The Dom with the Dragon Tattoo (Masters of Submission #5)(10)

“Football and politics? You know me, I’d never do that.”

“Only just about every time you come here.”

Tyler arched a brow in mock surprise. “You know me too well.”

She took hold of his arm and pulled him inside. “Enough of this small talk. There’s beer in the refrigerator.”

He followed her through to the kitchen, placed the case of beer he’d bought on the table, then helped himself to an ice-cold Bud. “Thanks.”

Samantha stood at the kitchen window, looking out onto the backyard, taking in the group of friends laughing and joking. “She seems nice.”

“Who?”

“Rob’s new boss, Rebecca. I must admit I was a little concerned when he started working late on a regular basis with a woman I didn’t know. I’m not normally the jealous type, and I trust Rob implicitly, but the thought did cross my mind. Crazy, huh?”

Tyler put his arm around her shoulder. “Believe me, Sam. Rob’s as loyal as they come. You don’t need to have any worries on that score.”

“Now I’ve met her, I realize how ridiculous I was being. I like the lady. She’s real nice. Anyway, I’d better go tend to my guests. Come out and mingle, when you’re ready.”

Left alone, he stared out the kitchen window. Rebecca Miles intrigued him. Just what made her tick? Was she really the cold, career-focused woman who worked for him, or was she the woman he observed, talking easily with a group of people? Dressed in tight-fitting blue jeans and a T-shirt that emphasized her shapely breasts, she looked like any other woman socializing with friends. Normal. Vanilla. Conventional even. No wonder Sam didn’t see her as a threat.

Tyler popped the cap and took a long swig of the Bud. He was thirsty, and it slid down his throat with a satisfying ease. He’d seen a different side to Rebecca at Club Submission, back in Boston. A side that she kept hidden from everyone. It was this facet of her personality that he wanted to explore to the point of obsession.

Perhaps sensing his intense scrutiny, she glanced in his direction. He liked it when her beautiful brown eyes widened in surprise when she registered his presence. Tyler smiled and raised his bottle of Bud in acknowledgement then made his way outside.

“Hey, Ty, glad you could make it, man.” Rob was busy cooking burgers, hot dogs, and chicken on a grill. The delicious smell rose up on the charcoal smoke, suddenly making him feel hungry.

“Hi, Rob, where are my two favorite godchildren?”

“Peyton and Rob Junior are playing in their rooms, but don’t worry, they won’t be long. Those kids are like homing pigeons. They’ll come running as soon as they smell the food.” He deftly flipped the burgers a couple of times. “Rebecca looks real good tonight. Not so buttoned up. She’s done her hair different, too.”

“I can’t say I really noticed.”


“Didn’t notice? As if.” His friend conspiratorially nudged him with a flex of his shoulder.

Tyler took another slug of beer. He and Rob went way back and they often knew what the other was thinking, but even his friend didn’t know he was heavily into the fetish scene. Some things were best kept secret. “Hey, Rob, I hear the Texans are axing more of the team.”

“Goddamn it. We won’t have a team soon.”

“Yeah, buddy, you and me know that, but the guys in charge know jack shit.”

Sam forced herself between them, her head barely coming to their chests. “I might have known you guys would be talking football. Is that food ready yet, Rob? It looks pretty cremated to me.” She placed her arms around her husband’s waist then stretched on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. “I’m starving, hun.”

Rob banged the metal spatula on the grill. “Listen up and gather round, everyone. Dinner is served.”

Elegantly holding a glass of wine, Rebecca sauntered across to Tyler. Jesus, that sexy f*cking scent. He breathed in her perfume. It was the same one she’d worn at Club Submission some two months ago. The way she’d looked and danced that night had taken his breath away. Her sexy, provocative performance was indelibly printed on his mind. He remembered it like it was yesterday, yet staring into her gorgeous brown eyes now, she looked like butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth. Now that was sexy. Rebecca Miles was a woman of many layers. He desperately wanted to peel each one away, until just the sensual inner core remained.

“I didn’t know you’d been invited, too.” Her husky voice turned him on big-time.

“I’m the boss. Rob wouldn’t dare not invite me.”

She laughed, showing perfect white teeth. “Why didn’t you say you were coming when I mentioned it this morning?”

“I was undecided.”

She moved a little closer and stared directly at him. “So what made you change your mind, Tyler?”

“You.”

Her mouth opened slightly, but no sound came out. Instead, she just smiled and took another sip of wine. The red liquid briefly coated the sexy fullness of her lips, until she swiped the Shiraz away with the tip of her tongue. All the time she remained perfectly composed, and then she said, “Thanks for looking after me this morning.”

“It was my pleasure. Did any particular property stand out?”

“Yes, the one with the extended kitchen and double garage.”