After she swallowed, she said, “I’m surprised you can meet me in your uniform.”
Kyler stopped midway from taking a bite of his sandwich. “The force actually encourages it. It’s nice to get out in the public on happy terms and to make those around us comfortable.”
“Makes sense.” Then she winked. “Good for me, too, since you’re some damn fine eye candy.”
He gave a low chuckle, then took two huge bites of his sandwich before he grabbed his napkin to wipe his mouth. Without taking those gorgeous eyes off her, he asked, “Were you just missing me? Is that the reason for our lunch?”
Nerves made her throat thick, but she pushed past them. While she liked being around Kyler and enjoyed this friends-with-benefits arrangement, she also wanted to experience his dark-and-kinky world. Before she lost her courage, she blurted out, “I want to submit.”
Kyler snorted a laugh, placing his sandwich down on the plate. He glanced around the café and grinned to the couple watching them. Then he turned to Ella and said loudly, “You are welcome to submit those documents anytime you’d like.”
Her cheeks warmed. “Oops.”
“A quieter voice might serve you better.” He leaned against the booth, studying her. “Now, to this new development, what made you decide this?”
“Well, it’s a few things.” She hesitated, wanting to get it right. “But I like what I see in the club, and I like what I saw between Dmitri and Presley. I want to see what else I might like. And I’ve been reading about it.”
His brows rose. “Researching?”
“BDSM 101,” she whispered.
A smile grazed his kissable mouth. “Quite smart of you.” He cocked his head, rubbing his chin. “You know what’s expected of you?”
“I got the gist of it all, but reading it and doing it I expect will be different,” she admitted, and then added with a smile, “But I’m willing to learn.”
Something dark and oh, so seductive filled his eyes, giving them a bit of spice. “All right, Ella. We’ll get the doctor’s appointment arranged. And we’ll get your local police checks for Vegas and
Savannah. In respect of your privacy, and since we’re playing together, I’ll have another officer print out your reports. I won’t read what’s on there. All good?”
“Perfect.” She grinned, not worried about it, anyway. The restraining order and abuse would show up on Rory’s report, not hers. He was the criminal. But Kyler’s actions warmed her. She supposed as a cop he did take privacy seriously. As a Dom, she imagined that protection was only amplified.
His gaze held hers with a pure promise of seduction. “However, I’d like to do one thing first. A little test would be good for you.”
“What test?” she asked.
“A test to show me that you’re ready and as willing as you suggest.” He glanced down to his sandwich for a a few seconds, then lifted his head. “I’m off tomorrow, so let’s do this: Meet me for breakfast tomorrow at the diner beside your office. Let’s say eight o’clock, so you won’t be late for work at nine.” He arched a brow. “Does that work?”
She frowned. “Why do I have to meet you? Can’t we just get the documents together and go to the club on the weekend?”
His lips pressed into a firm line. “You want to play this game, little one. This is how it’s done. Always on my terms.”
His unyielding gaze told her that this wasn’t up for negotiation. Perhaps he needed to believe she was serious, and, well, she was. “Okay, I’ll meet you tomorrow.”
“Terrific.” All the tension faded from his eyes with his pleased smile. “Now eat your sandwich, Ella.”
She rolled her eyes. “For a man who says he only likes the Dom thing in the dungeon, has anyone ever told you you are extremely bossy?”
“I never said I only like being a Dom in the dungeon, did I? Though, we can talk about that tomorrow.”
A shiver slid through her at his low, rumbly voice. “Color me intrigued.”
He winked. “So you should be.”
Chapter Thirteen
The next morning, the soft music played through the speakers in the diner and Ella stared down at the menu for the tenth time. She’d slept all of four hours last night and tossed and turned the rest, anticipating today. Her body felt weighted against the exhaustion.
Waitresses dressed in fifties-inspired clothing hustled around the restaurant, and Ella found herself feeling right at home wearing her navy blue sakura sailor dress. As a bell chimed on the front door, she glanced in its direction and immediate warmth sped through her.