The Dom with the Dragon Tattoo (Masters of Submission #5)(4)
When she was ten, she’d become seriously ill and realized that life wasn’t a rehearsal. There was no use waiting for the perfect moment, because that perfect moment would probably never come. As a child she’d lived a cosseted existence in Rio de Janeiro. Her father, the American ambassador in Brazil, had made sure she had everything she needed, including an expensive private education. She’d wanted for nothing, except the thing she craved most—the love of her parents. Even now as a thirty-three-year-old woman she still didn’t understand her mother’s role in life, other than being the ever-attentive hostess to the important people who frequented their glamorous parties.
The Lincoln Room came into view, and she pushed open the elegant glass doors with a flourish. The portly maitre d’, wearing an immaculate black suit and bow tie, greeted her with a deferential nod of his head. “Good afternoon, ma’am.”
“I’m a guest of Mr. Stone, my surname is Miles.”
The maitre d’ theatrically scanned the reservations ledger on his desk. He seemed a little effeminate to her, and she guessed he might be gay. Not her type of man at all. “Ah yes, here we are. Mr. Stone is expecting you. If you’d care to follow me, ma’am.”
He led the way across the large, well-lit room. One wall consisted of a bank of glass, giving stunning views over downtown Boston. Secluded alcoves and leafy tropical plants separated the tables, allowing a modicum of privacy. As she followed the maitre d’ past the assembled diners, she noticed that each table had been carefully laid. Spotless, crisp white linen complemented the finest silver cutlery and lead crystal glass, giving an air of opulence that she’d often witnessed during her privileged childhood in Rio. When the maitre d’ stopped at an occupied table, Rebecca realized she’d finally be meeting the legendary boss of Cerberus Technology for the first time.
He was immaculately dressed in a perfectly fitting black suit, and she was surprised by the sheer presence the man radiated. He stood and held out his hand. “Rebecca, we meet at last.”
She realized that calling this man impressive would be an understatement. Tyler Stone was tall, far taller than his photograph on the company website had led her to believe. He had to be at least six three. As she looked up into pale-brown eyes the color of malt whiskey, she had the distinct feeling they’d met before but dismissed the idea immediately. She’d done her research. Tyler Stone was thirty-nine years old, single, and living in Houston, Texas. He was a self-made man who’d built a multibillion-dollar global company from nothing. She shook his hand. His skin was warm and his grip firm. “Good to meet you, too, Mr. Stone.”
His eyes crinkled mischievously at the corners when he smiled at her. She liked that in a man. “Take a seat, Rebecca. We can have a leisurely lunch and discuss a few things.” His voice, like warm molasses, spread seductively over her. The tone was deep and sensual with just a hint of sexy Texas drawl.
Rebecca slid into the chair pulled back from the table by the maitre d’. “Thank you.” He handed them both a menu and then dissolved away. Unsure how the meeting would go, she scanned the mouthwatering options elegantly displayed in gold lettering on premium white card. After making her decision she raised her gaze to Tyler Stone, studying him more closely.
The man certainly had an aura about him. He possessed a confidence that showed in every little thing he did, from the way he held himself to the way he casually looked at the menu, probably already knowing exactly what he was about to order. An impressive Breitling watch circled his wrist, partially covering the smattering of dark, masculine hair that disappeared into the sleeve of his crisp, white shirt. When he casually steepled his fingers together, she noticed a pair of gold initialed cufflinks. His shoulders were broad, and she liked the way powerful muscles filled out his suit. She felt sure he had his own gym and did plenty of workouts. His jaw was strong and well defined, while his nose bore the slightest hint of Roman influence. Intrigued by the man before her, Rebecca observed him more closely. Tyler Stone possessed a pair of rugged creases that traversed the sides of his mouth. She already knew they deepened considerably whenever he smiled. Short, dark brown hair feathered neatly around his face, making the color of his striking amber eyes stand out in stark contrast. They seemed somehow predatory, and at the moment they were focused intently on her.
Rebecca sucked in a long, deep breath, trying to level her emotions. Keeping her attention on the matter at hand was proving far more difficult in the presence of such an attractive man. However, she refused to let him know that his good looks and charisma had any effect on her. She was still emotionally bruised from the breakup of her previous relationship. She and Mitch had been together for almost five years and for the most part had enjoyed the Master/sub relationship they shared. In her career, she was a strong-willed and opinionated woman, but in her private life, she was a natural sub who willingly surrendered all control to her trusted Dom. No, I refuse to even go there. The past is the past. Leave it there.
With almost superhuman determination, she dragged her mind back to the present. She needed to concentrate on the here and now. This meeting was important to her future.
“Did you fly in last night, Mr. Stone?”
“I arrived around six yesterday afternoon.” He placed the menu on the table and then looked directly at her, his uncompromising stare overpowering.
Control your emotions, Rebecca. He’s just a man. No different from any other. She knew she lied to herself. “Have you visited Boston before?”