I shiver at the reminder of the reality of what Bobby is. Despite how safe and protected he makes me feel, his family is very dangerous.
He smiles. “I’m glad you don’t seem threatened.”
“Ah…I might have wanted to throat-punch her in the moment,” I admit. “But I know I have no claim on you. You’re not my boyfriend.” I try to sound nonchalant, like I really don’t give a flying F about the fact that he’s not and never will be boyfriend material. Like it doesn’t taste like ash on my tongue saying the words.
I need to remember Bobby Manghini isn’t a man I can get attached to, despite the way he seems to be worming his way into my heart.
“So…I asked you a question. Wanna try?”
I wriggle closer. “How much does it cost?”
“I’ll take care of it. You think I’d suggest it and not pay?”
I smile. “Okay, yeah. I’d like to try it.”
“Good girl.” He drops another kiss on my forehead.
Ahh, those magic words. The ones that always turn me to mush. It’s crazy that being “owned” by Bobby Manghini holds so much appeal, especially considering what he just did to me. But right now it doesn’t matter. I feel safe and warm in his strong arms, my problems all handled by him with ease.
“I need to get back home, angel.” He sounds regretful. “Are you okay?” He strokes my cheek.
“Well, my ass is on fire, but yeah.” I give a wry smile. “I’m okay. Thanks, Bobby.”
He kisses me on the lips and starts to get dressed. Pulling out his wallet, he drops a huge wad of cash on the dresser. “I probably have a grand with me now, and I’ll bring you the rest tomorrow. I can meet you down at the salon in the afternoon.”
Moisture coats my eyes again. “You don’t need to. That will be enough to get her off my back. I have until the end of the month to pay the rest.”
“Okay. Call me if it’s not.”
I climb out of bed and wrap my arms around his neck. “I’m sorry about calling you,” I whisper into his neck.
He runs his hand down my back and squeezes my ass. “It’s over, baby. We’re good.” He holds me by the nape and kisses me possessively. “And now that I know you’re really my girl,” he says, “there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you.”
Really his girl?What does that mean? I thought he wasn’t my boyfriend. I stare, wanting to ask, but he’s already turned to go. I listen to the sound of him leaving the apartment as I curl back into the luxurious bed.
Now that I know you’re really my girl…
Why am I so happy to hear those words?
ChapterNine
Bobby
I wake wishing I spent the night with Lexi. I’m horny as hell for her. Remembering how hot she looked last night as she took her punishment has me sprouting a full erection–one I have to go into the shower to take care of.
I meant what I said about doing anything for her. I’m still riding the high of our scene last night. The satisfaction of Lexi’s submission. The bond we formed.
I’ve had submissives before—pain sluts who like it dirty. Or who like it during sex but can’t take real punishment. And I’ve also had women who didn’t want to submit to my authority but took it because they wanted my money. Stacy fell into that category. She sulked and made a big deal if I spanked her, even though she consented. I can be a dick, and I want things my way, but I’m not a total bastard–it’s not like I forced her.
But Lexi’s so different. First of all, she’s more than a sexy body—she has a brain and a real personality. She’s not the type to share her body just for a luxury apartment. I shouldn’t be happy for her misfortune, but I know if she wasn’t so desperate, she wouldn’t have given me the time of day.
Maybe she never would have known she liked a dominant lover. Because I suspect I’m her first, and her body’s responses to my authority surprise her. But I don’t know how she’ll feel about what happened last night in the light of day. Playful spanking’s one thing, real punishment another. Just because she accepted it at the time doesn’t mean it’ll sit right with her the next day.
Which is why I should have stayed the night.
I hang around until my daughters are up, checking in with them about their plans for the day, then I take the additional cash Lexi needs to pay the whole debt off out of my safe and head over to the apartment.
* * *