Finding Master Right (Masters Unleashed 1)

His beautiful lips curved. “Like you’re a prize to be won.”

A treasure . . . a prize . . . Always with the flattery. Okay, so maybe they’d make a match faster if his friends could see what kinds of things she was into. Maybe she wouldn’t have to kiss as many frogs. Still, the idea of being shown off like an animal made her feel kind of weird. But she trusted Banner. He hadn’t objectified her yet, so maybe he had a way of getting through this without it coming to that.

“Think about it,” he said. “It’s your call what we do and how far we go. I’m just trying to make it the most worthwhile for you.”

She nodded numbly. She had time to decide. Maybe she’d talk it over with Janine. It’d been her idea for the Halloween matchmaking party and that had been where she’d found Banner. She might get that kind of luck again, only with someone who didn’t want a robot for a partner.

“Come a little early, and we’ll discuss it,” he told her. “I’ll make sure you’re comfortable with whatever we do.”

She did believe that. “Okay.” With a small smile, she rose from the table. “I have to go let Pixie out. She’s probably crossing her legs by now.”

Banner stood up. “I’ll let you know the possible dates for the party. Will I see you before then?”

“Uhh.” Good question. Probably best to keep her distance before his panty-melting suits tempted her again. “I have a busy week. I’ll text you.”

He rolled his eyes. “Sure you will.”

Frowning, she peeked up at him. “I’m sorry. I know I’m not what you want, but I’m trying my best to keep us both happy. I don’t want to hurt you.”

“I know.” He took a big step so they were toe to toe, with him staring down at her. His eyes softened as he searched hers for a moment.

When he towered over her like that, she felt so small and vulnerable. Even now, she wished he’d wrap his arms around her. She gave her head a shake.

Down, girl.

Banner caught her attention with his finger under her chin. “You need to worry about you now. I’ll be fine.”

A smile played at her lips. “Hey, Doms have feelings too.”

His answering grin looked fake, which worried her. He’d never seemed sad before, but now it looked as though he was hiding pain. “Some Doms are able to shut theirs off.”

Compartmentalize. Her exes had been able to do that. She used to say, “Men are like waffles; women are like spaghetti.” Men tended to keep each problem in its own neat square, whereas women’s would get all tangled up together.

Banner was wealthy, successful, had friends and family—what kind of problems haunted him? That was exactly how he looked right now. Haunted.

She opened her mouth to ask him, but he cut her off.

“Go,” he said and turned her around with his hands on her shoulders. “Your dog is waiting.” He gave her a small push toward the door.

So, he was putting up walls? If she was in a different position, she’d dig deeper and try to uncover the truth there. But he’d made it clear that he wasn’t her responsibility. They’d stay friends while some other girl figured him out.

As she left the coffee shop, she pictured him with another girl. She gritted her teeth. Then her imagination had them at the same party and acting like Janine and Chris. Something twisted in her stomach.

In too deep.

The need to get him out of her system clinched her decision for the Dom Fest. She’d let Banner show her off and pass her over to one of his friends. Then she’d really, truly be done with him.

Chapter 10

“Seriously, Banner. I think you should go home for the day.” Belle held a file out to him, but he couldn’t remember how long she’d been standing there.

“I think I can manage to sign a few documents,” he grumbled. When he opened the folder, he stared at the papers it contained, but they all seemed to be written in gibberish.

“What’s this?”

Belle pulled the file away from him. “This is the business proposal from Arthur Blackwell, remember? You probably shouldn’t be signing anything like this right now.” She laid it aside. “It can wait until Monday.”

Banner grunted and checked his phone messages. Nothing. Well, there were some messages from guys interested in meeting Kate, but nothing from her. What had he expected?