Just One Taste (Topped #2)(43)

He seemed to know some gossip she didn’t. Tiffany hadn’t said much about her training Dom beyond the fact that she enjoyed playing with him. They actually made a very hot couple. “How do you know she’s not sleeping with him? Everyone else seems to be sleeping together. I’m pretty sure Althea’s doing her sub.”

“Oh, yeah, those two are f*cking like rabbits. Well, one very submissive Harvard-educated rabbit and Althea. But Gage is married. His wife’s a top, too. She’s already got Mistress rights and Gage wanted to give it a try. They intend to play and top subs but without sex. It’ll be interesting to see how that works out,” Eric explained. “But I want to hear that story about Tiff and Sebastian after the class. For now, be my sweet puppy. We’re going to watch a scene and then play for a bit.”

He settled into his seat, never once showing a single sign that she weighed a thing.

Ian Taggart stepped onto the stage in front of them. “Welcome bitches.”

“Ian!” Charlotte wasn’t far behind him.

Big Tag shrugged. “It’s puppy play night, baby. I apologize. I’m supposed to be more correct in my speech. Welcome owners, bitches, and dog.” He nodded toward the lone male sub in the room. “Sorry, Keen. Male puppies are just dogs and you should be very good tonight because I’ve heard Althea’s into cock and ball torture, so you might find yourself neutered.”

“I believe I asked you to be more politically correct in your speech,” Charlotte muttered.

“Yeah, that’s not going to happen, baby.” Master Ian held up a long cylindrical object. “Get your puppies settled and let’s talk about violet wands. This particular one is about to light up my mouthy puppy’s nipples.”

Eric’s hands began to move over her thighs and down to her knees before coming back up. “My puppy needs to be petted. She’s very anxious today. Like a shaky Chihuahua. Here, pretty girl, have a treat.” He pulled a chocolate out of a baggy he’d set beside them. “Macon made them specially for sweet puppies.”

Macon’s handmade chocolates. When she reached for it, Eric pulled his hand away. Of course. Puppies ate from their Master’s hands. Well, except Harrison apparently. Althea had a dog bowl set up for him. Yeah, Deena was happy her Master knew what she could and couldn’t take. She leaned forward and wrapped her lips around his fingers, taking the chocolate from his hand and giving him a lick as she pulled back and enjoyed the rich taste.

Eric’s hands moved over her, petting her constantly. She settled in and relaxed. Being his pet wasn’t so bad.




Three hours later, she kind of wished she had the courage to ask Eric to come inside and spend the night with her. He pulled into her parking lot and put the car into park. He always did this. He would walk her upstairs and make sure she locked the door. At first she’d been able to hear her mother in her head complaining that the man obviously didn’t think she had any sense if he didn’t believe she could lock her door on her own. Her mother had taken a dim view of the men in her life playing at being gentlemen. “Playing” being the operative word.

Deena, if some boy is opening doors for you and carrying your books to class, it’s because he’s trying to get into your pants. Once you give it up, you’ll see the real man and trust me, honey, it won’t be pretty.

Of course she’d already given it up for Eric and he still insisted on this ritual every night. The door closed on his side and she waited.

Had she picked Eddie because he hadn’t done any of those things for her? Because he’d claimed she was an equal and wouldn’t insult her by opening a door she could open herself? Had she trusted that more than she did a man who treated her well?

“Deena?”

She hadn’t even noticed when he’d opened the door. Her gut was knotted because of what was happening next week. Her final. She had to work the four nights before her final in statistics, and naturally that wasn’t the only final she had to worry about. How was she going to feel if she failed? She could try again next semester. Calling the company she was supposed to start working for would be the worst part. Having to explain that she’d failed…

“I wish you would tell me what’s wrong,” he said quietly. “I know you don’t believe it, but I want to help.”

That was the problem. She was starting to believe he did. She was beginning to depend on him, and everything she’d been taught led her to believe that was wrong. It wasn’t a good idea to depend on anyone but herself. It was fine to have friends, fine to help them, but she was different. She was independent.

“It’s nothing. I’m tired. I should get some sleep.” Turning to get out of the truck, she found herself blocked by his big body.

His hands went to her waist, his face close to hers. “Tell me and let me help. Was it the puppy play? Did it make you feel small? Feeling small doesn’t have to mean something bad. You can be small in my arms and still be taken care of.”

This was the last thing she wanted. She leaned back and put her hands on either side of his face, looking into his eyes so he would understand. “I liked it. It was fun, Eric. I liked being stroked and pampered. That’s not what’s bothering me.”

“Then tell me what is.”

She’d been a puppy but now he was a dog with a bone. “I have a final next week and I’m worried about it and I have to work all week long because no one can swap shifts with me.”