Bared (Club Sin 2)

“Affidavits are all done.”

Aidan glanced up as his legal assistant, Ella Snow, entered his office with a folder in her hands. At twenty-six years old, she had a quiet reserve to her. She had an old soul. Her flowered sundress looked as though it has been plucked right out of the fifties, and Aidan had never seen her in modern clothing.

The look suited her.

She had unique eyes—sometimes they were blue, other times they looked green, depending on what color she wore. Her long light hair was always styled, usually in some type of a braid. As she reached his desk, he accepted the folder. “Thanks for coming in today.”

She smiled, and it didn’t mask that something haunted lay in their depths. “It’ll make my Monday easier.” She shrugged, which bounced the fishtail braid on her shoulder. “Besides, I had nothing planned.”

That was a damn shame, as Aidan knew Ella had no family. From what she had told him, her parents died in a plane crash when she was seven years old. Raised by her grandparents, she had eventually lost them, too, from old age.

When she applied for the position at his firm three months ago, her résumé had been solid, and her recommendation letter from her previous employer impressed Aidan. He hadn’t gone wrong hiring her. He didn’t know what he did to deserve Ella. She was originally a Southern belle, and he was damn glad she’d moved to Vegas.

Her work ethic had him doubling her salary after the first month. Now that he had her working directly for him, he couldn’t ever lose her. She never hesitated with his requests. She never took no for an answer when dealing with other lawyers or other issues.

She got the job done.

A lesson that Aidan had learned from his father: Find a good employee, pay them what they’re worth.

He almost wished he could do more for her. Sometimes he wanted to invite her to his casual functions, but he didn’t mix pleasure with business. Considering his lifestyle, he kept the two worlds far apart. He liked Ella and felt a brotherly affection toward her. After a month, he’d stopped asking her what she planned for her weekends, since it seemed she never had much going on.

He reached into his desk and pulled out the company credit card. “You’ll need to look sharp for court this coming week. We’re going up against Samantha Green.” He offered her the card. “Go shopping.”

She rolled her eyes but accepted the card. They’d already had that argument about her attempts to refuse him. He’d won, of course. She folded her arms. “You don’t have to keep sending me out to buy clothes. I can purchase them myself.”

“Why would you? It’s on the company’s tab.” And it’s all I can do to ensure someone is doing something nice for you. “We need you to look your best, so get your hair and nails done, too.”

She frowned. “Is that really necessary?”

He smiled. “No, but it’s a fun day out, so I’m told.”

Chapter Six

Cora drove along the Vegas Strip in her red Mini Cooper cabriolet with the top down. The warmth of the sunlight penetrated through her chest, offering up giant doses of vitamin D. The gorgeous, perfect day with white fluffy clouds moved her through the streets. Born and raised in Sin City, she doubted she’d ever leave.

Vegas had been, and always would be, home.

The retail therapy with Presley and her morning with the kids had made her day. She felt more like herself. She was in control. She was happy, and that was a welcomed relief. Intense moments in the dungeon could take her a day or so to recover from. Now last night’s debacle was free from her mind and she looked forward to tonight with Aidan.

No talking about feelings. All action. That was her motto.

/>

Once she reached the end of the Strip, she turned left and headed onto the back roads. The warm, dry breeze swept through her car and fluttered her hair. She tapped her finger against the steering wheel, far too aware that he’d wonder over her actions last night.

He’d want an explanation.

Maybe that’s what made him such a good Dom.

Cora had mulled it over all morning and she had yet to come up with a solid excuse to backpedal out of the hot seat. What could she possibly tell him? She liked to play. She had nothing to talking about.

Things were fine.

Of course, she could tell him the truth, but where would that get them? Force Aidan to face his pain? Make him feel horrible things from his past? Take away the one thing that she knew made him happy—her playing with him? She’d seen Aidan when she first joined Club Sin—three years after Lily died—he had been so sad then. Now he seemed happy—or as happy as he could be.

He needed more time to recover.

She’d give him that, no matter the cost to herself—it was that simple. Cora was strong, always had been. Now she was being strong for both of them. Sure, she wanted more from him, but she knew better than anyone that people needed time to heal.