Chapter Six
“So, you two are like, together together?” Ella asked, staring across the table of the booth they were sharing.
Avery smiled at her friend, feeling nervous and somewhat awkward. Ella had been hurt to realize that she’d been keeping secrets, and that was clear just by looking at her friend. Ella was pissed.
“We are, Ella.”
“Uh, and you’ve not been at the club because you’ve been together?”
“Yes.”
Dominic seemed to have all the answers so she was allowing him to deal with the grilling. Ella kept staring at her, though. “Have you been ordered not to answer me?”
“What? No?”
“With all due respect, Dominic, I’m in a little bit of a confused, fuzzy feeling right now. You’re a Dom at Darkest Dreams, and yet you pursued Avery outside of it?”
“He asked me out on a date, actually. I wouldn’t call it pursued.”
“This is the same guy who didn’t even give you the time of day while you were visiting, Avery.”
“Why do you seem so angry with me?”
“Because you’re not seeing how dangerous this is.”
“Wait a minute,” Dominic said, raising his hand. “I’m not a threat to Avery. I care about her, and I’ve made sure we’ve gone through the contract, and set our boundaries.”
“A contract? Seriously?” Ella turned her attention back to Avery. “Is this what you want out of your life? A contract relationship.”
“I don’t get it, Ella. What do you want from me?” Avery asked.
“I want to talk to my friend without her damn boyfriend hovering over us. I want to know the truth.”
“I am telling you the truth,” Avery said.
“I’m not forcing her to keep secrets,” Dominic spoke up.
“Then explain this past week to me, because right now I’m having a really hard time understanding what you did, and why you did it.” Ella folded her arms over her chest, glaring at them.
Staring at her friend, she saw the concern in Ella’s eyes.
“Dominic, would you give us a moment, please?”
“Sure, babe.” He dropped a kiss to her lips, and left them alone.
Avery blew out a breath.
“So, you can think for yourself?”
“What the hell is wrong with you?”
“If I lied to you, and then suddenly pushed a boyfriend into your face, and especially considering the lifestyle we like to walk, don’t you think you’d be a little concerned?” Ella asked.
Sitting back, she started to see it from Ella’s side. “You’re worried in case I’m in danger.”
“I know you’ve got some kind of thing going for Dominic. I’ve seen it. Every single Dom has seen it at the club. I thought you were getting over it seeing as he’s a playboy. Now you’re telling me you’re in a relationship, and it’s all playing out far away from Darkest Dreams. Tell me you wouldn’t be a little suspicious, upset, or even hurt? We’re friends, Avery.”
“I know. I’m so sorry.”