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He’d proven his determination time and time again, so his lack of accounting and refusal to talk with her grated. When he wanted to be, he was relentless.
He doesn’t want you. Accept that.
She ground her teeth together and looked out to the busy dungeon. The rich scents of hot and musky sex, plus the sweet aroma of leather, didn’t stir a tingle. Aidan hadn’t arrived tonight, and somehow that made it worse.
Her insides quivered with the need to see him and get it over with. The anticipation was slowly sending her to the grave. Each one of her breaths became shallower as every minute coasted by.
“I did this,” Presley whispered. Cora glanced to her, and Presley stared at her lap as she added, “I thought I was helping when I first asked about your relationship with him. I’m so sorry. I thought—”
Cora raised her hand. “What happened was inevitable. I’m not mad at you. You were trying to make me happy.” She hesitated, cursing how Presley’s shoulders dropped. Presley was not responsible. “This just … sucks!”
“I’d say so,” Kenzie muttered in agreement. “He’s a stupid, thick-headed Dom.”
“Is he, now?”
Cora jerked her head to the side, spotting Dmitri’s stern gaze. His eyes narrowed on Kenzie. “Go and find Master Miles. Tell him what you said.”
Kenzie grinned from ear to ear. “Sure will, sir.” She jumped off the couch and bounced her way to Master Miles.
Cora rolled her eyes. The woman did like her punishments.
Master Dmitri sat down on the coffee table. He rested his elbows on his knees, steepling his fingers under his chin, and his gaze searched Cora’s. “I’m sorry to say I overheard some of your conversation.” His features softened, as did his voice. “I apologize if that information wasn’t mine to hear.”
Cora shrugged, casting her gaze downward. “Best you know what’s going on.” With the truth of her hidden emotions exposed, she lifted her head and said with hesitation, “Are you upset with me for hiding stuff from a Club Sin Master?”
“No, Cora, I’m not,” Dmitri replied with a pinched expression. “It’s good to finally have the truth between you and Master Aidan.” He dropped his hands and leaned in. “A truth we have known for a long time.”
She heaved a sigh in relief and shut her eyes. The last thing she wanted to add to her list of troubles was a pissed-off club owner. When she lifted her head to Master Dmitri she noticed his frown before he asked, “Is there anything I can do to help you, Cora?”
Yeah, make Aidan love me.
Since that was her heart talking, Cora went with logic. She didn’t want to m
ove on, but she knew that was her only choice. “I want to add Master Aidan to my hard-limits list.”
Dmitri’s eyebrows shot up. “Cora, this is extremely drastic.”
She fought to hold on to her logic as her heart twisted. “The D/s relationship isn’t enough anymore. I can’t pretend that it is.”
“He’s a douchebag.” Presley scowled, gathering Cora’s shaky hand into her warm touch. “I’m so angry at him.”
“Presley,” Master Dmitri muttered.
Best friend to the rescue, Presley glared at her Dom. “We’re talking as friends, you big, bad Dom. I’m allowed to call him out for being a complete ass.”
“Might I remind you that you’re in the dungeon?” Master Dmitri arched a brow. “Later, I’ll show you what happens when you insult Club Sin Masters.” With a smirk, he added, “Perhaps it’s also time to show you what a big, bad Dom looks like. We don’t want any misunderstandings, do we?” Presley shot up from her seat, and he continued with a harsh tone, “Go to the spanking bench. Wait for me there.”
Presley’s shoulders slumped, and a not-so-delicate curse escaped through her lips. Then she turned to Cora, leaning down and whispering in her ear, “He is a douchebag. I love ya, babe. You’ll get through this.”
Cora watched Presley stride off, swaying her bottom covered in crimson lace. She suspected that soon that butt would match the color of the lace. Though Presley was right—Aidan might have rejected Cora, but he wouldn’t break her.
Once Presley knelt by the spanking bench and bowed her head, Master Dmitri turned to Cora. “Now, Cora, let’s make a deal, all right?”
She crossed her arms. “The deal is to put Aidan on my hard-limits list.”
Dmitri’s gentle gaze searched hers. “I’ve never had someone make a request like this. Club Sin Masters are typically sought after, not refused.” He regarded her with a long look with squinty eyes. “Given your history with Master Aidan and what you’re feeling now, I’d like you to wait a month. Once the air has cleared and emotions are calmed, you can add him if it suits you.”
Cora couldn’t live another day in this hell. She needed the control. She needed to ensure he would never hurt her again. She needed to prove—even to herself—that she didn’t love him. “I can’t wait a month.”
