Cowboy Casanova (Rough Riders #12)(14)

“Layla assured me that Angel only wanted the Domme designation as protection; she didn

’t intend to use it besides to observe.”


“That’s an even worse reason for bein’ here. She’s a poseur,” Ben said. “She ain

’t gonna get any real idea if she can handle this, even on a casual basis, if she can

’t be honest with herself about what she is.” For Christsake, she’d worn a freakin’

disguise to the club. “I’ll bet you each a thousand bucks she’s submissive.”


A bet no one took, because in six years, Ben hadn’t been wrong even one time.


Cody pointed at Murphy. “You know we can’t let her in the club if she ain’t gonna

play. How the f*ck did you ever agree to breaking that rule?”


“Let’s just say Layla has a helluva distraction technique and she asked at a…ah, a

pivotal moment.”


Sully and Cody shook their heads.


“How many nights is she here?” Ben asked Murphy.


“Two. Why?”


“That’ll be enough. Get Layla to introduce me.”


“Only if you inform my little slave that pushing me to admit her friend to the club as

an experienced Domme has earned her a hefty consequence.”


“Why do I have to tell her?” Ben asked.


Murphy motioned Layla over. “Because she’ll sass me. But she never gets away with

mouthy behavior around you, Bennett.”


Layla sidled up to the bar. “A Bombay Sapphire and tonic and a cherry Coke.” Her eyes

widened when she saw Ben adjusting a white bracelet on his wrist. “Bennett? You’re

changing your status?”


“Only temporarily so I can fix your mistake.” He invaded her space and spoke softly.

“You are in big trouble, Layla.”


“But why—”


“Don’t pretend you don’t know why.” He watched her gaze skate briefly to Angel’s

table.


She dropped her gaze to her hands. “I’m sorry, Sir.”


“You will convince Angel to play with me.” Ben fought a grin when he heard Layla

mutter, “Shit. She is so f*cked.”


“Not as f*cked as you are, my pretty,” Murphy warned her. “You will do whatever

Bennett demands to ensure your inexperienced friend doesn’t wind up in a situation we

cannot control.”


She muttered, “I should’ve just given her a damn black bracelet.”


“Excuse me?” Murphy snapped.


“Nothing, Sir.”


“Murphy will decide your punishment for your coercion in getting your friend admitted

to this private club under false pretenses,” Ben told her.


Layla shot Murphy a contrite look and he snorted. “Puppy dog eyes ain’t gonna get you

out of the doghouse, woman.”


“Whatcha got planned for our wannabe Domme?” Cody asked Ben.


“Charm, tempt, seduce—convince her to let me be her submissive tonight.” He lifted a

brow at Layla to get her butt moving.


“Putting your plan into play now, Sir.” She grabbed the drinks and flounced off.


“I better go help Trace and Riley set up for tonight,” Sully said, stepping away from