Page 39 of Desire
Emma collected her coffee and went back to her office. She hated herself for snooping, but she did it anyway. Yes, Kiki was one of Dante’s subs. Dismay filled her and she wanted to throw up. But when Emma checked the schedule in more detail, she was somewhat mollified that it had been over a month since Kiki had scheduled dungeon time with Dante. At least that was something.
But he did have several dungeon appointments for the evening. That wasn’t surprising. Dante’s schedule was always booked. But he always ended the night with her. Emma checked his Couture office hours and saw that he had a free moment. She might as well continue on with her unprofessional behavior. Emma took the elevator to his floor and before she could second-guess herself, knocked on his door.
“Come,” he said.
She felt a smile twist on her face as she opened the door. “You’ve got to be careful who you say that to,” Emma said after she walked inside and closed the door.
He smiled back at her. “I hadn’t expected to see you this morning. Is something wrong?” He frowned.
“No. Yes.” Emma sighed. “I’m sorry.”
“Sit,” he said. “I don’t have anything going on for a few hours.”
Emma sat down on the couch in his office. She hesitated, her thoughts racing as she struggled to find the right words. “Will you promise me something, Dante?” Emma asked, her eyes searching his for reassurance.
“Anything,” he said, his expression resolute.
“Promise me that you’ll always be honest with me, even if you think it would be difficult or painful for me to hear,” she said, her voice quivering slightly.
Dante came over and sat beside her. “I promise, Emma. No secrets, no lies.”
Here goes nothing. “I can’t help but feel insecure about your submissives.”
“We should have had this conversation a while ago.”
“I know we’ve only been together a few weeks, but it’s been bothering me that you’re having sex with other people.”
Dante shook his head. “I’m not.”
“I mean, I understand it’s part of your job—wait, what?”
“I don’t have sex with my clients at Club Inferno.”
“You have sex with me.”
“You’re not my client, Emma.”
That was true. He had never given her an invoice. There hadn’t been a contract signed between them. Emma closed her eyes. “I’m so stupid,” she groaned.
“No, I shouldn’t have assumed that you knew. Without giving away anything personal about my clients, you should know that there are many kinks and services I provide. Some offer gratification. Some offer relief. To some, it’s penance for their sins, real or imagined.”
“You’re a therapist whether you’re at Couture or Club Inferno,” she said, realization hitting. A tentative smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she felt the weight of her doubts begin to lift.
He shook his head. “Not always. Sometimes I’m a sadist.” He shrugged. “But ever since I saw you as Queen Mab, there hasn’t been another woman in my bed. I haven’t touched or allowed another to touch me but you. I only want you.” His words, spoken with such sincerity and conviction, sent a shiver down Emma’s spine. She searched his eyes for any hint of deception but found none.
“Do you really mean that?” she whispered, her chest tightening.
“Absolutely.” Dante kissed her forehead. “Maybe we should get out of Club Inferno and do more couple things together.”
“Are we a couple?”
“Yes,” he said. “That is, if you want to be.”
“I do,” she said. Though her insecurities still lingered, Dante’s reassurances brought her some much-needed comfort. “But let’s not be too hasty about leaving Club Inferno behind.”
“That’s my good girl,” he growled and nipped her neck.
And damn it if she didn’t get wet for him.