery simple on first dates.” He winked when she rolled her eyes at him. So far, so good. She appeared at ease and the first act was about to start. Better yet, the topic of his ex had been abandoned.

They both focused on the stage as the actors, all decked out as pirates or various members of the crew, put on an original show, complete with singing and dancing and quite a lot of exaggerated gyrating. Maybe not crude, but there was a sexual humor to the whole act and many of the jokes were pretty raunchy.

Dominik glanced over at Sahara and grinned as she giggled when their performing waiter caught her eye in the middle of a joke about fainting maidens. When the act ended, the waiter came over and snatched up Sahara’s napkin, folding it and fanning her with it when she pressed her hands to her cheeks, which were red from laughing so much.

The young man gave Dominik a sideways glance before sweeping the napkin over Sahara’s lap and moving as though to kiss her on the cheek. Dominik’s eyes narrowed and Sahara ducked out of reach, which, strangely enough, pleased him. With a dramatic bow, the waiter shifted away from her and gathered their empty plates.

After the second course was served, the actors prepared for the next act. Sahara smiled at Dominik, looking so happy he couldn’t think of a thing to say. He’d rarely seen her this carefree and relaxed.

Actually, he couldn’t recall feeling this laid-back himself. There was no pressure. Instead of the tension of a first, awkward date, this felt like spending time with a friend. One he hoped would become more.

Just before the show continued, Sahara returned her hand to his and met his eyes. “Thank you for bringing me here. I was so nervous, but you’ve proved I don’t have to be. Not with you.”

He turned his hand, stroking her long, delicate fingers with his thumb, amazed at how comfortable he felt touching her. She didn’t come off as the type of woman to play games, and he could tell she wasn’t holding back from him. His only regret was not bringing her somewhere where they could talk more. He wanted to know more about her. What she liked. What she wanted.

But that would come. There was no need to rush things; they were off to a good start.

“I’m glad you like it. Cam wasn’t crazy about the food, but my brother’s spoiled rotten. He goes home a few times a month just so our mother can cook for him and he can complain that nothing else measures up.” Dominik took a bite of his steak, thinking about how Cam had mentioned their mother’s homemade BBQ sauce was ten times better. He had to agree, and their mother had been flattered, but as someone who didn’t have the luxury of home-cooked meals very often, Dominik was more than satisfied.

Sahara chewed slowly, a thoughtful expression on her face. “I’m a decent cook, but I find the best meal is one you don’t have to make.”

“Very true.” The act had begun, but Dominik could tell Sahara wanted to talk, so he gave her his full attention.

“Can I ask you something?”

He inclined his head, about to tell her she already had, but refrained when she hunched her shoulders and dropped her gaze. Whatever she had to say was too serious for him to start teasing her.

“You’re playing Grant’s team. I know you guys don’t like him because of the past, but…” Her brow furrowed. She looked frustrated. “What he did was horrible, but it’s in the past. He recently lost his mother and he’s trying to change. I don’t want him targeted because of me.”

Dominik clenched his fist under the table, thinking of all the times Grant Higgins had instigated fights on the ice, calling Sahara names and taunting those who cared for her. She should have pressed charges a long time ago and made the man pay for what he’d done to her. Dominik didn’t know the extent of Higgins’s abuse, but he did know Sahara had still had bruises when she’d joined the Cobras’ Ice Girl team.

The man wouldn’t even be playing in the league anymore if charges had been filed. Cases like this were on the news all the time, and no professional sports team would tolerate that kind of behavior. Unfortunately, rumors didn’t hold much weight, and Sahara seemed to have decided getting out of reach was enough.

Perhaps Higgins had made some drastic changes after his mother’s death. Dominik had a hard time trusting that, but telling Sahara as much would only drive a wedge between them. He had to take her lead, despite his misgivings.

So he schooled his features and nodded. “I’ll do my best to keep the games clean, but I take no responsibility for Demyan’s reactions. Higgins seems to enjoy pushing his buttons.”

“He won’t anymore. And don’t worry about Scott, I’ll talk to him.”

“Fair enough.” Dominik took another bite of steak as he shifted his attention back to the stage.

He could feel Sahara’s gaze locked on the side of his face. “That’s it?”

Brow arched, Dominik turned back to Sahara. He wasn’t sure why everyone expected him to react badly whenever they told him about their problems. He didn’t consider himself a judgmental man, but perhaps he came across that way?

“My turn to ask you a question.” Dominik steepled his fingers and regarded Sahara for a moment before continuing. “Did you expect me to be unreasonable? Or tell you how to handle the situation?”

She ducked her head and her cheeks reddened. “I don’t mind you telling me what to do.”

He tightened his lips and shook his head. “You know that’s not what I mean.”

“All right, fine.” She wrinkled her nose, a habit she had that he found endearing. And distracting. If they were at the club, he’d be tempted to spank her for what edged on brattiness, but they weren’t and he couldn’t let her lead the conversation in that direction.

Not yet anyway.

Tonguing her bottom lip, she studied his face. “Apparently kink is off the table.”

“A fact I’m sure the staff here appreciates. Bending you over the table to punish you for being a brat would make the other patrons uncomfortable.” So much for steering clear of that subject. Dominik leaned back in his chair and smiled at the way she covered her cheeks to hide her blush. “Will you answer me now?”

Picking up her glass of water, she took a sip, then licked her lips. “I respect your opinion, and I appreciate how you’ve stuck up for me in the past. I was afraid you’d be disappointed in me for forgiving him.”

“Have you?”

“I…” She frowned, as though she wasn’t sure. “I feel bad for him, and I’m hoping he’s serious about changing. I wouldn’t mind being friends with him, but I’m not stupid. I’ll be careful about it.” Her gaze met Dominik’s, and he could tell she was looking for his approval again. He wasn’t sure he could give it, but he inclined his head so she’d continue. “I don’t expect anyone to understand. I guess… I fell in love with him for a reason. Even though I’ll never feel that way about him again, part of me wants to see him as the man I know he can be. I can’t forget what he did, but not forgiving him feels like I haven’t moved on. And I have.”

Her reasoning made a lot of sense. Dominik was still concerned that Higgins would take advantage of Sahara giving him any opening to get close to her.

“What makes you think no one will understand? Everyone’s seen the steps you’ve taken to protect yourself. You’ve been taking self-defense for quite a while. You’re not the same woman who came to us with bruises, shying away from sudden movements.” He had to force his tone to stay level as the memories came to him and rage simmered within. The color had left her cheeks and he took her hand, knowing all she needed from him right now was his support. “I won’t lie to you. I hope you won’t regret offering him your friendship, but you’re not walking into this blindly. Forgive, but don’t forget. Even if he screws up—which he damn well better not—you’ve got to do what’s right for you.”

“Thank you!” Her eyes brightened and she lunged forward to hug him. Her lips brushed his throat as he held her. “Akira’s so mad at me, and Cort…”

She slipped out of Dominik’s arms and sat back in her chair. Then she went over what had happened with Higgins and Cort earlier that day. Dominik was tempted to call Cort and thank him, but Sahara wouldn’t appreciate that if she found out. His only option was to make sure she knew he’d be there for her no matter what.

Thankfully, she was eager to change the subject, so conversation moved to the playoffs and the next show the Cobras’ Ice Girls would put on. She brought up the club a couple of times with offhand, teasing remarks, but he refused to take the bait. Their interactions at the club they both went to, had mostly consisted of her acting out and him having to discipline her because he was one of the regular Dungeon Monitors. He missed seeing her there, but neither of them was ready to delve into the lifestyle. He couldn’t say for sure he was even interested in being a Dom anymore. To her or anyone else.

“Is it me?” She let out a frustrated sound when he dodged another remark about BDSM by bringing up her music choices for the Ice Girls’ next performance. He opened his mouth to assure her it wasn’t, but she cut him off. “I know I’m not the perfect sub, but I could learn to—”

“I’m not looking for a sub, Sahara.” He took her hand, squeezing gently to soften the impact of his words. He used his other hand to tilt her chin up when she dropped her gaze. “Hey, that’s not a bad thing. What that means is what we’re doing, right here, is all I want.”

She nibbled her bottom lip, her eyes sad. “But you need more.”

“No, I don’t.”

“Really?” She brushed her hand over her chest as though there were crumbs there, a crooked smile on her lips. “So do you like the dress? I’m happy I didn’t have to choose my own outfit; we would have missed the first act.”

Cheeky little thing, isn’t she? Dominik chuckled and tugged her closer, whispering against her lips. “Are you fishing for compliments, pet?”

“No, Sir.” She held still as he gently stroked her lips with his. Then sighed when he shifted away. “Dominik—”

“Watch the show, Sahara.” He wasn’t sure whether he should spank her or bring her home with him, but for the moment, she had a point. He did need to exert some control. Over himself. “You’ll like how this ends.”