The Dom with the Dragon Tattoo (Masters of Submission #5)(27)

Fuck, if the kid delivering that damned pepperoni hadn’t showed up when he had, Tyler would already know the truth.

She breathed in, closing her eyes. And if I had told him, what then? Would she see the same disappointment in Tyler’s eyes as she’d seen in Mitch’s? She’d told Mitch the truth from the very beginning, and look where that had gotten her—a one-way ticket to loneliness.

Tyler deserved the truth, but she deserved to be loved and cherished just like any woman. How would she react if Tyler rejected her because she was barren? Shit, why should she be made to feel like half a woman, just because she couldn’t have children? Why did she feel the need to run away and hide every time children were even mentioned? Goddamn her childhood leukemia. Goddamn it to hell.

So much negative introspection. She needed to think things through with a clear, objective head. After all, Tyler hadn’t asked to marry her, so maybe there was no need to tell him everything yet. Anyway, she was far too emotional at the moment. When she’d calmed down and was in control of her thoughts, then she’d tell him. Perhaps?


The slow and painful breakdown of her relationship with Mitch had happened over time. It had gradually declined until separation had become their only option.

Rebecca hugged her arms around herself. She’d tell Tyler when the time was right. It was only twenty minutes since they’d openly declared their love for each other. Why spoil a beautiful moment? She would tell him, but not right now.

Gathering herself, she moved from the window and began making her way downstairs. The smell of freshly delivered pepperoni pizza drifted to her nostrils. Tyler smiled as she entered the kitchen.

“You took your time.” He pointed to the table, which overlooked the exact same view she’d seen from upstairs. Clearly feeling mischievous, Tyler hung a tea towel over his forearm and then put on an unconvincing Italian accent. “Signora, as this is our first night together in our new home, we shall dine in style. Allow me, Signora.” Tyler theatrically pulled out a chair for her so she could sit down and then placed a cremated offering in front of her.

Despite her worries, Rebecca couldn’t help but laugh when she studied the pepperoni and mushroom pizza. “Tyler, you’ve burnt it to a crisp.”

“No, no, no, Signora.” His Italian accent was getting worse. “This is done to my own special recipe, a recipe given to me by my mamma. It’s called the ‘waiting for someone to come down for dinner’ recipe.”

Rebecca giggled. “Was I really that long?”

Thankfully he dropped the lamentable Italian accent. “You were. What were you doing up there?”

She shrugged. “This and that.”

“Are you okay? You seem a little…”

“No, no, I’m fine.”

He didn’t seem totally convinced, but he said, “In that case, I have something very special to complement my perfectly cooked pizza.” He took a bottle from the refrigerator and held it up for her to see.

“Champagne. I’m impressed.” Rebecca felt the anxiety slowly begin to drain from her body. She pointed a fork at him. “Dom Perignon and charred pizza. You are spoiling me tonight.”

He winked. “Only the best for my Becca.”

Tyler expertly popped the cork and without losing a drop filled two fluted glasses. “To us, pretty lady.” He raised his glass. Rebecca followed suit, touching the fine crystal flute to his.

“To us.” She echoed his sentiments before taking a sip and savoring the delicious taste of chilled champagne as the bubbles fizzed against her palate. She was enjoying herself and so was he. This was not the time or place to tell Tyler her secret. She’d tell him some other time.

Tyler refilled their glasses with Dom Perignon. He winked at her again. “Honey, enjoy my nice side, because when we’ve finished here, I’m gonna take you to bed and dominate you like a good Master should.”

Oh boy.



* * * *



Dressed in a pair of black sweats and nothing else, Tyler lay on the bed, patiently waiting for Rebecca to finish her shower. She’d seemed a little subdued at dinner, and he figured she was holding something back, but he couldn’t be sure, so for now he’d put it down to the stress of moving homes for the second time in less than three months. He’d do his best to make her feel at ease. After all, this was her home now, and he hoped she’d come to love it as much as he did.

He realized she was taking a big step by agreeing to live with him. It would take a while for her to settle in, and he was glad he’d finally told her he loved her. As her Master, he only wanted what was best for her.

Tyler did a double take as she walked through from the bathroom. Wow. Still dripping wet and naked as the day she was born, she looked simply exquisite. He knew she was putting on the sexy show just for him, and he had no intention of complaining. Although she’d brushed her hair to a glossy sheen, it was still wet, and rivulets of water trickled seductively over her shoulders and down her flawless back.

“Pass me that towel, Ty.”

He handed her a large fluffy towel and watched intently as she slowly and deliberately wiped the shower water from her breasts and belly.

Making direct eye contact, she smiled at him. “You’re nosey.”

“You’re mine.”

“I know.”