Stormy Satisfaction (Doms of Destiny, Colorado 11)

His phone buzzed. He looked at Ashley’s response to his text. I need to talk to you, too. Can you meet me at my apartment in ten minutes?

Yes, sweetheart.

He got in his rental car and drove north on West Street. Passing the Dream Hotel, he turned left on McDavish. He was glad that Ashley had suggested her apartment instead of the hotel. He didn’t want to accidentally run into Nic in the lobby before the big ambush. He wasn’t certain how Nic would respond to the O’Learys’ intervention plan, but he had no doubt that Nic would respond positively to Zac’s instruction about what it meant to be a Dom. Sylas knew Nic better than anyone. The BDSM lifestyle was tailor-made for Nic.

He pulled up to the call box next to the complex’s driveway gate. He punched in Ashley’s apartment number.

“Hello?”

“It’s me, sweetheart.”

“Okay, I’ll buzz you in. Park in the visitor space next to the office. I’ll meet you there.”

He heard three beeps and the gate opened. When he cut the engine, he saw Ashley walking his direction. He jumped out of the car and pulled her in tight.

She wrapped her arms around him.

He gazed into her deep blue eyes. “Hi, sweetheart.”

“Hi.” She led him to her apartment, which reflected her personality in so many ways. Warm colors and soft fabrics filled the space.

Without hesitation, he put his arms around her and pressed his mouth to hers. “I’ve been waiting a long time to taste your lips again, Ashley.” Before she could respond, he gave her another kiss, and another, and another. “God, I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you, too.” Her face was beautifully flushed. “Why don’t we sit?”

He nodded.

She sat down and he moved next to her.

“I like your place, sweetheart.”

She smiled. “I can’t believe you went to Phase Four.”

“Man, this is a small town.” He grinned. “How did you find out?”

“Phoebe told me.”

“I’m not sure how she knew, but you are right. Destiny is a small town.”

Ashley laughed. “There are no secrets here.”

“That’s why I wanted to talk to you. To tell you about my visit to the club.” He touched her cheek. “You’re everything to me, sweetheart. I love you. That’s why I came to Destiny. I wanted to learn everything about the life you wanted, so I went to the club you belong to.”

“Who told you I was a member of Phase Four?” She looked a little nervous, which made her even more desirable to him.

“The O’Learys. My appointment with them was to ask questions. They certainly gave me some answers. They were the ones who introduced me to Zac.”

“The O’Learys, was it? I’m not surprised.” She giggled. “Seems that you’re fitting into this small town quite well.”

“Easy to do with the people who live here. I’ve never been anywhere quite like it. I’ve learned so much in such a short time.” He stroked her hair. “I want what you want, sweetheart. I get it. All of it. I was blind back in Chicago. A fool. We belong together.”

“We? You and me? What about Nic?” Doubt appeared on her face.

“When I say ‘we,’ I mean you, me—and Nic. He’s my brother, and he loves you, too.”

“I know he does, but it’s over. He

told me so.” She told him about what had happened between her and Nic last night.