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“She used the word authority.”

“Same thing. And if Guy wanted you to boss him around, he should’ve communicated that.” All he ever does is talk. He could’ve said what he was into, instead of getting it from someone else.

With a long sigh, Kota admits, “I don’t want to be his Dommy.”

I’m not sure why she says it in the present tense, like there’s a chance she still could be.

“You’re not his anything anymore. You guys are done.”

Setting down the cup, she leans back against the mirror.

“We definitely would be if he saw me like this.”

“Like what?”

When she only waves a hand at herself, I give her the once-over she obviously thinks is needed.

“I don’t see anything wrong with what I’m looking at.”

“I’m a mess.”

“You’re human. Probably the most beautiful one I’ve ever seen.”

She sighs, her breath nice and minty now.

“Not like this.”

I should’ve left off the “probably.”

“Especially like this,” I assure her.

“I don’t want to be your bitch.”

“You’re not. You’re just…um.” Should I tell her? Better now than never. “Mine,” I say with too much uncertainty. I try again with a lot more confidence. “You’re just mine.”

That hint of a smile returns before she sits forward to draw under my collarbone again. I watch her finger this time, memorizing the motions of each letter.

“What’s your middle name? Lynn?”

“Close. Lynsi.”

“Dakota Lynsi Rhodes.”

“Dakota Lynsi Stack Rhodes.”

“Stack? Your dad’s last name?”

She studies me for a moment.

“How did you know that?”

I had to look it up.

“People talk.”

“They didn’t tell you he wanted a claim on me even though he didn’t want me?”

“No, they didn’t.”