Page 86 of The Dom with a Safeword

“You were adorable trying not to cry during the ceremony,” Jude whispered in her ear as they took their seats.

She glared at him. “You were looking a little choked up yourself.”

He chuckled and placed his hand on her knee under the table. Already she felt a shiver run up her spine. At just one touch? Damn she had it bad. Suddenly, she longed for Q’s touch on her other side. She felt almost empty not having her there.

Family and friends poured into the room, chatting and gushing about the groom. Her aunts’ shrieking rose up over the crowd. Apparently Gina had selected an acceptable match. Any minute now, her family would start interrogating Jude.

When the seats began to fill at their table, she leaned into Jude and cautioned, “My family is like a school of piranhas. Be careful.”

He nodded coolly, but she didn’t miss his slight shift of discomfort.

Guilt flooded her for dragging him into this mess. It wasn’t fair, given their current agreement. But how she wished this was for real. Not just because it would please her family, but, well, he just fit. With her, with Q, in her life, in her heart. If her meddling and judgmental family hadn’t been involved, she could picture living happily with one on each side of her.

Not gonna happen, girly.

“If it’s too much trouble, it’s okay to tell them you’re not really my boyfriend,” she said to Jude.

“And desert you in your time of need?” He squeezed her knee. “Never. Besides, aren’t I your boyfriend?”

“Yes but –”

“Hush,” he ordered softly. Her heart thunked at the command. He leaned in and brushed his lips against her ear. “I’m your boyfriend tonight and that’s all that matters. But don’t forget I’m also your Dom.”

She let out a soft groan, her insides clenching in need. “I’m turned-on already. Can we leave early?” As a second thought she added, “Sir.” Maybe that would catch his attention.

He grinned. “Nice try, little girl.” He pulled something out of his pocket and handed it to her. “Here. Q has a message for you.”

She’d given him her phone to hold since she wouldn’t know if it vibrated in her purse or not. She looked down at the text.

Is Jude behaving himself?

She sighed and typed back. Yes but I wish he wouldn’t. She wished he’d agree to a quick dinner then home for a long fuck. Knowing him, he wanted to drag out the torture as long as possible.

She waited for Q’s reply, getting anxious as family started greetings around the table. She’d recognized a few distant relatives, but so far they only smiled at her. At least her mother hadn’t found her yet.

Finally Q’s text came through.

You really shouldn’t have said that.

Huh? Another came up before she could reply.

Hand the phone to Jude.

She started typing a protest. As if Q could read her mind, the next text interrupted hers.

Do it, little girl!

Fuck. With an eye roll she handed it to Jude. “Apparently she’s done with me.”

He looked down at the text and grinned. “That girl is diabolical.” His wicked gaze met hers. “I like it.”

A shiver of fear kicked her heart beat up a notch. “What did she say?”

“That,” he stuffed the phone into his pocket and leaned in to whisper, “is for your Doms to know. And you to find out later.” He chuckled at her expression then tapped her nose. “Don’t pout. I may spank you right here in front of your family.”

She gasped. “You wouldn’t!”

He laughed out loud. “No. But you certainly tempt me.” Stealthily, he peered around the room. “I’m sure there’s somewhere private around here.”