ced at the remnants of his and Joss's earlier breakfast. In a kitchen that ha

ked the remembrance of her walking into his kitchen

ter finally making a move to make her

go to see if she'

to spout hokey psychological shit, and he wasn't one of those who ind

med her that they'd be seeing one another soon. And then he'd kissed her. Not as he'd wanted to. She'd looked too fragile, too close to unraveli

siness. Bringing in a new partner, while necessary, wasn't ideal at the moment. He'd wanted to ease Joss into it, and then e

ntil he squared away this particular matter. And then? He was pulling a full-court press. He missed Carson too, but his best friend was gone. His bu

d or wanted to downsize and cut costs. Most of their contracts came from the many oil companies in the

ion. The two had worked in tandem, Carson on the front lines, wining and dining potential customers

ing Jensen on, Dash would effectively take over Carson's responsibilities and push

when he entered the conf

en went to his desk to open his lapt

e a lot to discuss. Did you have time to

arson had dealings with him, and Dash respected the other man. Thought he'd be perfec

sing Carson had put a strain on her. Dash had wanted Kylie to take a break from work. Take a few weeks off to deal with the grief and shock over her brother's death, but she'd insisted on coming

but perhaps Joss would be more accepting than Kylie since Kylie was the

Dash found appealing. They'd met several times already but all that wa

Corbin and Associates. Leaving room for further expan

eceive credit. Dash wouldn't have minded giving the man his due, but he was c

out the kinks, troubleshot and worked the back end, now Dash

hadn't had any clue that he would be making a move this quickly. But the timing was perfect, because if he had his way,

eady knew. That Jensen would be joining him. All that was le

en," Dash said at the en

liste

we make this public. I want t

"Are they resista

hint of irritation that Dash would approach a business de

sence," Dash said. "And I want

they be

sh said

u a few days.

d. We'll meet on

off, leaving Dash sitting at

to keep her financially protected her entire life, but the business had been left in Dash's hands. Joss had no power, no decisions. She'd have t

ard the sound of a vehicle outside his house. Frowning, because he wasn't e

he hadn't gotten out. She was still sitting in the dri

as he stepped out the front door. When she sa

et. She was pale, her eyes large and wounded. And wh

She was here to tell him . . . no. And this time, she'd run, and she'd k

re he'd ever had a

was the very last thing he wanted for her. It hurt him to see her l

," he

to his arms. He caught her against him, holding her so she didn't fall. So they both didn

and inhaled the scent of her hai

aid, his name ca

oney? Why are

g it behind her ear as he gently pulled

oing to explain to Carson. To ask for his blessing or pe

as your husband. You loved him very much. It's only natur

gle tear nearly ripped him in two. He didn't want Joss sad

f-that I wouldn't go there anymore. It's not how I want to

ad. Why?" he asked,

es. Eyes that were drenched with moisture. Misery clouded the depths, and

" she whispered. "I won

. His knees wobbled and he had to steady hims

essed his lips to the top of her head and closed his eyes, giving silent th

ould have this, he'd never ask fo

tting enough distance between them so he coul

I won't ask it of you. I only want you to be happy. F

ent in her features. "I do want to try, Dash. But you have to promise to be patient with me. I don't know what to d

k, wiping away the l

impatience. Give me your trust. And your submission.

he saw the stirrings of desire in the deep pools. Asking for her subm

do now?" s

ith you awhile. We can talk. Just be. We'll talk about us. Make a date. I want to take my time with this

she murmured, h

. He watched closely for any signs of hesitation. Of fear or uncertainty. But her gaze remained st

he implications. Joss in

s with you," he said, reminded of his co

side, evidently picking u

Dash? Is some

to his and then guide

Just something I wan

ook her into the kitchen where the hal

in the microwave before returning t

ng room where we'll be

that was diagonal to the sofa, even though what he wanted m

sks he should tackle first. Cement their relationship? Or p

e the latter until after they'

stand that I didn't plan it that way, Joss. You forced my hand when I saw you at The House. Yes, I absolutely inten

y for the way it happened. For it even happening at all. You have to know that wasn't one of my prouder moments wh

eks L

o much so that she looked as though she could be broken if handled too roughly. But it wasn't her body he was most concerned about. It was her heart. Her emotions. He di

g to memory every second of this first time. He could scarcely comprehend that she was final

erwhelmed, but in fact, he wa

s," he said, his voice crack

into his touch. Then she pressed a kiss against his hand, just

s burning brightly. They glowed in the soft lig

t as he tasted her lips. He pushed in with his

of the barrier between them. He wanted his flesh aga

f these clothes," he murmured

s above her head. It was a gesture of surrender

glanced down and winced, understanding her surprise. He was harder than he'd ever been in his life. His dick strained upward,

didn't trust himself not to spe

, Dash," she said shyly, c

kept in shape. Took care of himself. He wasn't normally modest, but it was important to him that Joss appreciated his phy

said sincerely. "So damn beau

ts of dominance. Of commanding or arranging her in a submissive position. Tonight all he wanted was t

t pretty pussy. I want to taste you. I've been dying to tas

oss her skin. Her ni**les beaded and pu

ry inch of that delectable skin. No part of her would go unexpl

as plenty of time for that. They had all the time in the world. Soon. Soon, he'd have complete mastery of her body. He'd have her

he delicate folds. Satisfaction gripped him. She wanted him. Was highly aroused. He desperately wanted to push into

etween her splayed thighs. Unable to resist, he ran a finger through

dipped one finger inside, barely rimming her entrance. She was dripping with desire. So wet and moist. He could take her n

petting her, bringing her closer to orgasm. When she began trembling, he

h .

lightly grazing the skin with his teeth. She shivered again, already working back

n, inhaling deep, absorbing her scent. A low growl worked from his throat. He was desp

thought intruded, ripping him from the fantasy of f**king her long

wrong,

essing this sooner. For not even thinking about it. He'd been so wrapped up in securing her c

he balls for this. I can't believe this didn't come

ement. She didn't understa