Page 53 of Desire

He leaned closer, his voice low and urgent as he asked, “Do you know that Dante is a Dom at a sex club?”

A faint flush spread across Emma’s cheeks, but she held her ground, meeting his gaze head-on. “Yes, I’m aware of that.”

“And that doesn’t bother you?” he said incredulously.

“I trust him.” Her fingers traced the edge of her leather collar.

Joey’s gaze flicked to her neck, his brow furrowing. “I still can’t believe he collared you. Like you’re some kind of...of pet.”

Emma bristled. “It’s not like that. The collar is a symbol of our bond. Of the power I grant him, and the care he takes with it.”

“You grant him?” Joey scoffed. “Listen to yourself. This isn’t you.”

“Maybe it is.” She lifted her chin, defiant. “Maybe this is a side of myself I never let out before. With Dante, I can finally explore what I want. Who I want to be.”

“And who is that? His little puppet? His plaything?”

The words stung, but Emma refused to let it show. “His partner. His submissive.” She leaned forward, holding Joey’s gaze.

“Please tell me you’re not serious about this. That you’re not really involved in whatever this is.”

“I know it’s hard for you to understand. But I’m happy. Happier than I’ve been in a long time. What Dante and I have is special. Real. When I’m with him, I feel alive. Cherished. Seen.”

Joey visibly cringed. “I don’t want to know the details of what kind of sick stuff you two get up to.”

Anger flashed through her at his dismissive tone. As if the intimacy she shared with Dante could be reduced to some tawdry kink. “It’s not sick. It’s beautiful. Powerful.”

“Powerful? The guy gets off on hurting women. Dominating them. Treating them like his personal playthings. You should see what he did to his last girlfriend, Kiki.”

“Kiki wasn’t his girlfriend. She’s a bitch who tried to make my life a living hell.”

“What?”

“She’s not a good person.”

“Dante got her kicked out of Couture.”

“He did?” If Emma wasn’t already in love with him, that would have pushed her right over the edge. “See? He protected me.”

Joey exhaled sharply. “Don’t tell me you can’t see how controlling he is?” Desperation edged his voice, pain etched across his features. “The man gets off on dominating women. What’s to stop him from doing that to you for real? You’re too sweet and naive to see it.”

“I am not naive!” She slapped her palm on the Formica tabletop, the sharp crack drawing curious glances from other diners. How could he think so little of Dante, of her? She wanted to scream, to defend their love, but the fear in her brother’s eyes gave her pause. Swallowing her fury, she searched for the words to make him understand. Lowering her voice, she leaned in. “I appreciate your concern, I do. But I’m a grown woman, Joey. I know what I want, and who I want to be with.”

“I just don’t want to see you get hurt.” The words came out rough, almost anguished.

“I know.” Emma gentled her tone. “And I feel the same about you. It kills me to think of you putting yourself in danger, deployment after deployment. Never knowing if...” She broke off, throat working. “If you’ll make it back home.”

Joey’s head snapped up. “That’s different.”

“Is it?” She arched an eyebrow, gently challenging him. “We’re both adults who have chosen our own paths. And just like I support you in your decisions, I need you to do the same for me.” She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what she was about to say. “Dante will be coming to Sunday’s family dinner and we’re going to let Mom and Dad know we’re a couple.”

Joey’s eyes widened slightly, the shock evident in his expression. For a long moment, neither of them spoke. At last, he sighed, rubbing his eyes with the heels of his hands. “I don’t want to hear about your love life, Emma. It’s too weird.”

Her lips curved into a wry smile, acknowledging the awkwardness of the situation. “It’s also none of your business,” she said in a sincere, pleasant voice.

Her brother’s shoulders slumped, the fight draining out of him. He met her eyes again, and she could see the resignation in them, mixed with a lingering trace of concern. “Promise me one thing. Don’t lose yourself, Emma. No matter what happens between you and Dante, don’t forget who you are.”

Emma nodded, understanding the depth of his love and concern for her. It was a promise she would keep, not only for Joey, but also for herself. “What you don’t understand is that Dante has helped me find out just who I am and what I’m capable of.”