The Dom With a Safeword (30 page)

“Probably late,” she answered. “My family’s weddings are notorious for being long.” She sighed then gave her a regretful look. “Q…I –” She started to apologize, again.

“Stop,” Q said softly. “You don’t have to explain and you don’t have to apologize. I get it. Go – have fun and stop worrying.”

Sabrina nodded sadly.

“Oh!” Q’s eyes lit up. “Make sure you put your phone on vibrate though.”

Q and Jude exchanged a sneaky glance. What were they planning? Suspicion crept up in her mind, and a sense of excitement. They made her uncomfortable at times, but it always ended with pleasure.

“Come on,” Jude said, opening the door. “I don’t like being late.”

“A man who likes to be prompt,” Sabrina gushed. “Amazing!”

Q laughed. “And what bad luck he’s paired with two girls who are always late.”

Sabrina gave her a look. “
Fashionably
late.” She waved at Q and walked through the door Jude held open and followed him down the stairs to his car.

Late afternoon in early August was some of the worst humidity in the year. But luckily a cool breeze came in from the ocean, making it bearable and even pleasant. Jude opened the passenger side door and she slipped in with a smile.

When he slid into the driver’s seat and shut the door she turned to him. “I’m sorry to drag you along. But this will get my mother off my back for a few months at least. So you’re doing me a huge favor even though I know you’re leaving...” She trailed off with a frown.

Though she’d said it matter-of-factly – which was how she’d been forcing herself to think of it – she felt her face droop. It was too depressing to think of him leaving, to worry about the summer ending and life going back to the way it had been, so she’d just ignored it. But that was getting harder. Besides the sex – which was out of this fucking world – she enjoyed his company. When she wasn’t texting or spending time with him in person, she found herself daydreaming about him. Sometimes about what he and Q would do to her next, but she always imagined it ending in cuddles and whispers of affection.

“Why would I turn down the opportunity to take one of my pretty girls out?” Jude asked in his smooth-talking way.

She arched a brow. “Cause weddings are lame.”

“Free food.”

“Open bar too.”

He held his hand up for a high-five. “Score!”

She giggled and slapped him five. Butterflies took flight in her stomach. He was so fun – almost constantly making her laugh. When he wasn’t making her laugh, he was turning her on. A soft threat in her ear could bring her to her knees in an instant – and often did. When he gave her that commanding look, she felt her insides melt into a pile of goo.

He’s leaving, she told herself, for the millionth time. Maybe she needed one of those rubber band programs to break her addiction. “Just don’t let me get drunk and give a slurred toast while sobbing uncontrollably,” she muttered. She felt herself going down that road a
lready.

The ceremony was beautiful. Gina looked like one of Q’s models in her off-white tiered gown and big spiral curls down her back. In their seats, Jude had survived round one of her family. Her sister Mindy had not only tried hitting on him, but she’d even told humiliating stories about Sabrina’s teenage years. Just when she’d thought Mindy would pull out a picture of the awkward, slightly overweight, braces-wearing Sabrina, Jude had distracted her with questions about her new job.

Sabrina was beaming as they entered the reception venue. Glowing lanterns sat on each table surrounded by several shades of blue and purple flowers. She smiled at one of the baby blue ones that reminded her of Jude’s eyes.

“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.”

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.”

Dinner was served and they all sat down. Her mother and one aunt stayed at their table. They lost interest in interrogating Jude eventually and moved onto family gossip. After dinner, Jude shoved the phone in her lap with a silent command to read it.

I hope you’re behaving, little girl
,
Q’s text read.

She looked to see if anyone was paying attention. Her mother was going on about the latest family scandal.
She typed back, of course I am. I’m always a good girl for my
Doms
.

A message came through right away.
Mmhm
. Remember when Jude held you down the other night when we played? Picture that and my tongue on your clit.

She hissed in a breath and felt her face heat. Instinctively, her gaze shot to her mother sitting beside her. Her heart raced with the familiar feeling of being in trouble. It was ridiculous. Her mother couldn’t see what she’d just read. But it still felt naughty. Just then, Jude’s hand moved up her thigh a few inches. She gulped.

Q!
she texted.
That’s not nice!

The reply was immediate.
Shh
! Pay attention to your family!

Her family? She looked up. They all gazed at her expectantly. “Huh?”

“They asked what you thought of the food, sweetheart,” Jude said sounding amused. “Did you fall asleep?”