Claiming London Read online

  She flinched. “I’ll have you know that Colin has been teaching me self-defense for months. I’m getting really good at it. And I don’t make reckless choices.”

  “London…”

  “Okay, okay. Maybe you’re right. I might be in a bit of a daredevil phase. I just want to experience life. Live a little. Try new things. That’s all.”

  “And that’s fine. I would never talk you out of experimenting, as long as your safety isn’t at stake.”

  “I suppose you heard I did a knife scene with Mark the other day, based on your comments. Aaron needs to keep his trap shut.”

  “Aaron isn’t the one who told me, nor am I judging you for what you do inside the club. I’m aware Mark is very well-trained with knives. I’m sure you were never in danger.”

  “You’re not judging me?” She laughed at him.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “You act like you don’t care what I do at Zodiac.”

  “That’s true. I would never try to influence your choices in the club.”

  “As long as they don’t involve sex,” she pointed out, deadpan.

  After a few seconds of silence, he sighed loudly. “Touché.”

  “Why? Why are you trying to interfere in my sex life?” Finally, she might get answers.

  “It’s not like I went around meeting with everyone and forbade them from touching you.”

  “Come on.” She groaned. “It’s pretty much exactly like that.”

  He inhaled slowly. “I’m sorry you see it that way. I never said a word.”

  “You didn’t have to. You used your glare to keep every Dom in the club from touching me intimately.”

  He sucked in a sharper breath, and then his voice rose. “Is that really pissing you off, London? Seriously? Are you so hell-bent on fucking random people that you can’t take a step back for a moment and give me a chance to be someone who’s more than a quick fuck to you?”

  It was her turn to gasp.

  He kept talking. “Yes. Fine. I might not have said the words out loud, but I’m not sorry word spread that I want you for myself, and I’d appreciate it if the other Doms didn’t get intimate with you that way.

  “When I left here six months ago, I thought we had something going between us. And I know you were hesitant, but if I hadn’t been sent out on that assignment, I truly believe we would have started seeing each other. You can fight it, but it’s obvious you enjoy being with me as much as I do you.

  “We have chemistry, London. So, yes, I’m going to fight for you until you decide to give me a chance. A real chance. I’m not asking you to marry me. I’m asking you to make an exclusive commitment to me and reserve intimate contact for just me. I’m a liberal guy, London, but I can’t share you like that. It makes my blood boil.”

  She felt light-headed. He’d never been so blunt before. And for the first time in many years she found herself feeling warm and cared for instead of hostilely agitated.

  She wasn’t ready to admit that emotional shift yet, but she also didn’t want to get so defensive right now that he hung up on her or changed his mind. “Okay. I get it. And for the record, I haven’t been intimate with anyone since you got back in town.”

  “Thank you.” She could hear the relief in his voice. He may have puffed out his chest and pissed around her in an effort to claim his territory at the club, but if she’d wanted to, she could have found someone to fuck.

  She needed to throw him a bone, at least a small one. Later she could try to wrap her mind around what she was willing to give him, but for now, there was no reason she couldn’t at least have dinner with him. “I have class Wednesday morning, and then I plan to go to Zodiac that night. Would you like to have dinner and then accompany me to the club?”

  “I’d like that.” His words were soft and came out on a relieved breath. “I’ll pick you up at seven?”

  “Sounds good,” she whispered.

  “See you then. Thanks for letting me know you were safe. I’ll sleep better.”

  “You’re welcome.” She ended the call before she could say something sappier and risk giving him the wrong idea.

  She wasn’t altogether sure what the wrong idea was anymore, but she also wasn’t ready to face the options. Wednesday was in three days. Surely she could reflect on her feelings for Pierce during those three days and be more emotionally prepared by Wednesday night. In fact, as luck would have it, she had an appointment with her counselor on Tuesday. She could talk through her issues and get some advice.

  Why did three days seem like a lifetime from now?

  Chapter 9

  When London opened the door to Pierce on Wednesday night, he was speechless. In all the time he’d known her, he’d never seen her dressed for a date. And there was no doubt she was going on a date. With him. Tonight. Now.

  She had on what women called the “quintessential little black dress.” It had a fitted bodice that perfectly cupped her breasts. The skirt flared out, reaching only a few inches down her thighs. The dress was held up by thin straps at her shoulders that made him want to lean in and kiss her neck.

  Instead, he cleared his voice and met her gaze. “You look amazing.”

  “Thank you. You don’t look half-bad yourself.” Her gaze wandered up and down his frame as she held the door open wider so he could step inside. Her feet were bare, but he noticed a pair of strappy heels next to the sofa.

  Yeah, there was no way to stop himself from touching her. As the door closed behind him, he set a hand on her shoulder and smoothed it up to tangle in her thick, long hair at the back of her neck. And then he leaned in to gently kiss her lips.

  She flushed as he reluctantly released her. Half of him wanted to say “fuck dinner” and drag her into her bedroom to ravage her. But that would ruin his plan to convince her to give him a chance by proving himself to her over and over. Sex wasn’t the reward. It didn’t factor into the plot.

  Pierce straightened his jacket and adjusted his tie, which suddenly seemed too tight. He wore his best black jeans, black loafers, a black tie, and a black jacket. The only color was his deep plum dress shirt. With her black dress, they would look spectacular together.

  He watched as she sat on the edge of the couch and put on those amazing black heels, knowing she was going to knock him on his ass when she stood in them.

  He wasn’t wrong. He held his breath as she grabbed a small black purse and tucked it under her arm. When she reached him, she handed him her purse without a word and grabbed a black coat from the rack near the door. It reached to her knees. Her legs were going to be cold, but he was looking forward to ogling them while they drove.

  He handed her the small purse and opened the door. “Ready?”

  “Yes.” She flashed him another beautiful smile that made his heart beat faster. It was going to be a long night, especially if he managed to get her naked later at the club. It would test his resolve, but he fully intended to perform with her without having sex tonight. He had a scene in mind, in fact.

  In the elevator he took her hand, and he held it until they got to the SUV, only releasing her when she slid into her seat. Yes, indeed, her legs looked spectacular. He gritted his teeth as he rounded to the driver’s side.

  “You warm enough?” he asked as he adjusted the heat and turned on the warmer for her seat.

  “Yep. It’s not too cold tonight. Where are we going?”

  “You’ll see.” He winked at her as he pulled away from the curb, and ten minutes later they arrived at one of Denver’s best rooftop restaurants. He’d never been there, but he’d heard the view was spectacular. Heights were not his thing, but he’d shuffled through the restaurant photos on their website and determined they would be inside anyway. It was too chilly to sit on the patio.

  London was smiling widely as they rode in the elevator to the top floor. She even threaded her fingers with his and leaned into his side, grabbing onto his arm with her other hand.

  She’d obviously taken extra care
with her makeup and hair. Her dark eyes were highlighted by eyeshadow and mascara. Her hair was styled but she’d left it in long waves down her back. Her nails were painted a soft pink.

  It made his heart thump to realize the effort she’d gone to for this date. She didn’t appear to be hesitant or leery. Thank God.

  All of his concentration was on London as they were seated and a waiter set menus in front of them. He hardly noticed the view out the window, but he watched London as she twisted her head around in every direction, grinning. “This is amazing,” she whispered. “I’ve never been here.”

  “Glad you like it.” He leaned forward, forearms against the tablecloth, eyes on her.

  When she finally returned her attention to him, she flushed again and licked her lips. “Thank you.”

  “For what?”

  “For taking me out. It’s been years since anyone took me to dinner or on any date at all for that matter.”

  He flinched. He’d known her husband was a jackass, but did the man never once do anything nice for her? Jesus. “You want wine?” he asked, shaking the sadness from his mind.

  “Sure. You order it. I don’t know anything about wine.” She picked up her menu.

  “Red or white?”

  “White, I think.”

  When the waiter came over, Pierce pointed to a bottle of chardonnay. The man nodded and disappeared. Considering how long he intended to sit with her enjoying the meal, a shared bottle of wine wouldn’t alter them too much to play later that night at the club.

  “Have you been here before?” she asked after they’d ordered and began to sip the dry fruity wine.

  “No. One of my coworkers recommended it.”

  “I hope it’s not too cold to go out on the roof patio after we eat. I’d love to see the view from there.”

  He nodded slowly, pursing his lips. “You can do that.”

  She narrowed her gaze. “Me? What about you?” she teased.

  He scrunched up his face. “I have one flaw.”

  “Just one?” Now she was smiling. “Let’s hear it.”

  He smoothed his hands on his thighs. “Not too fond of heights.”

  Her eyes widened. “You? I thought you were invincible.”

  “Nope.”

  “How did you survive the army? Surely you had to do some things that involved heights.”

  “Occasionally, yes. I can disassociate long enough to endure whatever needs to be done, but heights are not my favorite.”

  “Huh. I never would have suspected.” She set an elbow on the table and leaned her chin against her palm. “Then we won’t go outside.”

  He reached for her free hand and stroked her knuckles with his thumb. “We can still go outside. I wouldn’t want you to miss the view. I’ve heard it’s truly spectacular. But I’ll stick close to the door while you look.”

  She rose suddenly and leaned over the table, planting a quick kiss on his lips when he tipped his head back, confused. As she returned to her seat, she picked up her wine and took another sip. “This is good.”

  He was still holding her other hand, his brain firing wonky from the sudden kiss. Things were looking up.

  Another customer walking by caught Pierce’s attention. He was following the hostess to a table across the room. Never once did he glance at Pierce, but that didn’t keep the hairs from standing up on the back of Pierce’s neck.

  Roger Cabell. The very man Pierce had been following for weeks.

  Coincidence? Had to be. There was no way Roger knew who Pierce was, nor did the perp have any idea the police were on to him. Nevertheless, his arrival made Pierce uneasy.

  “You okay?” London asked as she started to turn her head to the side as if to follow his line of sight.

  Pierce grabbed her hand and gave it a tug to draw her attention back to him. The last thing he wanted was for her to take a look and risk Roger noticing. “Fine. Just thought I saw someone I knew. I was mistaken.”

  “Okay.” She gave his hand a squeeze.

  Pierce glanced back at the perp who was now seated and perusing the menu. Never once did he lift his gaze. Had to be a coincidence. An unnerving one to say the least.

  Pierce did his best to keep half an eye on Roger while they dined, but he didn’t breathe easily until they left the restaurant. Hopefully, an evening at Zodiac would erase his stress and keep him from dwelling on the coincidental arrival of the drug dealer.

  Chapter 10

  For some reason London was uncharacteristically nervous as she entered Club Zodiac on Pierce’s arm that night. Dinner had been delicious. The view of the city fantastic. The company even better.

  She liked this man. Really liked him. Maybe that was what made her nervous. They hadn’t discussed their relationship status a single time all evening, but she knew in her heart they weren’t on the same page.

  Yes, dinner was great. Beyond great. She enjoyed Pierce’s company immensely. The conversation between them had always flowed without a hitch. It had months ago when she’d first met him, and it still did today. He was sexy as hell. He looked at her like he wanted to eat her. And she was not opposed to the idea.

  However, no amount of counseling was going to fix her aversion to commitment. She could do casual. She could do sex. She might even be able to sleep over with him and let him hold her all night. More than that made her hyperventilate.

  She could set that aside for now, but the immediate question she needed to deal with was monogamy. She knew for Pierce that was a bare-minimum requirement. At the moment, she didn’t have a string of other men she would sleep with anyway. The three men from the club she’d had sex with on several occasions in the last six months were currently keeping her at arm’s length, thanks to Pierce.

  It wouldn’t be hard to at least promise him she wouldn’t sleep with other people. But for how long? It probably wasn’t fair to him to make that kind of promise, knowing she didn’t have it in her to ever give him more of herself.

  At some point they needed to have a chat and clear the air. Tonight had been perfect. Wonderful. She would cherish the memory forever. She also knew he was working hard to convince her to give him more.

  As Pierce helped her remove her coat, he leaned down and whispered in her ear. “You okay?”

  “Yes. I’m fine.” She gave him a smile that probably wasn’t quite believable.

  He narrowed his gaze. “Are you nervous about doing a scene with me?”

  She shook her head. “No. Of course not.” She was. Submitting to him in the club was just one of the many issues she felt anxious about.

  The two of them had history together as friends and even one-time lovers. They were both members of Zodiac now, and he’d seen her scene with several people. But this was different. They were crossing into new territory.

  It occurred to her she’d never seen him perform. Why was that? Perhaps the reason for her nerves had more to do with the unknown they were about to embark on than any true worry about a future commitment.

  “Do you have something in mind?” she asked as they entered the main room. He’d checked his jacket with her coat, leaving him in the plum dress shirt, a color she found she loved, that looked perfect on him.

  He grinned, took her chin, and kissed her lips. “I do.”

  She shivered, this time from anticipation. Some of her nervous energy dissipated with that kiss, even though any number of people would have seen him so publicly claim her. Hell, everyone knew he’d marked her as his anyway. It shouldn’t make a difference. But it did. It was one thing for Pierce to stare every Dom in the club down until they backed off. It was another thing entirely for her to give an outward sign that she agreed with his claim. And that kiss had definitely done the job.

  London was focused on the hand Pierce set casually on the small of her back when Rayne approached. “Hey, you two.” Her eyes were twinkling as she glanced back and forth between them. “How was dinner?”

  “It was excellent,” London responded as Pierce pul
led her around to his front and then draped both arms around her middle, holding her back against his front.

  Rayne continued to smile, almost laughing. “Good. Your brother is in the back office. I’ll tell him to stay there if you’re planning to play.”

  “Thank you,” Pierce responded. “Appreciate that.”

  Rayne shrugged. “Works out great for me. It means I get to lock his office door and have a private scene. Those are so much better.” She fanned herself as she turned around and walked toward the door to the back hallway.

  London tugged forward in an effort to dislodge from Pierce’s grip, to no avail. She finally tipped her head back and shot him a narrow-eyed look. “You do realize there is no need to actually pee on me inside the club. For one thing, it’s against the rules. For another thing, you’ve made your position perfectly clear to everyone.”

  He chuckled but made no motion to release her.

  It felt good having his arms around her so tightly. It also caused warning bells to go off in her head. It seemed like instead of discussing his intentions with her, he might think he could just move in and turn his actions into reality.

  “Pierce,” she murmured.

  He set a finger on her lips. “Shh. I know what you’re going to say. What’s your safeword?”

  “Marriage.”

  He laughed. “Of course it is.”

  He walked her forward into the center of the room where he released her and spun around, tapping his lips while he surveyed the options. He’d grabbed a large duffle bag from the trunk when they arrived, and he now dropped it on the floor at his side.

  Finally, he looked at her. “Will you submit to me?”

  “Of course. Isn’t that the plan?”

  “For an hour.”

  She nodded. “Yes.”