Page 87 of The Dom with a Safeword

Unsure whether he was joking, she made a mental note to behave. Though the idea of it didn’t ease the ache between her legs. Was she blushing?

“Sabrina Romano?” a red-haired lady with too much eyeliner said from across the table. “I haven’t seen you since you were a little girl. How are you?”

“Uhh,” she replied brilliantly. God she hated these situations. “Good.”

“I’m your mother’s cousin, Dina,” she exclaimed.

Good for you, she wanted to say. “Nice to meet you,” she said instead.

Jude’s hand perched on its spot on her knee. “Introduce me,” he whispered covertly.

“Oh!” She sucked at formalities. “This is –”

“There you are!” Her mother’s distinctive high-pitched voice sang from behind her. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you, dear.” She appeared at her side and stood over her. Though not much taller than Sabrina, her curvy mother, dressed all in scarlet, took over the room with her presence. She could probably dom Jude if she tried. “Why didn’t you come say hello when I waved at you from the ceremony? I had a seat saved for you right in front. Your second cousin, Jamie, flew in from Washington and I wanted to introduce you.” She perused Sabrina’s body while chattering. “What are you wearing, Sabrina?” she asked. “You look like a slut.”

“Mother!” Sabrina peered around them to see who’d heard. Thankfully the background noise drowned her out.

Her mother ignored her outrage and pushed back a piece of hair falling in Sabrina’s face. “Roots, dear. Haven’t you made enough money with your little art business to keep up with your hair highlights?”

She flushed and shrank back, ashamed though she should be used to the criticism. But it was different in front of Jude.

“Hi.” He jumped in to rescue her. “I’m Sabrina’s boyfriend, Jude.”

Her mother’s mask of confidence dropped for a fraction of a second before reappearing again. She was stunned speechless for the first time Sabrina could remember.

Sabrina grinned.

“A boyfriend?” her mother questioned, as if it didn’t seem possible. “I didn’t know she…” She trailed off, giving Sabrina a stern look. “Why didn’t you tell me you were dating somebody, Sabrina? Honestly! You should call me more often.”

She rolled her eyes. Was it any surprise why she didn’t?

Jude came to her defense again. “It’s fairly new, Mrs. Romano.”

“Oh, call me Leonora.” She giggled.

Giggled? Well, Jude did affect every woman he encountered.

“Leonora.” He grinned charmingly. “Sabrina wanted to keep things quiet while we got to know each other. But it’s nice to finally meet some of her family.”

“Likewise.” She turned to the right and yelled, “Marcella! Silvia! Come meet Sabrina’s new boyfriend!”

Sabrina winced.

“I know, it’s about time!” her mother shouted, furthering her embarrassment.

Jude patted her knee reassuringly then whispered in her ear, “You’re beautiful. Never forget that.”

Her heart melted. Tears pricked her eyes and she didn’t have to force a smile when her two aunts made their way to the table.

Sabrina stood to greet her aunts, giving kisses on each cheek. Jude rose too, and shook their hands. He answered the barrage of questions beautifully, artfully dodging some, but still revealing important things that gave him status. The women swooned like high school girls talking to the school heartthrob. She almost rolled her eyes. But every time she and Jude made eye contact, something sparked. He was hers. He wanted her. Well, temporarily. But still, it made her feel confident, worthy.

“Do I get to meet your dad?” Jude whispered in her ear during a short break of questions.

She scanned the room for him. “He must be having cigars with the other men.”

Jude grinned.

“Yes, I know we’re one big stereotype. Deal with it.” Though she knew it wasn’t important, part of her wanted Jude to meet her dad. She and her father had a special bond. His approval meant everything to her. Almost the exact opposite of her mother, her dad was warm and accepting, didn’t pass judgment until he knew someone on a personal level. That’s not to say he wouldn’t give Jude – or any other potential match – the runaround. Her mother used to say, “God help the man that tries to steal Sabrina from her daddy.”